As seen in previous months, musicians across Puerto Rico’s indie scene are no longer afraid nor looking for help in order to get their work out there and April 2019 was definitely a huge example of how artists’ throughout the island are letting themselves known. “Pu-Tony” by MC Tony Small (Prod. Jota Infinito) Featuring some 1980’s hip hop-influenced production by Jota Infinito, MC Tony Small’s "Pu-Tony" is a satirical take on the stereotypical rap tune where rappers brag about the amount of women in their lives. “Difícil es” by MC Tony Small (Prod. Jota Infinito) The second of MC Tony Small’s latest singles, “Difícil es” is a reflection of the life experienced in the projects, how hip hop serves as a way of expressing the circumstances faced in such an environment and how the previously mentioned upbringing is romanticized by the privileged. “MI COCHE” by YUNG BOI X ENYEL C A tune made for the night life, the latest YUNG BOI and Enyel C collaboration is a fantastic blend of trap, electro and synths that will definitely have listeners dancing under neon nights. “Get the Bag” and “SpcCdt//” by Marlon Frank As an active beat producer, Marlon Frank has been one to deliver singles regularly. This month, “Get the Bag” and “SpcCdt//” were found. The first of these is a trap beat featuring flexing vocals and a surreal atmosphere. Meanwhile, the latter is a blend of soulful sounds and today’s trap sound. “Media Noche” by Jace (Prod. Zaya’s and Jace) An ethereal R&B trap tune produced by Jace alongside Zaya’s, “Media Noche” is an atmosphere-creating track that will definitely make Travis Scott fans proud. “ALFA” by Danny Effe (Prod. Lezter and Pilgrim) A lyrical trap tune that features production by Lezter and Pilgrim, Danny Effe’s “ALFA” demonstrates the rapper positioning himself over the competition. “ROWBOAT” by YANDI Featuring a trap beat influenced by lo-fi aesthetics, YANDI’s “ROWBOAT” is a tune that shows the young artist’s rapping abilities alongside his introspective love and depression fueled lyrics. “SubZero (Freestyle)” by Jovan (Prod. Goldi) Featuring some creative and bass-heavy production by Goldi, Jovan’s “SubZero (Freestyle)” sees the young musician reflecting on the state of hip hop and flexing over the competition. “Siempre Activo” by Jovan (Prod. Goldi) A very danceable crunk and snap rap influenced trap tune, Jovan’s “Siempre Activo” is a track that will definitely have listeners dancing as he displays pop culture influenced lyrical abilities over a slapping beat. “Pa Ti” by Yaveh ft. Jovan (Prod. JRemers) A mix of R&B and trap, Yaveh and Jovan’s “Pa Ti” is a love-driven tune that displays the artists’ singing and rapping abilities alongside some of their storytelling skills. “Pa’ Que Me Lo Choques” by Rvsell (prod. Gian Walton & Towers) A homage to old school underground reggaeton, the latest Rvssel single is a throwback to the days of house and garage parties where people would dance all the way to the floor grinding their bodies to some classic reggaeton. “NPC” by Izzy (prod. Naytrack and Fatcatbeats) Featuring a sample from Scarface and some fantastic production, Izzy’s “NPC” shows the young rapper dominating the beat as he shows his lyrical abilities and flexes over the competition. “Rip Manolo” by Xyron An extremely heartfelt and personal song, Xyron’s latest single is a boom bap tune that will definitely touch listeners everywhere as the musician reflects and pays homage to his fallen loved one. “VR” by Kalell A love-driven blend of dancehall and reggaeton, Kalell’s “VR” is a display of the artist’s abilities as he mixes his natural singing alongside some autotune. “Night & Day” by A1 NWG X Broadway B A blend of reggaeton, dancehall and afrobeat, the latest collaboration by A1 NWG and Broadway B is a very danceable tune that will play well in the beach as well as the club scene. “Roll It” by A1 NWG X AC Metta Featuring some very visual sounds and lyrics, A1 NWG and AC Metta’s “Roll It” is a late night trap tune that celebrates marihuana and partying alongside some language mixing and trap soundscapes. “Sach” by Ferrori X ERRE (Prod. by Jodus) Featuring an aggressive trap beat by Jodus, the latest collaboration by Ferrori and ERRE is definitely that will play well live and will take listeners on trips across the nightlife. “Voy (Go Spanish RMX)” by ERRE A blend of R&B and trap, ERRE’s “Voy” continues to show the artist’s mix of singing and rapping as he provides some great nightlife atmosphere. “El Tirador” Jan Alex ft. Guzzie (Prod. EBM) Featuring production by EBM that’s highly influenced by crunk and snap rap, the latest Jan Alex and Guzzie single is a tune that displays the musicians rapping abilities over a very danceable beat. “Mr. October (Freestyle)” by Juanera A short