In preparation for the ever-elusive “Grand Design” release, Pizzle just dropped a new track, “Rap Game”. The song is the first release from the project to see the light of day, which would lead one to believe that it will be out in just a short matter of time. No official release date has been announced, but in the meantime, “Rap Game” should hold you over. Check it out below:
Tag: Milwaukee Rap
AUDIO: Mashio – “Free Crack” (Premiere)
Milwaukee emcee Mashio is probably best known for his work with producer/emcee Dahm, but the duo have set out to release their own separate projects as well, as an addition to the group’s sound. The first of Mashio’s releases from his upcoming solo project, “Complicated Melodies” is “Free Crack”, which is produced by Dahm. According to Mashio, the project’s name comes from “The complications of the everyday Afro male life. The melodies are songs from the free spirit that no one can take away.” Check out “Free Crack” below, and look out for “Complicated Melodies” in the near future.
AUDIO: Dana Coppafeel, SPEAK Easy, and Vincent VAN GREAT – “Cake (Remix)”
With Uni-Fi Records “VII Days” project, we’re confirming what we already know: Dana Coppafeel and SPEAK Easy have verses for days, and the Uni-Fi crew is very talented as a whole. “Cake (remix) is no exception. With the feature from Vincent VanGREAT contributing to the mix, you’re in for a treat. According to the label, this track was actually deconstructed after it was originally recorded, and remade from scratch after the artists weren’t really feeling it. It’s a good thing that the track exists in its current state, however, and you can enjoy it below:
AUDIO: El Shareef, Dana Coppafeel, and SPEAK Easy – “Do It Again”
Uni-Fi Records have a little bit of extra material held over from 2014’s “Uni-Fi Records Mixtape: Volume One”, and they’ve come up with an interesting strategy to get that music out to the people. They’ll be releasing seven tracks over the course of seven days, and day one features a banger. “Do It Again” by El Shareef, along with Raplords Dana Coppafeel and SPEAK Easy, showcases the talented and collaborative nature of the label as a whole. This is definitely a track that you’ll want to keep listening to, and it’s only day one. Check it out below:
AUDIO: Klassik – “Hi Klass”
Klassik is speeding through his season-themed mixtapes, in anticipation of his “Seasons” LP to culminate the previous four releases. With one single already released, “Hi Klass” is the second track to be declared a single from “Seasons”, and may appear on the upcoming “Autumn” EP as well. The track combines Klassik’s signature smooth, piano/orchestral production with the rigidness of contemporary hip hop/trap drums, vocal effects, and, wait for it, tenor saxophone. If you didn’t know by now, Klassik is a multi-instrumentalist, to say the least. Check out “Hi Klass” and see for yourself. You’ll be glad that you did:
AUDIO – Dahm & Mashio – “Bitche$”
Sometimes, you just need to wil’ out. If there’s any track that exemplifies that, it’s this new one from young Milwaukee emcees Dahm and Mashio. The track is about, well exactly what you think what it’s about, but before you take it at face value, give it a listen. It’s all meant in good clean fun. And whether you like it or not, it’s gonna get stuck in your head. The track is part of the duo’s new release, “The Sonic Aesthetic EP”, which comes out July 4th. So enjoy that. Check out the track below:
Milwaukee Artist of the Week – 4/10/15 – Lorde Fredd33
This week’s Milwaukee Artist of the Week is Lorde Fredd33, one of several names buzzing in the city’s hip hop scene. He’s a member of the out-of-the-box collective New Age Narcissism, and that’s very apparent on his latest EP, “33: The Education”. His style is all about delivery, with a spastic tone to it at times. More than anything, he is full of originality, which is something that couldn’t be said about Milwaukee hip hop, much less hip hop in general, for a long time.
