The soundscapes of Blue Sky Black Death often feel like they’re melting into each other, shifting form into things wholly different than where they originally began. It seems natural then that the production duo might remix one of their own albums, which is exactly what they’ve done on Glaciers Melted. This seven track EP dropped in late January and we’re just getting hip.
Hightek Lowlives are the R&B/electro trio that low-key dropped the title track to their new LP, Humanoid Void, last fall. That track featured Seattle mainstay Gabriel Teodros (who also appears on the song “Believe In Me”). The rest of Humanoid Void falls into similar futuristic grooves behind the vocals of EMP Sound Off! winner Otieno Terry who — at first glance anyway — looks like the next star to emerge in the Seattle music scene.
Dave B and Sol lament tragic female figures on this new joint; I think the commonly used term is “jump offs”. In any case, the hazy, neon-lit beat is courtesy of Jake One and it knocks ever so smoothly in the din of a hot-boxed “Boathouse”. Not that I would know or anything.
The closest thing Filipino rap has to conjoined twins, Prometheus Brown and Bambu present their latest work as The Bar. Barkada is the duo’s sophomore release on Beatrock Music. Full confession: I haven’t listened to it yet but I can tell by osmosis that it’s at least as good as their entertaining run of promo videos on Instagram. More words about Barkada to come.
Moor Gang’s Thaddeus David dropped his latest mixtape, Moor Than Less 02. Here, Young TH spits hard over recognizable beats and remixes by artists that include Lloyd Banks, Kid Ink and Waka Flocka.
It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from the rapper Akrish. His new track, “Walk On By,” is a stirring ballad about heartbreak blessed by the vocals of Malice and Mario Sweet. Tacoma’s Ill Pill produced the mid-tempo cut.
Surprise! Raz Simone just released his new album Cognitive Dissonance: Part One a full three days earlier than expected, and he made the whole damn thing available for free. The early jump did not allow for industrious bloggers like myself to complete a proper album review, but no matter: my first thoughts were imparted last Thursday after I had the fortune of attending the 300 Entertainment-sponsored NYC listening party. More words to follow, but I suggest just going ahead and bumping the shit to form your own opinion.
Nu Era’s Turtle T with a new joint appropriately titled, “Friday Night”. Tacoma’s DJ Phinisey pushin’ buttons. Watch for the duo’s collaborative EP coming soon.
Jake Crocker is an up-and-coming producer who has done beats for Raz Simone and RA Scion. Ronnie Dylan is his partner-in-rhyme. (Note to self: never use that term again). Together they are: “Ronnie Dylan and Jake Crocker”… C’mon guys, you couldn’t have come up with something better? I keed, though. Their American Dreams EP is a worthy collection of raps and refined, soulful boom-bap. Especially check for a super-lyrical Fatal on “Day Dream”. It’s free to stream and download below.
206UP was first introduced to Town rapper Tulsi via his 2010 LP, Cold Smoke. It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from the proudly independent MC, but he’s back now with a five-track EP called Beauty Of A Curse. It’s an upbeat collection of underground boom-bap, available for free (if you’re feeling greedy) or a price to be determined by the consumer (if you’re the generous type).
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