As the summer continues to get hotter, so is the amount of music being released by independent Puerto Rican musicians, especially from those in the genres related to hip-hop and electronic music. Here are just a few of the singles released and/or found across the month of June from the Boricua indie scene. “Kodamas” by Furry Vowels feat. Mau Lynx Released earlier this year, rather than June, the latest collaboration by Furry Vowels and Mau Lynx is definitely a gem among the large amount of music being uploaded to the internet daily. “Kodamas” is a fantastically danceable synthpop number that will definitely have listeners dancing and imagining themselves as part of a neon-lighted future as they delve into a few surprises in the latter part of the track’s four-minute running time. “Mensaje de Texto” by Paradize feat. Joyce Santana & Brray A new addition to the new wave of dancehall and reggaeton, this collaboration by Paradize, Joyce Santana and Brray is a love and sex-fueled tune that will definitely have listeners dancing everywhere be it a house party, disco, bar or the streets. “Wish” by 6ELA feat. Envy Another addition to the ever growing catalogue of Puerto Rican trap, this one features 6ELA and Envy dipping themselves into the more melodic fueled as they present their Lil Uzi Vert, Trippie Redd and XXXTentacion influences. For those who love melodic trap, this is definitely a fine addition to their playlists. “SunKissss Mix” by Reyes††† Released at the end of the month, the latest single by the young rapper presents a new side to him. Though the track has no lyrics, the tune displays the artist’s willingness to explore with different genres, more specifically house, while maintaining his signature lo-fi aesthetic, which begs one to question what he would do if he produces a project made entirely out of electronic music. “Se Revelo” by JANMARCUS Produced by Young Cauty, Manny Dreads and Yizuscomosuena, the latest JANMARCUS single, "Se Revelo," is another sex-fueled reggaeton track that will have many dancing to the floor as neon-lights flash before them. “Compendio” by Vladi A mixture of classic boom-bap rap with lo-fi aesthetics, Vladi’s “Compendio” is another display of the rappers sharp lyricism as he mixes themes like the power of hip-hop to influence the community, his lyrical prowess and how he wants to help those close to him. “Despojo” Kombo the X Writer feat. Arliana Featuring art by Mike Rodz, production by Huztle and beautiful singing by Arliana, Kombo the X Writer’s “Despojo” is another beautiful jazz-rap track with mainstream appeal that explores a variety of topics, but one of these being the concept of legacy and what one does to succeed in creating a clean one. “Animal” by FOKINFROID A short yet vocally experimental trap track by FOKINFROID, “Animal” is a single that explores the glorification of excess that will have listeners headbanging. However, what might kill this song for audiences is its very short running time. Perhaps thirty more seconds might have made this tune better, but that’s just my opinion. “Jugo’e Piña” by Füete Billēte feat. Enuma Arguably the originators of trap in Puerto Rico, Fuete Billete alongside Enuma return once more with this sex-fueled trap banger that will have some dancing and others going to their bedrooms, or preferred spot for sexual activities, as they listen to this psychedelic and ethereal mix of R&B and trap. “Bájale” by Labajura After spending a lot of time performing in various locations across Puerto Rico and the United States, Labajura returned to the studio to prepare his new project. Afterwards, he decided to provide listeners with this sexy and Vento Alejandro guitar-driven electro-disco number that will definitely make listeners move their feet, shake their booties and head bang. If you have yet to add this to your nightlife playlist, don’t waste anymore time. “Reply” by Envy Produced by FRVRFRIDAY, the new Envy single is a nice entry into the ever growing catalogue of Puerto Rican alternative R&B. As usual with the genre, the track is a love song that explores the topic stated in the tune’s title through a variety of situations. While many songs in this genre lend themselves for bedroom playlists, I believe this one is better off as an exploration on the subject stated in the title rather than just a throwaway tune to put in the background. However, while kudos are given for the lyrical exploration, the song suffers from a