[New Project] Va’ye – ‘A Day From Tomorrow’

New rapper Va’ye, of theOthAsideAtl rap collective, just released his mixtape, A Day From Tomorrow. Va’ye says the mixtape shares his everyday battles with being “consumed by life.” 

A Day From Tomorrow displays versatility within the project’s 12 tracks with production from names like Royyce, Izayah, BB, LRG, and Tha Internz. 

For those who are new listening to Va’ye, I recommend first checking out “Martin Luther (Just A Dream),” a track where the rapper talks of dreaming about making it out of a bad situation.

A Day From Tomorrow shows that Va’ye has real potential of making it in the music industry. He has a real passion for music and it shows.

Indulge in the artistry of Va’ye below with A Day From Tomorrow.

 

[Project] Sy Ari Da Kid – ‘S.O.O.N.’

The wait is over. Sy Ari Da Kid has given his fans new music to fall in love with. The rapper just released his mixtape, S.O.O.N (Somethin Out of Nothin). Sy Ari worked with very notable DJs on this project; DJ Holiday, Trap- A- Holics, DJ Iceberg, and DJ Pretty Boy Tank were all involved with S.O.O.N.

S.O.O.N is a mixtape that can be played all the way through without skipping a track. It features tracks that listeners can ride to or dance too and even features a couple of sultry tracks like, “One More Time” and “TLC.”

Not only did Sy Ari release his mixtape, he also released a video for his song “Lit.” The video, which is a bit eerie, features the rapper in a forest surrounded by men in Scream masks. It also shows a woman in a bath tub bathing in blood. The video is definitely interesting.

Stream the mixtape here, and watch the video for “Lit” below.

[Project] Fez SB – ‘Since Y’all Forgot’

Atlanta rapper Fez SB reminds those who might have forgotten his talent and drive in his latest project release, Since Y’all Forgot. For those who may not be familiar with the sounds of Fez, the rapper lays the foundation to make you his newest fan. 

The 4-record collection features production mostly crafted by Fez himself, with the exception of “Can’t Worry,” which is produced by Bruce Leekix. 

The consistency Fez displays in Since Y’all Forgot is impressive and showcases great potential for this artist’s musical future. Every song exudes his confidence in his talent, which listeners can appreciate.

Stream Since Y’all Forgot below.

 

[Project] Aaron Alexander & Brandon Williams – ‘Radiant Child’

We step a bit outside of the Georgia border and take our ears to Kansas City as we indulge in the audio artistry of Aaron Alexander and Brandon Williams in their collaborative project, Radiant Child. 

With so many mediocre and bandwagon rappers in the mix of today’s music scene, Radiant Child is an example of hip hop that makes any music journalist remember exactly why they love music. In the conceptual mixtape, lyricist Aaron and producer Brandon take us on a audio journey influenced by neo-expressionist great Jean Michel-Basquiat.

The project is 14 songs of raw talent and creative art in the form of hip hop. Radiant Child is one of my favorite types of projects–one that has to be experienced, rather than written and described. 

One thing IS for sure, Aaron and Brandon have definitely gained a fan. Stream Radiant Child below, and download the mixtape here. 

 

Why Bjorn’s ‘The Outtake’ should be the soundtrack of your new year

Bjorn infuses his Detroit roots with his Georgia raising in his music and creates a creative and unique sound. We hear this infusion in his debut, full-length project, The Outtake.

Though the project was released last August, the ambition and hard-working theme behind The Outtake is a great way to start your year. 

Start from the very beginning of the project with Bjorn’s introductory track, “The Takeover,” which creates and builds the momentum of a go-getter’s mentality and ambition. 

We continue to hear Bjorn’s ambition and talent throughout the records that follow the introduction, like the Jaye Guy-assisted “Bases Loaded” and Sledgren-produced “We On.”

We hear a softer side of Bjorn as he opens up about love and the ups and downs of relationships in “Another Love Song,” featuring Julian. I love to hear rappers speak on love themes, and Bjorn does it perfectly. He shows authentic feelings while still maintaining the consistent vibe of The Outtake.

The 15-track project concludes with “Game Time!” The record features bars from Young $auce and production from Big Boy Traks. “Game Time!” is the perfect crescendo to the project. Throughout the mixtape, Bjorn builds the momentum for his ambition and goals. With this record, the rapper is saying that now it is time to put those ambitions and goals to the test. It’s game time!

Catch up with Bjorn’s artistry with the project below. 

 

 

[Project] Piera Moore – ‘Z4’

Atlanta upcoming artist Piera Moore introduces us to her creative artistry with the release of her first EP, Z4. 

