6lack - ATL Freestyle
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @musicbytrev
6lack has always been one of those artists whose versatility and consistency carries him a long way. From soulful ballads to conscious rap, he truly has done it all. Thankfully, he’s back again when we need him most with his new single ‘ATL Freestyle’.
What makes a 6lack song so mesmerizing? So.. magnetic? There may be many conspiracies, but we think it has something to do with the way his voice sits on a track. It’s like a smooth, buttery cheesecake that you can’t get enough of. If you’re not sure what we’re talking about, ‘ATL Freestyle’ is a perfect example of this.
Speaking on his upbringing, putting on for his city, and doing a little bit of flexing are all covered in this track. 6lack really has done it again! Go take a listen to this joint if you haven’t yet.
Lyrics That Stick
“I practice what I preach
I’m living what I teach
I was looking down now
They looking up to me”
GIANNI TAYLOR & BangerOfTheDay - Back to the Basics
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @musicbytrev
GIANNI TAYLOR is far from basic is his new release, ‘Back to the Basics,’ alongside BangerOfTheDay. As an artist that isn’t new to stepping outside the norm and creating his own sound, GIANNI brings us the type of melodies that make you want to bob your head for 2 minutes and 40 seconds straight.
This track begins with stadium-level organs (is that a thing?) and a certain swagger-like cadence of vocals, leading one only to infer that this song is about to unleash a wrath of chaos when the drums hit. Well, that’s exactly what happens. The 808’s, snares, and high hats mesh together beautifully, creating a full-on masterpiece. Every athlete should be getting pumped up to this one before the big game!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Still right here
Angels and demons in my ears
Hard to relate to all my peers”
Packy - Found
What’s lost will soon be 'Found’ isn’t that what they say. Packy has ‘Found’ the love of his life and he’s done for. There’s this immensely intense feeling once you find the love of your life that brings you this peace and serenity like no other.
We all never want to be the first to get married and lose your sense of freedom. However, you also don’t want to be the last one of your friends still searching for your person. When you meet that person though, that mindset completely changes and you let go of what society tells you to do and cling to what feels right.
The way Packy’s lyrics directly speak to his love is incredibly vivid and he lets those words fall so effortlessly. Once, you’ve ‘Found’ the one, you’ll never wanna be lost again.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I swear I’m not in no rush
I swore if I never found someone
I’d be good how I was
But I’ve been seeing the changes
I can’t ignore what’s around me
And I can’t help but be scared that she might regret that she found me.”
Roan - Over It
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Roan is back with another absolute banger, and as much as I listen, I just can’t get over it… Get it? The title of the song is ‘Over It’, and it’s one of my favorites yet from Roan for sure.
On ‘Over It’, we hear Roan take advantage of melodies and chill vibes as he’s gotten so good at. The instrumental is very interesting, with a deepened voice playing a big part, as well as what sounds like the occasional Ariana Grande scream sampled in behind the rest of it. The song sounds like something that we would hear from lilspirit, which I absolute love hearing from Roan. Go and check it out, and I’m sure you won’t be able to get ‘Over It.’
Lyrics That Stick:
“I’ve got priorities and you’re not one of them”
Lucus - Alone
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
In his new release, Lucus tackles a fear that I think we all have had at some point or another, and one that comes back frequently. You could probably guess by the title of the track, but that is the fear of being alone. And in accordance with the name that Lucus has made for himself, the song is absolutely incredible.
In ‘Alone’, Lucus shares his thoughts after leaving a relationship. From the sounds of it, it wasn’t a clean break-up, and possibly not even a necessary one. She left him, and he is weighted down with thoughts of her and fears of being alone. The track features a heavy, bouncy 808, and a simple guitar riff being played on top of it. As Lucus shares a piece of himself through the music, he makes it easier to connect with him as an artist. So do so, and go and check out this new banger.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Bye-bye to the things that I bought you
And bye-bye to the things that I taught you”
Eddy Rock - Alone
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
No matter how well you get along with people, sometimes you just need to be alone. That time for wanting to be alone comes a lot faster when you’re with someone that you don’t really like. To that point, Eddy Rock has released his new single, ‘Alone’, and it’s amazing.
