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, Interviews, New Music, Premiere, Projects

Snowy Joey – ‘Snow 4’ (Exclusive Interview & EP Premiere)

Back in March we gave a heavy co-sign to Bad Boy, the first single off of Snowy Joey’s upcoming EP. The Chicago lyricist immediately impressed, seamlessly blending traditional hip hop with pop sensibilities. In his submission, he told us Snow 4 was dropping soon, and that we could expect catchy hooks, accessibility, and tunes meant to dance to. I had high expectations, and was worried the … Continue reading Snowy Joey – ‘Snow 4’ (Exclusive Interview & EP Premiere)

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.
New Music

The West Coast Renaissance Continues With K Grizz’s Banging New Project, ‘For My Niggaz.’

Los Angeles & Las Vegas are closer than many would think. Growing up in Vegas, many people — including myself — were originally from L.A., but who’s families got priced out (gentrification) & opted for the cheaper properties & scortching temperatures of Sin City. This move allowed for a class of L.A. babies who grew up on G-Funk & west coast classics, to help define … Continue reading The West Coast Renaissance Continues With K Grizz’s Banging New Project, ‘For My Niggaz.’

ajhoward47
New Videos

From Detroit To Las Vegas, Motor City Native Silent 313 Lets It Be Known That He’s Got, “Shooters.”

Detroit native Silent is one of the more underrated, lyrically gifted upcoming rappers, period. I could sit here and write a 85 word introduction on why he’s so nice, but I feel like that might take away, or even put unfair expectati…. yeah, forget that. Silent is up next, & I have proof. Check out the new video for his single, “Shooters” which features Silent absolutely … Continue reading From Detroit To Las Vegas, Motor City Native Silent 313 Lets It Be Known That He’s Got, “Shooters.”

ajhoward47
New Music, Projects

Las Vegas Native Teej Finallys Drops His Debut Album, ‘Spotlight.’

Nostalgia is a huge tactic being used in just about every form of monetizing entertainment in 2018. For example, you can see it in the fashion, with some of the older brands and styles making their way around the block. You can definitely see it in movies, with the remaking of classics like Star Wars & even Superfly. But perhaps most effectively, you see it in music. Utilizing … Continue reading Las Vegas Native Teej Finallys Drops His Debut Album, ‘Spotlight.’

ajhoward47
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.
New Music, series

flowsfordays Co-Signs #5 (Playlist)

The 5th edition of our Co-Sign series is upon us! We’ve got 11 fresh joints from independent artists who deserve recognition for their music. Flowsfordays has always been a platform for rappers and singers that don’t get posted on blogs for reasons I cannot figure out. Music discovery is the centerpiece of our site, and we hope you find some new gems in this playlist … Continue reading flowsfordays Co-Signs #5 (Playlist)

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.
New Music, Submissions, tracks

After Matt Maratea’s Brief Absence, He’s Back With His Best Song Yet, ‘GRAPEVINE’

It’s been a good solid month since we’ve heard from Matt Maratea. The first half of the year was good to him, with a slew of records that turned heads in the blogosphere and on SoundCloud. Matt can’t stay away from the studio too long, hence the release of his new track GRAPEVINE. From the jump he explains his brief absence, detailing a broken heart … Continue reading After Matt Maratea’s Brief Absence, He’s Back With His Best Song Yet, ‘GRAPEVINE’

Julie S.
chicago, Editorials

The Importance Of Juice WRLD’s ‘Lucid Dreams’

I first heard Juice WRLD’s platinum hit Lucid Dreams as soon as it got the visual treatment from videographer sensation Cole Bennett. A bit sad, as the 19-year old is a Chicago native, and the song was featured on last year’s Juice WRLD 999 EP. Fakeshoredrive has covered him from the beginning, and last year music sites of high-caliber finally noticed the kid. This year, he … Continue reading The Importance Of Juice WRLD’s ‘Lucid Dreams’

Julie S.
New Videos

Bay Area Rep RonnieMac Checks In With His New Video, “Go So”

Oakland native RonnieMac makes his debut in our pages with the energetic new visuals to his single, “Go So.” Set to the backdrop of Las Vegas, Ronnie runs around suburb parks while going nuts with his younger homies. With catchy hooks that layer perfectly over the sound production, it’s not hard to see why Mac is starting to build a buzz. The song is a loosie, … Continue reading Bay Area Rep RonnieMac Checks In With His New Video, “Go So”

ajhoward47
chicago, New Videos

Chicago MC Fairplay Drops Another Dope Visual In ‘Who Run It’

Fairplay’s newest visual, Who Run It, is the MC in attack mode, flowing over the popular G Herbo instrumental with lyrical twists and turns. This is raw, uncensored hip hop with an energetic video to match. Videographer Rickee Arts captured Fairplay’s rapid fire bars with quick cuts that are as eye catching as they are  impactful. We see Fairplay in the city streets, speaking truth … Continue reading Chicago MC Fairplay Drops Another Dope Visual In ‘Who Run It’

Julie S.
New Music, Premiere, tracks

flowsfordays Premiere: YOUNG XAV – With Your Love (New Track)

It is vital for artists to build a fan base in their city. Most calculate every move they make to insure their home base hears their music, and begins to support their movement. It’s one thing to build regional support, but another to amass thousands of fans around the world. Chicago’s YOUNG XAV has already achieved this in a very short period of time. XAV … Continue reading flowsfordays Premiere: YOUNG XAV – With Your Love (New Track)

Julie S.
New Music, Submissions, tracks

Tobilla Drops An Impressive Demo In Preparation For Upcoming Album ‘Currently Loading, BRB’

We’ve been rocking with Tobilla’s music for awhile now, and whenever he hits my inbox with new music he doesn’t disappoint. The Columbus, Ohio native has been dropping gems for years, and his sound has only progressed. Tobilla incorporates a host of genres and instrumentals into his music, half singing and rapping for easy listening. He’s gearing up for his upcoming project Currently Loading, BRB (pre-order here) … Continue reading Tobilla Drops An Impressive Demo In Preparation For Upcoming Album ‘Currently Loading, BRB’

Julie S.