by Alex P80 Parks

Utilizing filthy Lo-fi samples, Mississippi’s Don Carrera puts forth an ever-changing instrumental album full of off-beat percussion and heavy chops on his latest release, import.

Don provides plenty of varying moods throughout the 15-track beat tape. “integra” is atmospheric and euphoric while the foreboding and mysterious uncertainty of “archeo” plays out like a scattered crime caper. The discord and warped time signatures of “e30” seem jarring but serve as a grounding speed bump for the import journey.

There are some smooth and warm vibes as well, with “pro am” and “6speed.” Don creates a smoked-out and hazy feel on tracks like “stage III.” There are Uplifting and hopeful moments as well, like “JDM” and “channel blue” with its rippling piano loop and balanced effects, pulling listeners upwards. The layered staggered chops of “finish line” wraps up the album with 80’s synths and punchy drums.

Don Carrera gives listeners a different look with the stylized beats of import, separate from his boom bap production, but full of mood, atmosphere and plenty of chops throughout.

Cop the beat tape here:

http://doncarrera.bandcamp.com/album/import

By Alex P80 Parks

After a dominant 2018, where the Ghanaian emcee unloaded 5 really strong albums, Recognize Ali returns to reign supreme on Underground King, his third drop of this year. Seeming as focused as ever, Ali puts together another solid album showcasing his raspy and raw flows over well-selected production.

On the title track, Rec Ali creeps over a rippling loop with a subdued beat, courtesy of producer TwelveBit. Ali brings in only a few select guests to feature on Underground King. Veteran emcee Vinnie Paz slides through for one of those spots on the Onaje Jordan produced “Street Corner Caliphs.” Recognize Ali brings slick energy on the well-paced “Colombian Marijuana” produced by Digitale. Check the video for Columbia Marijuana here:

The slithery loop and thundering bass of “Chaingunners” Feat Lyric Jones and Tristate shows Recognize Ali’s continual talent at selecting great features to pair on just the right beat. All three emcees spit pure venom here as one of the highlights of the album.

The Underground King delivers a lesson in spitting flames on “Ape Music“. Frank Grimes lays some crisp hi-hats, clean drums while DJ Grouch provides some dope cuts on the hook. The criminally underrated Skyzoo delivers a typically focused verse over the quiet and somber loop of “Ambitions.” Recognize Ali drops a gem as well with lines like:

“It’s why I never lost my title,

Shit I’m still the illest

A gladiator in these arenas, I kill killas

Krill dealers, build wit trill ni***s I was winning,

Way before Hus asked me to join the winners”

On “Nicest Alive” producer Junelyfe flips a cold sample, delivering a smooth beat for Rec Ali to bring his vivid imagery. Milano Constantine brings his clever wordplay on “MonteCristos” over a droning horn and light percussion. QB legend Tragedy Khadafi and Wu affiliate Trife Diesel bring appropriately raw verses on “Black Cocaine.”

Recognize Ali stays consistent with his imaginative lyrics and an innate ability to maintain a tight cadence on each joint. He brings it yet again on Underground King as he upholds his dominance on the underground with albums like this, full of great lyrics, choice beats and excellent features. Big salute to the Underground King!

Cop the album here:

https://recognizeali.bandcamp.com/album/underground-king

By Alex P80 Parks

Indianapolis-native Tully C drops off a quality project with some memorable moments. On Ego, Tully focuses on balancing a healthy sense of self while maintaining a level of humility. While his focus may be all business, Tully also has some fun on Ego, evident through his mid-flow chuckling and his overall demeanor on the mic. He’s not taking anything too seriously, including himself.

Fellow Indy native and long-time friend DJ GB (Co-producer alongside Syksense on “Draft day” off of Drake’s Care package) handles the majority of production (7 tracks), varying some sounds and textures, all the while providing lots of percussion and solid drums.

Deeply Rooted hit up Tully C to get the story behind the Indy emcee and his latest Ego.

Tully C: “I Been making music going on 8 years now. This is my 3rd EP I’ve released in the last year. (Favour, The 7th Day, and now Ego)”

TC: “On this project I wanted to share some true feelings and take it a little deeper and open up my life book a little more for fans and new fans to come. It’s the balance of having your ego but maintaining your humbleness as well. In this game, that’s what it’s about. Who the nicest, who the illest, right? But for me, I know I’m a good artist. How do I remain focused on getting better and continuing to be open to learn. That’s where I’m at mentally.”

“I don’t come from a music city. But I have a lot of upbringing on the east coast and in the south. I think that’s why my sound is a blend of both. I wanted my sound to be well rounded, because I’m influenced by the different places I’ve been and lived and also by family.”