The first thing that I noticed about the track was the amazing production on it. I’m not sure if it was, but it sounds to me like everything was recorded live in a studio, from the guitar to the drums. Rock does an incredible job of working with the instrumental, slowing when it does, and vice versa. The chorus is incredibly catchy and had me singing it hours after first listening. Get away from everyone you’re around, and go and listen to ‘Alone’.
Lyrics That Stick:
“You’ve got to know
When to let me be, leave me alone”
papichuloteej - Stars Align (feat. Gabby Trinh)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Papichuloteej now has 5 songs out on streaming platforms… and 5 bangers. With his newest release, ‘Stars Align’, he and Gabby Trinh bring some amazing vibes and continue his streak with my personal favorite song of his yet.
On ‘Stars Align’, papichuloteej’s musical prowess really shines. The track sounds like something that The Weeknd & Lana Del Rey would make together, with a simple 80’s sounding instrumental that makes the track really pop. It has a groovy feel to it that you really don’t hear much on newer music, that makes me want to get up and dance even while I’m sitting here writing this. Don’t wait for the next party you go to, go and listen to the song right now so that you’re ready with your dance moves.
Lyrics That Stick:
“We can stay up all night long
Play you all my favorite songs”
Curtis Williams - Beast (feat. Reo Cragun)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Curtis Williams is back with a new one and this time he’s enlisted Reo Cragun to rap alongside him. The song is titled, ‘Beast’, and rightfully so because both artists go beast mode on this track.
On ‘Beast’, Curtis takes the lead with his melodic style killing the hook as well as his verse. Cragun then follows him up with a slower but no less killer verse. Both artists have a very different style, but they blend together perfectly. On top of all that, the beat features one of the cleanest drum kits that I’ve heard in a long time. Don’t just take my word for it, go and check it out for yourself.
Lyrics that stick:
“I beast, yeah, I say I beast.
I just play for the keeps”
Rock Mafia - Something in the Air (feat. MOD SUN)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Rock Mafia has graced us with a new EP, and included on that project is this absolute anthem featuring MOD SUN. ‘Something in the Air’ is upbeat, catchy, and perfectly timed with summer just around the corner.
On ‘Something in the Air’, MOD SUN takes the lead with the vocals, and it gives off a major Post Malone vibe. The song is about a girl, and the weird space right before a relationship before you figure out what you really are. If you’ve ever been in a relationship, you know exactly what it is that they’re explaining. And they do it in a way that’s absolutely amazing for us as listeners. Go and listen to the song with your soon-to-be significant other, and I promise there will be ‘Something in the Air’.
Lyrics That Stick:
“And there’s something in the air
But you know that we don’t talk about it”
Dylan Reese - Switch (feat. Futuristic) (Music Video)
Dylan Reese has been everywhere so far this year with singles, features and videos. Futuristic is right off of dropping an incredible album. In other words, these 2 were on fire BEFORE they put out this track together, so it will be interesting to see how they blow now after.
The track is ‘Switch’, and it is rightfully named. Both artists throw a quick verse in, and then there’s a complete beat switch, and both artists throw another verse onto it. I could go more into how both artists absolutely demolish both verses, but I’d rather focus. on the video. This video was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. It looked like it was based in the world of Paper Mario, with paper Dylan & Futuristic turning up and performing in a colorful world. If you haven’t seen it, you need to go check it out.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Brake then switch
Ain’t no way I won’t get paid working like this”
![The Weeknd - In Your Eyes (Remix) [feat. Doja Cat]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e7a6d7b0ccef5071eec4cab/1590122420891-36QAMTB2QQ5A53SAJJHJ/doja.jpg)
The Weeknd - In Your Eyes (Remix) [feat. Doja Cat]
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
As if we needed any more proof that The Weeknd is the current king of pop, he’s given us a remix of his hit song, ‘In Your Eyes’, off of his last album, ‘After Hours’. The remix features none other than the current queen of pop, Doja Cat, who has been huge for the past couple years and only getting bigger.
