GRUNGECAKE

Author: grungecake

  • Universal Music Group launches Def Jam Africa, shares roster

    Photo: Courtesy of the Def Jam Africa

    Universal Music Group just announced its Def Jam Africa, which is right on time with the recent Billboard cover stars Mr Eazy, Tiwa Savage, and Davido, and Ebro’s ‘Africa Now’ playlist. The label’s roster includes Larry Gaaga, Boity, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Nasty C, Tshego, Tellaman, Ricky Tyler, and Vector. Check out a statement from Sipho Dlamini, the Managing Director of Universal Music’s Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa division, below.

    “Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for Jazz fans to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more. For those into Hip-Hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC to LL Cool J, Disturbing tha Peace, JAY Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for Hip-Hop and urban culture worldwide. It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in Hip-Hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of Hip-Hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally.”

  • UK Garage duo STOCKSNSKINS shares light-hearted record ‘Drinks ‘n’ Nibbles’: Watch

    If you weren’t a fan of Mike Skinner/The Streets in the early 2000s, you might not find STOCKSNSKINS’ style of emceeing to be attractive, but I’ve been in love with all things UK Garage, underground and otherwise, and British Alt-Hip-Hop for a long time. It’s a funny storytelling record that goes deep about a date, hanging with the “rich and cool”, and the lines about the fellow who talks about vaping sent me into a laughing frenzy. After listening to the track, you should have a better understanding of who he is. Check out the song ‘Drinks ‘n’ Nibbles’ below, which 1/3 of an EP of the same name. It is out now via AnalogueTrash.

    Also, since we’re here and some of you are probably like, “Who is Mike Skinner?”, I included a few of the videos for songs that I like.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FZCdk1CAiM&h=315]

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJD8mpcGykE&h=315]

  • Listen to the Los Angeles-based Electro-Pop artist RYTERBAND’s latest track ‘Lighthouse’

    Have you ever been in a relationship, and your existence was like a lighthouse? Were you ever romantically involved with someone who was lost, or felt lost? When in a relationship, you may not be as strong as your partner, so leaning on them for aid is necessary. I feel like that’s what RYTERBAND’s latest track speaks to, needing your significant other to lead when you can’t.

    Listen to the soothing soundscape that is ‘Lighthouse’, produced by the extraordinary RYTERBAND. It is on his forthcoming debut EP titled, ‘Undefended’ and the proceeds will support United Way’s relief fund.

  • Bay Area artist JT the 4th enjoys himself in the snow for ‘Aspen’ visual: Watch

    Enjoying the snow in Aspen, JT the 4th shares the lead single from his forthcoming album ‘New Ch4pter’. The Bay area artist has drip for days in this video. It’s a subtle flex, but a necessary one. We don’t have a set date in our inbox, but June is his release month. If you like what you hear and see in his video for ‘Aspen’, check out more coverage on JT the 4th on GRUNGECAKE.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_V_n6NIo54&h=315]

  • Stream Victoria, British Columbia-based producer Laizlo’s latest tape filled with Lo-Fi Hip-Hop jams

    It’s not every day that you get to hear these groups of lyricists in one compound. I think the producer didn’t list all of the artists on his tracklisting—for a reason like being flagged on a streaming service for copyright infringement. Anyway, if you love Lo-Fi Hip-Hop songs as much as I do, or unlikely remakes of songs by famous people, Laizlo’s short mix might make your day. There are several artists on the mix, but for sake’s name—everyone from J Cole, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Jay Electronica, MF DOOM and more are on the tape. Check out the below.