Things begin with “100 Miles”, a track that eases you into Fredd33’s sound, with a smooth flow throughout, and a saxophone solo at the end to boot. Things pick up with the Khiri-produced “Inherlude”, where the beat is just as laid back, but the verses are anything but. This is the first real chance to hear Fredd33 spit in his normal, sort of all over but kinda not way. “Foreign” is a little bit bouncier, and Fredd33 comes in with his flow pushing the track forward. There’s also a little bit of subtle harmony to the hook, but it’s not so over the top that it sounds like he is reaching.
“Nacho Girl” is a slowed-down, trippy track. With some screwed vocals and a jazz sample, this track has a real late-night feel to it. While the tempo might be on the lower end of the BPM scale, you can’t help but rock along with it. That’s followed by “Limb”, which features a bright, glistening piano. Producer Q The Sun definitely provided Lorde Fredd33 with a great canvas to work with throughout this EP, having worked on five of the seven tracks. Fredd33’s flow provides ample bounce to offset the bright instrumentation, giving the tracks even more life.
Things round out with “Time” and “MWME”. The first of these tracks is a wandering, spacy song, much in line with the rest of the project. “MWME” is the other track not produced by Q The Sun, but Sani does a good job of staying with that same motif. Things close out on a good note, with another track that you can bounce along to, even though it carries a mostly laid back tempo.
Lorde Fredd33 is just one of a wave of new artists in Milwaukee that are emphasizing the creative part of their music. Rather than falling into the mold, they’re breaking it, much in the style of artists like Tyler, The Creator and Chance the Rapper that have found their voice outside of the conventional hip hop format. Lorde Fredd33 is definitely deserving of those comparisons, as well as the whole of New Age Narcissism. Look for many more exciting things in the future.
VIDEO: Jay Smoove Featuring Rampage – “Raybans”
The oft-underrated emcee Jay Smoove is back with a vengeance on his new track, “Raybans”. Armed with a slick, jazzy beat, and a feature from Rampage, Jay gets to go off with an elaborate flow that he brings every time you let him on the mic. Keep your head nodding to the track, and you may have to rewind a few times to catch all the lines, but it’s worth it for sure. Check out the video below:
VIDEO: Cherub Satori – “Work For Me”
Milwaukee emcee turned Atlanta transplant Cherub Satori is back with his latest visual, which dropped a couple weeks ago. “Work For Me” is the first single from his “Livin’ Like I Made It” mixtape, which also was recently released. The video is smooth, shot by member of Wave Chapelle’s Blue Lemon Clique. Cherub also does his thing, as we’ve seen him do many times in the past. Check out the video below:
VIDEO: Shle Berry – “From Milwaukee”
One of the greatest things about Milwaukee’s current musical climate is that newcomers can (and do) pop up out of seemingly nowhere all the time with an abundance of talent. Even more importantly, the names that are emerging now, regardless of genre, are incredibly talented. Enter Shle Berry, a female emcee with a super skilled flow. While she has been around for a couple of years, she is making a name for herself with some of her newest work. Her latest visual is for “From Milwaukee”, a lyrical exercise over a cypher beat. Shle Berry makes it clear, though, that she is no slouch when it comes to the microphone. Check out the video for “From Milwaukee” below:
VIDEO: Klassik – “STAGESlayer” Live at Krave Dance Club (SXSW 2015)
One of the highlights of Klassik’s busy South By Southwest schedule this year was Hustle Simmons’ Hustlepalooza, held annually at Krave Dance Club. The crowd was out in full force on 6th St. to see the show in the middle of the last day of SXSW, and they were into Klassik for sure. STAGESlayers is from Klassik’s most recent release, “Summer”, which you can check out here. See the live version below:
VIDEO: WebsterX Featuring Siren Live at Antone’s Record Shop (SXSW 2015)
When I heard that WebsterX was playing South By Southwest this year, I was pretty stoked. Then I heard that there was going to be a Third Man Records showcase, and being a huge Jack White fan, I was even more stoked. I came to find out that WebsterX was playing the Third Man showcase, and I was on the next flight to Austin. Kidding. But the combination of the two made this a must-see on my SXSW agenda. WebsterX put together a fun set inside of a record store, and still managed to communicate his unique flavor of hip hop to the crowd. Check it out in the clips below:
Milwaukee Artist of the Week – 2/20/2015 – B. Alxndr
This week’s Milwaukee Artist of the Week is B. Alxndr, an emcee with an EP that blends hip hop and R&B into an EP with a story to tell. His latest “Memoirs of a Broken Heart” was released last October, and in doing so, it helped get his name out to the world. This is a project that is beyond the traditional, and a smart way for an artist to make an introduction.
