Richardine Bartee
This 5@5 morning playlist consists of Billz, AHMIR, Xavier, and more.
Billz – Monifa (Submission)
Last week, we premiered the official video for “Birds”, shortly after, we garnered the attention of another Swede rapper named Billz. He lives in a suburban city in Stockholm called, “Brandbergen”. Based on what the masked musician shared, his hometown isn’t known for musical entertainment. He wants to be the one to break through and put his city on the map. His cousin, who lived in Canada, introduced him to Hip-Hop at a young age. From his years of discovering the culture until recent times, he didn’t begin to take his raps to the booth until 2016.
Recently, he released a video for a song called, “Monifa”. The North African recording artist sings in French and English on the track. “Monifa” is a well-produced track record that exudes high energy. Watch the video below. He covers his face to protect his identity—for personal reasons.
AHMIR – My Love (Submission)
When you’re in love, you see things differently. At least, that’s what I want to believe. Do you want to know something else? Love feels a lot like Boston-native R&B group AHMIR’s new song, “My Love”—obvious name aside. If you’re not in love with anyone, pretend you are. It may make your day a little better.
Xavier – Film (Submission)
Could you imagine not having a movie theatre in your town? Being from a desolate area makes you a different type of person. Either you will search for other things to occupy your time, or you tap into your creativity. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve heard about Blythe, California until now. You’re doing your part, Xavier. Keep pushing.
Unlikely Heroes – Sun (Submission)
“Sun” takes me back to my days where I went to check out the oddest, most ‘Alternative’ artists ever. It didn’t matter if it were in New York City, Michigan, Colorado, Los Angeles or Europe, I made it a point to be there. The Unlikely Heroes remind of that time in my life. The more creative freedom you have, the more you tend to express yourself. I see it is the case with the video for “Sun”. The group enlists a ballerina (Leilani Neal-Ramos) for a night of fun. “Sun” is from their upcoming EP.
Federal Unicorn – Forever Begin (Submission)
In the same way that vocalist repeat words in what they’re calling “face-tat rap”, Federal Unicorn uses the formula to make the hook of “Forever Begin”. The video is intense as two men fight in a bar. Then, it takes a different turn. I’ll go ahead and say it is not safe for work. Put on your big boy pants. Then, grab yourselves a cold brew before watching.
Faultlines – Rain (Submission) (Bonus)
We think it is courageous when musicians make music with political statements in its verses. Through choreography, Los Angeles Folk-Pop band Faultlines demonstrate the lyrics of “Rain”. Watch the well-thought-out video addressing discrimination, sexism, and inequality below.
