music

Roll With Khalfani & Gem Tree

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The last thing anyone should want to do in Chicago is drive. After more than three feet of snow fell over the last three weeks and windchills consistently in the single digits Chicagoans should want to stay indoors. Alas, Khalfani has made it impossible to want to stay home. His new single “Roll With Me” sounds like car rides at sunset through a city where some people’s cars are still buried in the snow.

Every native Chicagoan knows riding down Lake Shore Drive any time between sunset and dawn is either inexpensive therapy or the best cheap date ever. Khalfani teamed up with Gem Stone to provide a soundtrack for that ride regardless of what the purpose is. “Roll With Me” is by far the smoothest vibe to come out of the city in quite some time.

“Roll With Me” is a testament to Khalfani’s versatility and a reminder that true lyricism knows no limits. A staple in Chicago’s hip hop culture, Khalfani proves that talent knows no genre by immersing fans in a sea of soul. “Roll With Me” is a collaborative effort of musical genius between Khalfani, producer Lord Haiti, Gem Tree, and guitarist Jacob Grow.

“Roll With Me” is just beginning. Though the song leaves nothing to be desired, it’s only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what to expect from Khalfani in 2021. While awaiting the barrage of music Khalfani plans to hit fans with this year stream “Roll With Me” now.

https://songwhip.com/khalfani/roll-with-me

Rapcrush or Kiesha?

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2020 was undoubtedly the year of the woman. Women stood up in positions of power around the globe during what may very well be the most tumultuous time in history. The music industry certainly has been a testament to the same with female singers and rappers dominating both the internet and the billboards. 2021 seems to be an extension of not only the stress of 2020, but the girl power as well, Exhibit A: Rapcrush’s new album: Kiesha.

Rapcrush has already been making a name for herself, but with her new album the Chicago based artist may very well be tattooing her name on the game. The brown skin bombshell has matched her good looks and sharp tongue to make herself one of the most identifiable rappers in Chicago and Kiesha is only proof of the matter.

Lyrically witty, Rapcrush is a bit different from a number of the other lady rappers of late, because she rests on her talents. The looks are a bonus. Nestled somewhere between sarcasm and poetry, Rapcrush consistently delivers her own brand female empowerment over hip hop beats.

Female empowerment could very well be the theme of Kiesha. The 10 track effort is a compilation of get money anthems mixed with relationships highs and lows, and some advice for young girls as well. Though she likely could have put the album out under the J.Cole act (without features), Rapcrush shares the spotlight with fellow Chicagoan Stunt Taylor and One Fame.

The cover art is a nod to Taral Hicks’ character “Kisha” from the 1998 crime drama Belly. Rapcrush tapped into her inner pinup girl to do the fictional sex symbol who has transcended decades justice.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/kiesha/1553625954

Mawii the Nomad is Floating

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Mawii the Nomad is a New York native making a name for himself in Austin, TX. In mid-October the Broad Visions Music Group artist debuted his first solo EP Floating.

Floating is comprised of three tracks that capture Mawii the Nomad’s personality in their own individual ways. The EP opens with “Stuffed.” It’s a feel good song about getting high at a kickback. “Stuffed” is followed by “A-L-O-N-E.” “A-L-O-N-E” is shortest of the three songs touching on maintaining personal peace while navigating the dating world. The final track, “Anxiety” is a joint effort with fellow BVMG artist and producer Mr. Frosting. “Anxiety” is vulnerable and relatable and the longest of the three songs.

Floating is short and sweet but definitely effective. And the perfect introduction for anyone who is looking to get to know Mawii the Artist.

http://smarturl.it/n3jmmu

Khilla Keys

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Khilla Keys is a lot of things, but a new comer is not one of them. The multitalented lyricist and musician took a leap in an effort to further his career and landed on his feet.

Khilla Keys uprooted his life, leaving his home in St. Croix to come to the mainland to pursue his music career. The island boy has grown new roots in Austin, Texas and made a name for himself on the music scene.

The rapper, singer, drummer, and pianist has a number of hits on Spotify and appeared to be on track to becoming a household name until Covid-19 put live performances on hiatus. Khilla Keys was scheduled to perform at Houston’s Loud Fest, before it was cancelled.

Covid interruptions are small things to a giant and Khilla Keys seems unbothered. He continues to promote his music and perfect his craft in preparation for the moment Khilla Keys can come to a stage near you.

While the stage may not be a current option, SoundCloud is. Tap in and get familiar with Khilla Keys.