The EP begins with an interesting choice, introducing the narrative that is about to unfold. “Love Song” is B. Alxndr’s chance to spit over 311’s cover of The Cure, and a unique take on a unique take on the original. While this is sometimes risky for artists to do on a project, he manages to pull it off, with quality editing and mastering of the original track, and his verses complimenting 311’s version of the song. This follows with “I Want You”, a combination R&B/hip hop record featuring Kal’L. By this point in the EP, it’s safe to assume that B. Alxndr has taken the time to craft a project around a consistent theme, and has done so well.
“Stay With Me” is where the emotions change. Much like in a relationship turned sour, this track represents the initial, off the cuff frustrations with where things are headed. More vocal compliments come in the form of features by Jonathan M Law and Jackie B. There’s a solid balance on this project; no one feature is overused, and that speaks a lot about everyone involved. Many times, artists try to utilize a feature in songs to get the most out of them, and it can sound forced at times. This is the opposite of that. The right features come in at the right times, and it adds to the narrative of the EP.
The frustrations take a turn for the worse on “No Feedback”, as you get to hear a more up-tempo track about a couple with a communication problem. B.Alxndr gets the chance to not only switch up the flow on this track, but the momentum of the EP, as well. The frustrations turn to anger on “Dear Love”, a well written track about how to take things as they come. The song is another chance to show off the diversity of styles as an artist, while moving the story forward. Intertwined in all of this are several phone call interludes that help clarify things.
“Leave Me (Part 2)” starts to bring the EP home, and sort of represents the calm after the storm. In essence, this is B. Alxnder turning the page, and moving on post-breakup. The project comes to a close on “Superstar”, an uplifting track that sets everything straight, but leaves the door in the sense that everything isn’t completely great after the drama played out in the previous tracks. All in all, it brings things to a close, and there’s definitely a cohesive story that plays out as the EP goes on.
Writing any sort of musical project with a narrative from start to finish isn’t an easy task. That is partially why you don’t see as many concept albums in today’s musical landscape. However, “Memoirs of a Broken Heart” is done well, and should help propel B. Alxndr’s name in Milwaukee and elsewhere. Check out the project below:
AUDIO: Dee Phr3sh! Featuring Genesis Renji – “Medici”
Earlier this week, Dee Phr3sh! was set to drop a new track, “Get Away” from his upcoming “Soule” project. Instead, he called an audible, and today we’re getting “Medici” featuring another Milwaukee up-and-comer, Genesis Renji. With production from TONY!, “Medici” has a smooth, laid back vibe to it, but the verses are anything but laid back. Dee and Genesis hit the track with an arsenal of lyrics. The end result is a major track that clocks in at just under three minutes. Make sure you check this one out. Stream “Medici” below:
VIDEO: Dana Coppafeel & SPEAK Easy – “This Is Us (Remix)”
Today we’ve got new visuals from the Uni-Fi Records dudes, namely Raplords Dana Coppafeel & SPEAK Easy. Armed with a heavy trap beat, the duo spit their respective verses with their own unique flare, and some crazy visuals (edited by Dana Coppa) compliment the track well. The track is a remix to a song featuring Klassik, and the remix is featured on the Uni-Fi Records Volume One mixtape.
