Proklaim - LOVE LAVIDA

LOVE LAVIDA - Proklaim (Rap) Our prolific blog mainstay Proklaim returns with “LOVE LAVIDA”, a latin infused mid tempo number including his expected rapid fire spit and chanting chorus. Blending Caribbean, Latino and West African vibes, “LOVE LAVIDA” maintains the hiphop essence Proklaim is also known for. A kind of synth flute paired with a liquid bass propels the track along, giving it a “travelling song” feeling. We imagine a car with a suped up sound system blaring this with windows down as it cruises down the street. As always the production is top notch, as so is Proklaim’s pen game.

Best Lyric: “And destiny is what you never get to hear it up.“

LTB - My Fault

My Fault - LTB (R&B) LTB is back after our last review of “Lay With Me” to bring us latest single “My Fault.” On his prior track, we praised LTB’s resonant baritone and silky smooth vibe harkening to blues and jazz influences. On “My Fault” we veer more into R&B with LTB’s strong, close and intimate vocal performance taking the lead over a swirling synth and bumping 808. The record has some bitterness cutting through as LTB doesn’t understand how the blame for the dissolution of a relationship is being put on him considering his lover’s actions, while critiquing the inferior new man. It’s a great breakup song for the jilted lover.

Best Lyric: “What do you see in him I can’t provide?“

Artificial Incline - Used to be (EP)

Used to be (EP) - Artificial Incline (Pop) This week we had the privilege to dive into the first EP from Artificial Incline called “Used to be”, which is this artist’s first appearance on our blog. Like most of the works we are drawn to, the tracks on “Used to be” are rooted in specificity of experience—these are human tales that come direct from our artist’s life. Before we dive into this heart wrenching collection, we first dig into a bit about the artist.

Artificial Incline is a Canadian based lyricist focused on combining the power of music and technology to tell emotional stories. Hailing from Strathmore, Canada, our artist uses music as an escape, while at the same time using it to delve into the nuances of the underlying relationship traumas that necessitated the escape—cheating and emotional abuse. As an artist, Artificial Incline is inclined towards the complexities of human relationships, hoping to add their unique perspective to the conversation.

The raw and emotional collection of four tracks that is “Used to be” was born in 2024 after Artificial Incline rediscovered some old videos and lyrics that told a tale of loss, love and heartbreak from experiences that go back to 2017. The spark of those memories became an EP that takes the listener through the mud—this isn’t just the trauma of a breakup, it’s the hard work of putting yourself back together and taking accountability for one’s role in the downfall. This makes the project not only a showcase in vulnerability, but also one of resilience and growth in the face of adversity.

The biggest strengths of the project are the drive imbued into each song—each track has a swelling movement to them—as well as the top 40 catchy sing-along-ability. Also worth noting is the poetry of the lyrics, and so it doesn’t surprise us that Artificial Incline self describes first as a lyricist. While Artificial Incline hasn’t specifically said so, reading between the lines of the artist’s name and the self described leveraging of technology, we think there’s some AI at work here. Regardless of what tools were used to bring the art to life, the passion of the lyrics and beautiful storytelling grounded in the human experience tells us there’s a soul behind the tech.

“Used to be” is rooted firmly in pop ballad, with a tinge of country sensibility here and there as well—though considering how pop country has become, this might just be apples and apples nowadays. “King without a crown” is placed first in the collection to give the listener the current state of affairs—the relationship is over and our artist is feeling aimless and lost. In describing this feeling, Artificial Incline uses the dichotomy of being told in the relationship that they were a king with the post-breakup feeling—how could that be true if I feel the way I do now?

“Used to be”, our title track, then dives right into the emotional core of the project, letting the listener in on the realization that the artist is now forever changed by their experiences. “Far away” takes us from the mourning to more of the details on how everything ended. Importantly, Artificial Incline takes accountability on the track, citing their deceit and unfaithfulness as the reason leading to the end of the relationship. Artificial Incline continues to bleed all over the track, but balances the impact of the fallout they’re feeling with recognizing their fault in the cause.

