Mickey O’Brien just dropped a cinematic hip hop anthem courtesy of his new single Ikigai (feat. Fresh Kils & Uncle Fester). From the jump the production builds the drama convincingly. “We’re only gonna die, look up at the sky screaming why oh why…. Survival comes with some guilt and shame but I know, it’ll fade as time goes by. The hurt comes and goes but I know you know that this an’t my first time…”.
The collective verses are full of street wisdom and prophetic understandings of what this lifestyle yields. The expressive production gives the vibe visual reverence. You can see the voices within this narrative. It’s a banger.
Hear Ikigai now on our Best New Hip Hop Playlist.
You can hear the Motown inspiration in the feel good nostalgic aura of Duizend, the new single from Nordic based hip hop artist Blits. Alterating between English via feature Donnie Adams while Blits stay true to his native tongue, Duizend is a glorious tribute to the classics. It’s just one flavor from his expansive palette.
For context check out the anthemic single Zekerheid. Both are blessed with an appreciation for classic hip hop and soul tinged catchy grooves. The vibe is so fresh it breaks language barriers. We can dig it.
Blits is featured on our Best New Hip Hop Playlist.
Josh One is instantly infectious on his new single You Know Remix (feat. Blu). The beat reflects a level of musicianship familiar to the work of The Roots, while stylistic clues connect with producers like Cut Chemist.
The verses from legendary West Coast MC Blu are full of effective musicality while the attitude inflects his percussive cadence. It’s absolutely fresh and fit for a festival crossover. Josh One is a good time who sways elegantly between the realms of festive and lucid fantastic. Paired with Blu, they’re a dope team. Get into it.
Josh One is featured on our Best New Hip Hop Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 