[Hip-Hop] Kai Mella – Lowkey Alcoholic

Kai Mella
Lowkey Alcoholic

There’s a new emcee in the game that goes by the name Kai Mella. “Lowkey Alcoholic” is the first single from the project and it’s already got us hooked with its catchy hip-hop sound.

First thing that comes to mind is that this could easily be on the radio. It’s got just the right type of sound with lively lyrics and a beat that is to die for. It’s not one of those hip-hop tracks that feels watered down and lifeless, instead Kai delivers a song that’s easy to sing/rap along to while you sway to the instrumental. With this being his first single, only time will tell where he can go. Judging from this, he’s got potential to do some real damage and takeover the game.

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Kai Straw – Cherry Corvette [TMN Premiere]


Kai Straw is set to release his album very soon. Toothpick was incredible, but given the recent singles from GUN, we’re expecting an even better LP this time around. The last single has hit the web today and you’ll be hearing it first here in the dojo. Let’s take a ride in “Cherry Corvette” shall we?

One thing I particularly enjoy about a lot of Kai’s music is that it tells a story. “Cherry Corvette” paints a vibrant picture with its lyrics despite the general tone of the song being much more chill and mysterious. Kai delivers a tasteful single that will usher us into the Fall in style. You’d be mistaken to miss out on this one. “Cherry Corvette” is out today in full, so if you’d like a copy you can grab one now from digital stores or add it to your playlist!

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[Rap] Scarlxrd- 6 Feet

Scarlxrd
6 Feet

Today we have a new track from UK artist Scarlxrd called “6 Feet”. From hearing Scar for the first time you can tell he falls in the category of rappers like XXXtentacion who have been inspired by other genres of music besides rap. Even with his screaming on most of his tracks you can still coherently understand the lyrics unlike other artists.

Throughout his Soundcloud Scar categories his music as Trap Metal, with heavy bass and hi-hats along with his shrieking yells his music reminds me of early Slipknot, XXXtentacion and even early Linkin Park. In the song he talks about how he’s still standing strong after being through the worst things in life. As the song goes on Scar talks about how he bottles his hatred inside; he has no tears left and he loses himself when he’s high. He even talked about leaving the love of his life though he hopes she dies.

I enjoy Scar’s music because it connects to a part in everyone that is mad at the world and depressed. But with his great production from a multitude of different producers, his lyrics which are still clear even with his Corey Taylor-esque yelling, Scar will be able to carve a core audience that will be loyal to him and his music. I suggest you look at his music videos which are very enjoyable and different. On his Soundcloud he says LXRDSZN is coming soon, whether it’s a mixtape or a full album I can’t wait to see what it entails and I hope he comes to the United States to tour.

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[Hip-Hop] Lil Uzi Vert- Luv is Rage 2 (Album Review)

Today I review the newest project released by Philly rapper Lil Uzi Vert a sequel to his Luv is Rage album from 2015. Luv is Rage was the first project I listened to by Uzi and since then I’ve been a fan, with his songs being used in commercials and his popularity skyrocketing he has positioned himself to be the frontrunner of this new generation of rappers.

With the release of the first single XO Tour Life it made fans that much more excited for the release of Luv is Rage 2. To me this album didn’t really live up to the hype that “XO Tour Life” gave fan but I was hopeful. Even though some tracks didn’t interest me much, Uzi shows that he continues to grow both as an artist and a person.

One subject he brings up a lot in this album is the deterioration of his relationship with his girlfriend Brittany. She has been an inspiration for his music ever since 2014 now both have separated and Uzi is moving forward, he shows this on the track titled “X”. Produced by Pi’erre Bourne who also produced Playboi Carti’s “Magnolia”, Uzi talks about him not wanting Brittany anymore not knowing what the future holds for him when he raps,
“I don’t know what’s next/ I don’t want my ex, no/ Break up with a text/ I’m not tryna flex/ Girl you know the rest (bye, bye, hoe)”

He continues talking about his heartbreak when he raps,

“Yeah, my life’s a mess/ But I’m also blessed/ My heart’s in the junkyard cause it’s wrecked/ And today’s not feeling like it’s used to/ You got stuck up in that life that you used to/ If you got hurt, yeah, I got bruised to”

I like how these lyrics show that Uzi was so close to Brittany that if she was hurt he would feel it almost like they were identical twins. He showed that this relationship has taken a tole on him saying that he was a wreck. Even before this track was released their relationship was always up in the air when Uzi got more successful. There were rumors that they had broken up in 2015 but then Uzi let everyone know they were back together again. But I guess there came a breaking point and he had had enough. As the track continues Uzi compares himself to Leonardo Dicaprio saying he can take any guys girl and that he has girls in his phone who look like New New, a character from the movie ATL. He continues to talk about his heartbreak and how he’ll get over it in the song “The Way Life Goes”.

