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.
Ashoka – "Invested"
Rockland County, NY native Ashoka returns with a new single "Invested" after a 2-year hiatus. Teaming up with producer Jahmal Gittens who laces the artist with a lush, trap/R&B infused instrumental, Ashoka displays his knack for smooth catchy melodies and solid songwriting. The record, which stemmed from Ashoka's personal experience, sees him reflecting on a perfect relationship where both parties are on the same wavelength. He further adds that said relationship can only work when gimmicks, lies, and insecurities are done away with.
Ashoka is gearing up for a big summer of releases after dropping "Invested" and his previous single "No Stress".
Trap – "I Want Moor"
Long Beach, CA native Trap pricks our minds on his new record titled “I Want Moor,” a record that sees him step up to provide the cultural commentary and criticism we all need. Backed by a laid back, bluesy beat laced by Chicago’s Jerrod Hinton, Trap delivers cutting lyricism and insights on the current socio-political climate. "I Want Moor" is taken from Trap's latest full-length effort, Young Basquiat 3: Lost Vibes.
Yonkwi – Talk Nice"
Yonkwi laces up a smooth afro-wave infused R&B track he calls "Talk Nice". The eclectic artist has always been on his own lane and delivers a unique melodic performance over a smooth beat which he produced himself. Hit the play button and have fun.
KIDNAP – "Climbin'"
KIDNAP is all about his craft on his new record titled "Climbin' ". The New Orleans based emcee breaks down how people view him since he dedicated his life to achieve success in the music game. Overall his message is to inspire the listener to get up, get out and reach their goals.
Gio Washington – "I Give You Me"
Billboard charting singer-songwriter Gio Washington f/k/a Governor returns with the visual for his new record titled “I Give You Me”. The soulful record sees the seasoned vocalist share a heartrending love story that everyone can relate to. Driven by passion, he aims to show love his loved one how much he cares before it is too late. The visual leans towards more of a performance styled arrangement and shows Gio in his element in the studio as he shows how he gets down in the studio. “I Give You Me” is the follow up to his single “Favorite Pillow” and he is planning on releasing a full album later this year. This all comes after he survived a near-fatal accident in 2015.
Sunny from the Moon – "Feels So Good"
Musical duo Sunny from the Moon help switch up the energy on our list with some joy-filled vibes of their new record "Feels So Good". The bubbly rap/funk track sees vocalist Sunny rapping with an old school flow reminiscent of the 80s. This is done in good taste as the song itself exudes a vintage vibe laced with uplifting elements that will surely put a pep in your step. The vibrant visual was shot in one take in Moscow subway.
Get it on Soundcloud
Gypsy – "Other Side"
LA-based budding rapper and singer Gypsy teams up with producer Matty Beats for a very heartfelt record titled "Other Side". Gypsy takes some ample time to deliver an uplifting message of hope to everyone out here looking for something to believe in. She does this over an emotion-laden soundscape and dedicates the song to anyone who has ever lost anyone, may this song help heal your soul.
No1MC – "Love is Pain"
No1MC gets really personal on his new release "Love is Pain". He links up with producer Chico Myers who crafts a solemn backdrop for No1MC's heart-rending tale of a relative who is addicted to drugs and how it all affects everyone involved. No1MC sums it up pretty well when he says the song is for anybody who’s loved someone who has battled with addiction.
ILL ADDICTS – "YSL"
The Boston based rap group known as ILL ADDICTS share the colorful visual for their song "YSL". The song exudes a summery vibe as it sees the emcee showcasing each member's unique style – rangeing from hilarious, unpredictable to flat out cheerful. The self-directed visual is particularly entertaining, very offbeat and displays the group's chemistry and joy-filled art.
Get it on all platforms here.
The MNO: Yong Paradigm – "New America"
Budding emcee The MNO comes through with a heartfelt song titled "New America". On the song, he shows what makes him tick from his environment, life experiences and challenges that he faces every day.
"New America" is taken from his sophomore EP 'WELCOME TO MERKABA WITH THE MNO.' The project delves deeper into the consciousness and psyche of a dying breed.