Finally, “Ink and color” is a tribute to the artistic process and how it has helped Artificial Incline process their emotions. It’s a great coda to the project, summarizing the entire endeavor as a closer.

Gabdez - Language of Freedom

Language of Freedom - Gabdez (Pop/Afrobeat) Gabdez joins our blog this week with latest track “Language of Freedom”, a mainstream afrobeat pop bop all about surrendering to the music and vibes. The tropical island feels hit from the very first beat, as the plush vocals intoxicate and draw the listener into the song like a siren. Once captured, the listener is pulled into a warm summer breeze, conjuring images of rolling ocean waters hitting a sandy beach under the light of a setting sun. A mid tempo track, the thudding kick and rounded bass help bring the record into the dance realm, and we can’t wait to hear this one during summertime outdoor parties.

Best Lyric: “Summertime without a care, life feels so grand.”

Rah Dolla - Only One

Only One - Rah Dolla (Rap) We’ve got a new artist to add to our review slate with Rah Dolla, bringing his latest track “Only One.” With a booming 808 overlaid with an ominous dirge of a descending piano line, both the sharp trap percussion and Rah Dolla’s resonante baritone slice through, creating a well rounded mix. On “Only One”, Rah Dolla demands reciprocity and recognition, calling his critics and hangers-on out for not recognizing that he’s the pinnacle that they’re sleeping on. It’s a dark track full of menace and a quiet confidence, as Rah Dolla keeps the vocal production restrained merely using some effective doubling to let the message and flow drive the track without gimmicks.

Best Lyric: “If I ever did yah ass a favor, bitch you owe me one.”

Feature Debonaire - Borgini Nights

Borgini Nights - Feature Debonaire (Rap) With latest record, “Borgini Nights” from Feature Debonaire, we get a track that is the epitome of hype music. With a booming 808 and cavernous synth overlay, there’s magical feeling to the track, that our vocalist rips through with a rapid fire spit that turns would could have been a moody and melancholy track into an upbeat bop. The ride never lets up as Feature Debonaire can really ride a beat, using vocal inflections throughout to draw the listener in and keep the momentum of the track in overdrive. We hear the inspiration of US rap greats from the UK artist, giving it both a retro and classic feel. Don’t sleep on the accompanying visuals.

KARMA - SIS (She's Something) (Ampiano) EP

SIS (She’s Something) (Ampiano) (EP) - KARMA (Pop/R&B) After having reviewed title track “SIS (She’s Something)” we are now gifted with the EP that houses it, with KARMA delivering four additional tracks as well as the “Ampiano” version of SIS. With retro R&B vibes and a modern twist, these ladies deliver a gem of an album that we are excited to dig into. Let’s start with a little bit about our artists.

KARMA—KB, Keymah Renee & Miesha MonRoe—hail from Memphis, TN, brought together by shared values and passion for music. They pride themselves on their multi-genre approach. As crossover artists, they hope to foster authentic engagement and powerful entertainment as a one stop shop for singing, rapping and dancing. In following their calling, KARMA is rooted in inspiring listeners to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness fearlessly.

Turning to some background on the EP, KARMA roots their collection in empowerment and unity, and wants it to resonate across all women. It’s a tribute to women, designed to uplift and celebrate their strength. Also, there’s a bit of wordplay here, as the group also extends a hand to transgender men, using “SIS” not just as an acronym, but as a call to all those who embrace the term “cis”. This outreach is powerful and necessary in the current political climate.

With “SIS (She’s Something)” we previously noted the 3LW vibes on the track—the plucky guitar strum led record that put it right in line with acts such as TLC, 3LW and Blaque. Very “No More”. With a liquid honey delivery and dreamy, breezy quality, they let you know that these ladies aren’t like the rest, we weren’t surprised that this was the lead track from the EP. As they tell us themselves on the track, they aren’t “little girls”, these are women.

