The Slice, Episode 71 [Hip-Hop + R&B]

We open up Episode 71 of The Slice with the help of rapper Exmiranda and her vibrant new single "Ohemaa"—a celebration of Ghanaian roots that blends lush afro-pop elements with hip-hop exuberance. NY emcee Jamar Carr and D. Thompson team up to keep the playlist moving with their solemn track "So Cold." Carr gives us a glimpse into the life of a young black man trying to come out the bottom of the barrel. Emerging singer Lil Flower Nasti's "Not Hollywood" is an introductory type record that sees her reminiscing on her hometown while looking ahead to the future. The track serves as the intro to her latest EP that was recent released. "Me, Myself" by Gulfport, MS raised act Darius j is an upbeat trap banger that sees him flexing his lyrical muscles with some insightful elements thrown in the mix for good measure.

We then head to Mumbai, India where the soul-jazzband Second Sight thrills us with some alluring moody vibes on their new single "Dim Lights." The track shifts the energy of this week's playlist with its commentary on social media trolls and the lack of accountability. Bailz Pagliacci's "Mr Famous" is a smooth soul and hip-hop fusion that pokes fun at how people think you need to be famous to live a great life.

"Water Cycle" is a jazzier hip-hop track by rappers Noah Bouchard, Brave Mugraw who reflect on their personal struggles while Cupsofte performs a short spoken word intermission. Singers KID TRAVIS and Naomi Graye team up for the heartfelt duet "Cry On" where they dwell on finding love in an impossible situation.

Matt Nye and Krayzie Bone take time to face their demons on the solemn collaboration titled "So Low When So High." Krayzie handles the chorus while Nye drops some insightful bars over the dimlit and ambient backdrop. Emerging singer Helena Holleran drops a moody laid back jam titled "This Life" that fits perfectly on the list. From her sublime unassuming vocals and the bass-heavy jazz texture, this is exactly what the music doctor ordered. Philly-raised, NY-based singer Nia Marie and The Beetstreet Groove team up for "Save Me"—a laidback soulful cut that dwells on the aftermath of a toxic relationship.

Will Diaz changes the pace a little bit with his mix of Pop, Trap, and R&B in his latest track "FaceTime," where he delivers a catchy melodic run over an upbeat backdrop. Rapper and producer Gentry Fox's "Hindsight" is a self-produced track that is both introspective and soulful. Brighton-based artists Hatter and Ceezlin pay homage to the '90s on their new song titled "It's Alright." The track has a nice boomy retro texture and features singer Sylvia Mwenze who adds a smooth chorus to complete the job. The track is Co-produced by Saffa Ghorishi.

Nigerian/US artist whysohated drops the trippie redd inspired "Accent" a laidback emo-rap track that dwells on puppy love and self-identity. Finally, Taurean Meacham closes this week's episode with the engulfing and cinematic track titled "2AM in Chinatown" The track is rich with lush textures, and Meacham's warped vocals add an emotional and multi-dimensional element to the story.  

Check out previous editions of The Slice here.

For a full tracklist of this week's featured artists:

Exmiranda - "Ohemaa"
Jamar Carr - "So Cold" (feat. D. Thompson)
Lil Flower Nasti - "Not Hollywood"
darius j. - "Me, Myself"
Second Sight - "Dim Lights"
Bailz Pagliacci - "Mr Famous"
Noah Bouchard - "Water Cycle" (feat. Brave Mugraw & Cupsofte) (prod. Minas)
KID TRAVIS - "Cry on "(feat. Naomi Graye)
Matt Nye x Krayzie Bone - "So Low When so High"
Helena Holleran - "This Life"
Nia Marie x The Beetstreet Groove - "Save Me"
Will Diaz - "FaceTime"
Gentry Fox - "Hindsight"
Hatter x Ceezlin - "It's Alright" (Feat. Sylvia Mwenze)
whysohated - "Accent"
Taurean Meacham - "2AM in Chinatown"