GRUNGECAKE

Author: grungecake

  • Premiere: New York emcee Mel Doro ensues ego on new release ‘Nobody Fucking Wit Me (NFWM)’

    With a sense of superiority, the lyrically-gifted, Mel Doro, lets it be known that he has no competition when it comes to rap. On this new release, ‘Nobody Fucking Wit Me (NFWM)’, he steps outside of his normally cool, calm, and collected character to deliver some aggressive lyrics. To anyone who thinks that they can even attempt to keep up with him or dare to battle, he lets it be known:

    I don’t beef with these wack rappers, only spar with the best, so if I decline a feature, know it’s outta respect.

    To complement his sound, he enlists the help of AE Beats to provide very intoxicating, and soulful production. Mel Doro is calling out all rappers and wants them to know that none of them can compare. Take a listen.


  • Here’s a track by track review of California rising star Convolk’s emotive new album ‘ANTIHERO’

    There are a lot of things that do not currently make sense in the world we are living in. One thing that I can confidently say does make sense is that Convolk is about to become a household name. ‘ANTIHERO’ is everything my younger, emotional, self needed. Dealing with depression and many more issues, I know that this album would have helped me in so many ways. In recent years, we have tragically lost some of the important artists that tapped into the mainstream with similar styles and messages that Convolk presents. There is often a question in the music world that goes something like this “We lost Lil Peep, we lost X, and we lost JuiceWRLD. Who do we have left to represent the young adults of the world?” and the answer is Convolk is what we still have. Despite bringing Convolk up in conversation with those other artists, respectfully, with this album, he separates himself with a sound and production quality that can only be described as “CONVOLK”.


    The album starts with ‘swear to god’, a well-produced song in which Convolk gives a genuine introduction to himself and where he has been mentally and emotionally as an artist. The difference between an album and other types of projects (EPs, mixtapes, etc…) is the idea that everything works together to create a full story or message that the artist is trying to give to listeners. The track works perfectly for the first song, working similarly to the way that a well-written introduction chapter helps give readers an idea of what they are about to indulge in if they chose to continue reading. Convolk understands that concept and lets ‘swear to god’ be the track to grasp listeners and make them want to listen to the eighteen-minute long album.


    Track 2, ‘black sheep’ is a song that is going to help anyone who feels like they have ever been the “black sheep” in any situation. The song at times makes me cringe and that is not a bad thing. As a twenty-two-year-old man, I feel the need to cringe when I am singing along with “I’m the black sheep. I go BAH BAH BAH…” But, is that going to stop me from singing along, listening and relating to the track? Absolutely not!


    Track 3, ‘beaten down geranium molle’ has me sitting here after listening, with the hook stuck in my head. What the fuck even is “geranium molle”? Well, I looked it up and it’s a plant that is also known as the Dovesfoot Geranium. Convolk is an artist who often refers to himself as a “Lone Wolf” or a Swan in “Swan Dive” (a song from another Convolk album). So, it would make sense if he is referring to himself as a plant that is getting “beaten down”. Just a nice plant dealing with whatever shit is thrown it is way… Or maybe I am over-analyzing the song. Regardless, this is a great song that anyone will be able to listen to and sing along to.


    Track 4, ‘backstab slash’ is a hit, plain, simple. This song is another strong track that people will easily throw into their constant listen rotation. New fans, old fans, and anyone in-between will genuinely enjoy this song. It is very consumer-friendly while still being “Convolk” not compromising what is genuine to Convolk’s sound and style.


    Track 5, ‘medicine’ jumps into the question of whether or not “you”, whoever “you” is to Convolk, will care if he died. We have all been in a mental state where we do ask what our value is to the world, those around us or even one specific person. We find comfort in those things, they become our “medicine” when we can’t take literal “medicine” to fix the way we feel. Convolk also has a literal and genuine approach to the concepts “medicine” presents. The artist has always been consistent with being open to his fan base about his personal life and his very serious health issues. Usually, songs that talk about someone or something being their “medicine” or emotionally healing them come off corny. Listeners can usually filter through the bullshit and stamp the song with the fact that it is not genuine. That doesn’t happen with this track, the production, the message and the vocal delivery of this song tell us that Convolk is genuine… This song comes from a real place.


    Track 6, ‘arson kurapika’ is some shit one would dedicate to their girlfriend and their girlfriend might cry thinking about them dying. Death is a scary concept that everyone has feared at one point or another. This song touches on what calms that anxiety, which is dying by someone’s side and knowing you matter to someone. Convolk delivers an appropriate vocal display over a beat that strikes a warm nostalgic feeling in me based on my video gaming youth.