However, where “SIS (She’s Something)” shines, “SIS (She’s Something) (Ampiano)” soars. While the track remains true to the original, it injects some latin flavor into it, which turns the track from pleasant bop to dance floor hip winder.. This version makes you want to grind, and while the original is great, this mix is on another level. We think it steers the track into Mya territory.

But if we’re being honest, “OutSide” is probably our favorite track on the album. It gives us modern Mariah Carey vibes, something that could sit comfortably on her “Caution” LP. It’s a classic R&B track with a modern injection, exactly what our classic R&B sirens are doing right now with their latest records. The percussion arrangement is giving us very “My Boo” feels while the modern quality sits in the melody and vocal delivery. It sits in a resonante alto we like, maybe even in the Nivea lane, and just as “face card don’t decline” neither would we decline listening to this track on repeat.

“Goes Around” is certainly the most current of the tracks, where our ladies show their versatility with a surprise swerve into rap, with an accent that reminds us a bit of GloRilla.

While these are our favorites, you shouldn’t sleep on any of these songs. With a stellar production worthy of any top artist, “SIS (She’s Something (Ampiano)” is a slam dunk.

Robert O'Connor - Swimming Against The Tide

Swimming Against the Tide (LP) - Robert O’Connor (Pop) Today we have Robert O’Connor’s latest album “Swimming Against the Tide” which is a collection of 80s tinged dance floor bangars. For today’s review, we’ve chosen our favorite track from the collection, “Something Strange”, which actually feels more like a 2000s dance floor spinner in line with Sonique’s “It Feels So Good” and Cher’s “Believe.” The perfectly arranged and produced track is an ode to the moment that love shows up out of nowhere to upgrade your life. “I thought that I had missed my chance,” Robert sings on the track, until love finally arrived to fill him up and complete his life. It’s an optimistic track that drives a listener to dance. This is a club track for sure.

Best Lyric: ”Something changed for the better, and now I know that we’re forever. Something strange in the water. It’s got me feeling so much stronger.”

Rice - Starvin

Starvin - Rice (Rap) Rice arrives to our blog with a track dedicated to all the hard work that supports the hustle in latest record “Starvin.” The track is defined by a booming 808 serving as an undercurrent to a soft piano ballad arrangement. But when Rice enters the track, he becomes the star of the show, riding the beat perfectly. Subject matter wise, the song is an ode to the sacrifices an artist makes that people who only see the work product never know. But beyond the specifics of the artist life is a universal message of putting your all into your dreams, and that success isn’t easy—it’s a product of hard work and ambition. And when we listen to this bop, there is no question that Rice puts his all into his craft.

Best Lyric: “Some people in heaven really wanna visit.”

Carl Kammeyer - Only You

Only You - Carl Kammeyer (Pop) Carl Kammeyer brings his powerful tenor to his latest pop gem “Only You”, a rousing record that serves as an ode to deep connection—a real ‘what would I do without you’ vibe. Let’s start with the mix. Showcasing expert instrument separation, the track is beautifully formed, with anthemic quality imbued throughout. The star, of course, is Carl’s soaring tenor, which is both powerful and emotive, as he sings an ode to a love that has gotten him through his darkest times. The touching music video accompanying this track bolsters the message by showcasing the lives of two lovers who are deeply intertwined, one often rescuing the other from darkness.

Best Lyric: “Every choice that I made you stood by me.”

The Ven$ - Multi-Verse

Multi-Verse - The Ven$ (Rap) Old school vibes abound in our first track from The Ven$, “Multi-Verse.” The track kicks off with some spoken word over a rumbling bass which will be our throughline of the record. There’s an ominous feel to the track, with a sorrowful horn loop heavily verbed to set the atmosphere. Our lead vocalist cuts through the miasma like a hot knife through butter—a resonant tone that rides the beat with expert precision. Self-described as a “lyrical masterclass”, we have to agree, as the instrumental merely serves to bolster the artist’s penmanship showcasing worldplay and metaphors that explore weighty topics This is why we say there’s an old school vibe here. No cash, sex and strippers on this, this one is a thinker.