VIDEO: Will In The Sky – “Lucid” (Premiere)
Milwaukee native Will in the Sky put together a solid project, “Sunyata” in 2014, and now has visuals to go along with that. We’re proud to premiere “Lucid”, a verse from the mixtape that has Will spitting full bars over a hypnotic beat. Couple that with his treatment of the video and that pulls the whole package together. Will is always putting out new music, so I would expect more from him in 2015, and definitely an advancement past “Sunyata” into new territories as an artist. Check out the visuals for “Lucid” below:
AUDIO: D. Bridge – “Forgive Me For Flexin'”
2015 is already shaping up to be a great year for Milwaukee hip hop, and D. Bridge’s first track of the year, “Forgive Me For Flexin'”, is a great addition to the overall scope of things here. With a strong beat from producer XYZ, D. Bridge plays the ultra cool role all over the production. Be on the lookout for more in the near future from D. Bridge, and if it’s anything like this, we’re in for a treat. Check out “Forgive Me For Flexin'” below:
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AUDIO: IshDARR – “Vibe”
The onslaught of quality Milwaukee hip hop is in full effect in 2015. One of the latest to drop something of the highest quality is IshDARR, who recently put out “Vibe”. This track kind of has that smooth, 90’s feel to it, with a signature flow to go over it. This track is anticipation of “Old Soul, Young Spirit” which is due out in the near future. Make sure you give this track a listen, and be on the lookout for more new music from IshDARR coming soon.
AUDIO: Raplords (Dana Coppa & SPEAKEasy) Featuring El Shareef – “Ain’t Got”
Dana Coppa & SPEAK Easy, along with producer Mammyth, make up Raplords. They, along with impressive up-and-comer El Shareef are back with a new track, “Ain’t Got”. With a laid back vibe throughout, El, Dana, and Speak put together the perfect song to cruise through a snowy Milwaukee to. Top notch production from Mammyth and White Russian helps to set up the track, and the three emcees get their turn to smooth it out. Something tells me there’s only more to come from Uni-Fi Records in the near future. Check out “Ain’t Got” below:
Milwaukee Artist of the Week – 1/30/2015 – Tay Butler & Haz Solo
This week’s Milwaukee Artist(s) of the Week are Tay Butler & Haz Solo, Milwaukee emcees with style for miles and a flow to match. A veteran of the Milwaukee’s hip hop scene, Tay is on that ever elusive quest to be declared mayor, and if his rhymes are his campaign, then he’s definitely getting lots of votes. Haz Solo is also a legend in the making in his own right, with an impressive discography full of great production and clever wordplay. The duo’s latest offering is “Silkies & House Shoes 2”, the follow-up to last year’s well received collaboration album. The tape has already gotten crazy exposure, and deservingly so.
SNHS2 kicks off with an intro discussing the current state of things in Milwaukee, and then “Miller Brewed”, in which Haz and Tay begin trading verses over the slicker-than-most production. Tay does a great job of describing both emcee’s sound when he says “so so classic, flow so modern”. Mid-track, things switch up, and gets even funkier, with the two going line for line with each other. Then, in the same track, things smooth out. Essentially, the first real song on the project could be three different tracks, but combined, it makes for an absolutely bonkers five minutes.
“Come Home With Me” is Haz’s style from the jump, with a grainy vinyl sample dictating an ultra laid back flow. Both get a chance to go off verbally with clever lines, making it sound effortless in the process. That leads into “The Glue”, centered around a beat full of thick percussion. Tay takes the intensity up on his verse, talking passionately about how Milwaukee handles their business, and Haz taking the calmer route. It makes for an interesting dynamic, and an entertaining track overall.