Tully opens the EP with the laid-back “Switchin my shit up” over skittering drums, he coolly delivers lines like “Ain’t taking no calls, no text/ baby girl tryna get hit up.” The funky bass and smooth effects on “Rare Form” feat Foxd’legnd shows Tully on polished production with vibrant horns and fuzzy guitar riffs. Tully boasting lines like “Every verse I spill, got that goat feel” show him flexing his confidence. The playful, r&b flavored “Dior Dress” co-produced by 5th lxtter features Andre Furrari showing off some harmonies while Tully describes the various ways he maintains and treats his woman. Tully delivers an enjoyable joint with”New Hov” feat Poindexter. Producer Geechie lays a strong sample with ample drums, while Tully provides a solid hook and plenty of entertaining lines for a highlight of Ego. Combining an array of ticking drums, effects and subtle samples, Tully details having fun, reminiscing about all his former conquests and, of course, flexing a bit on “Faces.” Another high point, “Ego Trippin” feat Bub Rock shows Tully dropping some gems with lines like: “Ain’t no awards in the hood, just make it before you die/and throw a party like it’s good you made it to 25.” A great pairing of Long Island’s Bub and his thoughtful rhymes along with Tully’s casual and smooth delivery.

On “Humble Me,” Tully speaks on suppressing some of his pride in order to maintain his relationship with his woman. Here Tully shows some vulnerability, opening up and allowing the world to see some of his flaws and insecurities.

TC:“I titled the EP “Ego” initially because me and my girl were arguing, hahaha. Straight up. She told me I have an ego problem and needed to check that shit. I thought naming it that was appropriate because on a deeper level, this past year has been an eye opener for me. I lost a brother, moved to Atlanta with pretty much no bread, and I now have a baby on the way which I’m excited to bring into the world.”

“I’ve had to check a lot of that Ego at the door. I’ve always felt like one of the top, If not the top artist in my city from lyrics to how it sounds sonically. And at this point quite frankly I am at the top of the city when it comes to this rap shit. I’m a super humble dude and I’ve been told I hold back because of it.”

Paper Cleveland lends his vocal talents on the hook to the closer “So Long,” while Tully creeps over the slinking beat with two focused verses.

TC: “I wanted to simply deliver my best work and I think I have. With this project, I wanted to focus on the aspects of what an ego consists of. So being confident, like on ‘Rare Form’, ‘Switching My Shit Up’ and ‘So Long’; being kind of an asshole, like on ‘Dior Dress’ ‘Faces’ and also humbleness like on ‘Ego Trippin’ and ‘Humble Me’.”

Tully certainly provides fans with some of those dynamic characteristics, coming across clearly in the beats, his lyrics and his overall approach/attitude. The project provides plenty of highlights, with mostly fun and upbeat vibes. Tully keeps it positive and avoids the cliched drug bars while still bringing a healthy dose of strong, confident rhymes without ever sounding soft.

TC: “I’m good but I wanna continue to get better and surround myself with like-minded individuals.”

Ego is available everywhere including Apple Music here:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/ego/1476572693

By Alex P80 Parks

In 2018, Brooklyn emcee Eddie Kaine gave us what seemed to be a mixtape ahead of its time, the aptly titled 2k19. This 13-track effort showed his prowess for creative wordplay, a relaxed, yet focused flow and some dope references throughout. Since then, He’s blessed us with a couple videos, some guest features and has worked hard to craft his true debut. Kaino makes a strong statement with Aruku (Walk). He calls on some of the underground’s most consistent, up-and-coming producers and a few select features, including The Walkers collective, some fellow BK cats and a couple close associates, to create the soundscape for his real introduction into the game.

Eddie Kaine: ““This Album ‘Aruku’ means walk in Japanese. It’s basically a representation of me walking on every beat. I want the people to know I just wanted to give people an all around dope album but still give them an introduction of who I am. ”

“You Wouldn’t Understand” Producer duo The Standouts produced this bluesy organ and guitar-fueled loop as Eddie is clearly serious about his lyrics, with a confident and direct approach on the mic. On “By Any Means“, The Standouts move away from their signature soulful loops to a more sinister street vibe as Eddie brings his smooth delivery while Rome drops another effortless verse. The video shows Eddie Kaine and Rome Streetz in various spots across the Brooklyn nightscape, posted up, burnin in the hallway, flexing some heavy bar work.