The original song was one of my favorites from the album, so I obviously love the remix, but it’s very different with Doja Cat on it. She brings an element that gives such variety to the track, that the first few listens I didn’t really like it, but after a few more listens I started to love it. She sings her verse, but still has her flow that comes from her rapping side. Even if you didn’t like the original, you need to check this version out.
Lyrics That Stick:
“When it’s said, or when it’s done
I will never let you know
I’m ashamed of what I’ve done”
Alano Adan - Be True
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
From the first 10 seconds, this song had me feeling some type of way. With a simple guitar instrumental and scattered singing from Alano Adan, the vibe was already set to be a deep, emotional and powerful song. Luckily, that’s exactly what it was.
On ‘Be True’, Adan speaks about how important it is for him that he does just that, and stays true to himself. He talks on the importance of ignoring hate and removing negative influences from your life. From the emotion in his voice, you get the feeling that Adan has learned all of this from experiences, and you can hear the conviction in his voice. It’s motivating, uplifting, and yet that doesn’t stop it from hitting hard and being extremely catchy. Go and check it out for yourself, and let his message remind you of what’s most important.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I had to fight to get freedom
Had to escape all the evil”
Russ - 3AM (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Russ has given us the deluxe version of his already amazing album, ‘SHAKE THE SNOW GLOBE’, and the deluxe somehow makes it even more incredible. The opening song on the deluxe is the standout for me, as he enlists Ty Dolla $ign (the feature king) to make ‘3AM.’
The track is everything that Russ has gotten so good at in the past few years. It’s sexy, well-produced, excellent sounding and catchy. Of course, add Ty Dolla $ign to the mix and there’s no way that they miss. Ty takes the cover as well as his own verse, which was awesome to see, and Russ takes the rest of the song. He takes more of a singing approach, which is pretty normal compared to the rest of the album. If you’ve been a Russ hater, I recommend giving him another chance and checking this album out.
Lyrics That Stick:
“It’s 3AM, answer your phone
I know you hate to be alone”
KYLE - What It Is (Music Video)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Towards the beginning of 2019, KYLE took to Instagram to announce that he would be going ghost and disappearing until he finished his album. He said he had to get back in touch with the KiD in him, meaning the KYLE that made his breakout mixtapes including ‘Beautiful Loser’. Now, over a year later, we finally are hearing from him again, and I can happily say that it was worth the wait.
The most exciting thing for me to see is that KYLE was successful in his attempt to go back to his roots. The comment section on his new video is filled with fans saying that he’s back to his old form, and this sounds like something that would’ve been on one of his mixtapes. As I loved his old music and his new, I’m just grateful to have some more music from him. The song is about a breakup, and KYLE hoping that whatever happens is for the best. He is the good guy, and only hopes that the girl is happy wherever she goes. You can’t help but cheer for him, both for being back and for remaining the good guy.
Lyrics That Stick:
“If you’ve got to leave me, baby
I won’t shed no tears
If that’s what it is”
CHRIS YONGE - stay
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Figuring out the future with your significant other can be extremely difficult, in my experience leading to tension and thin ice. In his new song, CHRIS YONGE approaches the subject on his own, asking if those around him would stay by his side if his music was to flop, or if people would just leave.
‘Stay’ features a crazy instrumental, with hard-hitting drums that make you want to see the song performed live. YONGE does his usual, perfectly working with the instrumental to keep it interesting throughout the entire course of the song. The tone and approach of his voice will change line to line, almost as if he’s featuring himself and I absolutely love it. It’s an incredible piece of work, and I recommend y’all check it out.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I wonder would you stay by me?”
