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 or more 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 and relax to some brilliantly crafted music from around the globe.
If you dig what you hear, you can also revisit our previous episodes of "The Slice" here.
Taliwhoah – "Juice"
After dropping her EP ‘New Wave Order Vol. 1’ and 2018 single "Soul Food", multi-talented R&B act Taliwhoah returns with a brand new offering titled "Juice". A gripping record built on an infectious rhythm and alluring textures. Armed with her unique honeyed vocals, Taliwhoah implores her would be suitor to be patient and explore the possibilities with her.
"Juice" is the second single from upcoming debut LP (June release date).
Jah – "Signs"
The budding R&B singer Jah debuts on 'The Slice' with this lovelorn track titled "Signs". The smooth-voiced youngster blends a healthy mix of Afro-Caribbean vibes and RnB elements on the record as he details his experience in a one-sided relationship or situationship. In the end, he realizes that love is not always reciprocated before finally moving on.
YaSi – "Issues"
YaSi is a Denver-based first generation Iranian-American songwriter/ vocalist who caught our ears with her poignant record titled "Issues". Using a trap-infused backdrop for her profound lyrics about self-discovery and fear of failure. She brings the listener close to her as she shares her internal struggles with so much raw honesty and emotion-filled energy.
Get it on all streaming platforms here.
Yung Jewelz – "Muse"
Yung Jewelz shares a story of love on her new song "Muse" —which details her intimate experience in her own relationship. Over a smooth, melodic instrumentation, she pens an emotion-filled song that shows herself to be more of a lover than one may originally think. The M-Dub directed visual does a great job of further showcasing this other side to the artist in a way that is captivating.
Pheem – Nipsey Hussle feat. Rick Ross – "Mark My Words" (Pheem Remix).
DMV’s Pheem releases his take on Nipsey’s, "Mark My Words" featuring Rick Ross. He flips a more energetic backdrop for the smooth vocals and the result is quite engaging and different from the more trap infused original.
Ariano – "No Avatar (Show Me Who You Are)".
Enter the delightfully weird and trippy world of “No Avatar,” the engaging new video from West Coast rapper/singer-songwriter Ariano, and his featured guest, Josh Dominguez. The visuals helmed by Gifted Glitch with lighting and cinematography handled by Jimmy Sara help create a psychedelic otherworldly vibe accentuating the lyrics delivered by Ariano and Dominguez. They appear on a stage together as performers under the watchful gaze of a puppet master, a fitting depiction given that the song deals with the phony, masquerading ways we speak to each other these days.
"No Avatar (Show Me Who You Are)" is taken from his entirely self-produced new album, F… You, I Love You, Pay Me, and clearly illustrates his frustrations and troubles with the way our society communicates in the modern age. It’s one of many well-aimed criticisms Ariano shares throughout the entire record. The LP is available now through all major DSPs here via Ariano’s own Popular Nobody label.
Alice Rowe – "Figure You Out"
Alice Rowe blends the worlds of trap, R&B, and pop on her new song "Figure You Out". A heavy banger that showcases Rowe's smooth and distinct vocals over the lush backdrop provided by UK producer Twlve. The visuals exude a 90s style aesthetic with its minimalistic approach that would keep the viewers watching till the end.
Get it on all DSPs here.
TITUS – "Free Lunch Vol.3"
Budding emcee Titus Melvon Kirkland aka TITUS showcases a blend of bravado and personal bars on his newest material titled "Free Lunch Vol.3". Over the vintage production of Earl Sweatshirt's "Azucar", TITUS takes some time to educate the listener on his background and thoughts on several personal issues. "Free Lunch Vol.3" is the latest in his video series of just picking random beats some original some from other established artists.
Vicky Sola – "Cooked Food"
Brixton, London based Afropop exponent Vicky Sola pops up on our radar with the colorful visual for her song "Cooked Food". The catchy afropop/R&B styled song sees Vicky Sola in her element as she shows confidence in her Afrocentric style and youthful energy. The title which can allude to self-assertiveness was birthed after she took herself on a little date basking in her own self-love and care. She literally came up with the song as she was eating and listening to the smooth vibrant beat by Delirious and viola she got a jam and a half on her hands. The visual takes the viewers to her base in South London, Brixton and showcases a wide variety of African elements from food, aesthetics, and clothing. Needless to say, Vicky Sola is all about the good vibes on this one.
"Cooked Food" is taken from her long-awaited and highly anticipated debut EP, which is set for release later this year.
Beharie – "Losing My Mind"
Norwegian singer-songwriter Beharie closes this week's list with his debut single titled "Losing My Mind". The song is a personal take on being an introvert trying to find a place in this fast-paced world where everyone expects you to fit in regardless of your individuality. Beharie does a great job of expressing his thoughts in a very melodic style over the atmospheric backdrop placed before him.
The stunning debut is the first installment of Beharie’s five-track EP due for release Autumn 2019.