This track surprised me because it wasn’t full of bass, hi-hats and autotuned mumbling like most standard Uzi track but instead we have a melodic, chill vibe and not that much autotune on his voice. He raps about how much he cared for Brittany and because of the heartbreak he tried to fill that hole with another girl when he raps,

“Wish I never ever ever told you things/ I was only only trying to show you things/ Iced out heart on your neck trying to froze your ring/ I had to get me a new bitch to hold the pain/ We was in Hawaii looking at the ring/ She was smiling happy but I’m laughing cause her man a lame”
Even though Uzi found a replacement for Brittany, he doesn’t have the same feelings for her. While she’s over the moon happy having the ring on her finger Uzi is laughing because he knows that the girls real partner is lame and isn’t as wealthy as Uzi. For the chorus of the song Uzi uses the first verse the song Landslide by Oh Wonder, a London pop band. The chorus says,

“I know it hurts sometimes but you’ll get over it/ You’ll find another life to live/ I swear that you’ll get over it/ I know you’re sad and tired / You’ve got nothing left to give/ You’ll find another life to live/ I know that you’ll get over it”
This chorus perfectly describes Uzi’s feelings now that his relationship is now over. This song will be used by every heartbroken guy or girl for years to song. I wouldn’t be surprised if you heard this song be the next radio single for Uzi. Finally the song that I enjoyed the most and have been singing and listening to repeat since I first heard it “Neon Guts”.

On the track it is both featuring and being produced by Skateboard P, Pharrell. I was so excited when I saw this track because Uzi went on Pharrell’s Apple Radio show and posted a picture together on Instagram thus making my mouth water thinking of what a track with the two artist would be like and damn they did not disappoint. This song changed the dim outlook Uzi was having because of his ex and did a 180 to become happy and hype at the same time. Both P and Uzi are very colorful people and have always been considered “weird” by the hip-hop community because of their fashion choices rather than their music. But with these guys on one track, I never knew I wanted a Uzi/Pharrell collab album but I do now and I hope they do it. On the track itself both talk about their colorful personalities and how that they don’t let “dark energy” effect them.

Overall this album was good but it’s not Uzi’s best work. Even with these tracks I talked about that will garner praise from both Uzi fans and critics, there are some tracks on this album that you can skip and you won’t miss anything. If you want to hear the progression of Uzi I encourage you to listen to the first Luv is Rage and compare the two. Continuing on the sequels of albums, it’s rumored that Uzi is working on Lil Uzi vs The World 2 so I will be excited to see what Uzi has working on even after dropping this project.

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[Gotta Be] Fresh Coat Mural Festival – LA Arts District – 10/7

We’re gearing up for another trip out to LA. This time, we’ll be hitting up the inagural Fresh Coat Mural Festival, which takes place on the streets of DTLA on October 7th. A beautiful blend of art, music, food, and drinks, this brand spankin’ new block party has something for just about everyone.

Legendary local and national street artists Drew Merritt, Breeze, Vyal, It’s a living, Axis, Carley Ealey, Andrew Hem, and OG Slick will be taking over walls in the Arts District, serving up incredible, live street art for everyone who comes down. On top of that, there are local, curated food trucks from LA dishing out tasty bites, alongside of brews from Angel City Brewing and hand-crafted cocktails featuring Hansen’s Soda.

As if that wasn’t reason enough for you to head down, there’s also a top-notch musical lineup. The day kicks off with old school, hip-hop icons, The Beat Junkies, followed by Peanut Butter Wolf and The Hood Internet. Rounding out the bill are a handful of TMN favorites. Viceroy, who was one of our Resident Artists here at TMN, and the ever-so-chill Poolside. The cherry on top? RJD2 will be closing out the night. We’ve admittedly never seen him live, so you’ll find us front and center as soon as he takes the decks.

The best thing about this fest? It’s free. That’s right. The organizers, The Container Yard and Hansen’s Soda have you covered. All you have to do is RSVP and you’re good to go.

’Poolside – Next to You’
’Poolside & Fatnotronic – Esperar Pra Ver’
’RJD2 – Peace Of What’
’RJD2 – 20 Grand Palace’
’RJD2 – Smoke & Mirrors’
’Stayin’ Alive (Viceroy Edit – TMN EXCLUSIVE)’
’50 Cent – Disco Inferno (Viceroy Jet Life Remix)’
’Peanut Butter Wolf feat. 50 Grand of Homeliss Derilex
Max Mode(1995)’
’Charizma & PB Wolf – Tell You Something (1992)’
’Mocky – Sweet Things (The Hood Internet Remix ft. Donwill)’
’Beat Junkies – Classic material vol 1 ( full mixtape )’
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Hoody Time – KNOCK [TMN Premiere]

Hoody Time
KNOCK

The New Zealand resident hip-hop head Hoody Time is back in the dojo. To kick off the end of the week we’re presenting his newest single “KNOCK” in this premiere. Not only do we have that, but we have a little bonus content for you from camp Hoody Time.

“KNOCK” is a fun track even by Hoody Time standards. He always cooks up off-the-wall tracks that are lively and exciting, but here he gets a bit “goofy” as he states in his own words. The track was produced by Public, aka Justin Manas the former drummer of Stray From The Path. Hoody Time is always a good time, as you’ll see from “KNOCK” as well as the music video for his single “Backpack.” Take some time to experience each and stay tuned for more from Hoody Time!

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[Music Video] LEViT∆TE & Macntaj – Pins & Needles

“Pins & Needles” takes from LEViT∆TE & Macntaj takes us one step closer to the treasure. What is the treasure you might ask? It’s LEViT∆TE & Macntaj’s highly anticipated EP, Omni. As a visionary producer, LEViT∆TE will blow people away with this project and he’s already got started.

With now hearing the second single from the EP, we’re getting an idea of where things are going for this and we’re excited. “Pins & Needles” is a smash, with a lovable abrasiveness to its style. Not only do we get to hear the track before the EP comes, but we’ve got a striking blood red music video to go along with. Together they pack a mean punch. Check out the video below and grab a copy of the single from digital stores today.

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