There are some of us dedicated to rummaging the inner regions of the web in search of 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.
The St. Valentinez "Can I Get a Witness?/Outro".
Kicking off the list this week is a beautiful tune from Bay Area music collective and soul band who go by the name The St. Valentinez. The single in question titled "Can I Get a Witness?/Outro" is a 6-minute funk/soul overture that sounds like a live jam session from start to finish. It doesn't follow the normal song structure and progresses from energetic vocals to instrumental solo parts to smooth breakdowns and funk-filled switch-ups. This is way too much funk for us to handle so we had to share it with y'all.
Moco "Snowy"
NY based Singer Moco soothes out soul with her angelic vocals on this single titled "Snowy". Over a surreal and dreamy backdrop, she addresses the modern day social media influenced friendship/relationships where we are all collectively conditioned. We all hit the like button and send out quick messages on the pretext of showing love but Moco says "…The most genuine way to know one another is to offer up your time". Truer words have never been said so let that soul-stirring message sink in while you watch this video.
L.O.U. "Booth Confessions, Pt. 1."
"Booth Confessions, Pt. 1." is the first edition in the music series by emcee L.O.U. and it is a straight all-out bar-fest and nothing more. The production is handled by Big O who is working with the emcee on the aforementioned music series. Over a soul-drenched backdrop, L.O.U. also addresses many personal issues from fake friends to self-doubt but overall he let the listener know that he is ready to take on the world.
Nathan-Paul "Thinkin Bout Ya"
We take a left turn at this junction with this smooth jazz instrumental titled "Thinkin Bout Ya" from multi-instrumentalist Nathan-Paul. The music producer dedicated the soothing piece to the memory of his father who held nurture his musical talents from a young age. The record is a solid blend of jazz horns, rollicking drums and a warm bassline to match and feels like a breeze on a summer day.
Tieran "Dear Dilla"
Columbus hip-hop act Tieran delivers a solid tribute to the late great J-Dilla on the aptly titled "Dear Dilla" single. He goes really introspective in his verses and shows the listener the impact Dilla's music had on him and how it got him through the hard times and then some. The smooth production by producer Jtbs also follows a similar vein as it feels like a tribute in itself, with lush chords and punchy Dilla-esque drums. The song closes with a beautiful instrumental solo which only seems right when paying respects to the legendary producer. Get it on iTunes & Spotify
Kemi Ade "Honest"
We got some more smoothness on the list as South London based singer Kemi Ade brings that good old neo-soul R&B vibe on her new single "Honest."Hailing from Croydon, South London, and bringing neo-soul into the future, Kemi Ade delivers a melting pot of sounds; an effortless infusion of alternative neo-soul, jazz, hip-hop and folk.
There is a sense of liberation as her thoughts and feelings are laid bare and served up over luxuriant melodies.
Tragedy Khadafi & BP – "Upper Echelon"
We got some hardcore hip-hop from the legendary QB emcee Tragedy Khadafi and producer BP. Their tough-as-nails new single, “Upper Echelon," is filled with hard-hitting rhymes and of course gritty production. As expected Trag comes in strong with lines laced with real-talk braggadocio showing the veteran hasn't lost his edge on the mic. “Upper Echelon” is the first instant great track off BP and tragedy's Immortal Titans project.
Jamar Carr "Elevator" (feat. Breana Marin)
"Elevator" is the third single off Jamar's upcoming project Politically Incorrect II: Misedukkkation of Negro. The single is ann R&B tinged number that showcases a different side of the rapper. Over the smooth production, he displays his love for the apple of his eye with vivid lyrics while singer Breana Marin cements the vibe with a sultry chorus.
RENÉ "Worthy"
London artist RENÉ delivers a profound and emotive single titled "Worthy". Over a sombre piano-driven backdrop crafted by Nosa Apollo, RENÉ displays an emotionally powerful performance with her haunting vocals and distinct style. Tapping into the personal region, she draws the listener into her world with her lyrics and engulfing vocals as she opens up to explore delicate personal experiences. She is currently completing her debut, self-titled EP.
Jonny Bell "Stuck in Camden"
It's true story time as Philly raised emcee Jonny Bell weaves a tale of the night he got "Stuck in Camden" in New Jersey. Inspired by a true event, the emcee and his friend got stranded in NJ and with his phone battery out of juice, the duo had to devise a plan to get back to Philly.
Odessa Moon "Orange Can."
The self-proclaimed storyteller from Nashville, TN who goes by the moniker Odessa Moon delivers a poignant tune titled "Orange Can". The title is a reference to the pill bottle and the song explores the idea of being dependent on drugs, medically or self-prescribed. Quite morbid but it's something a lot of us can relate to some degree. She delivers her lines with such emotion and vividness over the stripped down piano-driven backdrop enough to bring the listener closer to where the action is.
If you dug what you heard, you can revisit our previous episodes of "The Slice" here.