and to-the-point freestyle, Juanera’s “Mr. October” sees the artist quickly flexing over the competition. “Get High, Go Work” and “Vamoa Destruíl” by Espuelerico A blend of folk, blues and old school rock n’ roll, “Get High, Go Work” shows Espuelerico reflecting on the hardships of being a working class citizen and rocknrolla trying to make enough money for essentials on a weekly basis. Meanwhile, “Vamoa Destruíl” blends similar elements of “Get High, Go Work” but it also incorporates elements of surf rock. “La nota de ayer (Despelote II)” by Rafers A tune made for dancing, Rafers’s “La nota de ayer (Despelote II)” is another homage to the nightlife and hanging out and the relationships that can be developed in said environment. “dosXtres rmx” bhy @787 ft. 13:00am & Enyel C A blend of pop, R&B and trap, the latest collaboration by @787, 13:00am and Enyel C is an image filled tune that sees the artists reflecting over a variety of themes such as love, ambition, rock n’ roll lifestyle and others. “GAME BOYZ” by Enyel C A trap tune influenced by music from classic video games, R&B and a bit of vaporwave, the latest Enyel C song continues to show the young musician’s growth as he pays homage to old school video games. “Lovestruck” by Chasing Nomads A dance and indie rock blend with elements of pop punk, the first single by Chasing Nomads after their Lucidity EP shows growth and a new direction for the band. “La Ber” bhy Working Class Hands A math rock tune at heart, Working Class Hands “La Ber” is good single that displays the band’s potential as one of the growing groups in the scene right now. “Ganas Ilegales” by Es ViVii Released in February, Es ViVii’s “Ganas Ilegales” is a love-fueled and R&B-driven boom bap tune that displays the young musician’s singing and rapping skills as well as storytelling abilities. “07:77” by Fenix Castro Featuring a heavy hitting boom bap beat, Fenix Castro’s latest single is a powerful conscious rap tune that will definitely have listeners thinking about the current state of various themes, but most prominently politics, and, if nothing else, banging their heads and admiring the lyricism. “Follow” by Jeysac x Barqui A slowed down reggaeton tune, Jeysac and Barqui’s “Follow” is a song that will definitely have listeners, especially couples, everywhere dancing to the single’s contagious beat. “Que Lo Que” by Young Ink An autotune-heavy dembow tune, the first single by Young Ink is a song that might make some listeners dance to its infectious beat. “Hey Tú” by Luckre Gerad A nice and smooth pop rock single, Luckre Gerad’s “Hey Tú” is a song that shows the artist’s mainstream appeal and ability to create a track which would most likely play very well in the summer time. “Fiel” by Negro Gonzalez Accompanied by a video produced by Producciones Tabaquero and Taller 2C1, the latest single by Negro Gonzalez is a boom bap tune that displays his lyrical abilities as he explores subjects such as trust and loyalty while paying homage to 1990s hip hop. “#PARTY” by Danny Effe feat. Barqui x Musa Featuring a trap song influenced by crunk and snap rap of the 2000’s, the latest Danny Effe, Barqui and Musa collaboration is a highly danceable tune that will definitely have many shaking their feet, twerking, clapping their hands and going wild in the club with its infectious beat. “Como La Olla” by Vladi and Shawn (prod. By Mitxhell, La Maldad) Featuring a nice and gritty yet soulful boom bap beat, the latest collaboration by Vladi and Shawn is a fantastic lyrical display that sees the musicians reflecting on their lives as well as the current state of hip hop. “ME QUIERE VER” by DonGa A love fueled blend of R&B and trap, the latest DonGa single displays the artist’s rapping and singing abilities alongside his storytelling skills over a nice piano driven beat. “CANDY” by Yung 17 (prod. eMe) Featuring fantastic crunk, snap rap and southern rap influenced production by eMe, the latest Yung 17 single is a fantastic headbang-worthy and danceable tune that will definitely have people stomping their feet, twerking and moving their bodies in all sorts of ways. “Candela Pura” by Vicks ft. Krey (Prod. Yondo x Krey) A love and sex fueled tune that mixes elements of boom bap and R&B, the latest collaboration by Vicks and Krey displays the artists’ storytelling skills, mainstream potential and the great chemistry they share in a song that will definitely have people going back repeatedly. “Three Way Knife” by Out Of Hand An aggressive blend of death metal, thrash metal and extreme metal, the first single for the upcoming Icons of Apathy EP is a tune that presents Out Of Hand criticizing people in power, like politicians, who continuously provide promises but never deliver on them. In addition, the