Category: Submissions

New Music, Submissions, tracks

After A Brief Hiatus, Shon Goner Returns With His Finest Offering Yet – ‘Like This’

Philly’s finest Shon Goner dropped a hell of a debut album last August that I wrote about extensively. The project was full of club ready, r&b centric bangers that were catchy &  innovative. Shon can sing, rap, and put together cohesive albums and creative singles. He’s been gone for a minute, working on some personal issues that he has every right to. I’m ecstatic Shon is … Continue reading After A Brief Hiatus, Shon Goner Returns With His Finest Offering Yet – ‘Like This’

Julie S.
chicago, New Videos, Submissions

Analicia Lasett Is The Epitome Of Female Empowerment – Just Peep Her New Visual ‘My Name Isn’t Intro’

There are a plethora of female MC’s in Chicago that have yet to be discovered, or aren’t embraced the way they should be. Sorry guys, a ton of these ladies have more talent than you. It was upsetting to see Analicia Lasett’s My Name Isn’t (Intro) have 5 thumbs up and 3 thumbs down on YouTube. The The Ryan Schultz directed visual  is 2 and … Continue reading Analicia Lasett Is The Epitome Of Female Empowerment – Just Peep Her New Visual ‘My Name Isn’t Intro’

Julie S.
New Music, Projects, Submissions

Pigeons & Planes’ Freestyle Winner K1NG ELJAY Showcases His Production Chops On Instrumental Project ‘ROYALTY: The Common Tape’

Beat tapes are my weakness. I listen to a lot of hip hop, but rarely do I find an instrumental project that I really fuck with. When I do find that needle in the haystack, I play it obsessively throughout the coming weeks, and revisit it over the course of the year. K1NG ELJAY’s latest project, ROYALTY: The Common Tape, is a breath of fresh air. It … Continue reading Pigeons & Planes’ Freestyle Winner K1NG ELJAY Showcases His Production Chops On Instrumental Project ‘ROYALTY: The Common Tape’

Julie S.
chicago, New Videos, Submissions

Mani Jurdan Shows What It Means To Be A Revolutionary in Breathtaking New Visual ‘DIFFERENTIATION’

Mani Jurdan is one of the most versatile MC’s I’ve heard in quite some time. Last year he blessed us with Ntro 2 Da Ntro, which spawned his breakthrough single DIFFERENTIATION. He has a quality over quantity mentality which I heavily endorse. Make no mistake, Mani is alive and well, and has just put out a dynamite visual to the aforementioned track. Dude’s can talk a … Continue reading Mani Jurdan Shows What It Means To Be A Revolutionary in Breathtaking New Visual ‘DIFFERENTIATION’

Julie S.
New Music, New Videos, Submissions

Nolan The Ninja Debuts as NOLAN in New Self Produced & Self Directed Visual ‘NUMB’

It’s been over a year since we checked in with Nolan The Ninja, and shame on us. The Detroit MC & producer has had an evolution of sorts, and has changed his moniker to just NOLAN. He’s still the battle rhymer that we’ve come to know, but his flow, production style, and overall vibe has a lighter tone. To signify this stylistic changed, he’s put … Continue reading Nolan The Ninja Debuts as NOLAN in New Self Produced & Self Directed Visual ‘NUMB’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

Jarrett Rad Drops Infectious, Yet Dark Single ‘Adore Me’

Jarrett Rad is such a blessing to the Chicago music scene. The young talent knows how to make a god damn jam, no matter the subject matter. Jarrett turns a rather simple scenario (a girl who didn’t fuck with him now does) into an infectious, off the top meditation behind a HEYJEANPAUL instrumental. As Adore Me progresses, Jarrett touches on the often unfortunate realities of fame and … Continue reading Jarrett Rad Drops Infectious, Yet Dark Single ‘Adore Me’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Projects, Submissions

