The dedication to rummaging the inner regions of the web in search of that good alternative urban music is a time-honored tradition. For us here at EARMILK, this initiative is what we call "The Slice". Every fortnight we share with you 10 ear-grabbing songs from genres ranging from hip-hop, grime, soul, afrobeat/pop and dancehall. So sit back and relax as we dig through some brilliantly crafted music from around the globe.
Cymba & Victoria Rojas, "Ghost Girl"
"Ghost Girl" is a smooth collaboration between Chi-town producer Cymba and singer-songwriter Victoria Rojas. Over an atmospheric downtempo backdrop, Rojas delivers an emotionally gripping performance reminiscent of Sia. Her tender vocals envelopes the ever progressive soundscape with an ethereal vibe that brings new meaning to the title. "Ghost Girl" is the fourth release from the producer-singer duo and with plans on making more songs in the nearest future.
Obi Khan, "SYBIL"
Madison, WI, based emcee Obi Khan returns from a two-decade hiatus this year and has since put out four projects. His newest release "Sybil" is a tour de force of lyrics over hard-hitting boombap beats. The song is divided into two halves. The first part has a mellow, more soulful feel which allows Khan to touch on a bunch of personal topics. The second half, however, gets more gritty with a somber soundscape and a more braggadocio driven verse from the rapper. "Sybil" is off his upcoming project THC-4which you can preorder here
DJ Snips, "The Product"
Producer DJ Snips delivers solid summer-tinged vibes on his new release titled "The Product". DJ Snips crafts a smooth jazz influenced record that has an undeniable bounce. The song features spoken word artist William Stowe who paints a picture of existing in modern day Hackney, East London. The single is off his upcoming EP London Livin which will be out in September
Marco Dupa, "Sing, Mama"
Indie emcee Marco Dupa lays out his frustrations on his new song "sing, mama". Over a laid-back soulful soundscape, he talks about the lack of total support from some of the people in his life and how that affects him internally. This is truly poignant and something every musician out there can easily relate to.
Beem, "Helvetica" (feat. Bahamadia)
Philly rap legend Bahamadia teams up with experimental producer Beem on this solid track titled "Helvetica". The Swedish producer crafts a quirky, dense backdrop to create this intergalactic sound. It's something straight out of the left field but Bahamadia seems at home over the off-kilter beat. She shows she hasn't lost the pep in her step as she delivers thought-provoking bars with intent and passion. Beem shares, "The track is a comment on the addictive sides of social media."
Yung Jewelz, "Higher" (feat. Vitamin Cea, Dolla Black, Savvy)
Yung Jewelz serves us a strong posse cut on her new release titled "Higher". The track has a mellow, summery vibe to it and features some of her fellow rising acts from the region including Savvy, Dolla Black and Vitamin Cea. Each emcee brings their unique flavour to the mix, while the visual showcases the entire crew as one united front."Higher" is taken from her 'Earth Day' EP.
Scott Xylo, "Hold On"
UK producer Scott Xylo delivers another genre-bending instrumental in the form of his new release titled "Hold On". The record is highly imaginative and compelling as it traverses a myriad of styles from jazz, hip-hop, experimental to down-tempo elements. The visual is pretty abstract as well and taps into the emotions of the two main characters involved. Without fully expatiating on the situation, the video is left for the listener to interpret.
"Hold On" is taken from his full-length project Find Us When You Get There
Joslyn and the Sweet Compression, "Don't You Bother"
We had to switch things up with some soulful funk from Joslyn and the Sweet Compression. The band delivers a solid one with this visual for their song "Don't You Bother" containing classic and vintage production. Alongside Joslyn's rich and alluring vocals, this is definitely a winner as they blend the old and the new with a sound that will get funk lovers craving for more.
Tonedeff, "Five Sisters"
Tonedeff delivers the stunning animated visuals for his concept song "Five Sisters". The song dwells on the struggles of a family of 5 sisters in a strange land united under a strong Latina matriarchy. The visual by Pandamusk, however, takes the form of a classic role-playing game with each sibling playing different roles from Mage, warrior etc.
"Five Sisters" is taken from Tonedeff's latest album, Polymer.
E Dot, "14 Carat Strings"
"14 Carat Strings" is a soul-filled, feel good, Hip Hop instrumental by New York-based producer and beat maker E Dot. He blends a wide variety of sounds on this record—from an alluring vocal sample, a throbbing bassline and head nodding drums to complete the cipher. It marks the second installment of a weekly release from him every Thursday through the end of 2018.
Hill-Harris, "Watch Me"
Hill Harris ups the ante on his vibrant song "Watch Me". The Ohio raised emcee delivers a fiery flow over the rollicking backdrop with vivid lyrics to match. He displays the mentality of a go-getter on this track and is going all the way to get his message heard by everyone.
LIV†_musiq, "Date Night" ft. MAXDOPE
LIV† helps wrap up this edition of 'The Slice" on a sultry note with her new release titled "Date Night". She takes the listener into her sexually liberal landscape with an affirmative message and an expressive vocal tone. The song also features rapper MaxDope who paints a vivid picture of a steamy encounter. This is sexual freedom at its sultriness and we love it.
If you dug what you heard, you can revisit our previous episodes of "The Slice" here.