short running time as said themes could have been further explored or developed. Regardless, “Reply” is a strong display of Envy’s potential mainstream appeal and star power. “In Tartarus” by Mr. Kraken Mr. Kraken returns with this latest lo-fi produced indie rock and stoner rock influenced single “In Tartarus.” Featuring some chilling guitars and the ever haunting vocals provided by Kraken, this new track continues to show the band’s growth and multiple influences. “Como nosotros” by Yamil Arany Produced by Bravo and Dani The Greatest, Yamil Arany’s “Como nosotros” is a single that explores similar musical and lyrical territory as many other members of the genre while heavily relying on the beat. “Me compre un full” by Luciano and Cokaine A track that lyrically and sonically follows the old school trap created by rappers like T.I., Jeezy and Gucci Mane, “Me compre un full” by Luciano and Cokaine explores the harsh lifestyle of the gangster underground and the tribulations one must undergo to escape it. “Cosa Nostra” by OMVR X JC feat. Gaby Chuleta Another hype trap track by the duo, “Cosa Nostra” displays OMVR X JC signature mixture of cloud/mumble-style lyrics paired alongside aggressively delivered flows as they continue to rap about their dominance in the underground and how they defy anyone who tries to stop them, a topic that is further enhanced by Gaby Chuleta’s featured performance. “SHABBA” by OMVR X JC A change of sound for the duo, “SHABBA” features OMVR X JC exploring sounds rooted in reggaeton and dancehall. While the lyrics may not touch on different themes, it is refreshing to see the duo experimenting with different music and not sticking to their usual dark trap roots. “Siempre Gucci” by Luciano Another trap song that glorifies the Gucci brand and uses it as a gateway to higher class status while admiring the luxuries of gaining money, “Siempre Gucci” is a banger accompanied by an explosive bass that will have some headbanger and others imagining gangster movies in slow-motion. “Dime Si Quieres” by Barbosa A trap influenced R&B track, Barbosa’s “Dime Si Quieres” is a love and sex-fueled song that creates a good atmosphere for headbanging and slow dancing. However, the tune suffers from some rough autotune at times. Regardless, this track gives us a glimpse at a new artist in formation, which is always interesting. “Game Over” by Lil YvDi What seems to be the last track of his first mixtape, “Game Over” is an interesting single by Lil YvDi as he uses the popular video game term as a way to tell the ending of a love story. While the subject matter may not be very different from other artists, it is the style and execution that make this tune so unique and different from the rest of the music being thrown into the spectrum of trap every day. “Agora” by Sebastian .Otero Produced by J’adore Flaneur, “Agora,” the new single by Sebastian .Otero, is a fantastic display of the artist’s ability to blend rapping and singing with a variety of soulful sounds as he touches on a variety of current social and political themes such as the economic crisis in Puerto Rico, the troubled situation with Playuela and the recent cuts to the University of Puerto Rico’s budget. In short, the tune serves as a reflection and call to action by the young artist who continues to show the array of sounds at his disposal. “Vidamuerte” by Elefantes de Yaya A blend of psychedelic and funky rhythms, the first single by the self-proclaimed Yaya Boyz, “Vidamuerte,” is a nice, smooth and melodic rock song that will have some dancing and others dreaming with its sexy blend of guitar solos and piano as they reflect on life and death. “Drena La Drenalina” and “OX TOUR LIFE” by Lee Gueroa As a very active musician this summer, Lee Gueroa a few singles this past June, two of these being “Drena La Adrenalina” and “OX TOUR LIFE.” The first of these is a dancehall and afrobeat bend that will have people dancing everywhere, but, as the cover art suggests, it is an anthem to be enjoyed especially in the beach. The second of these singles is a remix of Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour Llif3” that explores themes of a troubled romantic and sexual relationship. “Se Acabo” by Krey feat. Lee Gueroa Another entry into Puerto Rico’s growing trap catalogue, “Se Acabo” is a love-fueled banger that features some great chemistry by Krey and Lee Gueroa as they blend some good rapping and singing with a chorus that