Mpulse Digs In The Archives For ‘CIRCA 11’ EP

Mpulse ALWAYS  keeps his word. His campaigns are legendary, whether he’s dropping one song a week (2017) or a new EP every month (this year.) He took a much deserved break this July, grabbing 4 unreleased tracks from 2011 to make the CIRCA ’11 EP. Pulse told me they are outdated, and was a bit hard on himself in the press release. I loved to … Continue reading Mpulse Digs In The Archives For ‘CIRCA 11’ EP

Julie S.
New Music, Submissions, tracks

TR0Y W0NDER Uses Creativity As A Means Of Self Expression On ‘Bloodrot’

Sometimes the world becomes too much for us to handle, and seclusion seems to be the only option. No matter how extroverted you are, we all need breaks from the stress and strain of friends, family, work, and relationships. I thought about this while listening to TR0Y W0NDER’s new track Bloodrot. Towards the end of the self-produced record, he talks about how often he wants to be … Continue reading TR0Y W0NDER Uses Creativity As A Means Of Self Expression On ‘Bloodrot’

Julie S.
New Music, Submissions, tracks

Veteran MC’s Abyss, Dese, & Mic.ill. Link For C-Lance Produced Banger ‘Beast Mode’

If this beat by C-Lane fails to bring you a surge of adrenaline, something’s up. The instrumental serves as the backing for Beast Mode, a record featuring veteran MC’s Abyss, Dese, and Mic.ill. All 3 have a unique set of skills, but their wordplay, flow, and cadence are all A-1. Yes, they brag and boast, but their bars are easily backed up by talent and years … Continue reading Veteran MC’s Abyss, Dese, & Mic.ill. Link For C-Lance Produced Banger ‘Beast Mode’

Julie S.
Artist Spotlight, New Music, Submissions

Established Producer Natra Average Is Embarking On a Solo Career…and I’m Already Geeked

“R&B/Soul” is experiencing a renaissance of epic proportions. There is so much dope music coming out from the likes of Daniel Caesar, Jacquees, 6lack. Even Ty Dolla $ign and Kirko Bangz have stepped their game up. Although SoundCloud is the most inconsistent platform for even semi-bearable music, it is helpful for artists to distribute their music for a small fee. Luckily, I have the upper hand … Continue reading Established Producer Natra Average Is Embarking On a Solo Career…and I’m Already Geeked

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

Tom Moore Drops Another Impressive Cut Off Upcoming Album ‘Can’t Sleep’

MF DOOM and Aesop Rock have die-hard fans, and if you’re a hip hop pursuit you’ll understand why. Check their catalogue, interviews, album reviews and the UGHH message boards and get back to me. Tom Moore is a descendent, or perhaps a disciple, of what DOOM, Aesop, and the “underground” stand for. Last week, after a year-long hiatus, Tom gave us a taste of his upcoming … Continue reading Tom Moore Drops Another Impressive Cut Off Upcoming Album ‘Can’t Sleep’

Julie S.
New Videos, Submissions

After Releasing His Best Project to Date, TwonDon Drops Self-Animated Music Video, ‘360’

After dropping his best project yet, TwonDon has returned with an animated visual to 360. 360 was released as a single before his Been Dead EP, and has become his most played song to date. Twon has a history of making animated album covers, so it’s no surprise he’s one of the masterminds behind the video. Oscar Colorado is the other half of the creative directing team. Twon represents … Continue reading After Releasing His Best Project to Date, TwonDon Drops Self-Animated Music Video, ‘360’

Julie S.
New Music, Submissions, track review, tracks

ILLECT RECORDING’s James Gardin & Terem Team Up For New Track ‘Groove’ (Review)

ILLECT Recordings signee’s James Gardin and Terem recently teamed up for a funky, new record titled Groove. Terem brings out the best in James and his half-sung raps and catchy chorus. Groove has potential, but it’s lacking polish. James often goes off-key, and the volume of his voice changes rapidly. I’m not sure if that’s due to poor engineering or vocal control, but it greatly takes … Continue reading ILLECT RECORDING’s James Gardin & Terem Team Up For New Track ‘Groove’ (Review)