    The album closes with ‘crumbling/suicide notes [prod. farber]’. The song is the perfect ending to the seven-track album. Convolk is letting himself be fully vulnerable and open to his fans about the true feelings that he has had. Again. So many of us relate to the things he is feeling in this song and has been through what he is going through. What separates this song from many songs is that it is very upbeat for a track that is talking about him wanting to kill himself. It reminded me of the first time I listened to ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ by Foster The People and for many people that song does this thing where you listen for the first time, it is a happy experience and then you listen to the lyrics thoroughly after a friend tells you the meaning. ‘crumbling/suicide notes [prod. farber]’ is such a very well done song, beginning to end. The perfect album ender for ‘ANTIHERO’.


    Every song on this seven-track album is a masterpiece, tastefully touching on the issues that so many of us can relate to and often, we refrain from openly speaking upon them. This album will be therapy to many listeners, letting everyone know that they are not alone in whatever hardships they are facing, regardless of the extremity. The project truly is a piece of art taken directly from Convolk’s personal feelings and emotions. There are so many times other artists try to layout similar messages, but, always make me feel like ripping hair out of my head and ending my shit because some artists who doesn’t care about anything ,but streams and notoriety is telling me not to kill myself again because they want to go viral for being morally aligned or some shit. This album is genuine, valid, tasteful, well fucking done and will help so many people facing real-life issues.


  • Hard Rock band—The Absurd—share perfect breakup song ‘Whiskey & Razorwire (Get Over It)’: Listen

    If I’m watching television, which is rare, and I want to hear a fiery Rock song playing in a car commercial, ‘Whiskey & Razorwire (Get Over It)’ by The Absurd would be the one. Fast-paced, heart-pumping, and full of life, the band released a “straight-to-the-point breakup song” about a week ago. If you ever wanted to know what it feels like, for some, to end things with me, here it is. It’s all in that bad-ass record below.


  • TDE’s Reason enlists Boogie and Ab-Soul for ‘Trapped In’ video: Watch

    Top Dawg Entertainment’s very own Reason has enlisted fellow Cali heavy hitters Boogie and Ab-Soul for the track ‘Trapped In’. This song hits differently during a pandemic, for sure, but it’s fire nonetheless. The streets have been anxious for an Ab-Soul sighting and we get just that, as he, Boogie, and Reason rap with no gimmicks, no bells and whistles–just bars. The dark visuals align perfectly with the song’s dark lyrics and tone. Reason raps ‘This for all my n*ggas trapped in; caught a case it made me backspin’ as we see visuals of a Cali night in the hood. The seasoned rappers didn’t disappoint with this release.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3AIk8zMvlc&h=315]


  • Texas rapper Quin NFN gives us that ‘Work’ in brand new video: Watch

    Rapper Quin NFN out of Austin, Texas has released his latest video for single ‘Work’. The high-energy track keeps the same energy when it comes to the visuals. I’m loving the slew of fire Drill music coming out of this social distancing period. It’s awakening the need for a lit function after we come out of this so that we can truly appreciate the music for what it is. Quin NFN already has a healthy following, and this heat is sure to make it grow even larger.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH7oVUt9Brs&h=315]


  • Northern Ireland-based Social Interaction inspires with latest song ‘Stay Wiv It’: Listen

    Northern Ireland’s Social Interaction, releases their latest song ‘Stay Wiv It’, which comes off as a testimonial of the journey to success, and chasing your own passion. There are many ups and downs, and feelings that come along with the search for freedom. Social Interaction motivates listeners to continue on to becoming phenomenal amidst the feelings that may develop. It’s easy to get stuck and accept the surroundings that life places you in, but Social Interaction wants more for each one of their listeners. This is needed music, and Social Interaction does an excellent job at providing a sound and message that can motivate people to take their reality into their own hands.