Best Lyric: “Trying to breathe when your ribs be pokin in your spleen.”

Stella Nesci - Over You Under Me

Over You Under Me - Stella Nesci (Pop) Stella Nesci impresses us with her first appearance on our blog with latest track “Over You Under Me.” The track just has so many layers—from the vibey synths to a slamming bass hit that accompanies a unique take on an Afrobeat percussion. The record is full of ear candy production tricks, with a vibe containing some Afrobeat. However, the take on Afrobeat is fresh and unique when it comes to the individual instrument choices in the tops. Slinking through the hard production are Stella’s lilting vocals—a siren song of sultriness. Eventually she is joined by a lush harmony wall, which we always love on this blog, fusing together to make a catchy, rich and complex pop bop.

Best Lyric: “Boy what’s your love language? Cuz I don’t kiss and tell.”

Logan Garrett - Move (ft Anella)

Move - Logan Garrett ft Anella (Dance) When Logan Garrett tells his listeners to move out of his way on latest track “Move”, we can only assume it’s because he is headed straight to the dance floor with this pumping record. Our artist is a fixture of the Nashville club scene, giving a clear alternative to the country reputation of Music City. With house elements blended with disco vibes, this track is centered on its rich bouncy bass, complimented by its thudding kick, sparkling keys and 90s top percussion. We particularly liked how a sample of his vocals were chopped and screwed to add to the instrumental. We defy you not to move to “Move.”

Best Lyric: “Been far and wide but what I’m feeling is new.”

Proklaim - LSD

LIFE - Proklaim (Rap) Proklaim’s latest track “LSD” delivers some of his fullest and richest production to date. With a hiphop beat, Proklaim rides expertly as the track undulates and evolves in the background. There’s some 90s influence here, with Proklaim’s evolution in his production evidenced by his introduction of spoken word. We even get Proklaim laying some sung vocals in the outro, making the entire vocal production feel like a Wyclef track. Though a different path for our artist, and trust us we’ve reviewed a ton of his tracks, Proklaim keeps true to his core of positivity and chant-like choruses to drive his message home.

Jehnniel - Forever This Way

Forever This Way- Jehnniel (Pop) Jenniel is back for the second time on our review blog with new track “Forever This Way”, a driving and heartfelt ballad. On her previous track, “Heart Beat”, Jehnniel delivered power ballad vibes with a moody and soulful instrumental about the peace of a new lover. On “Forever This Way”, Jehnniel uses a similar vibe to tell a familiar tale, this time pleading to be brought back to the magic of a lover. The soundscape has some fun 80s vibes to it with the gated drums and twinkling synth, but is paired with the movement of a 2000s-10s ballad, all underlaid by soulful and heartfelt piano chords. It’s a perfect marriage between the evocative lyrics that plead for her lover and the passionate instrumental. This one gets you in your feels.

Best Lyric: “The brightest lights will reach the stars.”

Rosie Belvie - O.M.G.

O.MG. - Rosie Belvie (Pop/R&B) New favorite Rosie Belvie is back with “O.M.G.”, a breezy island mid tempo that continues to exude 00s Mya vibes. Back for the fourth time, Rosie has shown us versatility in her genres, giving us EDM club hit, in your face pop bop and afrobeat. We’re back to the summer sun in this one, much like “Crush”, but this time with a more caribbean vibe. The song goes down smooth, as Rosie tells us she’s surprised to be overwhelmed by a lover. Also like “Crush”, it’s a hip winder and while mid tempo in nature, still feels at home on a dance floor. Our favorite part of the track other than the honey vocals and island drums is the movement provided but the rich and warm bass. This one stay on repeat.