many will be singing in nightclubs all around. “Henny Con Hypnotic” by Krey feat. Benny Benni Another trap track that blends the subject matters of sex, drugs and nightlife, “Henny Con Hypnotic” is a banger that will have many headbanging and some dancing as it perfectly blends aggressive rapping and smooth autotune singing with many pop culture references that listeners will understand immediately. “Samba mañanera” by Julio del Hoyo An interesting hip hop track that mixes fast and aggressive rapping with a samba sample, the new Julio del Hoyo is another tune that demonstrates his lyrical abilities. In addition, del Hoyo further shows he isn’t afraid to experiment as he also delves into singing for a while. In short, the song jumps off as an interesting experiment by the young rapper. “FTOS” and “R.I.P.” by Blxxdshot Another of the more active rappers this summer, Blxxdshot released two singles this past June with “FTOS” and “R.I.P.” The first of these features some production by Fly Twilightzone reminiscent of Maybach Music beats mixed with dark trap as Blxxdshot displays some of his lyrical abilities in a track about loyalty. Finally, the second of these is a dark trap banger influenced by the works of Pouya, SuicideBoys and XXXTentacion that will have many headbanging and probably creating mosh pits in shows. “SVDGVNG.exe” and “C A $ H I N” by Yung Lecter Yung Lecter has been another active member of the music scene this summer as he released two singles with “SVDGVNG.exe” and “C A $ H I N.” The first of these is a short track about depression and suicide accompanied by a lo-fi boom-bap instrumental. Lastly, “C A $ H I N” is a heavy bass and Nintendo sampling trap banger about wanting money and everything that comes with it. “No Creo En Fe” by saintmist With his latest single, “No Creo En Fe,” the Cayey-based artist saintmist presents a nice and soulful lo-fi beat that will have many relaxing and headbanging. However, while the song is good, it would have been great to see it last a bit longer. “BELIAL” by Charlie Boldman A bass heavy trap track, Charlie Boldman’s latest single is a dedication against all his haters as he first basically tells them to stop talking behind his back and then backs it up by mentioning all his material wealth. Unlike his last single, “NINTENDO,” this one takes a darker approach in the style of 21 Savage, Offset and Metro Boomin’s Without Warning. “Imaginate Eso” and “Freestyle” by Fico Rodz Another artist who has been very active this entire year has been Fico Rodz and in June he didn’t fail as he delivered two singles with “Imaginate Eso” and “Freestyle.” The first of these features a fast-paced beat as he seems to be reflecting on the struggles he lived through before becoming the man he is today. Meanwhile, “Freestyle” is a shorter and more atmospheric track about where he raps about a variety of topics including social and political troubles in Puerto Rico, the environment, his struggles to become who he is today, motivating others and his role in the hip hop community. As he has shown throughout the entire year, Fico Rodz shows no sign of stopping, which means that he’ll hopefully release an EP, mixtape or album very soon. “La Canción de Mia Parte 4” by Alvaro Diaz A fantastically produced blend of hip-hop and R&B, the new single by Alvaro Diaz tells a story about heartbreak through a large variety of pop culture references and some fine use of sampling. It is definitely another great tune that shows why Diaz is another artist at the forefront of Puerto Rico’s independent music scene. As previously mentioned, Puerto Rico’s independent music scene is in constant growth and artists continue to pump out new music every day, especially those in the fields of hip hop, trap, electronic music and reggaeton. However, there are still a few involved in other genres that, despite their efforts being more group based, manage to put out a single or two. Regardless, all of this progress shows that slowly, but surely, independent acts are connecting more with larger audiences in an easier and faster way thanks to the easy access to the internet. In short, it is a wonderful time to be an artist and all those seeking to express themselves in a medium should work hard and take full advantage of this great resource.
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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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