  • Song of the Day: ‘Hypocrites’ by T.R.3

    Name: T.R.3.
    Representing: Atlanta, GA
    Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap
    For fans of: OG Maco, EarthGang
    Single from: N/A
    Produced by: Ariano
    Song of the Day: April 9, 2020
    Label(s): Popular Nobody

    The continuation of growth from within Atlanta’s music scene is always amazing. Over the past few years, the industry has always kept their ears to the South for the creativity and trendsetters looking to make an impact. T.R.3 has been busy recently releasing multiple tracks like ‘Donuts & Debris’ and ‘Light Harvest’ showing off his range of creativity and lyricism as a new artist from Atlanta. With his latest track, ‘Hypocrites’, the ATLien continues to show off his talents alongside with some storytelling elements. In ‘Hypocrites’, listeners can hear the anger and disappointment as he shares his views with the current events of the world. It’s definitely worth checking out.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEvvF-FGm9g&h=315]


  • Watch Atlanta via Nashville artist Kent Osborne’s official video for ‘Eyes Closed’

    Kent Osborne’s released a trippy music video for his track ‘Eyes Closed’. Tinged with ethereal synths and low-pitched vocals, Osborne discusses the high’s and lows of living in the modern world. The artist tackles everything from social media to violence making this track culturally relevant and thought-provoking. It’s more than just catchy and listenable, it’s a think piece.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbcndPBNS6U&h=315]


  • Reimagining the 1960s, American Studies share ‘Panama City Blues’: Listen

    Whenever we think about music from the 1960s, we choose to remember how different the times were. Sixty years ago, dances like the twist and the watusi were considered too provocative or inviting. In 2020, you can dance however you want, but it doesn’t mean, people who were alive, then, aren’t judging you now. Which brings us to the Canadian duo, American Studies and their new song ‘Panama City Blues’. With a fitting visual component that encapsulates life in the sixties, Bryant Saxon and Ryan ‘Inkline’ Howell, evoke the essence of Rock’n’Roll and American entertainment.

    ‘Panama City Blues’ is their debut record, made to engage “a new set of teenagers and college students in much the same way it did in the century prior.” Hear the Larry and the Loafer’s remake below.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgdJkTE3EGQ&h=315]


  • Multi-talented Canadian artist Emmett Lucius Pharaoh talks influences and inspiration for seductive single ‘Thousand Times’: Interview

    Emmett Lucius Pharaoh is a singer, songwriter, and producer whom recently released his first single ‘Thousand Times’. The simplistic yet rhythmic beat mixed with light chords, keys, and melodies result in a hypnotic, Lofi R&B sound dripping with sensuality. Emmett’s sultry lyrics describing a steamy encounter with a woman is only amplified by his strong yet smooth voice.

    When I googled Emmett, I noticed that there were no records for him or his music catalog. I decided to reach out to him to gain some information on the mysterious artist behind this erotic single.


    Where are you from?

    I’m originally from Edmonton [Canada], but relocated to Calgary [Canada] where I was raised. Calgary is a nice city, it’s one of the top three cities to live in the world; we’re really progressive here.

    When did you first begin to create music?

    I knew that creating was my interest at five years old. I started writing more seriously around the time I moved out at sixteen. When I was twenty-one, I began producing.

    What made you get into producing?

    I knew I wouldn’t be able to work with a producer and be on his timing if I truly wanted to express myself. I thought it was important to take my time and work within my own range, so I learned to do it myself.

    Did you produce ‘Thousand Times’?

    I did. Yes. I actually wrote the song about an encounter I had with a woman. I went to the studio to record it right after our time together. I’m mostly inspired by experiences and women.

    You stated that the song was influenced by a woman. Who or what are your musical influences?

    Pulling from childhood, I would say Brian McKnight, Lauryn Hill, and Luther Vandross. Modernly, Frank Ocean, and Drake. Drake was a big influence of mine in high school. To see another light skinned man, maneuver his way through the industry really helped me. Even Kate Bush; her sound is so creative an abundant.

    I noticed you have a wide range of musical influences. How would you describe your musical sound?

    For the most part, melodic, hypnotic, catchy and re-playable. There are a lot of different phases of my creations, so my musical sound is vast. ‘Thousand Times’ is just one aspect my work—the softer, sexy side of me. I also do a lot of rapping which will be released in the future. This project is to set up a duality to other aspects of my creative self.

    Do you have any upcoming projects that we should look out for?

    Yes, I do. I haven’t announced much but ‘Thousand Times’ and the singles to soon follow are off of my project ‘Songs from The Sun’, which is planned to be released in July. It’ll have twelve songs—all equally enjoyable.

    I look forward to hearing your new music and upcoming project. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to interview you.

    No, thank you. This is a new experience for me, and I am excited to see where this goes. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and this is the first song I’ve released, so I’m excited to see what direction it takes me.

    Emmett Lucius Pharaoh’s project, ‘Songs from the Sun’, is scheduled to release this July.