  • Jhené Aiko shares visual for collaboration with TDE’s Ab-Soul ‘One Way St’: Watch

    Back with a mellow track featuring Ab-Soul, a frequent collaborator from the early days of TDE, Jhené Aiko shares the official video for ‘One Way St’. Implementing new social distancing rules, the two perform their lyrics in empty spaces. Los Angeles is as busy as New York—as far as traffic goes—so not seeing the streets clear is rare. Check out the song from her new album, ‘Chilombo’.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbs18p3sIaQ&h=315]

  • Escape reality with Swiss producer Norvmbega’s dramatic composition ‘Let Me Go’: Listen

    Swiss producer Norvmbega made an enchanting composition that brought back memories of the days we could all go to the movies to watch a film of our choice. ‘Let Me Go’ evokes feelings of hope, wonder, and endurance for destiny fulfilled. Live a little. Allow your imagination to take you there, wherever you want to go in this quarantine with this cinematic composition.

  • Watch buzzing North Carolina rapper Kiara’s visual for ‘Ape Shyt’ produced by IGOT20ONMYBEAT

    Why these hoes playin’ with me?

    Before Kiara says a word, the beat for ‘Ape Shyt’, which is reminiscent of DaBaby’s hard-hitting ‘XXL’, lets you know she’s about to do what needs to be done. She almost has no choice to, on a beat like this one. It’s a simple beat, stripped of any pomp and frills—the type of beat made for a rapper to show out. It has the heavy piano chords to set the tone and a simple drum kit to keep time, with a little woodwind added for flair about halfway through—AKA, there’s nothing for Kiara to hide behind.

    Thankfully, she doesn’t need to; just those two minutes of straight bars with a short, catchy hook thrown in had me scrolling the rest of her YouTube. Kiara has a very “take no shit/give all hits” energy that directly reminded me of Megan thee Stallion during her come up. She does not mince words and gets right to it, rapping as if a major label executive told her she has thirty seconds to impress them.

    I’m that bitch goin’ ape, tell ‘em get back

    The first verse asserts her dominance, and the second verse serves as a call-out. Kiara’s not here for anything else except to rap her ass off, and she is easily on pace to continue putting Charlotte on the map right behind DaBaby.

    I’m from the 4, I stay on go/Nice flow, 4x, fours up like I’m Stunna

    Ape Shyt is only the tip of the iceberg; wait til ‘Ouchie Wally’ comes on. Don’t sleep.

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

  • Missing festival season? Stream Plenityd’s stage-ready ‘Corium’ more than once

    This weekend, the Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit would have gone on if it weren’t for the novel coronavirus. Today would have been the last day of the three-day extravaganza, but all is not lost. The promoters created an alternative live version, happening today. How does the Norwegian producer fit into this fold? His sound is ready for the festival circuit. Join us in celebrating the incredible craftmanship that Plenityd exhibits with his blood-pumping production ‘Corium’. The big break that EDM fans need happens a few seconds shy of halfway through the song. Check it out.

  • Vaya con dios: Listen to ‘Summer Drive’ by Joey Vantes

    In the state of Maryland, Governor Larry Hogan has begun to open public spaces that were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic including parks, tennis courts, fishing, and select small businesses. It is May, the cherry blossoms have bloomed, and as soon as it warms up, it will finally feel like Summer in Maryland.

    Quarantine has made it, not only difficult to know what day it is but depending on where you live, to predict the weather. But thank goodness for the arts to distract us from the nuances of reality. Joey Vantes has a little something to slide to with ‘Summer Drive’. It seems that Joey comes from the new school of Christian music. The trending ability to deliver one’s message over a secular up-tempo R&B beat is something I am beginning to enjoy the more I come into contact with it. I am really enjoying these songs that have such a ‘this is for everyone’ spirit. To clarify, that energy feels like no matter the devotion of believer, you can enjoy, relate, and dare I say, feel no judgment. The song is a fresh, smooth vibe to ride out to or even just sit and play in your Airpods. The song sounds that good.

    This is a West Coast bop that you can all appreciate on a beautiful sunny day or on a sunny day you have to imagine. Of course, we all wish we could ride in something cool with the top down, especially when some of us are still experiencing frost and snow in May. The point is this up, and coming artist has a pretty chill song that is fun to two-step to. It could be a jam to listen to while safely social distancing, word to Joey Vantes,

    Just me and God. I feel like I can breathe, yeah.