song provides commentary on how mindless people can be as they re-elect the same kind of people over and over again. “PA' QUE VUELVAS” by Sharif Rafael feat. Rvf (prod. by Malu Music) A love story told through R&B-influenced melodies and lyrical feasts set to a trap beat, the latest collaboration by Sharif Rafael and Rvf demonstrates the young artists’ growth as well as their mainstream potential. “Danza Macabra” by Conco A blend of Latin sounds along with synth-fueled electronics, the latest single by the experimental project Conco is a highly danceable tune that will have listeners and viewers tripping with its appealing music video. “Yankee Go Home” by Orquesta El Macabeo The first new piece of music for the group in a while, the latest single by Orquesta El Macabeo is a politically-driven tune that explores Puerto Rico’s relationship with the United States while making sure to provide a highly danceable atmosphere. “Dos Amores” by MIMA and International Dub Ambassadors Released in March, the latest collaboration between these two independent music scene powerhouses is a great blend of storytelling and psychedelic dub music. “Se Mueven” by José Yellow and Fabiio (Prod. Axel Ghxst) After taking a brief break, José Yellow and Fabiio jump on a contagious Axel Ghxst trap beat that will definitely play well in the strip club scene and the nightlife. “AnXious” by Kid WowZa (Prod. Sauron) Featuring a blend of bass-heavy trap production alongside soulful boom bap sounds by Sauron, Kid WowZa raps some reflective lyrics in a little over two minutes. “SCALABRINI” by Kid WowZa (Prod. $aki) Featuring a bass heavy beat by $aki, Kid WowZa’s is a fun tribute to basketball where the young rapper displays his rapping skills while flexing over the competition. “Bien Happy” by Kid WowZa Rapping over another bass-heavy beat, Kid WowZa once again displays his rapping abilities as he provides a more party-oriented atmosphere. “Trágico/Mágico” by Labajura ft. Los Wálters A great blend of of Labajura’s late night electronic sound and Los Wálters’ lighter synth pop, “Trágico/Mágico” is a fantastic tune for those looking to add new songs to their “jangueo” playlists. “La Player” by PioTripz (Prod. Bravo) Featuring production by Bravo, PioTripz’s “La Player” is a bass-heavy party track that will definitely make listeners dance down the floor and one that might play well in strip clubs. “Hennessy” by MIKO (Prod. Alers La Pesadilla) With production by Alers La Pesadilla, MIKO’s “Hennessy” is a pop rap tune with 8-bit video game elements and Caribbean vibes that will surely play well in road trips across Puerto Rico’s coast and beach parties making it a song that will most likely continue to play well throughout the summer. “Te Encanta” by Yabdiel (Prod. Lyon) Featuring production by Lyon, Yabdiel’s “Te Encanta” is a danceable blend of pop and rap alongside Caribbean sounds that might go hand-in-hand with the night scene and the Puerto Rican beach scene. “M.I.A. Remix” by Kombo The X Writer (feat. Chyno Nyno & Wiso G) (Prod. Gaby Morales & Huztle) A remix of his contagious underground boom bap hit, Kombo The X Writer’s latest single is a fantastic revisiting of the tune with the lyrical contributions by Chyno Nyno and Wiso G. “Hola / Caricias” by Ser Colorido A relaxing and dreamy tune that provides some great melodies, Ser Colorido’s “Hola / Caricias” serves as a perfect single for the artist’s latest project, Lugar Escondido. Raro Sonido. “No me llames” by Mike-Ology ft. Al-ye & Aurel A collaboration between various up-and-comers, Mike-Ology, Al-ye and Aurel’s “No me llames” is a reggaeton track that serves as a danceable number but also as a display of the musicians’ rapping skills. “RAZORBLADE” by 6ELA A short and to the point track, 6ELA’s “RAZORBLADE” is a banging tune that will have listeners headbanging to the song’s bass-heavy beat as the artist continues to be one of the most active members of the scene right now. “La Dama de Blanco” by Alas Negras As one of the most active live members of the metal scene in the island it was only a matter of time before Alas Negras released a single and with “La Dama de Blanco” the group display their storytelling abilities through the sound of power metal. “Even//You” by Avandra Serving as the single that would prepare listeners for Avandra’s Descender, “Even You” is a tune that slowly builds as the musicians take their time to display their melodic abilities, storytelling skills as well as their prog rock influences. “La Membrana” by DSurís Featuring a hypnotic intro, DSuris’s “La Membrana” quickly captures the listener’s ear with the very relaxing jazzy boom bap beat accompanied with the rapper’s introspective lyrical delivery. “La 5ta Dimensión” by Frankie Maloja A short