Check the video here:

“What I Do” feat Rim finds both BK emcees bouncing flows over this fun, summertime vibe with a touch of nostalgia, courtesy of Wavy Da Ghawd. Rim brings his veteran presence with his unique cadence and rasta influences, complementing Eddie’s harmonies on the hook. On “Everything’s a Go” Wavy flips and chops a well-tread sample as Eddie releases a flurry of lyrics, clearly having some fun on this one. “The Illest” reunites Eddie and Spoda, this time over a Don Carrera beat. The crackly loop and murky vibe set the scene for Kaino and Spo to pull the ski masks up for some nighttime endeavors.

The Standouts lay a playful, soft vocal sample on “Tied Up” Feat Bub Rock, which shows off Eddie’s range again with more harmonizing on the hook. Bub brings his lyrical depth while Eddie stays in his smooth pocket here. Both emcees tiptoe across the beat on this one, Bub with deft moves and Eddie with a smooth sway. On “You Know” Wavy Da Ghawd crafts an uptempo track, looping up a quirky, frenzied guitar riff as Eddie spits:

“All in the hood I’m boutta roll up

Not so big you can’t fold up

Been that guy, I got it sewn up

‘Just go hard’, what n***as told us

This rap shit made me a monster

This street shit, one of my sponsors

I does this, I got the vouchers

I ain’t never rocked with slouches

Just the n***as that bubble ounces and fuck up couches..”

“Terrible 2” Feat Ty Farris, Wavy delivers a bubbling flute loop and stuttering dusty drums as Eddie brings a hype, energetic verse followed by Ty’s focused and technical rhymes. The euphoric, gentle melody on “Smoke Break” Feat K.Burns, produced by The Heretic is fitting for the intended vibe of the track. Eddie closes out Aruku with the poignant and profound “Grew Fast.” Don Carrera crafts a smooth and delicate beat with synths, strings and a slightly funky bassline. Eddie opens up here, showing some self-awareness, discussing becoming a man and covering more personal topics.

Aruku flexes Eddie’s versatility as an emcee who can write on some different topics over well-constructed beats. His lyrics provide enough to stop and think about and a few to run back too with some “oh shit!” moments. Kaino really has shown that he can stand along with some of his peers with a strong showing like this. Add his vocal talent to sing on a few joints and he’s different enough to move from the pack. It certainly seems that Eddie Kaine is capable and set to be around for awhile, making some quality HipHop.

Cop the album here:

http://eddiekaine.bandcamp.com/album/aruku

Produced by KNGKVMI, “Prisms” showcases Sleep’s poetic flow and Deom’s drawn-out, methodical delivery. KNGKVMI creates an atmospheric soundscape with plodding percussion and subtle effects that refract and reflect like the inside of a prism. There’s plenty of low end rumble to accompany the euphoric, hazy vibe on this track.

Check it out here:

https://soundcloud.com/sleepsinatra/prisms-ft-deom-prod-by-kngkvmi/s-7tCwz

“Prisms” is the first single from the upcoming collab album from KNGKVMI and Sleep titled Brainstormz.

By Alex P80 Parks

Detroit emcee Ty Farris teams up with Portland producer TROX for Room 39 Part 2. A technical lyricist, Ty brings his brand of street savvy rhymes mixed with intelligent punchlines and metaphors over TROX’s robust stadium beats. The very loose themes of political discord and North Korea gently pulls the album together with the artwork and only a couple song titles without ever becoming too biased or moralistic.

TROX uses a full spectrum and range of sounds in his production, not limiting himself to just a loop and drums. The Portland producer layers multiple elements and arranges his tracks intricately, without ever getting too complex. Always using some serious drums, TROX develops a grand, arena-like sound in his production.

Whether he draws inspiration from his past with all of his own struggles and tribulations, or from his future in his daughter, Ty Farris always seems to source his ideas and storytelling sufficiently. An ultra-technical emcee, Ty comes with complex rhyme patterns and plenty of quotable punchlines. Known for his honest and direct flow, Ty has become an elite level emcee, praised by his peers for his talent and professionalism.

Ty aims to create a different sound in each of his projects, separating concepts and maintaining unifying sonic experiences, while TROX knows just what to provide for Ty whenever they collaborate.

Ty: “I’ve been recording since the first Room 39 Project. I always want me and TROX projects to sound different from just a Ty Farris project. So I made sure I chose beats that was a lil out the box. Sonically I was really trying to display TROX’s range and what makes him so dope.”

TROX: “Honestly, Working with Ty, I know what he wants. He kinda just allows me to do me. Rough, rugged and raw shit. There are definitely some curve balls in that album though, some beats I didn’t expect him to pick.”

Ty: “I recorded like 25 plus tracks for this. Some of them didn’t make it or ended up as bonus tracks for the physical release. I just wanna make sure it’s different sounding and displays my song-making ability. I’m creating songs wit concepts and subject matter, as opposed to just rapping wit no hooks. In the underground, most don’t make songs with hooks or even tap into different concepts… I will always do so.”

