There are some of us dedicated to rummaging the inner regions of the web in search for that good alternative urban music and serving it directly to music lovers.
This initiative is what we call "The Slice" at EARMILK. Every fortnight we share with you 10 ear-grabbing songs from genres ranging from hip-hop, grime, soul , afrobeat/pop and dancehall. So let us do the digging for you while you sit back, relax to some brilliantly crafted music from around the globe.
1 Dela Ville "Graduation"
Rising Montreal based emcee Dela Ville brings a unique touch to personal raps on his new record titled "Graduation". The laid-back soundscape(produced by Jerry De Villiers Jr) affords him the opportunity to highlight the struggles faced by young creatives like himself when trying to function within the educational system and play by the rules. Ville describes feeling out of place and aggravated sitting in classrooms while his passions call to him and his mind races.
The visuals captured by local videographer Ron Gold provides the perfect anthem for recent graduates, students finishing a tough semester or young artists who have decided to take their lives and careers into their own hands.
Listen to the full version of this song on the Connect EP! Available on all platforms: Spotify , iTunes Smart URL
2 Ryan "Pull Up (Prod. by Fortune) "
Rising singer/songwriter Ryan comes through with a smooth banger titled "Pull Up". He teams up with producer Fortune who prepares a neck-snapping trap soundscape that perfectly fits Ryan's melodic flow and commanding vocal tone. The jam is a brilliant blend of hip-hop and r&b with a retro gangsta lean synth vibe.
3. Charlie X "Say Something" feat. Mon Lee
Lagos based producer Charlie X teams up with singer Mon Lee for another one off release called "Say Something". The somber soundscape feels like a mental getaway from the madness of the world but for Mon Lee, he uses it to ask pertinent questions that he thinks everyone in love should try to answer.
4 Hythum " Bliss"
Alternative Hip-Hop artist Hythum delivers a nostalgia-inducing record titled "Bliss" and we can say it exudes the same traits as the title. Using live instruments and taking inspiration from different genres, Hythum delivers his music in a distinct manner far from the norm. "Bliss" was inspired by the thoughtless moments found throughout life and the perspective they give us.
"Bliss" is the first single off Hythum's new album Old Major and was shot at Lake Mirage, Los Angeles California and directed by Bobby Hanaford. It's a simple visual that showcases the artist's performance styled approach.
5. Mekdes " Right Direction"
19-year-old singer Mekdes is definitely in the "Right Direction" with her own unique take on the soul genre. She might be young but she sounds years ahead of her age. Her newest record sees her savoring the summer moments with her friends without any worries about what the future may bring. Crafted in a very organic soul-drenched style, Mekdes adds that the hook on the record was written on a bus while on her way home (or probably somewhere else). She is currently signed to an indie label which affords her the necessary creative freedom she needs.
6. Crystal Velez "Lies"
Crystal Velez delivers a unique blend of uplifting r&b/pop on her newest record titled "Lies". The record pretty much deals with her confronting a lying individual and how she plans on making the situation right. Her vocal style is angelic and blends easily against the dreamy backdrop provided for her to paint her stories. "Lies" is taken from her latest debut album Make Up My Mind which is out now
7. Big O " No Way – No How (Instrumental)"
Orlando Turner aka Big O helps to switch things up with this instrumental record he calls "No How". The UK born producer/recording and mixing engineer started making beats at an early age. This new record is a mellow cut that taps into the listener's soul with its rhythmic groove and lush neo-soul type keys. The "No Way-No How (Instrumental)" is the original track from Queens, New York artist L.O.U. Him and Big O released a collaborative project called The South Side of Things on May 5th 2017 that featured artist such as Skyzoo, Raye Cole & more.
8 Nesta Shook My Dreads
Born, Marcus Gayle, to Rastafarian parents in Queens New York. Nesta spent his early years absorbing the music that his parents would play in the house, including that of his father, a respected musician himself. His newest output is a 6 track EP titled Shook My Dreads. The project is a blend of soul, trap and his Jamaican roots. He brings a wide variety of vibes on the project while touching on personal experiences.
okay(K) teams up with vocalist Sara Salamat on his latest record titled "Nobody Said It Was Easy". The ethereal production serves as the perfect canvass for okay(K)'s quirky vocal style which showcases his left field writing style somewhat reminiscent of acts such as Kid Cudi. Sara Salmat comes through with a mellow delivery backing up the main act.
10 Solomons Garden "Ego"
In celebration of the one year anniversary of Solomons Garden’s first EP Welcome to the Garden’ the quartet share with us the most popular track off the EP "Ego". The record is a smooth soul-hop type banger that showcases their soul-drenched vocal styles and hip-hop influences. The group consist of 4 core members; MKFWI, Chanel Hemmings, Erica Torres and Dan ‘The Whizz’ Todd
EXTRA SLICE
Noah Slee x Delusion "Maybe"
Noah Slee never disappoints and he is back again with another upbeat soulful jam he calls "Maybe". On this tune, he teams up with German production collaborator Delusion, who laces Noah with a super funky backdrop that enriches Noah Slee's characteristic swagger taking the record to soulful heights, driven by textured percussion and a groove that promises to be a dancefloor filler.