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/yrnXDS2DsVpN4TJKA

Meet Shannon Sionna

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With everything that’s going on in the world every now and then you need a soothing voice to help you escape it all. For anyone in search of such a voice; search no more, Shannon Sionna has arrived.

Shannon Sionna is a Texas native with a unique sound. The neo soul songstress has been making her mark performing all across her home state. Though her sound is her own, Shannon Sionna’s influence’s have inspired the masses: Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and the Queen of Tejano Music and fellow Texan Selena.

Shannon Sionna’s mellow sound and knack for storytelling have made her a fan favorite. Her 2019 single “Balance” is proof that the singer may be exactly what music needs right now. Though her sound is best described as neo soul, Shannon Sionna is not to be limited. The artist and trained thespian flexes her vocal abilities on her latest release “For The Streets,” a joint effort with fellow Texan “King Savage.”

Get in tune with Shannon Sionna.

Rapcrush and Chella H are Body Goals

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The world has a way of putting pressure on women to have the perfect bodies. For women who think what God gave them is enough, Rapcrush gave them “Body Goals”.

Rapcrush teamed up with Chella H to let women know natural bodies can be goals too. “Body Goals” is all about empowering women and loving yourself. Self love is a hell of a drug and those who have it are obvious, but one can never have too many reminders.

“Body Goals” is proof that two Chicago rappers are better than one and women do work well together. While Rapcrush and Chella H are both making waves for their lyrical abilities, both are indeed body goals in their own rights.

For every woman with great genes or the discipline to hold the body they want somewhere between the kitchen and gym, “Body Goals” is for you.

BADBOY VT is Not Innocent

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Chicago native BADBOY VT started rapping to escape the ills of his own life. That escape has transformed into journey that BADBOY VT takes his fans on to share his life experiences. The latest stop on that journey is entitled “Not Innocent.”

Plenty of rappers tell tall tales of street life, but VT wants his fans to know everything he raps about he has actually experienced and “Not Innocent” is no different. “Not Innocent” contains some incriminating admissions, but that’s what makes it real.

BADBOY VT describes himself as “raw from the streets” and “Not Innocent” is evidence of that claim. The song was produced by Magic Lgo and is now available on a streaming platforms.

Nina B Throws It Back

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The future is female, just ask D1CMG. The music powerhouse acknowledges that girls run the world and introduce their very first female emcee Nina B.

Known as “The Pretty Spitta,” Nina B is making quite the name for herself on the hip hop scene. Her rambunctious personality is apparent in her lyrics and her debut single “Throw It Back” is evidence.

“Throw It Back” is fun and flirty. With all the makings of a twerk anthem, Nina B’s flow makes the song a hit. The uptempo track is the perfect for Nina B and the visual is the icing on the cake.

Filmed by Ryder Visuals, “Throw It Back” opens as a yoga class. The class quickly goes rogue and what should have been a calming experience is exchanged for something that resembles a night at the strip club.

In an era where femcees are getting their due credit, Nina B as the potential to find herself receiving all of her roses. “Throw It Back” is now available on all platforms.

https://smarturl.it/Nina-B-Throwitback

Richie Wess is Trained To Go

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There are a million and one ways to celebrate a birthday. Probably more than that when money is no object and COVID-19 is no concern. With all the options he had, Richie Wess celebrated his birthday by releasing his album Trained To Go.

While most of us expect to receive gifts to celebrate on our special day, Tampa-based rapper Richie Wess gifted his fans with new music. Trained To Go is nearly 30 minutes of the YTC artist at his best. Trained To Go is comprised of 10 tracks and includes features from French Montana, Yung Dred, and Priceless Scott.

Trained To Go features the highly acclaimed single “Frontline” with Calboy. If you’ve been living under a rock for the last week, listen to Trained To Go here:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/trained-to-go/1523692313

Don of CashOverClout’s Here This Is For You

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One thing Don of CashOverClout is never in short supply of is creativity. From his music to fashion choices the Chicago lyricist keep fans one their toes and is latest display, “Here This Is For You” is a no different.

It takes a true wordsmith to intertwine subject matters the way Don did on “Here This Is For You” and frankly, it’s impressive. The song opens with what sounds like a dark, yet relatable admission of loneliness. That’s followed by a combination of typical rap scenarios and valid life lessons.

“Here This Is For You” is yet another CashOverClout/SmartMouf collaboration. Don of CashOverClout’s latest gift to his fans was produced by Ace da Vinci and mixed at Glass Tree Creative.