Kai Mella - Lowkey Alcoholic
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This is the first i've heard of Kai Mella but if he keeps providing songs like "Lowkey Alcholic", I may have to become a full time fan. His debut track, Kai has a sing song delivery that borders on rapping but is certainly not your '90s style MC spitting traditional 16s. The songs arrangement is filled with catchy bridges, Pre-Choruses and an infectious melody that will stick in your mind all day. The instrumental is bouncy and makes you want to move your body no matter what setting you listen in.
Syd Shaw - Roses Gold (Prod. Derrick Phoenix)
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"Roses Gold" by Syd Shaw is a charismatic, poetic, speech exercise. With a beautiful understanding of diction and nuance she spits witty observations left and right. The beat made by Derrick Phoenix is a beautiful mix of tasteful electric piano and forceful head knocking drums. Syds flow flutters elegantly, every pause is carefully chosen, each word pronounced clear as day. Listen above and keep an eye on the infinitely talented MC for more work.
"it's 'bout, what you do,
it's 'bout how you feel,
it's 'bout who you love,
its about, me and you."
Calvin Holmes - Boyfriend/Wastemytime
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I'm a big fan of originality. Music that sounds innovative is so rare in these times of incestuous sample flipping and unoriginal chord progressions. All art is lifted from some other place of influence but putting a personal flip on top is crucial to stand out. Scrolling through Soundcloud I was pleasantly surprised to find Calvin Holmes song "BOYFRIEND/WASTEMYTIME". The song starts off with a consistent hi hat sound and electric guitar that resides right below the percussion, glueing the song together. Switching up into the "WASTEMYTIME" section of the song around the 2:30 mark it becomes a hazy ode to a girl who Calvin knows will ultimately waste his time. But because he is lonely (and he knows she is too), it will be a mutually agreed upon outcome.
The incorporation of an Alternative Rock sound to a Hip-Hop aesthetic makes this songs palette incredibly diverse, the switch up keeps the listener on their toes. I'll be interested to hear more from Oak Park's Calvin Holmes since this is the first i've heard of his music.
Anna Agosta Unleashes Her "Greenhouse" EP
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Anna Agosta is one of the Chicago music scenes next big R&B/Soul acts. She wields a powerful but sultry voice along with deceptively clever songwriting to create a deeply personal project in "Greenhouse". The quality production and raw talent cannot be ignored.
The harmonies on the lead song "Surrender" rope the listener in and the beat drop instantly gives one the feeling of a new journeys beginning. The next track "Lucky" features warm guitar and live drums while showcasing a raw sound in the percussion. Anna balances all of her problems within the scope of understanding that she's "lucky to be breathing and thinking about these things". A noble message to say the least. Her lead single "Never Fall" gets a facelift production wise, while maintaining the songs calm, mature essence. "Unforeseen Fate" is a stripped down barebones ballad that touches the soul. Anna slows it down, incorporating a beautiful guitar interlude and breakdown in the production halfway through. The arrangement moves with conviction, much like someone moving on to another chapter in their life. She closes out the album with "Reaching", leading off with a tasteful touch of electric guitar. Reminiscing on the moments in her life that have led her to this place.
"reaching, reaching onward
reaching through,
windows of reflections I will use,
oh you tell me, thank you for allowing me to move".
Boathouse - "Crowd Go Loose"
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Closed Sessions producer Boathouse brought a touch of Grime back with him from his swing overseas. Sampling Grime legend Dizzee Rascal, Boat creates an ethereal melody within a House/Electro setting that pumps and thumps; perfect for a house party. The synths are lush and the sound selection overall feels carefully curated. Bump "Crowd Go Loose" at full volume, drop it in your new DJ set for your friends and get ready for new music from Boathouse in the near future.
SoloSam - Fast
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An infectious hook over a self produced beat is only the beginning of SoloSams musical showcase. Lyrical dexterity with a calm collected flow give "Fast" a feeling of effortless ease. Solo doesn't miss a step over the beat and is lyrically one of Chicagos heavy hitters, so you know he brought the bars. By handling the production he is showcasing a newfound dimension to his game; mixing it down and putting it all together is none other than BanksTheGenius.
SoloSam is rising quickly, performing around the country this charismatic MC is going to be around for a while. Be ready for his upcoming project "itis", I have a feeling it'll be a coming out party to a lot of onlookers.
Standouts - "means" Glassic Feat. Will is Chillin
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In the description for his new project 'Safe Travels' Chicago producer Glassic states "there's a lot of talent in local and underground musicians that doesn't get enough appreciation". This idea is perfectly represented in album standout cut "means" featuring local staple Will is Chillin. The Stankface records MC laces a fantastic double time flow that sits in the pocket perfectly. The kick pattern has an undeniable swing to it and the fast paced hi hat accompanies Will as he breezes through rhythms.
Whether or not Glassic or Will is Chillin are getting attention on a national level, it is clear that they are producing music at a professional level. It's only a matter of time before the music hits a wider audience. Until then Midwesterners can appreciate the hidden jewels that they have.