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.
Donnie Raven – Rainin' (feat. Elzhi)
Newcomer Donnie Raven debuts on The Slice with a solid record titled “Rainin’,” a straight-up lyrical showcase that also features a verse from the one and only Elzhi (of Slum Village fame) and singer Shyne The Goddess’. The duo comes through swinging with bars over the hard-hitting soundscape provided by Nottz.
The single is taken from his upcoming debut EP Livelihood EP—which can be pre-ordered here.
Datta Boy "Dirty Diana "
Datta Boy channels the spirit of Michael Jackson on his tribute single titled "Dirty Diana". The record takes liberty with Mr Jackson's song of the same name and presents it in a contemporary form. Datta Boy delivers a tale everyman out here can relate to on the rock-esque backdrop. For the visuals, he teams up with his long-term friend from jr high and high school Jadore "Jay" Kay, who plays the femme fatale who gives Datta Boy a scare in the video. Hit the play button to get the full gist.
Dee Wallz "La Familia"
After dropping "The Re-Up" last month Dee Wallz stays true to the title of his last song and comes back full swing with "La Familia" a song that has a soulful production and a smooth flow laced with solid wordplay.
Steve Spiffler "Time"
Stockton, CA native Steve Spiffler, has nothing but "Time" on his hands on his new release. Over a Jimmy Wigz produced sombre piano-driven backdrop, he muses about success and lack of it with an emotion-drenched vocal tone. The laid-back boom bap instrumental was crafted in 2013 by the mysterious Jimmy Wigz (also from Stockton, CA), then was recorded over in 2015 by Spiffler.
E Dot "Without You"
E Dot serves us a head-nodding instrumental titled "without you". The sample-heavy record is built off neck snapping drum breaks, deep and soulful vocal samples laced with an eclectic percussion to match. A solid piece of work if you asked us. "Without You" is the fourth installment of a series of instrumentals to be released every Thursday through the end of the year.
Chop Clark " Do Work"
It's an NY affair as emcee Chop Clark teams up with Skyzoo on the gritty, hard-hitting single "Do Work". Over the ground shaking backdrop by Reazy Renegade, both emcees proceed to demolish the microphone with their deft lyrics. The message on this one is as clear as day, do work, step up your work ethic and get ahead of the pack. “Do Work,” off Chop Clark's upcoming album, Best Laid Plans.
Lilah "What About Me"
Rapper andsinger Lilah gets introspective on her single "What About Me". Armed with a smooth vocal tone and edgy lyrics, she displays a range of emotions that come with growing up and being in love. Her soulful approach is also a plus as she floats effortlessly over the surreal uplifting soundscape.
ESSUH & J EA "Late Coupons"
The NY-based duo of Essuh & J EA (known together as Habanero Ritz )delivers a tandem of solid raps on their new collaboration titled "Late Coupons". Over a stripped down beat that is made up of a screaming vocal and a guitar stab, the duo pulls out the proverbial guns and proceed to blast their way through the beat. What more can we say, it's just straight bars from start to finish.
Sophiegrophy "Caution" (Prod. by Jia Lih)
Melbourne hip-hop act Sophiegrophy follows up her last single "Bag" with another head nodding gem titled "Caution". The deep-voiced rapper states her claims by being her fierce and confident despite all odds over the bouncy trap backdrop which Sophiegrophy calls home. She has served the caution notice and anyone who runs foul will get dealt with accordingly.
$KINNY MALON£ "RUDEBOI"
East London based $KINNY Malon£ teams up with producer Lukewarm (NTN12) on this cheeky, upbeat collaboration titled "RUDEBOI". The duo takes it back to the vintage Grime sounds mixed with contemporary elements. The record starts off with a hilarious conversation between a young lad and an older individual which sets the tone for the fun-filled single. Who says grime can't be bright and fun?
King P "LIFE'S A BITCH"
King P takes us deep into his personal space on the heartfelt single titled "LIFE'S A BITCH". He has a lot to get off his chest and he doesn't waste a bar as he details the entire drama he is going through with every line. The visual directed by @MarleauxD has a retro feel that really adds a nice touch to the lyrics and message from King P.
Zuri Musiq "Lonely"
South African singer Zuri debuts on The Slice with her soothing single titled "Lonely". Like the title suggests, the song is sombre, heartfelt and weaves through layers of emotions. Her rich, expressive vocals start off in the Setswana language as she describes her journey to achieve self-love at its peak. It's an interesting record as the cinematic backdrop (courtesy of VtheVowel) adds a tinge of sadness and some form of urgency to the overall vibe of the song.
TKO "What's Wrong"
TKO helps wrap up this week's edition with a heartfelt single "What's Wrong" that sees the emcee soul searching for answers. The laid-back emcee picks the perfect backdrop for his quest, a soulful piece layered with head nodding drums to match. The rapper talks about almost everything wrong with the nation at large and questions why everything just doesn't work the way they should. The Obscure Diamond directed visual is a blend of news events layered with shots of TKO reflecting on life. This is food for thought, we all need to take a bite and let it sink in.
If you dug what you heard, you can revisit our previous episodes of "The Slice" here.