Julie S.
New Music, New Videos, Projects, Submissions

HEAVY CO-SIGN: CACTUS VAN’s New LP ‘DEATHMATCH’ & Music Video ‘BIG CACTUS VAN’

Sure, CACTUS VAN is affiliated with ‘UNDERGROUND UNDERDOG‘ – but his distinct personality, rugged voice, and choppy flow will bring him to the forefront as long as he puts in the work. And he has. His newest music video for BIG CACTUS VAN is an accurate depiction of what CACTUS can bring to the current hip hop scene. Above you is an incredible, experimental, short film, … Continue reading HEAVY CO-SIGN: CACTUS VAN’s New LP ‘DEATHMATCH’ & Music Video ‘BIG CACTUS VAN’

Julie S.
New Music, Projects, Submissions

Keenan Kilgore’s New Album ‘SEPTEMBER’ Shows Beauty Has No Bounds

Instrumental albums make the world go round. FACTS. When I get one as a submission, my day instantly becomes better. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, and hearing something that connects you to an artist you’ve never met is one of the best feelings in the world. Keenan Kilgore’s new LP SEPTEMBER captures me at this very moment. Why? His press release says it all: “SEPTEMBER  reinforces … Continue reading Keenan Kilgore’s New Album ‘SEPTEMBER’ Shows Beauty Has No Bounds

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

After A Year’s Hiatus, Tom Moore Has Returned With Lyrical Workout ‘Sunday Fun Day’

Tom Moore is one of the biggest hip hop heads I know. He reps the most important qualities of being a true MC – lyrical dexterity, upright flows, compelling content, a unique voice, and a keen ear for beats. It’s been a full year since we’ve heard from Tom after putting out his Discontent EP executively produced by FFD favorite banksthegenius. The long wait is finally … Continue reading After A Year’s Hiatus, Tom Moore Has Returned With Lyrical Workout ‘Sunday Fun Day’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Projects, Submissions

Chicago’s MPulse Drops Another Stellar EP In ‘Self-Awarness’

MPulse has been on fire this year, putting out a brand new EP every single month. This will last till the end of the year – similar to last year’s one song a week campaign. You can’t tell the Chicago MC he doesn’t put in work. Self-Awarness hit SoundCloud at the end of June – an EP full of music that captures the importance of … Continue reading Chicago’s MPulse Drops Another Stellar EP In ‘Self-Awarness’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Project Review, Projects, Submissions

Sebastian Kamae Drops Monumental New Project ‘Waves’

SoundScape Studios and Closed Sessions are staples in the Chicago hip hop scene. Soundscape has a solid reputation as one of the best studios in the city, while Closed Session houses talents such as femdot., Ajani Jones, Kweuku Collins, and more. Sebastian Kamae, a producer, audio engineer, and composer, was lucky enough to intern with both this year. Through his work, he discovered artists that perfectly fit … Continue reading Sebastian Kamae Drops Monumental New Project ‘Waves’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Projects, Submissions

Wil Akogu Drops His Long Awaited EP ‘Zone 1’

Taking the time you need to finish a project is key to longevity in this industry. FFD favorite Wil Akogu put his heart and soul into Zone 1, a new EP that he refused to rush. He started the year right with an incredible two parter titled Riches/The One followed by some looses, a single, and a handful of experimental collaborations. Wil Akogu’s long-awaited Zone 1 EP was worth … Continue reading Wil Akogu Drops His Long Awaited EP ‘Zone 1’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

SAVEMONEY’s Brill Drops Another Vintage R&B Gem In ‘Too Serious’

SAVEMONEY vocalist Brill never stops working. Visuals, a stunning debut, and a year end single and show has made him one to watch this year. The last we heard from the talented Chicagoan was when he dropped Don’t Tweak, produced by our man 25th Hour. The track was another solid addition to his ever growing discography. After countless shows and studio sessions, Brill is back with another 25th Hour collab … Continue reading SAVEMONEY’s Brill Drops Another Vintage R&B Gem In ‘Too Serious’

Julie S.