Since 2013, Smoove Gotti has been sharpening his sword. Locked in the lab, with beat after beat swirling around him, the Ohio rapper has been in a chrysalis of musical development. Now, he is finally ready to emerge. “Faded”, “Hell Yeah” (feat. Oh), and “Shattered Star” (feat. Corey Jones), are a few outtakes from his six year sessions; all culminating into a blitzkrieg release for 2019. They each, in their own climatic way, highlight the growth of this Cleveland emcee; and his readiness to dominate the new year with an onfall of genre-bending sounds. “Faded” is a sample-heavy tribute to everyone’s favorite herb; channeling a smooth, softly drummed production under a blunt roll of rhymes. “Hell Yeah” pursues a rap-heavy, Dubstep aesthetic that would float perfectly about a local rave or nightclub; and “Shattered Star” is a sensual dive into airy R&B. Smoove Gotti lays verses full of romantic bars, whilst Corey Jones slips in harmonically to bridge the gaps. There is a variety in this trio of records that explicitly highlights Gotti’s sonic evolution. He forwards a new energy and ambiance with each of these records released; determined not to be pigeonholed in one genre or another. He is always searching for a way to push the envelope, and “Faded”, “Hell Yeah”, and “Shattered Star”, are astonishing successes in that regard. Luckily, we won’t have to wait long for the Midwestern musician’s next project. Slated for an April 1st release, is a joint album with fellow Cleveland artist, R Stonze, titled “Business As Usual”. After listening to these three tracks, you won’t want to miss what’s coming this Spring.









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After having released their first installment in the “Koinda” series a little over a month ago, the powergroup Koindanomics has returned with “Koinda Vol. 2”. Contrary to their last effort, “Koinda Vol. 2” proffers a total of fifteen tracks with a revised cast of stars. Verily, this project sees the recurrence of the first’s phenomenal artists, such as P5YCHONOMIXXX, BLAKFIST, CG Que, and Brian Nightingale; however, it likewise bolsters new, illuminating talent. JSoul delivers a soulful, boom-bap chop for the album’s intro; Marrani is moving with a Afro-beat tirade, “Olisa”; Esco and Ace Burns light up the party with a terrific, trap banger, “Someone Do It For Me”; and BYNO delivers a cinematic, R&B jam through “Once Bitten Twice Shy”. The album is an amalgam; yet, soul is as present as ever before. “Koinda Vol. 2.” is abundant with well-crafted, mesmerizing music. With so many distinct, emotive flavors pulled in from the world around, it paves an identical path of success to its predecessor: uniting everyone through the objective of economic empowerment. That is the goal of Koindanomics; and with a project as appealing as this, their message is rings even louder across the globe.




“Koinda Vol. 2” 


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New York City R&B duo, Majix, is definitely on a mission to dominate both coasts. After a move from their Eastern home to the city of Los Angeles, they have released the titanic “Thirsty”: a piano-driven, R&B banger that sees both singers shine. “Thirsty” borrows elements from both trap and R&B, blending them into a jubilant rush of sounds. With 808s and snares running underneath cinematic progressions, the perfect foundation is laid for the duo’s vocals. And they deliver these impeccably. In a swirl of bliss and soul, Mea and Taylor soar across “Thirsty”. Their spirits are reminiscent of groups such as TLC and SWV; R&B groups who dominated last century. As their modern incarnates, these two are ready to dominate this one. They have the talent, the looks, and with their recent move to the city of dreams, location to make everything come true. Check out the latest single by the breathtaking Majix. We promise, by the end, you will be “Thirsty” for more.




“Thirsty” on Spotify 
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Cannabis culture connects iconic hip hop legends, Psycho Les (of The Beatnuts) and Sadat X (of Brand Nubian) on the latest track, "Two Strains". This powerful collaboration orchestrated by avant garde producer BigBob, combines Psycho Les’s sumptuous story telling with Sadat X’s potent and precise lyricism. BigBob’s production gives us nostalgia from the golden age of hip hop with a funky upbeat vibe with cuts & scratches arranged by talented, LDontheCut.

The clean version is currently streaming on Audiomack while the unedited version is available for purchasing via WWW.ELITESOUNDINTERNATIONAL.COM for those that would like to add this classic team up to their digital catalog.

 




On what was Hip-Hop founded? Funk. The early architects of this powerful genre used funk rhythms and samples as the baseline for their rhymes; and ever since, the two art forms have upheld the closest relationship. So close, that Hip-Hop artist of today still harken back to the danceable genre and honor it with their own, fresh creations. For instance, Owen Mc Grory, and his soulful “OHH BABY”. The Soundcloud single is an infectious party-starter; boosted by iridescent melodies and a radio-ready groove. The bounce of “OHH BABY” is ridden perfectly by Mc Grory’s rhymes. The Irishman rocks the pockets of his record’s old-school drums with a river-running flow. When an airy synth slides into the mix, signaling the chorus, our London-based talent launches into a series of energetic, funk-heavy chants. “OHH BABY” has a bounce that no audience can evade; and Owen Mc Grory honors this nostalgic beat with skills no Hip-Hop purist can ignore. He has been possessed by the spirit of Funk; and with it, he’ll be rocking parties all year long.


“OHH Baby” on Soundcloud 




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An alluring melody, matched with rattling hihats, are the first sounds you’ll hear on “Upset Stomach”. That is before Brasko attacks the modern-trap beat with a torrent of bars. The moment this Nebraskan upstart opens his mouth, the speaker-shaking banger can not be stopped. It’s evident that Brasko has been rapping since his youth. The lyrics and flow you will hear on this two minute and forty-three second foray are the markings of a rapper whose found his path. “Upset Stomach” is exclusively for the flexers of the world. It radiates with charisma and confidence; sustained by Brasko’s unwavering presence on the mic. One of Brasko’s greatest motivations is his brother, who passed in 2012. He certainly does him proud with “Upset Stomach”; for, it is an anthem that’ll see the Omaha talent rise to the top.




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“Upset Stomach” 











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When the national, musical spotlight was first shone on Chicago, the sound of the Midwest city was championed for its exposure of the roughness and violence that plagued its Southside streets. Windy City rappers were rocketed to fame through their ability to express themselves with “Drill Music”; however, since then, a change has transpired. Haven freed themselves from the trap of their war-torn neighborhoods, some of these artists have abandoned the vicious sounds that garnered them attention in the first place; opting for more conscious, introspective art. The change is so powerful, that it has even trickled back into Chicago, and myriad artists are becoming enthralled in positivity. One such rapper is C-ZAR. Although, his hometown is Kankakee, forty miles outside of Chicago city limits, he has been tormented by the same violence nonetheless. Yet, as his upcoming project, “DUALITY EP” will show, he is determined to change for the better. Slated for a March 27th drop, “DUALITY EP” is a call to the G.M.Clan rapper’s inability to escape “evil”, yet innate yearn to do “good”. He previews the sound with two singles, “Different Now” and “Duality (Intro)”. Both records feature guttural, “Drill”-esque production, contrasted by honest, reflective bars. Sometimes seasoned with autotune, C-ZAR dives into the “Duality” of his lifestyle, making certain to live room for the streets, as well as himself, in his lyricism. True to an ancient, Chicago philosophy, the rapper is aiming for Growth & Development; and “DUALITY EP” is his solemn pledge. If you can connect with the tales of a man stuck between right and wrong, “Different Now” and “Duality (Intro)” are perfect for you. When it drops, “DUALITY EP” just might be your favorite of the year.


“DUALITY” on Soundcloud 




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A soulful, old school beat makes every lyric Lui Vi spits hit ten times harder. By the end of “Let It Go”, he has worked magic over the kiid twan production and stepped that much further down his path to excellence. The Chicago-born/Atlanta-based rapper has released myriad records on his Soundcloud— most racking in tens of thousands of plays— however, “Let It Go” is an evolution in artistry. Albeit, competent with creating hardbody, self-produced bangers, he proves on his latest single that he has even more to offer. “Let It Be” is a pivotal record in that regard. It highlights Lui Vi’s breathtaking potential as an emcee, through a use of narrative rhymes and a charismatic flow that suits his star-studded sonics. Even the hook is wafting with intensity, as Lui Vi can be heard crooning colorfully across the soul-sampled chorus. “Let It Go” has already pulled in seven thousand plays; and if there is any love left for pure, soul-stirring Hip-Hop, he’ll get a million more.


“Let It Go” on Soundcloud 




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“She said ‘I’m not that type of girl’ / So, I said, ‘What type of girl are you?’” By no means will you often-time run across a street-hardened, trap anthem dedicated to the ladies. A joint that real ones can innately relate to, and bump shamelessly for their significant other. To many, making a record that embraces both worlds is challenging; however, for Augusta, Georgia, J-Roc 3D, it is an effortless feat. Without breaking a sweat, J-Roc 3D has cranked out “Pull Up”: a four minute banger that blends the hardcore, Southern trap sound with lyrics that praise real women world wide. On “Pull Up”, the Peach State rapper fully embellishes a woman whose earned his unyielding affection. Through holding him down, this woman has J-Roc 3D ready to “Pull Up” on her parents and confess his love. As tender as these lyrics may be, the song’s sinister production and J-Roc 3D’s gritty, Dirty South delivery make its street-leaning allure irrefutable. It is a unique, Georgia smash, bound to be played on every block in Augusta and beyond. Although, Valentines Day has passed, you can still “Pull Up” and show your lady some gangsta love. Give it a spin, and peep the music video at the link.



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Three tracks is all Philly G needs to spice up your week. With an EP titled “Light Sauce”, produced entirely by Sub Q Taneous, this Boston, Massachusetts rapper establishes himself as an artist deserving the utmost applaud. He exercises versatility with this project; aiming the first two songs at his female crowd, and the last at those of us who appreciate introspective rap. Acoustic instruments are massive components of the sound of “Light Sauce”; sweet and mild guitars overtaking the trap inflections of “Wifey” and “Phony”. “Lemme Get That” is seething with luscious, piano melodies; fueling the themes of gentleness, warmth and intimacy that the project circulates. Each one of these records, likewise, are empowered by the passion of their emcee. Whilst keeping to his elegant sound, Philly G makes certain to cement himself as a rapper to be respected. His delivery never lacks conviction; and his lyrics are always scorching with a fire of attachment. Inarguably, Philly G is deeply connected to his music. Through that connection, comes a respect for that art that few in today’s climate equally possess. This love for the art is exactly what leads to the making of legends; and “Light Sauce” is a dip for Philly G into luminary potential.


“Light Sauce” on Spotify 




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Nike Jays plans on “TaKiNg OvEr” with his first offering of 2019. Autotune-driven, and completely his own, “TaKiNg OvEr” is a fleeting crusade into contemporary trap territory. It clocks in a bit over two minutes; fulfilled by a trampoline of 808s, zipping hihats, and a simplistic sparkle of synthesized keys. The upcoming Chicago rapper’s use of melody is what steals the show here, as he can be heard colorfully cruising through a burst of bars. Truly absorb his lyrics, and you can trace the tale of a young, rising artist paving his own path to the top. Albeit, Nike Jays is aware he has a long journey ahead of him, “TaKiNg OvEr” is his promise to never succumb. According to his Instagram, he is currently working on an album with Black808Beats titled “Good Mornin”. If that is released alongside “TaKiNg OvEr”? Nike Jays will be even closer to seeing the door to his greatest dream unlock.



“TaKiNg OvEr” on Spotify 
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“Sugar water, no koolaid in sight...” For any one well acquainted with living in urban, American poverty, these bars will shake a part of your soul. Although their rapper, LOF BOSSGHETTO, delivers them in s suave, autotuned blur, they pack a poignant punch. Such is the trend for many bars in the New York spitter’s recent release, “94”: an open-hearted, modern-trap hit produced by DJ FLII. The record is precursed by a sorcerous surge of ambiance and keys, which are eventually satisfied by the boom of a pristine 808. A snare backed by hi-hats and a sparkling triangle complete the beat; and once so, LOF BOSSGHETTO is free to glide. He wastes no time on “94”, hitting the mic with an undying fire the moment he hops on. Rhymes regarding his trauma and suffering, deaths of his mother and friends, and the crushing drug addiction of his father are plenty on the Tacoma-based artist’s new track. Despite how calm he is, you can feel the pain in LOF BOSSGHETTO’s voice, and it is inexorably moving. It wrenches you deeper into his story; until you, yourself, feel hurtfully apart of it. You have never felt agony like you will on “94”; and you will never hear another artist put pain together so pleasantly unless the talented LOF BOSSGHETTO is involved.



“94” on Soundcloud 
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A viral, dance trend is the only thing standing between Brandnew Swayy and mainstream stardom. When he drops the music video and challenge to his latest record, “Just Jig”, he’ll shatter the glass ceiling and immediately rocket into fame. He already has the artistic talent. “Just Jig”, by its lonesome, is a contagious, trap banger, outfitted with a spirited delivery, dazzling flow, and party-starting rhythm. From the groove, to the structure of the record itself, “Just Jig” is impeccably written. Everything that makes a catchy, modern-trap smash can be found between the prance of colorful, milky pianos; bouncing 808s; and compelling percussion. Likewise, the performance of Brandnew Swayy himself is unignorable. The life he brings to this beat is actually what takes it over the top; solidifying the Palm Beach County, FL talent as a hitmaker indeed. We cannot wait for someone to “Just Jig” to this dance-ready record. Brandnew Swayy will dominate 2019.






“Just Jig” on Soundcloud


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