TROX: “We probably have way more than 25 songs together, hahaha.. Two of those songs I had R&B singers in mind, actually. The joint with Noveliss I had in mind for BJ The Chicago Kid but Ty ended up swooping in on it early.”

On “Defiant Stance” TROX layers distorted echoing vocals, a strong bass line and some space effects. “Dream and a Pen” provides a relaxed R&B vibe while Ty maintains his lyrical intensity. TROX brings some skills in arranging a melodic composition with some layered percussion. On “Say My Name,” the crisp drums and live hi-hats over tumbling keyboard notes combine with echoing organs on Room 39 Part 2‘s first single, which happens to be a banger. Ty sounds as focused as ever without seeming to force it. Recruiting heavyweights Lil Fame of M.O.P. and 38 Spesh on “Came A Long Way” Ty, TROX and the vets come correct with a special joint. TROX doesn’t complicate things, but presents a stretched and chopped vocal loop, bouncing bass and simple drums to create one of the standout joints on the album. TROX cools it off for the summer vibes with the hazy feel of “Different Brackets” feat Rome Streetz. Rome and Ty each deliver their first-class wordplay on yet another excellent track. A funky bass with a melancholy loop and echoing drums on “Please Don’t Overdose” give the track a sadness that Ty bolsters with his real and frank talk. “You Didn’t Know You Was In hell” brings the spooky vibe and forewarnings from Ty throughout. “Kill It Every Time” feat Ciddy is a head-nodding melody, flipping into a beat with synth-heavy electronic effects. TROX comes through with his signature layered synth organs on “Watching My Moves.” “Seize it” feat Noveliss of Clear Soul Forces has a primitive feel but Trox incorporates modern effects to keep it grounded in the present day. Ty drops some gems here as he describes of his dark past as compared to his bright future and positive focus.

Their chemistry undeniable on the first Room 39, TROX and Ty return with another solid effort with some perfect summertime bangers. The variety of tracks that TROX creates for Ty to spit on keeps the journey enjoyable throughout, while Ty continues to elevate his own craft with elite lyrics and high quality songs.

 

Cop the album, available now here:

http://tyfarris.com/album/room-39-part-2

King Shampz returns with this week’s edition of Dead Wrong Tuesdays. This time around he delivers a strong dose of that raw with “Arm & Hammer.” Azzan provides the thumping beat yet again for Shampz to lay his quietly ferocious flow on with their latest offering. Shampz brings what he calls “an animal intensity to these records.” Keep ya ears open for each installment of Dead Wrong Tuesdays.

Check the track out here:

https://soundcloud.com/dead-wrong-records/king-shampz-arm-hammerprodby-azzan

King Shampz of Dead Wrong Records presents the first installment in what will become a weekly single release. “Can’t Get Enough” creeps along with a quiet jazzy feel, like some peak Tribe shit, courtesy of Dead Wrong Producer Azzan. King Shampz provide his raspy but quiet flow, staying energetic throughout the booming track.

Check the track here:

https://m.soundcloud.com/dead-wrong-records/king-shampz-cant-get-enoughprodby-azzan

stay tuned for next week’s Dead Wrong Tuesday joint!

Rome Streetz and Al Divino unload a full clip of filth over an anxious Vinyl Villain X Loman beat in the new visuals for Rotten.com. The video is shot, directed and edited by Revenxnt and features pixelated and distorted images throughout, maintaining an appropriate layer of grime for the sharp emcees to spit about the Rotten Apple. Vinyl Villain and Loman connect again to create another crazy beat remarkably with unique captured sounds.

Check the video here:

Rotten.com is the latest single off

Noise Kandy 3

available July 16th

“This is our spot, we earned it, you ain’t taking shit!

No you ain’t breaking bricks, on Instagram you taking pics.”

M-Dot confidently proclaims on this thumper produced by German beatmaker Whatson.

Alongside fellow Own Lane Music emcee Rev (of EMS), they bring the electricity in this video shot in Germany while on their European “Stay in Your Lane” tour of spring 2019. The beat delivers a soulful sample, blaring horns and booming drums. The video shot by Arvid Wuensch features some gorgeous views of Leipzig Germany as they strut in front of the camera providing some excellent energy on this hype joint.

Check the video here:

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/mdotboston/jump-start-revalation-of-ems-prod-by-whatson/s-otnKW

“Jump-Start” is the lead video single from Whatson’s upcoming studio album (TBA) which also features Conway, Big Twins, Da Flyy Hooligan and more.