At this point, we hit a trio of songs that aren’t produced by Haz Solo; “Smack Tape” (CAME One), “Old Plair” (Deonte Hayes), and “Always Gonna Be Good” (Propa). While Haz has his own unique production flair, these tracks don’t sound out of place at all. To boot, the duo go bananas on the tracks as well, going the hardest on single “Smack Tape”. “Old Plair” brings things down a bit, but that flow comes back with Propa’s beat on “Always Gonna Be Good”. Not that anyone was doubting it, but Haz and Tay prove that they can take anyone’s production and make it that much greater with their delivery on it.
The closing section of this album is more of the same, stylish sound. “Modest Menace” is Haz’s chance to meditate over a spacy beat, and “Distilled Lovers, Parts 1 and 2” keeps that vibe. The first half of the latter track is a grainy, retro love song with a new-school flow over it, and part two gives the subject matter a modern reboot. The two keep rhyming, as they hit the outro with verses, as well. The bonus tracks, “Beat” and “Cuban Linx” give the two a chance to step outside of the box. “Beat” is instrumental, as you could probably guess, but does so much to show off Haz’s skilled production. “Cuban Linx”, produced by Derelle Rideout, is one last swing from the duo, as they do more than their share of spazzing over a backpack beat. All in all, they don’t necessarily meet the style of the rest of SNHS, but that’s why they’re a bonus.
Bottom line, “Silkies And House Shoes 2” should be your favorite rapper’s favorite album. Applause all around. Check out the project below:
AUDIO: Vincent vanGREAT Featuring Vonny Del Fresco, El Shareef, and A.P.R.I.M.E. – “Critical Contition”
SAFS Crew producer Vincent vanGREAT and Uni-Fi Records are kicking off their 2015 with a bang. This new track, “Critical Condition” is a punch in the mouth, with an amped up energy, and features from three strong emcees. El Shareef, Vonny Del Fresco, and A.P.R.I.M.E. of AUTOMatic all get to hop all over this beat, and definitely do their best work on it. This is a certified head nodder, and I’ll almost guarantee you’ll go back to listen to it multiple times.
VIDEO: WebsterX Featuring Siren – “Doomsday”
So… This has been out for a couple days, and I look like I’ve been sleeping on it, but believe me when I say that WebsterX has that special something with his new video “Doomsday”. The first time I watched this video, I saw about 20 seconds and told myself that it didn’t belong on a computer screen. I watched it again on my television, and it’s friggin’ beautiful. Directed by Cody LaPlant & Damien Klaven, the video is poignantly cinematic. Oh, and on top of that, WebsterX laces a smooth beat with his signature style. Check this thing out below:
AUDIO: Prynce Picasso – “Forever Gold” 2 (Premiere)
Prynce Picasso shot over his new mixtape, “Forever Gold 2” today, and now we have the luxury of co-premiering it with CopyWrite Magazine. Led by single “Hold It Down” Picasso’s new tape is seven tracks of a reintroduction for everyone that picked up the first installment of the mixtape, and to an even wider population, an introduction to Prynce Picasso’s sound and flair. And it’s Prynce Picasso’s birthday, so you have to listen to it. Make sure you check out the tape below:
AUDIO: Klassik – “Winter (EP)”
Klass is back in session. One of Milwaukee’s most versatile talents, Klassik, is back with his “Winter” EP, the first in a four part “Seasons” series. At the heart of this EP is single “Andromeda”, which features Chicago’s Bone Lang. However, from the first verse of “STRNGRS”, it’s apparent that everything Klassik is doing is next level. There’s impeccable production here, and the features from Bone Lang and ¡OYE! compliment this project perfectly. We’re watching Klassik take off here. Check out “Winter” below:
VIDEO: Klutch – “Still Good” Live at Riverwest Public House
The headliner of the January 2nd show at Riverwest Public House was Klutch, who organized and orchestrated a quality lineup from top to bottom. With an event that consisted of a cypher and four solid openers, Klutch kept his fans going as the night ran to a close. With a developed stage presence, Klutch is a name to watch for in the local hip hop scene, especially with 2015 just beginning. Check out the clip for “Still Good” from the show below:
