Richardine Bartee
This week’s #10NewRecords list consists of Adam Gross, Mr Gabriel, MoJo Free, Aries and more.
Adam Gross – We’re Dancing featuring General Steel (Submission)
Music that sounds like this makes me think of my father. My dad listened to a lot of Caribbean music. He didn’t watch television. I don’t think he owned one. I don’t either. He listened to the radio. He sang along to the music. He didn’t have a horrible voice, but he was no Bob Marley. He also used to do this funny dance. At the time, I didn’t know what it was. Later in life, I learned it is how Jamaican-Rastas dance to music. I miss him so much.
“We’re Dancing” is the debut single from Adam Gross’ EP entitled, ‘In Control’. It comes out February 9. General Steel is the vocalist on the record. The tropical track also features instrumentation from the Middle Eastern.
Chuwwee & Khalisol – Heaven/Hell (Submission)
Inevitably, younger people are influenced by legends before their time. In my opinion, it is a destined occurrence to keep the message alive. Perhaps in the moment of sampling, it is relevant for the times. In the case of Chuuwee & Khalisol, 2Pac’s sincere 1997 release ‘I Wonder if Heaven Got a Ghetto’ is the underlining inspiration. We may not see any changes in our lifetime. However, I do my part to bring about that change. Like Ellen says, ‘Be kind to one other.’ Stream the latest record from the Sacramento emcee and New Mexico producer-emcee below.
MoJo Free – Daughter (Submission)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana recording artist MoJo Free has a vocal range that encapsulates anything she sings; Seeing no harm or bias in her lyrics. Take Frankie Beverly and Maze’s “Before I Let Go” for instance: It is about breaking up, but it doesn’t feel (or sound) like a separation. As a child, I didn’t grasp song lyrics like adults. You aren’t supposed to. I won’t speak for anyone else, but I recall seeing older people dance and smile when that 1981 cut played. “Daughter” strikes me in the same way.
I guess it depends on which side of the fence you’re on. If the devil’s daughter swayed your significant other, you wouldn’t want to hear the graphically detailed lyrics that make “Daughter”. However, if you are the two-timing evil person who breaks up ‘happy homes’, it will be your anthem. After reading that I am sure you want to know what I think on a personal level. I’ve been on both ends, the confident interference and the loving girlfriend who got played, so I appreciate the honesty. Furthermore, I think your partner is the only one who owes you an explanation or loyalty. Not the other person. For the most part, in relationships, people will do what they want. Outsiders will do what they’re allowed to do.
Stream the utterly disrespectful yet beautiful track now.
Aries – CAROUSEL (Submission)
Along the lines of a Post Malone and other sing-rap newbies, Aries, the Los Angeles-based teen shares “CAROUSEL”. In my personal opinion, it is a well-produced record that is intended for warm weather. We may not experience such weather in New York right now, but it is always sunny in Southern California. Check out the fun melodic track below out now on WUNDERWORLD.
Josh Hunter – That House Vibe (Submission)
In my mind, one cannot go wrong with House music. Its rhythmic drums and synthesized basslines paired with the right vocals are a match made in Electronic music heaven. Also, the product is consistent. The same remains with British producer Josh Hunter’s vivacious new record titled, “That House Vibe”. The producer, influenced by Gorgon City, TCTS and GRECO, holds a residency at Bar Fibre Leeds. If you’re ever in the area, support Josh Hunter. You may hear the tune below.
Kick & Casonka – Stressed (Submission)
‘Stress is a silent killer.’ ‘Stress kills.’
I’ve heard the following statements so many times that I became flustered with its messaging. I had a run in with stress in 2010. Subsequently, I admitted to the hospital. Having too much on your mind is not a good thing. You are intended to get those thoughts out into the world, not hold onto them. From that moment on, I cut anything and everything out of my life that induces stress, or has the potential to evoke unnecessary stress.
Not all stress is bad stress. Acute stress motivates. Therefore, it is the only kind I invite into my life.
Mr Gabriel – Millennial Falcon (Submission)
I enjoy music made for the big stage. The trumpets, drums, and horns on Mr Gabriel’s brash record are a huge statement. The Nashville, Tennesse recording artist heads down memory lane on ‘Millennial Falcon’. Moreover, he evaluates if he is in love with a fantasy or not. Regardless, he is not ready to let go. I think we can all relate to the latter part.
Malcolm Voltaire – Sauce (Submission)
Having a foundation in Atlanta and Nashville is remarkable. Both markets are affluent with successful musicians. “Sauce” is the first catchy record that showcased Malcolm Voltaire’s unique Southern drawl. Then, I streamed his 2016 demo: Black Summer. The lyrics for “Sauce” tell a story about the ills of poverty, intimate relationships, and withdrawals.
The CLEctive – Come Roll With Me (Submission)
I won’t lie. The record is a modern-sequenced blast from the past, but I like the dated feel. Plus, I am from Queens, New York. Therefore, the production sounds like it is from Hollis. Also, there’s nothing wrong with hearing every word in a record. Stream the retro-nouveau track below. It is from the Cleveland, Ohio-based three-piece band’s upcoming EP titled, Drop Top Music.
Off the Jump – Sub-Zero (Submission)
Houston, Texas holds a sincere place in my heart, so whenever I receive something from that region, it takes me back. Honesty is the best policy, right? OK. When you’re reviewing music, there are many different factors. Personally, I think originality isn’t a fair word to be counted—solely. At this point, sonically and lyrically, it is a disservice to seek out. Nonetheless, I believe it is the execution that matters most. The rarity of a specific sound from a region is what makes a thing ‘original’. Based on what I’ve heard on the ground in Houston (and in the mainstream), Off the Jump doesn’t sound like anyone else. Hence my reasoning for writing about them. They may switch it up, but for now, it is worth a mention.
Stream the last single from the group’s debut project, High-Beams, below.
Sir Jon Lee – Finn: The Human (Submission) (Bonus)
The Compton rapper opens his verse over a soulful beat. Sharing that he wrote lyrics as he sat at Louis Burgers on Rosecrans Avenue in his hometown, he wrote a speech for a potential GRAMMY. Meanwhile, he is conflicted. He’s unsure of himself; Not sure of who he is yet. I think it is fair. We all go through a stage of confusion and uncertainty.
On the heels of the GRAMMYs, Sir Jon Lee shares the official video for “Finn: The Human”. I enjoy the melodic approach and his lyrical cadence of the record, but there’s something I cannot ignore. On a personal note, I am a fan of music, in general, so when I hear trappers or conscious rappers going at each other, it is disheartening. Based on isolated perspectives, ‘conscious’ rappers seem to have their life in order, spreading positive messages. And on the flipside, the trappers are just drug dealers who have money to record music. Here’s the truth. Everyone has a voice, and we cannot be mad at anyone who wants to express themselves. The trapper might have started off wanting to be like the ‘conscious’ rapper, but his life experiences didn’t allow him or her to be that person.
I won’t go any further here, on this topic, but I’d like to see more unity. Believe it or not, we can coexist in the music realm if we took the time to understand each other. As marginalised people in America, I think it is ironic and unfair for us to turn a blind eye to what’s been our reality for a very long time. Ignoring or downplaying what exists does not make it go away. In my mind, it is not fair to beat down anyone whose already on the ground. Then, you are incessantly part of the problem.
