Tag: independent artists

New Music, Submissions, tracks

West Coast Artist Macntaj Returns From International Tour With The New Single “Live Enough”

Aren’t we all a little crazy? Artists are able to channel that into their music, while us common folk have to listen to tracks that mirror whatever we are going through. I needed to hear Macntaj today. The West Coast rapper has had an amazing run this year, hitting XXL.com, collaborating with Gunplay, and even performing in India. Sure, his rap sheet is long, but … Continue reading West Coast Artist Macntaj Returns From International Tour With The New Single “Live Enough”

Julie S.
New Music, series

flowsfordays’ Co-Sign Playlist #8 (My Favorite Submissions)

flowsfordays gets hit with over 400 submissions a month, making it difficult to listen to, consider, and write about each one. When my inbox is racking up an insane amount of unread emails, I put together a co-sign playlist. These are my favorite tracks from my submission pile, and honestly, they are all gems. Playlist #8 is definitely worth your time. You’ll hear hip hop, … Continue reading flowsfordays’ Co-Sign Playlist #8 (My Favorite Submissions)

Julie S.
New Music, Submissions, tracks

Casey Cope & Big Soda Join Forces For One Of The Best Tracks Of The Year AND Its Spongebob Inspired Visual

When an artist hit my inbox with a visual he described as Spongebob-esq (RIP Stephen Hillenburg) with lyrics centered around stress and paralysis, I knew I was in for a treat. This October, Casey Cope and Big Soda joined forces to create the visual to What I Learned In Boating School Is; a track that ranks in my top 50 of the year. Why? It features Big Soda’s booming, yet … Continue reading Casey Cope & Big Soda Join Forces For One Of The Best Tracks Of The Year AND Its Spongebob Inspired Visual

Julie S.
New Music, Submissions, tracks

James Gardin Is Back With Groovy New Track ‘Joy’

2018 has been good to James Gardin. An uplifting visual, a collaborative joint with James & Terem (peep last post) and an actual Tommy Hilfiger theme song. Yes, he’s garnered attention far and wide, but the grind never stops. One month later, James is back with Joy, another song that encourages us to push along in hard times. Help comes from longtime collaborator TheyCallMeHeat who … Continue reading James Gardin Is Back With Groovy New Track ‘Joy’

Julie S.
New Music, Projects, Submissions

Izzy Strange Finds His Inner Eazy-E In Latest Project ‘Izzy Duz It’

Pennsylvanian emcee Izzy Strange has intrigued me from his first submission, A Good Time 2 B The Bad Guy. He was able to share personal thoughts and feelings while using eclectic rhymes and beats. Izzy has returned with a new project titled Izzy Duz It. The title is a clever double entendre, inspired by Eazy-E’s explicit debut project. All 11 of the tracks showcase Izzy’s ability … Continue reading Izzy Strange Finds His Inner Eazy-E In Latest Project ‘Izzy Duz It’

Julie S.
New Music, Submissions, tracks

James Gardin Crafts Theme Song For Latest Tommy Hilfiger Collab

ILLECT signee James Gardin has been dropping monumental hits this year. From May’s Complaining to July’s Groove – he has perfected the art of fusing funk, soul, pop, and hip hop. All of his hard work has paid off in a HUGE way. ICONIC, his latest track with Terem, was selected as the theme song for Tommy Hilfiger’s latest  collaboration with Lewis Hamilton. James’ music has now reached a totally new audience. The … Continue reading James Gardin Crafts Theme Song For Latest Tommy Hilfiger Collab

Julie S.
chicago, New Videos, Submissions

Musa Reems Comes Alive In Visual To New Single ‘Flodge’

I wrote about Musa Reems’ latest track Flodge’ about a month ago. Here’s an excerpt: ‘Flodge contains a lot of flexing, a fluid flow, and the youngin’ letting loose. He’s carefree, confident, and having a lot of fun.’ It was awesome to hear Musa less calculated, and full of joy. I had high expectations for the visual. I’m not gonna lie, I wasn’t feeling it for a number of reasons. … Continue reading Musa Reems Comes Alive In Visual To New Single ‘Flodge’

Julie S.
chicago, New Videos, Submissions

Chicago Emcee Loovy Shows Power & Resilience In His Latest Music Video ‘GLORY’

We all deal with day to day, month to month, year to year, or lifetime struggles – whether big or small. I find it easiest to tap into the experience of others through writing, or music. Anyone can make a track addressing specific trials and tribulations – but it’s the artists that move you, capture your attention, and are able to transport you into the … Continue reading Chicago Emcee Loovy Shows Power & Resilience In His Latest Music Video ‘GLORY’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

ILL Gordon Drops Soulful Party Jam ‘Having A Good Time’

I’ve covered Ill Gordon, one of Chicago’s best kept secrets, for years now. He’s vicious on the mic, and a technically skilled emcee. Gordon’s biggest sell is his energetic tracks (and freestyles) that are best represented by last year’s Imma Beast. When I peeped his latest submission, Having a Good Time, I was surprised – but pleasantly. The groovy single is a soulful party jam featuring … Continue reading ILL Gordon Drops Soulful Party Jam ‘Having A Good Time’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

Vince Verza & Sherpa Quietly Drop One Of The Best Chicago Collabs Of The Year

Sherpa was first brought to my attention this March as a submission to his incredible beat tape. Sherpa’s instrumentals were dynamic, and a breath of fresh air in innovation. I recently opened up another submission, and saw Sherpa’s name in the mix. I immediately pressed play, the anticipation building as if I was about to hear a new Nas track. Of course, Sherpa didn’t disappoint … Continue reading Vince Verza & Sherpa Quietly Drop One Of The Best Chicago Collabs Of The Year

Julie S.
Interviews

The Rise Of Lam. – The California MC Who Beat All The Odds (Exclusive Interview)

I’ve always believed Lam. had the skill and confidence to make it in hip hop. He started off strong some time ago, dropping solid loosies and tapes. A lull took place when he moved to California, but after buying new studio equipment, Lam gave it another go. Ever since, he’s been killing freestyles, dropping singles, and pushing out his debut EP Pay Attention.  Lam. and I recently collaborated … Continue reading The Rise Of Lam. – The California MC Who Beat All The Odds (Exclusive Interview)

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

M. Whise Brings Metal And Hip Hop Together In Latest Effort ‘Powerful’

M. Whise is STILL unlike any emcee I’ve ever heard. Many rappers underestimate how important confidence, voice, and delivery are in a great song. Listen to any of Whise’s discography, and you’ll hear how effortlessly he weaves them all together. In his latest track, Powerful, he is just that. Producer jvst x went crazy on this instrumental, bringing together heavy metal, hardcore rock, and trap. … Continue reading M. Whise Brings Metal And Hip Hop Together In Latest Effort ‘Powerful’

Julie S.