I spend way to much time just going through soundcloud and Apple Music looking for the latest releases from any and everybody, just because you never know what somebody has to offer. There’s so much new music dropping, it’s easy to just get caught up in whatever’s hot on the TL, and way too many new artists, or even established ones, drop something super hard that goes almost unnoticed. With Under The Radar, I’m trying to give some shine to the hard shit that may not be getting the right amount of attention.
Good Gas Vol. 1 & 2
I love producer projects. Producers are such a vital part of the game, as they have always been, and it’s really important to hear them they display their art just like any rapper. Good Gas is a type of “playlist” or compilation curated by producer FKi 1st, known by most for his work with Post Malone and Larry June(Good job 1st!). Each volume is short, like 4 songs a piece, but features names like 2 Chainz, Smooky Margiela, UnoTheActivist, and really showcases 1st’s versatility as a producer, making a club hit in Lil Nigga ft. Kash Doll and a west coast anthem in Ooh with G Perico and 03 Greedo. Check it out here.
Standout Tracks: OOH ft. G Perico & 03 Greedo, Birfday ft. Key!
NGeeYL – Tales of YL
South Carolina’s NGeeYL has been a blip on my radar for a minute now, finding his track Front Page Gang on soundcloud. He provides a dark aggressive aesthetic to trap, his new mixtape under 300 Ent. enscapsulates that to a T while still showing his progression as an artist. Listen here.
Standout Track: Trip Gang
Choker – Honeybloom
Choker is one of the best new artists out if we’re being honest with ourselves. His first project Peak was one of my top projects of 2017, and he’s 2 for 2 with his latest. He kind of just picks up where Frank Ocean left off, delivering a Hip-pop style that sees him raising questions on mortality, relationships, and a journey of self discovery. All self produced and engineered, he’s a multi talented kid who actually has a lot to offer, unlike some others who make the same claims(Fuck Russ). Honeybloom is packed with emotion both lyrically and sonically, and is truly a project that should not be skipped. Peep.
Standout Tracks: This whole mf slaps tbh
Avantdale Bowling Club – Self Titled
A share from a friend that I may have missed on my own, A.B.C. is an avant garde jazz rap project that explores a mans desire to provide for himself and his family, while trying not to mull into complacency. I may be a little different than want most are used to, but its a passionate project that delivers on what it’s trying to execute, going against everything that modern rap portrays. The instrumentals are beautiful, recorded by a live jazz band which artist Tom Scott fits perfectly over as he raps about trying not to lose himself as he works to provide a better life for his family. Check it out here.
Standout Tracks: Years Gone By, F(r)iends
Reek – Recliner
Fresh off dropping one of the best projects in the city this summer with Chapter 2wo, Reek dropped off a new loosie a couple weeks ago with production from Fritogang’s Dubb. Recliner is a smooth track that places lyricism and flow at the forefront with a soulful foundation from the beat. A lot of the lines require a double take, so don’t let this go over your head. Peep here, playarrrs.
Jack Harlow – Loose
A cosign is a powerful thing when it comes from the right person. Signed to DJ Drama’s Generation Now imprint through Atlantic, Jack Harlow has been in my sights since his I first heard his track Dark Knight off his last project. Loose takes everything good about his last, and pushes it even further. What I like about Jack is he has good songwriting capabilities and all the features act as complements and have their own place, all the while he never compromises his bars. I mean, dude has a strong voice and can really rap. He has a seriously bright future in the game. Check out Loose here.
Standout Tracks: PICKUPTHEPHONE ft. K Camp, Sundown
Coi Leray – Huddy
Hailing from Jersey, Benzino daughter is actually super hard. she’s got a great amount of confidence in her flow, which is rare among newer artists. A random twitter find made her an artist I really wanna follow. I’ve never experienced somebody who has rapped about taking niggas girls AND girls niggas in the same verse. Amazing. Check out the video for Huddy below.
