Eclectic UK rapper retropxssy caught our eyes with the visuals for her single titled “Wild Horse”. The short song is quite off-kilter and it’s built on ominous stings and punchy sparsely arranged drums that form the foundation for her sultry cadence and unfiltered songwriting. The track dwells on breaking free from various types of institutions made to keep one down, be it relationships, social or religious. The overall message is to find one’s inner chi and live life on one’s terms.
The visual follows retropxssy as she escapes from the villainous Dr. Rat and we see them dueling it out ala Streetfighter style with our heroine coming out victorious at the end of it all.
Hardworking rapper Crock Taylor returns with two more joints from his stash and both tracks are pure dope from start to finish.
“#FreeHellboy” is pure bravado on wax as Crock makes use of a solemn backdrop made up of soft drum grooves and vocal samples seamlessly layered together. As expected, the raps are straight fiery and mix some insightful elements with vivid bravado lyrics to boot.
As the title “B.R.I.Q (bestrapperinQueens)” suggests, Crock embodies the mantle and proceeds to prove it. Over a cinematic backdrop, he reminds listeners that he is not one to play with. Armed with his characteristic flow and dynamic cadence, he takes us into the borough of Queens while stating his claim.
Midwest emcee King Kwon makes his entry on our site with his new release titled “Young Dirty Bastard”. The solemn tune sees him on a quest to find what true hip-hop is and he is not stopping till he gets the answer. Armed with a commanding and gruff vocal tone, King Kwon carves his path and shares his own take on the issue.
King Kwon also known as 2K, is an American rap recording artist from Elkhart, IN. Representing the Midwest, King Kwon released his debut mixtape Smoke Session on datpiff.com and a collaborative project with AC Johnson in 2017 (Strategic Thoughts).
Montreal-based singer/songwriter Sara Diamond, delivers this stylish visual for her new single “Happy With Me”. The lovelorn tune dwells on the aftermath of a breakup where one wishes their ex won’t be happy without you in their lives. It’s quite cheeky and the lyrics are relatable. As expected, Sara delivers a soul-stirring melodic performance over the mellow but bouncy backdrop laid before her courtesy of producer DJ Coco.
The visual is zany and cinematic as it makes use of performance shots of the singer in different situations and a bright cast of characters who all play different roles in her life. The retro set pieces and abstract motifs do play well into the theme of the song and adds a unique touch to the overall feel of the visual. The music video is one of a four-part series.
Dublin-based rapper Absentee follows up his previous release “New Day” with this cinematic single titled “Serpico”. As the title suggests, it’s s slight homage to the 70s classic flick starring AlPacino. The record is dark, moody, and solemn and sees Absentee in his element as he reflects on his own shortcomings and flaws while taking steps to rectify some issues within himself. He delivers his bars with a laidback flow and paints vivid pictures that listeners can feel and relate to.
Welcome to TWIB’s Weekly Top 5 Videos. This is a segment where we will be looking at some exceptional visuals from various acts from around the globe. The music video format has been around for decades and through the 90s and 2000s, it has really taken flight from multi-million budget music videos, to mid to low-budget videos with exceptional features. In this section, we will not discriminate but rather highlight some of the creative visuals that pop up on our radar.
Subreehzy – “Coldest Soldier“
East London rap artist Subreehzy opens up our list with “Coldest Soldier“. The track sees her in a reflective mood as she gives listeners a glimpse into her daily struggles and what makes her tick. The visual directed by LJFilmsUK captures her hometown and makes use of performance shots of her and her crew.
Aloe Blacc – “Mercy (Godfather Mix)”
Aloe Blacc gives his own take on the Godfather series with the aptly titled song/video “Mercy (Godfather Mix)”. The Grammy-nominated singer/rapper/producer tells a tale of epic proportions as he embodies the spirit of a man who is balancing the gangster life and the true love of his life over the classic Godfather love theme reimagined over a modern hip-hop beat. The visual makes use of the dark, cinematic motifs ain to the Godfather movies and it’s a befitting tribute to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Godfather.
jonnychang – “You”
jonnychang shares visuals for “You” which is taken from his collaboration with Solomon Chang. The reflective tune sees him musing on his life and the unpredictable things that can happen along the way. The visual is quite abstract and makes use of expressive performance shots with subtle vanishing effects. The visual is directed by Solomon Chang. “You” is 2nd episode from jonnychang’s and Solomon Chang’s latest EP and music video series, The Weather Inside.
Spaceman Dela – “BE YOU”
Spaceman Dela makes his entry on our list with “BE YOU”, a heartfelt tune that dwells on being true to oneself. Over a solemn guitar-laden backdrop, he shares some personal tales that listeners can appreciate and also drops some aspiration and uplifting gems to help lift up our spirits. The visual captures Spaceman’s vibrant performance style in the infamous cold Montreal weather.
“BE YOU” is the first single off Spaceman’s upcoming EP, titled Nobody Teaches You to Come Down.
Rio Thomas – “Breakthrough”
Rio Thomas helps close out the list with “Breakthrough”, a soulful tune that is ripe with insightful and retrospective bars. Bolstered by the smooth soulful backdrop provided by producer FROwNS, Rio shares a myriad of topics ranging from personal flaws to finding hope as time progresses. The video has a summer-time feel and captures Rio’s laidback style in all its glory.
Hard-working producer J Ravage is not new to TWIB and drops off two hard-hitting beats from his stash.
“Matt Ishida” is the first bat and it starts off with heavy 808 kicks, west coast-styled synths, and snapping snares. It’s quite cinematic and well-crafted to kick off a party.
“Star Breaker” is next up and has a gloomy synth that sets the tone for the track. The drums again are heavy and come equipped with a distorted bass synth. I do like the vibrant energy and it’s more than perfect for high octane raps.
Emerging rap artist Rockwell shares some tracks from his discography. The tracks in question showcase his lyrical style and knack for blending personal lyrics that listeners can feel into his writing.
The first cut titled “Issues” is built on a moody piano-laden backdrop and details Rockwell’s journey as he tries to overcome internal struggles and trust issues with people around him. The lyrics are well-crafted, honest and the melodic chorus also adds a nice touch to it all.
“No Holds Barred” is Rockwell in his bag as he delivers pure unbridled bravado bars over a sparsely arranged moody backdrop. Here, he reminds the opposition to be careful if they ever meet him because he is not the one to play with.
FoePound McGinnis is having fun with his art as he drops this funky party record titled “You Good?”. A mix of 90s bounce, lush funky synths, and a catchy hook to boot, FoePound delivers something fresh with a feel-good vibe.
We’re unstoppable at Word is Bond Rap Radio, at least we hope so. Over 500 episodes deep. How can we not be? This one features new music by . . .
BoFaat, Buck 65, Craig G, Jake Palumbo, Indigo Pheonyx, Mike Titan, Method Man, Tachichi, Thrust OG, and more!
With throwbacks from . . .
JJ Brown, Leaders of the New School, Louis Logic, MC Paul Barman, Young MC, and more!
Chase March – Word is Bond Buck 65 & Tachichi – Bravo Jake Palumbo ft Craig G – Big Top Clown Circus Snowgoons ft A-Plus, El Da Sensei, SympL, Deuce Bug – Underground Grind Indigo Phoenyx & Krohme – Brunch In Rome Villas Mike Titan & Tali Rodriguez ft Jason Famous Beats – New Genesis Thrust OG & BoFaat ft Kenneth Masters & Chief Reckah – No Freaks Given Phil Harmomix & Fresh Kilsft Mega Ran – Leviathan 7xvethegenius ft Lil Sos – Affluence Comet & Swab – Authentic Kloth Method Man ft Carlton Fisk, Chunk Bizza – King of New York Mic Geronimo – Unstoppable Spear of the Nation ft The Far Side 242 – Rebirth Paradox & ReFlex the Architect ft Von Pea & Theory Hazit – Damage Control Louis Logic & J.J. Brown – The Line MC Paul Barman – (((art of war))) Young MC – Flows Raekwon ft Cee-Lo Green – Marvin The Procussions ft DJ Vajra – Simple Song Self Scientific – Change Leaders Of The New School – Classic Material
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