Tag: independent hip hop

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, New Videos, Submissions

Houston MC Bobbie & Big Ooh Call Out Dummy ‘Rappers’ In HeadKnocking Visual ‘Nosebone’

Bobbie and Big Ooh call it like they see it. Back in October I slept on the visual to their give no fucks song Nosebone. They know the clones, the phonies, and the MC’s who rap about a life they don’t live. Words hurt, but back it up with a fury of tongue twisting lyrics, bars that impress from the start, and a flow that … Continue reading Houston MC Bobbie & Big Ooh Call Out Dummy ‘Rappers’ In HeadKnocking Visual ‘Nosebone’

Julie S.
New Music, New Videos, Submissions

Free The Optimus Makes Carolina Proud In ‘Asheville Downtown Live’ Performance

I started posting Free The Optimus’ music last February off the strength of Catacombs, a peaceful, yet visually striking music video directed by Andrew Anderson. Optimus starred in Catacombs, walking through forests, but ripping it on the mic. As the submission’s flew by, I noticed how much he had improved on his already undeniable talent as an MC. Almost 2 years later, and Free The Optimus has released a full … Continue reading Free The Optimus Makes Carolina Proud In ‘Asheville Downtown Live’ Performance

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, 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.
New Music, Submissions, tracks

Illect Recordings’ Sundance Steps Out On His Own With Debut Single ‘The Last Sunrise’

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Illect Recordings is one of the best independent hip hop labels in the country. Not only do they host dope music, but often put out cassettes, CDs, and vinyl for their drops. Another gem has come out of the camp – this time from Sundance. The multi-faceted, genre-bending producer has worked with a handful of fellow Illect … Continue reading Illect Recordings’ Sundance Steps Out On His Own With Debut Single ‘The Last Sunrise’

Julie S.
New Music, Projects, Submissions

Casscade Drops His Best, And Most Mature Project Yet – ‘Ignorance Is Bliss’

Casscade’s first post on flowsfordays was his Valentine’s Day single Favorite Girl, an impressive track with a Janet Jackson sample. This was no corny R&B record, but a synopsis about an ex who supported his creative endeavors who is no longer in his life. After their break up, he became surrounded by women who wanted to leech off of his success. His pain was insurmountable. I dubbed … Continue reading Casscade Drops His Best, And Most Mature Project Yet – ‘Ignorance Is Bliss’

Julie S.
Interviews, New Music, Premiere, Projects

Newman – ‘Elminá’ (Project Premiere & Exclusive Interview)

Making a flawless album takes time, dedication, persistence, and confidence. If the process gets ‘hard’, many artists rush it, or even quit. There are still a plethora of rappers who stick with it till the end, and actually put out some dope content. In my eyes, this should be standard if you want people to support you. A few months ago Newman, from North Carolina, sent … Continue reading Newman – ‘Elminá’ (Project Premiere & Exclusive Interview)

Julie S.
New Videos, Submissions

Rebel Kuzco Drops Jam-Heavy Visual to Latest Track ‘Juice’

Grand Rapids, Michigan is rarely talked about within hip hop circles. Yet, 2018 has shown us that talent can come out of any city, suburb, state, and country. Luckily, much has changed, and hip hop heads no longer focus on location, but on the music itself. Although Rebel Kuzco hasn’t put out a lot of music, his latest music video, Juice, has already hit Hypefresh, and … Continue reading Rebel Kuzco Drops Jam-Heavy Visual to Latest Track ‘Juice’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Projects, Submissions

IL native Joel Venom Impresses With His Debut Project “UnderDOG’

When I see a submission from Bandcamp, I have high expectations. Yes, anyone can create an account, but compared to SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music, the site has a higher percentage of quality music. IL native Joel Venom hit my inbox with his BandCamp link, and surprise surprise, his music is dope. He debuted back in 2013 with his HIB3RN@T!ON music video, and while impressive, … Continue reading IL native Joel Venom Impresses With His Debut Project “UnderDOG’

Julie S.
New Music, Premiere, tracks

flowsfordays Premiere: Lam. – ‘Kno U’ (New Track)

I’ve known Lam, and most importantly, his steady musical output for a number of years now. He resides in the sunny state of California; a spot I’m the least familiar with among all of the artists I’ve worked with. Luckily, Lam. personifies all that LA has to offer. Yes, the emcee loves hip hop, and can lyrically match the best of the best; but his forte … Continue reading flowsfordays Premiere: Lam. – ‘Kno U’ (New Track)

Julie S.
New Music, Projects, Submissions

Alabama’s Hip Hop Savior, K1NG ELJAY, Drops His Most Focused Project Yet With ‘K1NG’

If there is one project you need to hear this year, it’s K1NG ELJAY’s latest and greatest, K1NG. Although the title may read as braggadocios, K1NG is a declaration of the throne we can all hail, the endeavors we can all accomplish. His goal remains the same, ‘to make music you can feel.’ If you can’t feel his heart, soul, and dedication to the culture – … Continue reading Alabama’s Hip Hop Savior, K1NG ELJAY, Drops His Most Focused Project Yet With ‘K1NG’

Julie S.
New Music, Submissions, tracks

Threat Digga & Foreva Fameos Collab On Serious Banger ‘Asian’

Threat Digga has been featured on FFD a number of times, starting with our first dissection interview back in October of 2016. I’ve always believed in the South Jersey native, and hip hop fans around the world are finally taking notice of his unbelievable talent. 2 weeks ago he dropped an absolute banger that has already been played 21.1K times. Asian is a hip hop heads’ dream, as both … Continue reading Threat Digga & Foreva Fameos Collab On Serious Banger ‘Asian’

Julie S.