Versatility is the defining trait of Jeff Eager‘s talent. The character and range of his voice, his expansive skills as a multi-instrumentalist, along with his approach to songwriting and arranging seem to move effortlessly through genres.
“Joy,” his latest single, is a somber yet funky piece of blue-eyed soul music taken from his forthcoming second album, which was written to sit alongside the greats of analog music’s golden age.
Sometimes it can feel like we only hold onto joy for a moment before it slips away. This song captures that universal yearning over a nostalgic, R&B groove.
The enchanting and delightful Jordy Benattar is a natural melody-maker and lyricist. She first caught the public eye as a film and TV actress, and is now pursuing her passion for songwriting. An up-and-coming artist with a pulse on ever-evolving societal changes, Jordy Benattar’s music feels like the most honest conversation you’ll ever have.
“Cheers” reflects on Jordy’s observation of a generational feeling of lethargy and purposelessness. She kept hearing stories from her friends in their 20’s and 30’s about hating their jobs, lacking a sense of meaning in this world and wanting more. She’d heard enough about it to understand and write about it. So many young adults today feel frustrated, stuck and worried that they’re running out of time to live fully and be happy.
Tony Shhnow, a staple in Atlanta’s underground hip-hop scene has just shared his new project Reflexions. Across 18-tracks, Tony guides listeners through his candid Reflexions over a sea of lucid instrumentation, polished finesse, and show-stopping lyricism. On par with any offering from Tony Shhnow, Reflexions is an abstract blend of the extensive styles at Tony’s disposal––combining the iconic trap sound and emerging “plugg” scene of his hometown of Atlanta with classic hip-hop wordplay and R&B-inspired beats. On“Days Get Cold”, a clever flip of Ashanti’s “Foolish”, Tony waxes poetic about his constant pursuit of cash & incorrigible lover-boy ways over a sweet set of keys and gleaming synths.“Park The Car” is a head-banging cut that seamlessly combines Tony’s nonchalant delivery with thrashing production, amounting to a track primed for an exhilarating mosh pit. Tony brings along an impressive guest list for the project with features from fellow underground standouts like Zelooperz, Matt OX, Bear1Boss,as well as production from CardoGotWings on “Forgive Don’t Forget” and an appearance from Atlanta legendOJ Da Juiceman. Reflexions is a worthwhile encapsulation of Tony’s journey to constantly reinvent his eclectic sound, express the most honest version of himself on the mic, and produce music on the cutting-edge of the blossoming underground of hip-hop.
The vibrant sounds of “Lo$t Kid” celebrate Tre’s success despite all the doubters, including himself. Continuing to deliver the alternative hip-hop soundscapes he’s become best known for, Tre’s sharp topline overlays a funk-edged bed of choppy production and deep bass lines. Unbounded by genre, Tre’s steadfastness in sticking true to his ideals of individuality and self-expression has marked him as an artist continuously able to evolve a new kind of sound and vibe.
The captivating new visuals to “Late Night Shift” from Yorkshire rap master Chiedu Oraka, a poignant voice channeling today’s Northern Black experience in the UK and a key pioneer of the Northern rap scene. Fresh from releasing his five-track EP Council Estate Confidence,
“Late Night Shift” is raw, gritty and unflinching as Chiedu takes listener through a dark storyline of a late night robbery, landing alongside a cinematic music video to match the track’s intrepid energy.
TANDM is a Toronto-based indie pop duo consisting of Maxine Beck-Sinderby whose distinctive vocals and catchy reverb-filled guitar riffs are driven forward by the energy of Thomas’ dynamic drum flourishes. Together, they tell complex stories of the bittersweet personal pleasures and conflicts experienced in young adulthood.
In the midst of preparing their third EP, TANDM offer “Accidentally In Love,” their optimistic and hopeful cover of the Counting Crows’ song from Shrek 2.
Riding off the success of his Nightmares album, ATAK keeps the momentum going with a new video for “Where Do I Go.” Directed by Anderson Flicks and produced by DJ Plugg.
Atlanta’s rising rapper CEO Trayle specializes in sordid street tales and fearsome flexes. Patiently reminding the world about things they should already know, Trayle proves he’s not one to be trifled with on “Of Course,” his new music video. Produced by fellow Atlantan B Stribb, “Of Course” finds Trayle taking his time as he tiptoes around rippling piano and whirring synths, emphasizing different pockets in the beat every time he switches his flow.
In the video, Trayle creeps the streets of NYC in a blacked-out Rolls Royce. The opulence resembles Bruce Wayne, but his demeanor is more like The Joker. “Of Course”showcases Trayle’s cool-headed, cautionary lyrics that shine bright as his chains in the 42nd street lights. This standout visual comes from his sinister new project, The Collection.
Chicago’s emerging rap prodigy Prince Coop unleashes summer trap cut “Chrome Heart Kisses” – featuring fellow newcomers Khi and Malik Mkuu.
Following on from an array of playful singles that put him on the map across his city, the 16-year old prodigy smashes into 2022 in a serious way with “Chrome Heart Kisses” – bursting with chest-rattling 808’s and choppy trap percussive textures that lay the bedding for Coop’s commanding flows and lyricism to shine front and centre. With the visuals seeing Coop and local talents Khi and Malik Mkuu running through the city, the flourish of vibrant youth culture perfectly encapsulates the vibe.
The 16-year old wonderkid is steadily becoming one of the brightest young talents coming through in Chi-town, his calm, assertive delivery starting to send waves across the sound sphere. Modelling from a young age starring in worldwide campaigns with Nike, Coop organically switched his focus onto music as he grew older, influences like Young Stoner Life and Chance The Rapper helping shape his sonic palette. Now beginning to crash into UK consciousness, Coop’s melodic flair and unrelenting energy create a signature, subversive soundscape. Early shows across Chicago continuing the heat, with a standout performance at Chance The Rapper’s infamous open mics leading to a set at Chance’s “A Night At The Museum” event in 2020.