Jez Dior - Wasted Youth
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
I’m not sure if this song pulls me more towards the future of music with it’s forward sounds or pulls me back to the early 2000’s with it’s pop punk influence. Either way, I absolutely love it. It’s ‘Wasted Youth’ by Jez Dior, and it’s an absolute banger.
The production on the track is phenomenal, not just repeating and looping what has already been heard, but growing, rising and falling so smoothly that I could honestly listen to the track without any lyrics and still very much enjoy it. Then add in Jez Dior and his writing, perfectly playing over the track to go along with it at every change, and you’ll understand why I love it so much. Go and check it out, and I’m sure you’ll love it too.
Lyrics That Stick:
“My mama said I’m wasting all my youth
I try to tell myself that that’s not true”
Powfu, Sarcastic Sounds & Rxseboy - ill come back to you
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Powfu is back with another single from his upcoming EP, ‘Poems of the Past’. With #storytelling put in his SoundCloud bio, he really has made that a key in his music. And the more he does, the better he gets at it.
In ‘ill come back to you’, he tells the story of a long distance love that he holds onto all throughout his school years. Starting in 2012 and moving forward to his graduation which would’ve probably been in 2018, he talks about how loved a girl and then moved away from her, and knew that he would eventually go back once he had the chance. With the help from Rxseboy on the last verse and Sarcastic Sounds on the instrumental, the song really is A tier. If you had a love that didn’t work out for you, or even if you didn’t, go and reminisce with Powfu as you listen to this new track.
Lyrics That Stick:
“If you wait for me, then I’ll come back to you
On my own”
Anthony Russo - Nobody to Love (Music Video)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Anthony Russo’s last single to release about a month ago, ‘Typical’, was my new favorite song by the very talented artist. But, with his new single, ‘Nobody to Love’, I think he once again just gave me a new favorite. And it’s this summer’s feel-good anthem.
Russo has some of the best vocals in music right now, and really shows them off with this new banger. His voice is constantly changing the tone, showing the power at parts and then other times singing as casual as he can. One thing is constant, however, and that’s that it all sounds effortless for him. Together with the beautiful production, this song sounds exactly like the summer that we all want with our friends. Let’s just hope that Coronavirus allows us to drive around with them all, blasting this song with the windows down.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Remember days when I was scraping just to count up dimes
Don’t know how to feel, with the world in my hands
Cause I’m from a place where they told me I can’t”
LANY - good guys
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
After seeing LANY in concert this past summer, I was impressed by his personal lyrics, overtones, and beats. Now, I’m one of the many million that follows the band. And, LANY has done it again with their new single, “good guys".
Although LANY’s music appeals to the somber and brokenhearted person, they have given a slight twist and energy to this track. We find that this track relates to any person who is going through a hard time in their love lives. The video shows lead singer, Paul Klein, leading a horse, playing guitar, and staring out of a car window… you know, the usual indie pop band stuff. The shots are crisp and go along with the aesthetic of the band very well, only adding to the allure of their new single. LANY, the ‘good guys’.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I just want to give you everything
Show you I’m a southern gentlemen”
Vaboh & SoLonely - Lonely Lullaby
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Not exactly what you’ll probably be singing to your child as you tuck them in at night, but still, Vaboh & SoLonely have given us the ‘Lonely Lullaby’. This one is more suited for adults, and deserves a whole lot of attention.
‘Lonely Lullaby’ tells the story of getting your heart broken and being left alone. It’s hard to get over a past love when you have no-one else to turn to, and Vaboh & SoLonely do a great job of conveying this emotion and loneliness to us through the music. Based around a looped guitar and heavy drums, they had me hanging onto every word and at the same time wanting to dance. It’s an all-around great song, and one that I would recommend to practically anyone.
Lyrics That Stick:
“It wasn’t easy to let you go
You had to take us down a real dark road”