but to the point tune, Frankie Maloja’s “La 5ta Dimensión” is a contagious blend of reggaeton and lo-fi aesthetics that will surely make listeners dance in some way or another. “Desordenao” by GIO A slowly building electronic tune, GIO’s “Desordenao” will definitely have listeners moving their heads to the very detailed rhythms which gather inspiration from sounds such as pop and funk. “Nena” by Joseph Alex As one of the active members in the scene, Joseph Alex comes in with “Nena,” a display of rapping skills to a trap beat blent with late night ethereal vibes. “Mi Casa” by Kid WowZa (Prod. R Munoz) Featuring some groovy, jazzy and surreal boom bap production by R Munoz, WowZa’s “Mi Casa” is a single that shows his Spanglish lyrical skills while he displays his pride to be a Puerto Rican from Rincon and states his mission in the hip hop scene. “Desenmoña” by Krey (Prod. Big G x Krey) Released on April 20 as a celebration for the date at hand, Krey’s “Desenmoña” is a song that sees him blending some of his rapping and singing skills with a more reggae influenced sound. “Hoy” by Krey (Prod. Big G X Krey) Featuring co-production alongside Big G, Krey’s “Hoy” is a blend of romance and sex driven storytelling alongside a trap beat which features elements of R&B, thus serving as another example of Krey’s continuous growth. “Nations of Doom” by Massive Destruktion As one of the on-and-off thrash metal bands of the scene since the late 2000s, Massive Destruktion looks to come strong this year with the release of their latest single “Nations of Doom,” a tune that would make fans of classic thrash metal proud as well as newcomers interested. “NEBULA” by MAX A track that simply looks to make listeners dance, MAX’s “NEBULA” is a blend of reggaeton and dancehall that will definitely play well across the coasts. “En La Oscuridad” by Nébula Nice X Coo-Kee (Prod. Coo-Kee) Released a little over two months ago and featuring some hard hitting boom bap production by Coo-Kee, MHL and Epiphonia Musik, Nebula Nice’s “En La Oscuridad” is a fantastic display of lyrical skills as the musicians pay great tribute to classic hip hop and the Latin Hip Hop scene at large. “Destrúyeme” by Neysa Blay A fantastic blend of electronic pop and folk elements, Neysa Blay’s “Destrúyeme” has the potential to play well in clubs, parties and mainstream playlists showing the artist’s potential to be a lot bigger than what she is right now. “Llego la hora” by Timm Clayton Featuring some hard hitting boom bap production, Timm Clayton’s “Llego la hora” is a display of lyrical skills that takes a look at the hip hop scene especially those in the lyrical side of things. “RapJack” by Timm Clayton ft. AllOne Another heavy hitting boom bap track, Timm Clayton and AllOne’s collaboration “RapJack” serves as a form of sequel to “Llego la hora” as it is a diss track that, without mentioning names directly, takes a hit at a certain rapper who seems to be providing disrespectful commentary online. “Tiraera pa la caballeria” by Nolo835 Featuring some body slamming boom bap production, Nolo835’s “Tiraera pa la caballeria” is a response to Timm Clayton and La Caballeria del Rap’s diss tracks. In it, as in many diss records, the musician looks to ridicule the aforementioned group of musicians in many ways. “Punto Final” by Timm Clayton Serving as part of the final phase of the latest diss track saga, Timm Clayton’s “Punto Final” uses a different form of beat as the rapper continues to display his lyrical skills while dissing his previous targets as well as looking to present himself as a powerful enemy to beat in the hip hop scene. “Peligrosa” by Robin ft. Manuel El Presidente (Prod. Yeizel Beats) Featuring some R&B influenced reggaeton production by Yeizel Beats, Robin and Manuel El Presidente’s “Peligrosa” is a love driven tune that will surely make listeners dance in late night clubs. “SATIVA” by Tommy Blanco ft. Jan Alex (prod. DJ MEMO x Treetime) Featuring production by DJ MEMO and Treetime, Tommy Blanco and Jan Alex’s “SATIVA” is a highly danceable mid-2000s south rap influenced trap tune that will definitely have listeners shaking their bodies as the musicians celebrate drug use. “Que Fracaso” by Cartagena Rosario (Prod. Alex Rosa) Featuring production by Alex Rosa, Cartagena Rosario’s “Que Fracaso” is a boom bap driven introspective rap single which will have listeners analyzing the storytelling and lyricism presented. “ADICCIÓN” by KID BASKIAT Featuring some heavily danceable production, KID BASKIAT’S “ADICCIÓN” is a song that will definitely play well in the late night scene as well as showing some potential to play across the summer. “BLON” by KID BASKIAT (PROD. BY YVRE & WALDE THE BEATMAKER) Featuring production by YVRE and WALDE THE