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 while you sit back and relax to some brilliantly crafted music from around the globe.
If you dig what you hear, you can revisit our previous episodes of "The Slice" here.
Tree Bosier – "Solstice"
Russian electronic producer Tree Bosier a.k.a. Max Ananyev kicks off this week's list with a solid effort titled "Solstice". The track is an experimental piece that blends ambient electronic textures and retro hip-hop style drums in the producer's unique fashion. It's dark, vibrant and quite unpredictable but surely packs a punch.
Slippy Skills featuring Jonny Virgo – "Knowledge itself"
The UK, Luton based producer and rapper Slippy Skills teams up with Jonny Virgo for the thought-provoking collaborative record titled "Knowledge itself". Over a classic drum break and nostalgic textures, the duo gets down to business as they break down the socio-political landscape in which they operate. The black and white visuals also accentuate the message with its various motifs showcasing school life and youthful exuberance.
KOTH – "The House"
Seattle emcee KOTH brings us close to home on his new release titled "The House". The track has a summery feel-good aesthetic and sees the seasoned lyricist delivery uplifting lyrics celebrating unity in his community. He also keeps it straightforward with relatable content and a memorable hook that everyone can sing along to.
KOTH aka Thaddeus David is also a member of Northwestern duo Hellavuhstate, as well as a member of the group State of the Artist.
Mike G – "Purchase"
As he prepares to drop his new EXILE EP, Mike G drops "Purchase" which serves as the third/final single from the aforementioned project. The Odd future affiliate goes for a more experimental sound on this single but still keeps his characteristic style to the brim. "Purchase" is available on all DSPs and you can Pre-Order the EP here.
DK & Zenemy – "Born into Fire (MONEY)"
Irish hip-hop duo DK & Zenemy pick our brains with their new single "Born into Fire (MONEY)". Backed by a soulful soundscape provided by Zenemy, emcee DK goes forth to share his thoughts on money, capitalism, war, politics and how it affects us all. It's not all doom and gloom as the duo deliver the message in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek manner and a light-hearted visual to match. Lyrically, "Born into Fire (MONEY)" is a smart and fun take on the struggles of growing up while dealing with all the (fake) confusions and pressures propagated by The Man.
Get it on Spotify.
Sobhhi – "imagine that"
Sobhhï returns to the fore with a brand new track “imagine that” and its accompanying visuals to boot. The self-produced track explores the challenges of finding love as an artist who is hardly ever around and showcases an honest opinion on the issues of long distant relationships. Sobhhï’s airy vocals float over the atmospheric production, walking the line of R&B and bedroom soul, ripe with sub-bass and percussive snaps.
Get it on all DSPs
Ursa the Chef X Milian Beatz – "Gretzky"
Ursa the Chef teams up with producer Milian Beatz for his new summer banger titled "Gretzky". The hard-hitting trap-infused track is about the grind rising artists have to go through as they spend long nights in the studio and eventually hoping it pays off to provide for their family. Ursa conveys this message while maintaining the energy in his tone and natural bounce throughout the song over Milian's extremely catchy and hype instrumental. Certainly, on his way to becoming "The Great One".
Get it on Spotify and Apple Music.
Tiggz – "Trust"
South London rapper, Tiggz makes his way to our list with his new song "Trust". The rising rapper doesn't mince his words on the track as he makes a solid impression with his raw, unfiltered style over a minimalistic backdrop. The video follows suit with its no-frills, straightforward aesthetics but rather focuses on the young rapper as he displays his lyrical skills sans restrictions.
Get the audio on Spotify.
Out The Matrix – "Contact"
Fayetteville North Carolina based hip-hop collective Out The Matrix made up of Tiazo, Thirty & JTee The Prophet share their new cut "Contact" with us. Teaming up with producer Wulf Morpheus who laces them with a chilled, jazz-infused boom-bap beat, the duo delivers a plethora of styles and solid lyricism from start to finish.
Get it on Spotify
Sara Phillips – "New York Without Me"
Singer-songwriter Sara Phillips digs deep into her emotions on her new single "New York Without Me". The solemn record is poetically expressive and Phillips doesn't shy away from opening old wounds in this soul-gripping tale of an old love. She takes some time to reminisce on her past and how the feelings still linger on despite the fact that she is no longer with the person.
Sara Phillips is an LA-based pop/soul singer-songwriter originally from Montreal, Canada. Get the single on Spotify.