At first listen, you can feel the Piera’s wave. Her tone and sound is different–so different that you cannot quite put your finger on it, but it works pretty well. 

She perfectly describes Z4 as an “experimental r&b/chillwave fusion” project. Z4 takes you on a beautiful wave of relaxation with the help of producers Benny Jetts, Marcus Dominic, Red Heat, and Sinister.The first record, “Block Party,” reminds you of the heavy, chill vibe provided by the coming together of alcohol and cool kids. She takes us on a upbeat infusion as mixes her signature vocals with hints at Aaliyah’s “Are U That Somebody” classic in “One More.” 

Piera slows down the EP’s flow with “Polaris” and “How High,” with both tracks offering slow and steady productions paired with the mood of Piera. The flow of “How High” works perfectly to relate to the delayed movements and thoughts associated with being on drugs or maybe even a natural high. 

The EP ends with “Get Out Cho Feelings.” This record is sassy, upfront, and gives us a beautiful portrait of Piera’s attitude and lyrical ability.  

Z4 is a thirteen-minute journey of offbeat talent that works perfectly with Piera Moore. Piera definitely has gained a fan in me. Atlanta was her inspiration; listen below. 

[New Project] Young Q – ‘Have Mercy’

Young Q reps the southside of Atlanta to the fullest in his latest EP release, Have Mercy. The 21-year-old rapper showcases his artistry and musical style in the 7-track, Product Plug-produced collection. 

The rapper uses Have Mercy to present his individuality as an artist as we hear his knack for metaphors, catchy hooks, and street style on every song included in the project. 

If you have not yet heard of Young Q, check out this project to hear his artistry. 

[Project] Stace Loyd – ‘From Stace With Love’

This North Carolina up and coming indie artist, repping the Winston-Salem area, currently resides in Atlanta and is making moves to spread his talent to ears in all regions. In his recently released project, From Stace With Love, Stace Loyd brings together the true essences of hip hop: street and soul. 

Each song on the 12-project exudes its own originality while still conceptually working together to create a fluid project. A personal favorite is early on in the project–a song called, “All For You.” Before the cool and steady beat drops, the record begins with airy vocals we continue to hear during the record’s hook. Stace showcases great lyrical talent and delivery that is captivating.  Another favorite is a “Broken,” a powerful record where Stace tells the emotional story of a broken street girl. 

The rapper provides a nice touch to the mixtape with the “Walk The Walk (Interlude),” preceding before the “Walk The Walk” record. The interlude includes dialogue from comedian and actor Anthony Anderson in the classic hustler film, Hustle & Flow. Anderson’s words not only inspire the project’s listeners, but also speaks to the entire mixtape and what Stace is actually doing with this project: showing himself and walking the walk. 

From Stace With Love is a true street album. Not the type of “street album” many soley associate with the phenom of trap houses and violence, but the project is a piece of hip hop art that takes us through authentic street dreams, situations, and thoughts. I consider this project a “street album,” because Stace gives off the passion and ambition of a street hustler throughout the project.  

Listen to the tape here. 

[Have You Heard] Beyond – ‘BYND FRIDAY’

Beyond has released one of the best projects that the indie scene has heard in a long time. BYND Friday will definitely catch the attention of listeners all over. Song after song Men$a, Dino, and Daylan deliver soulful beats and smooth lyrics. It is apparent that art was put into this project.

The opening song, “2 Dope Boyz,” featuring Bugg and Men$a, is a great track to introduce listeners to the album. This song sets the pace for what is to come. “Good vibes, good people…good music” is the catchy hook that begins the journey through the artists’ mind. Lamnobodi produced this laidback track that anyone can vibe to it. The raw lyrics and smooth beat fit hand in hand.

There is one song on the project that will make you have a flashback to a time when music was made for love-making. “Forever A Day” featuring Niko might just be the hottest song on the whole entire album. As soon as you hear Janet Jackson in the background singing, “In the thundering rain…”, you know it is about to go down.

Take a listen to this project and you are sure to find a song that you vibe with.

[Have You Heard] DJ Blak Boy – OG Maco’s ‘Live Life 2’ (Chopped and Screwed)

DJ Blak Boy has always been our source for the hottest mixes around town. This time he has slowed it down from the usual upbeat party music that we are accustomed to hearing from him.

OG Maco’s ‘Live Life 2’ is served to us chopped and screwed. It is not too often that we hear a track slowed down and twisted to give it a whole new sound. Adding this effect to music makes it a whole new song and DJ Blak Boy does it with perfection! He is definitely one of the best.

Peep the song after the jump.