BEATMAKER, KID BASKIAT’s “BLON” is yet another celebration of marijuana use but this time in the form of a hype trap track that will surely make listeners headbang and dance. “Squirtle” by Clveless (Prod. MOTHERFVNKER) Featuring production by MOTHERFVNKER, Clveless’s latest single uses the swag Squirtle presents in the Pokemon anime as a form to display the artist’s levels of flow and confidence. “Rowdyruff Love” by Clveless ft. Celi (Prod. Yusei) Accompanied by Yusei's production and additional vocals by Celi, Clveless’s “Rowdyruff Love” is a change in sound for the young musician as he mixes his lo-fi boom bap sound with some exquisitely melodic guitar acoustics. “Sorry To Say” by Baby Bhang After taking a brief break from releasing music, Baby Bhang returns with a pop punk driven single that reminds listeners about their fast paced roots and youth influenced aesthetics. “A1002T” by Nando Gabriel x Pagani (Prod. Nebu OTB) Featuring dancehall influenced production by Nebu OTB, Nando Gabriel and Pagani’s “A1002DT” is a tune with potential to play across the summer as it has that energy to play well at the beach but also in the late night club scene. “Según Socrates” by La Estación Central ft. Domi Alianza A collaboration between the boom bap lyrical combo of La Estacion Central and the Latin American hip hop group Domi Alianza, “Según Socrates” is a display of lyricism and fantastic boom bap production throughout its six-minute entirety as the musicians reflect on their skills and themes currently affecting Latin America. “Marantas” by Juventud Crasa Serving as a return to the studio by the influential punk band, Juventud Crasa’s “Marantas” sees the group exploring a few different sounds as they continue to deliver introspective lyrics and a fast-paced energy. “Cuando” by Sebimor After being inactive for a while, Sebimor’s “Cuando” serves as a return for the band as they deliver with some fantastic psychedelic indie rock that is sure to make some dance and others travel across their imagination. “CON LA FI” by Yung Hannibal A blend of trap and lo-fi aesthetics, Yung Hannibal’s latest single is a track that will take listeners on psychedelic trips and hypnotize others to headbang for a while. “POR ULTIMA VEZ” by Zzzayas (Prod. Will) Featuring some R&B influenced trap production by Will, Zzzayas’s “POR ULTIMA VEZ” displays not only the artist’s singing and rapping abilities but also his potentially mainstream sound. “HÉRCULES” by HEVY Featuring some highly danceable trap production blent with what seems to be old school video game sounds, HEVY’s “HERCULES” is a highly contagious tune that will definitely have some moving their bodies in one way or another. “Tu No Ves” by YOUNG OMVR (Prod.JINN) Featuring JINN’s bass-heavy and danceable production, YOUNG OMVR’s “Tu No Ves” short-and-to-the-point single is a tune that will definitely have listeners dancing. However, some might be turned off by the crime-driven content in the lyrics. “CAVIAR” by JC (PROD. OMVR) Featuring some great production by OMVR, “CAVIAR” features JC showing his hypnotic singing and rapping abilities as he takes on an equally hypnotic sound that also serves as a perfect beat for the dance floor. “Subtítulos” by Sély Using samples to her advantage alongside some melodic piano keys and a lo-fi hip hop beat, west-based Sély continues to stretch her artistic self by exploring new fields and sustaining her own sound. “you am i” by Fire Letters Serving as the group’s return to the studio after providing music back in 2017, the diaspora based Fire Letters’ “you am i” features the group's dreamy and hypnotic synth sound which will definitely take listeners to abstract spiritual realms. As seen in previous months, the Puerto Rican indie music scene has had a big explosion of music and content in the Post-Maria era showing that despite the chaos and difficulties which may arise, the artists across the island and some in the diaspora are more than confident in putting themselves out there to demonstrate what they truly have to provide to not only the island’s culture, but also the rest of the world.
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AuthorFernando E. E. Correa González is the author behind over 30 self-published poetry books. He has been published by literary magazines & journals [Id]entidad, El Vicio del Tintero, Sábanas Magazine, Smaeralit, The Occulum, Tonguas and Hound Magazine. Other than writing, Correa is also the host of FENCast, a podcast dedicated to documenting the Puerto Rican independent art scene. Aside from this, he experiments with filmmaking, photography, drawing, painting, multimedia and transmedia. He currently lives in his native Puerto Rico. Archives
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