Elminá is a slave castle in Ghana, where North Carolina artist Newman’s family is originally from. This framework, specifically what it means to be free and what it means to be captive (and longing for freedom), help shape Newman’s newest project. The project was originally framed as letters from Elminá, with each track having a different […]
Read moreNew SOTBMusic: FREE Party Explains a Roller Coaster Relationship in New Track
A few weeks ago, I received new music from FREE Party, an L.A.-residing duo that has roots in the DMV. I called them “what’d happen if August Alsina, J. Cole, and J.I.D. collaborated on a track.” Those vibes still exist in their latest track. “Roller Coaster,” fearuting Eva-Mallay, discusses the need of stability, even if the highs […]
Read moreNew SOTBMusic: AWKWORD Drops Long-Anticipated "I Am" Visuals
A couple years ago, AWKWORD teamed with various artists from across the globe to drop the world-spanning track “I Am.” Today, I’m grateful to share with you the video for the song, which was two years in the making. Just like the original track, the video takes us into the minds and states of being […]
Read moreNew SOTBMusic: thisismarlow Drops Keep The Same Energy
thisismarlow returns to SOTBMusic with “Keep The Same Energy.” The track reminds me a bit of J. Cole’s KOD in that it’s lyrical, but still has a menacing turn-up vibe about it. The accompanying video features that same energy (pun intended) and showcases Marlow as a criminal mastermind who doesn’t fold to the foolishness he’s surrounded […]
Read moreNew SOTBMusic: Tomcantsleep Talks the Down Time on New Track
Tomcantsleep finds his way onto SOTBMusic again with “Down Time.” Tom described the track as a dedication to the pen and how it keeps him sane when “everything around [him goes] to Hell.” Produced by Nick Arcade, Tom smoothly floats from dark time to dark time, keeping the pen and his sanity as the only […]
Read moreNew SOTBMusic: WANG$AP Drop Potato Salad
I’ve had to run this one back a few times. Why? Simply put, it’s a great track with a lot of punchlines, metaphors, and bars. There are flame emojis throughout, as I used to say (every once in a blue moon), over the “Knock Knock” beat. In addition, these days, you can’t lose a random […]
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