“Demolition Team”: Jota Infinito & Ebano Flowlanski Join Forces For a Powerful Boom Bap Presentation9/29/2022 As one of the most active beatmakers in the scene right now, Ebano Flowlanski continues delivering beat tapes and collaborations left and right. Recently, he joined Jota Infinito to deliver Demolition Team, a project that finds Infinito flexing and reflecting over Ebano’s continuously experimental boom bap sound. Demolition Team starts with “RCC”, a lyrical display by Jota Infinito on another fantastic beat by Ebano Flowlanski. Afterwards, “Honorable” is a track that reflects and critiques Puerto Rico’s political figures and status. Then “Kobra Dinamita” features Tintero 6equjs and Juan Nuro in a song where Ebano provides a hypnotic, sample-based beat for the MCs to show off their skills. Next “Friendo y Comiendo” is a hardcore boom bap record where Ebano gives the perfect soundscape for Jota to flex his lyrical skills. Finally, “Killa” is another hardcore rap where Jota tries to provide wisdom to beginners while displaying his abilities.
In closing, Jota Infinito & Ebano Flowlanski’s Demolition Team is a great presentation of hardcore hip hop that fans of bars and boom bap will love.
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“Los Inicios”: Rodney Cortés Shows Off His Electronic Music Muses While Making People Dance9/28/2022 As the pandemic has shown, many people have decided to finally to do something they’ve been very passionate about but never had the time to do it: art. That gave audiences different forms of expressions and Puerto Rico’s scene was no stranger to that. One of the many artists to emerge out of that time was electronic musician Rodney Cortés who recently released the project Los Inicios, a collection of electronic songs that’ll make people shake their bodies in every way possible. Los Inicios starts with “INTRO 2 ME”, a fun dance track that will have listeners moving their bodies. Afterwards, “COMO HE LLEGADO HASTA AQUI” is another upbeat song that’ll have audiences moving their feet. Then “DULCESITO (6AM MIX)” is an electronic record that shows a bit of sci-fi influence as Cortés delivers a more relaxed club banger. Next “LIVE RECORDING 2019” is a bass-heavy record that’ll have people jumping and/or dancing to what is a stark contrast to the previous tune. Later, “SWING LOVE” is a psychedelic trance and rave track that continues the party vibe set since the start. The second half of the album starts with “2NITES DELITE (ACID MIX)” a display of the artist’s acid influences mixed with a little bit of trip hop. Subsequently, “BREAK IT (MELLOW MIX)” is another entertaining song that’ll take fans on a trip. After that, “EL MUNDO FT DE LA AURORA” is a fast-paced psychedelic dance venture that’ll have listeners entranced with its female vocal sample. Then “THE D (NASTY MIX)” is another engaging upbeat record that’ll entrance audiences. Afterwards, “JETLAG” serves as a fast-paced closer to the album’s regular run. Finally, “BONUS TRACK (ANGELITO MIX)” continues the adrenaline-fueled action from the previous song, thereby telling listeners that the party never really ends.
In closure, Rodney Cortés’s Los Inicios is a fun collection of tracks that serves as a good introduction to the musician’s sound and everything he’s willing to explore to make listeners dance or meditate. After quite some time without delivering a full-length project, Carolina-based hip hop group Gunzmoke come back to the scene with Random E.R.A., a return to form as they show off their chemistry as a group over some boom bap beats, which allow them to show that despite being away for some time they still got their fire. Random E.R.A. starts with “Intro”, a sample collage of bomba, radio and hip hop sounds before heading into the project. Afterwards, “Pa’ quel que acaba de Sintonizar” is a soulful boom bap production by Hifizzy that gives the group a soundscape for them to show off their chemistry. Then “Fotografía” is a reflection on the power that visuals can have in difficult times. Next “Sarcazmo” features hardcore boom bap production by BeatPM that allows the group to display their lyrical skills. Later, “Portavoz” again features BeatPM’s hardcore production in another lyrical display by the entire group in what feels like a banger. Subsequently, “Tranzmitiendo Energy” features R-Two and Nébula Nice over some soulful HiFizzy production that allows everybody involved to rap smoothly over the beat. After that, “Outro” serves as a short piece of bomba to close the main part of the album. Finally, “Portavoz (Hifizzy Remix)” serves as a bonus track that takes a more soulful approach to the original tune.
In closure, Gunzmoke’s Random E.R.A. is a short, but strong performance by Gunzmoke as they capture their energy and chemistry over some soulful and hardcore boom bap production once more. As the pandemic slowly calms down, Puerto Rico continues to see an ever-growing crop of new talents who can’t wait to put their art out there. One of the artists to come out of said situation is Alejandro Betancourt who recently released the EP mediodia, a beat tape that displays his love of instrumental hip hop. mediodia starts with “contigo (intro)”, an instrumental that features some beautiful piano and bass work before delving into boom bap. Afterwards, “hayabusa” is a piano and atmosphere-driven lo-fi beat that’ll play well in many playlists. Then “girasol” is a mix of southern hip hop with psychedelic elements and a car sample in the back that’ll have listeners going through different experiences. Next “southpaw” is a more gangsta rap inspired tune that shows the beatmaker’s 90s influences. Finally, “perdidos (bonus track)” is a relaxing tune that mixes electronica, jazz, and lo-fi elements to create a sound that’ll have people moving their bodies.
In closure, Alejandro Betancourt’s mediodia is a short but interesting beat tape that shows off a taste of the young musician’s sound and the exploration he’s willing to do to grow as an artist, producer and beatmaker. After constantly delivering various singles across 2021 and 2022, singer-songwriter Gerald comes back with a more complete project in Simulacro, an EP that finds him exploring sounds outside of his comfort zone while expressing his upcoming goals. Simulacro starts with “Iniciando el simulacro (Intro)”, a sound collage of different audios that serve to prepare audiences for what is about to come. Afterwards, “Campeón” is a trap track with a hypnotic sample that finds Gerald displaying his rapping and singing skills. Then “Vacía” is a love-inspired reggaetón track where the singer-songwriter can show off his vocals. Next “Ponte ready” is another love-inspired reggaetón track that allows Gerald to expand on what he explored in the previous track while adding some synthpop elements. Finally, “Fin del simulacro” closes the project with a similar vibe to the project’s intro.
In sum, Gerald’s Simulacro is a short project that serves as a reminder of Gerald’s presence while showing listeners the different sounds he’s been exploring as of recent. After delivering various singles across 2021 and 2022 as well as the EP VILLANCICOS CIBERNETICOS, NaboriNyah placed himself as a fun artist to look out for, something he continues to do with his latest EP, EN LO QUE. EN LO QUE starts with “PALO EN VIVO”, a bass-heavy trap track that’ll have people going wild in the dance floor and mosh pit. Afterwards, “PLANTANDO BANDERA” is another bass-heavy trap track that shows off some of the young artist’s psychedelic influences and banger-creating potential. Then “QUIEN ERES TU – CRU2 ANTHEM” is a drill and grime tune that finds NaboriNyah displaying his versatility while flexing on the beat. Finally, “LUV4U” is a mix of glitch, hyperpop and trap that’ll have audiences going wild in the dance floor, mosh pit or whatever space they decide to consume said mix.
In conclusion, NaboriNyah’s EN LO QUE is a fun project that many will vibe, dance and mosh pit to as the young musician provides a perfect jangueo type of project while playing with a few different sounds. As a veteran of the scene, El S. has mixed hip hop with a lot of genres through his use of samples, fanaticism of rock, salsa, and other genres. His latest project, Duelo finds him expanding his sound and exploring genres that help him make this project different from past ones. Duelo starts with “El duelo”, a bolero that continues expanding the veteran’s soundscape. Afterwards, “Ineludible” is a singer-songwriter-inspired where El S. shows off some of his singing skills in a track that serves as a tribute to the recently departed that closes with a beautiful sample of what seems to be a grandmother sharing a moment with her grandkid. Then “Pájaros preñaos” blends the singer-songwriter vibes with a bit of rock and hip hop as El S. resumes exploring death and what one could learn from a person after said situation. Next “Morivivir” is a psychedelic exploration of mourning that encapsulates how many can feel in those sad moments at the end of someone else’s life. Later, “4370” is a tribute to Antonia Martínez Lagares, the 20-year-old student who was shot in Río Piedras by police officers in 1970. The sixth song, “Solo” is a reflection on loneliness and how it could lead people to possible suicide. Subsequently, “Kuiki” serves as a reggae/ska/rock homage to a departed friend as El S. reflects on their relationship and how he can’t wait to see her when his time comes to pass. The second half starts with “Amalia y Marín”, a piano-driven ballad about a couple dealing with grief. After that, “S32A” is a more upbeat track that feels like the story of a Bonnie and Clyde type of couple in their final moments before they depart. The tenth track, “Agradecerte”, is a rock and dance pop record that celebrates family, friendship, relationships, and the little yet beautiful moments shared through everyday conversations that become cemented as some of the best memories one could share with a loved one before they leave this plane of existence. Then “Pronto” is a tune from the perspective of someone who can see death coming soon and accepting it as a natural part of life. Next “Por si las moscas” finds the song’s voice accepting that he won’t be remembered by certain people when his time to depart comes, while still hoping that he will be remembered by some people. Finally, “Coño perdóname” finds El S. pleading for forgiveness from those he hasn’t provided time and love to in times where he’s had to deal with a lot of death, grief, and mourning.
In closure, El S.’s Duelo is one of the musician’s heaviest and most personal as he reflects and deals with death, grief, and mourning in various ways with a sound that finds him getting out of his hip hop, rock, and salsa comfort zones and leaning more towards a singer-songwriter experience. “Trails of Flesh Towards The Gates”: IVVS Continues Experimenting with His Ever-expanding Sound9/20/2022 After delivering the ambient-fueled SODA earlier this year, experimental musician IVVS continues expanding his sound in his latest album Trails of Flesh Towards The Gates, a project that resumes displaying his interest in exploring sounds outside of the norm. Trails of Flesh Towards The Gates starts with “I Miss You”, a blend of ambient and art pop that feels like a tribute to a lost love or a departed loved one. Afterwards, “West Angel Baby” is an ethereal trap and electronic blend that provides a love-fueled tale while celebrating Puerto Rico’s west side. Then “Looking Backwards for Heaven” is a song where IVVS experiments with electronic, ambient, and vocal sounds to provide an interesting experience. Next “Una Rosa” is a psychedelic ambient venture that’ll make listeners like they’re part of an IVVS drug trip as he shows some rapping skills. Later, “Guarapo Psicodélico” is a psychedelic trip that blends elements of ambient, pop, soul, and dance music to deliver a unique experience. Subsequently, “Astroshift” displays the artist’s hip hop influences as he kicks the track off with a Mac Miller-inspired vocal performance before delving into a vocal experiment fueled by psychedelic and surreal ambient sounds. Finally, “Trails of Flesh Towards The Gates” closes the experimental nature of its namesake with a song that shows a bit of the artist’s art rock, post-punk, and experimental pop influences, thereby displaying what the future could possibly bring.
In closing, IVVS’s Trails of Flesh Towards The Gates is a fantastic continuation of the artist’s growing sound as he resumes blending different genres into his ambient roots in his never-ending exploration of music and its many forms. After starting 2022 with the EP ELIACII and a few other singles, El Blxnco continues expanding his discography with Mugello, a short project that finds him using his trap roots to experiment with other sounds. Mugello starts with “Tramas/Mugello”, a trap track with drill, synthpop, and phonk elements that might create mosh pits easily. Afterwards, “Veintitrés” finds El Blxnco using bass-heavy trap and a fun sample to hook listeners into the tune. Then “Una L Después” is a reggaetón song that continues displaying the young artist’s versatility. Next “Vivo Pensando” starts with a hypnotic guitar sample that’ll hook listeners before blending with a more traditional trap/R&B sound. Finally, “El Mundo De Los Fantasmas” is another bass-heavy trap and drill blend that finds El Blxnco celebrating his success till now and reflecting on the problems that come with it.
In summary, El Blxnco’s Mugello is a short EP that finds the artist using comfort zone sounds like trap and reggaetón as springboards to bring in a few different soundscapes, thereby expanding his sound and discography a little more. After delivering various singles and the Planet X EP earlier in 2022, HF Diez followed up immediately with Lunático, a perfect attachment to everything the artist has delivered in recent times. Lunático starts with “Granito de Arena”, a trap track with some nice strings that help it differentiate itself from the rest. Afterwards, “Obra de Arte” is a celebration of a specific lady that’ll have listeners hooked with its sample. Then “no Pain no Gain” features MELLOWAVES in a tune that finds them expressing their ambition in a fast fashion. Next “No Me Compares” is a short but bass-heavy banger that might create mosh pits. Later, “La Mala ‘el Cori” is another short track, but one that’ll play well in playlists due to its vibe and head bobby beat. Finally, “Puesto pa’ Volar” is an ethereal trap track that’ll play well in smoking lounges, jangueos, and late-night clubs.
In sum, HF Diez’s Lunático is a short, but great follow-up to everything HF Diez has delivered in 2022 that’ll have listeners moving their bodies in different ways. After working and performing with bands like The Mirage Theory, As Bloods Runs Black Amore Ad Lunam and The Wrong Sides, virtuoso guitarist Israel Romero Pérez finally decided to release a project as a solo act with Where Words Fail, an album where he displays many of his rock and metal influences while displaying his skills as a guitar player. Where Words Fail starts with “Trails of Light”, a metal track that provides an epic intro to what feels like a very exciting project. Afterwards, “The Wind Walker” starts with some metalcore influences, but later displays some elements that make this song feel like a part of score for an anime or an epic sci-fi or fantasy series as he mixes some of the guitar playing found in said genres with a few electronic sounds in the middle. Then “All the Beautiful Things” is another great instrumental that feels like a celebration of beautiful times from the past. Next “Crystals on the Sand” starts in heavy metal fashion before delving into a more relax rhythm that allows the guitarist to show off his skills in a track that again displays some metalcore and deathcore inspiration. Later, “Hikari” is a track that finds the musician displaying his New Wave of British Heavy Metal and power metal influences in a song that’ll play well with fans of Iron Maiden and Helloween. Subsequently, “Blue Atmosphere” continues the heavy metal/prog rock ride as Romero Pérez provides a record that feels like it could belong in an anime or a classic fighting or RPG game. After that “Breath of the Golden Ocean” relaxes listeners as Romero Pérez provides an ambient song that serves as a breather from the previous metal-inspired repertoire before reaching the journey’s end with the tune that shares the album’s title. Finally, “Where Words Fail” takes elements from the previous track and fuses them with Romero Pérez’s metal roots in an ending that encapsulates the overall sound of the project serving as a perfect closure for the entire 30-minute venture.
In conclusion, Israel Romero Pérez’s Where Words Fail is an instrumental metal album that finds the guitar player showing off his skills while also displaying some of his influences in a variety of songs that could be interpreted as loose tracks or a score for an anime, series, movie or video game. After continuously releasing singles from 2021 to 2022, electronic musician Acidd made his full-length debut in August 2022 with the release of amorES agua, a display of the many sounds he’s willing to explore. amorES agua starts with “Life on Mars”, a relaxing mix of electronic and trip hop that’ll allow listeners to focus and/or chill before the song delves into a dance party. Afterwards, “Candy Flip” is a tune that’s perfect for the rave scene as Acidd puts out a banger. Then “Flores del Ego” starts with a laid-back guitar before delving into some adrenaline-pumping dance music. Next “Aguas Claras” is a fusion of hip hop, synthpop and dance pop as the artist provides a song that feels like something he could do for a film score. Later, “Mike de AmorES” finds Acidd mixing reggaetón with his electronic music influences while rapper Mike Rodz spits bars on the beat. Subsequently, in “AmorES Agua” Acidd blends his electronic and dance roots with a little bit of afrobeat and dancehall to bring more tropical vibes to the album. Finally, “Alientos y Agua” starts as a bit of an upbeat ambient track before delving into a more danceable record that’ll have listeners moving their feet and shaking their hips in what feels like a slow-motion rave party.
In conclusion, Acidd’s amorES agua is a nice formal presentation letter by the artist so wider audiences can appreciate his roots and the sounds he’s willing to experiment with now and in future projects. After releasing various singles in 2022, up-and-coming multi-genre artist RENSA decided to provide more complete package in Manic Psychosis, a seven-song project that takes melodic trap and pop punk as roots that allow him to explore different genres. Manic Psychosis starts with “manicmanicmanic”, a hypnotic tune that features some of RENSA’s lyrical skills while displaying some emo trap, deathcore, and horrorcore influences. Afterwards, “Devil In The Eyes of a Pathological Liar” is a change of pace as RENSA goes on full pop punk and emo pop punk mode. Then “Coming Down” is a track with some elements of melodic emo trap, phonk, and snap rap. Next “Siempre” is a melodic trap track with pop punk energy that’ll connect with young listeners. Later, “Manic Psychosis” is an emo pop punk track that continues displaying RENSA’s emotional storytelling as he explores suicide. Subsequently, “PARASITE” features the musician in a more upbeat sound as he explores synthpop and dance pop in another love-inspired tune. Finally, “Rockerita Rockstar” closes the project in another pop punk and melodic trap mix that’ll easily connect with young listeners.
In conclusion, RENSA’s Manic Psychosis is a fantastic presentation letter from a musician with a very youthful spirit who uses melodic trap and pop punk as his roots before exploring sounds that are a little outside of his comfort zone. After a few years without releasing music, MOTHS, one of the scene’s most promising metal bands, comes back with Space Force, an album that finds the band providing a sci-fi tale scored by genres such as stoner rock, psychedelic rock, doom metal, and others. Space Force starts with “Space Cowboy’s Ballad”, a smoothing and relaxing ballad that takes listeners into outer space like a Cowboy Bebop episode. Afterwards, “Broken Slumber” introduces audiences to a bit of the experimental sound that’ll be experienced throughout the project as it incorporates different forms of vocals, math rock guitars, space rock synths and a progressive/almost operatic feeling that’ll inspire spectators to continue listening. Then “Awake” is a blend of psychedelic, heavy and doom metal with vocals that feel like an entity from space is singing as the band continues telling the tale of a deity or creature who’s being awakened from a long slumber. Next “Unbound” is a stoner rock and psychedelic mix where the entity from the previous tracks is finally alert and decides to do what it desires. Later, “There’s No Place Like Space” is a stoner rock and doom metal mix that feels like the introduction of the next group of characters to enter the story, Space Force. Finally, “Space Force” closes the project with a space rock/math rock/prog rock-inspired tune that finds the story’s heroes joining the mix as they bring hope to humanity as they take on the creature presented in previous songs.
Overall, MOTHS’ Space Force is a fantastic mix of genres like stoner rock, space rock, psychedelic rock, heavy metal, and doom metal that come together as a piece of progressive metal to serve as the score of an interesting first part to a space epic. As one of the most prolific members in the scene right now, Ebano Flowlanski is a machine full of interesting production that was bound to start collaborating on full-length projects more often, something he does with rapper Lil Man in the project Rap Juice, an album that features the beatmaker displaying many sides of his producing abilities while Lil Man flexes many of his lyrical talents. Rap Juice starts with “O.E.C.”, an experimental production by Ebano provides the perfect space for Lil Man to present his spoken word-inspired flow as he reflects on how time in the industry can change people. Afterwards, “Corner Ballads” finds Ebano providing some abstract production, while Lil Man flexes and shows off his seamless control of language and flow. Then “Rap Juice” is a more boom bap-inspired production by Ebano alongside scratches by DJ Mahogany that give Lil Man more space to flex his lyrical muscles while showing his songwriting skills. Next “Feel Da Wrath” follows in the footsteps of the previous track showing Lil Man's skills on a boom bap beat. Later, “Skillz U Lack”shows a bit of a different production by Ebano while Vyppah joins the party and Lil Man again shows off his lyrical skills. Subsequently, “Antisocial” features some dark production by Ebano, while Lil Man reflects on some lessons learned across life. Finally, “The Illest” features a hypnotic sample and some production that's a bit inspired by old school hip hop as Ebano and Lil Man join forces to flex their greatness while reflecting on hip hop culture.
As a whole, Lil Man and Ebano Flowlanski’s Rap Juice is a fantastic project by both artists as they show their production and lyrical greatness in a display of chemistry that will hopefully be featured again in the future. As one of the most active producers and beatmakers in the scene right now, Kheb continues to release music constantly and in jodiendo con la sp he play around with a few sounds giving us a peek into his creative process. jodiendo con la sp starts with “malas cosas pasan”, a relaxing yet hypnotic loop. Afterwards, “donde ta mi pasto” is a short reggaetón track that starts off with an entrancing guitar. Then “le v air kbron” starts with a repetitive piano sample that smoothly transitions into some head bobbing boom bap. Next “jodiendo con la sp” is the first track to heavily feature vocals in a small message by the producer that later transitions into a bit of hip hop. Later, “aborrecio” is a collab with TAPIÄ that shows off a bit of Kheb’s experimental side. Subsequently, “mi gato” continues showing his avant garde side as he plays around with a trap and drill inspired beat that finds him playing with a few effects. Finally, “hace no se cuando” is another display of his playful side as he continues having fun with the experimentation that started a few songs back.
Overall, Kheb’s jodiendo con la sp is a project that finds the young musician playing around with said instrument in a short display of what it feels like to be inside the artist’s head and studio in the creative process as he throws around ideas that show a bit of everything he’s working on. As two of the most active members of the scene since 2021, deadperrx and djeii have collaborated through various singles, but with HARAJUKU they finally decide to join forces for a more complete body of work. HARAJUKU begins with “LA2_d.mi”, a mix of glitch and hyperpop that shows the artists’ chemistry and ability to make a song that’ll connect with newer generations. Afterwards, “pixel luv” is a blend of lo-fi hip hop, phonk, and glitch that shows the duo’s ability to keep a melody over what could come off as very busy production. Then “Muahh” is a blend of electro, emo vocals and synthpop that will capture the ears of those who’re not used to the glitch production of the previous songs. Next, “lovU4ever!” is an upbeat electronic number that’ll play well in parties as it can seamlessly be added to EDM playlists. Finally, “GAS” is a fantastic mix of reggaetón and electronic music that, much like its predecessor, has playlist potential as it flawlessly mixes both genres to create a banger.
In summary, deadperrx & djeii’s HARAJUKU is a great mix of the artists’ usual experimentation with some tracks that’re more friendly for listeners who’re not used to such heavy production, thereby creating a good mix of both worlds. After starting his career with some singles and a few collaborations since 2021, EASY DRE finally makes his debut with Empezamo' en el Basement, a presentation letter that shows the artist’s ability to flow over hip hop, R&B, trap, drill, bling era rap, and more. Empezamo' en el Basement begins with “Your’s Truly”, a track where the young artist displays his ambitions. Afterwards, “Habla” is a love-inspired song that features a hypnotic sample that’ll hook listeners instantly. Then, in “Relax” EASY DRE explores ethereal R&B and trap as he sings and raps over a mesmerizing guitar-sampling beat. Next “Interludio” captures listeners with its acoustic guitar intro before delivering its bass heavy beat as EASY DRE explores trap, R&B, and drill with his rapping and some new haunting vocals. The second half of the project starts with “No Cap”, a record that finds him exploring bling era rap while exploring some of his storytelling skills. Subsequently, in “Veteran” EASY DRE flexes over a drill and grime influenced beat. Later, “iCloud” features Tian in a blend of R&B and synths where both artists show their chemistry over a love-fueled song. Finally, “State of the Union” is an introspective hip hop record that shows the young artist reflecting on his life, career, and surroundings while displaying his rapping abilities.
In sum, EASY DRE’s Empezamo' en el Basement is a fantastic collection of tracks that show off the young artist’s ability to explore different sounds seamlessly while also reflecting on love, his place in the industry, and life. With a career that’s slowly coming up on a decade full of singles, mixtapes, albums, collaborations, and performances, Robertito Chong has always been an artist to keep an eye on and with the release of SOML, he continues to justify this as he explores sounds of the past as well as new ones in a project made for the summer vibes. SOML starts with “Fluir”, a collaboration with Shinobi that finds the rapper exploring dancehall and afrobeat inspired sounds. Afterwards, “Agüita De Coco” features Auudi in a dembow and reggaetón influenced beat that finds Chonguis flowing seamlessly while delivering an entrancing sample. Then “Solo Fumo Blon” is a pop track full of tropical vibes that’ll play well in beach-inspired playlists. Next “Libra (Fuck U)” a reflective record that finds Robertito displaying his lyrical skills over a hypnotizing guitar. Later, “Bill Murray” is a relaxing hip hop song for fans of old school Chonguis as he seamlessly rapping over the beat while reflecting and letting his mind run free. Subsequently, “Space X” finds Chonguis again flowing flawlessly over the beat as he takes on trap beat that features an entrancing sample. Finally, “Miro Pal Cielo” is an emotional and reflective tune where Robertito pays homage to what seems to be a deceased friend or family member.
Overall, Robertito Chong’s SOML is a project that presents the rapper exploring dancehall, reggaetón, afrobeat, and dembow in the first half before going back to his hip hop roots in the second half as he continues to show growth while delivering tracks for his original fans in an album that finds him partying, but also delivering one his most emotional records yet. As one of the most active members in the REAL DEAD BOYS collective, Antmoney shows no signs of slowing down as he yet again delivers another project in SummerMadness, an EP that finds the young artist providing a few tracks to have fun through the season while flexing his rapping and singing skills. SummerMadness starts with “Purebred”, a bling-era inspired hip hop track that serves as a perfect intro to a summer/party inspired EP. Afterwards, “Helmut Lang” is a drug and love-fueled mix of hip hop, R&B, and phonk. Finally, “Control” is a mix of psychedelia, R&B, and hip hop that’ll hook listeners with its entrancing guitar sample.
In brief, Antmoney’s SummerMadness is a short EP that finds him mixing sounds he’s explored before to deliver a short but fun experience that’ll fit nicely into many summer and late-night playlists. After debuting with their self-titled album in 2015, Ritual Kannabis became one of the metal bands to look out for in the scene. However, despite them constantly performing and releasing a few singles across the years, it would take them seven years before releasing a sophomore effort in their second self-titled project, one that displays the group’s roots and where they’re willing to go to explore new sounds. Ritual Kannabis II starts with “Nothing but Dreaming”, a heavy metal and deathcore track that reminds listeners of the band’s potential. Afterwards, “What the Moon Brings” is a mix of hardcore, crossover thrash, and death metal that’ll create mosh pits everywhere. Then “Stalker Among the Stars” serves as another blend of the previous genres as the ensemble further display their Lovecraftian influences through their lyrics. Next “The Burden of Knowledge” features Daniel Figueroa in a death metal song that many millennials and zoomers might identify with as we’re constantly bombarded with knowledge and information that can ultimately create existential crises. The albums first part ends with “Truth as Violence”, a collaboration with Delwin Gonzalez that starts with a slow and melodic guitar solo before delving into a melodic death metal tune that critiques the government and calls for a revolution. The second half of the project starts with “Fourth Dimension”, an exploration of man’s constant questioning what’s beyond our world mixed with Lovecraftian influences encapsulated in a melodic death metal tune that would make Brendon Small proud. Subsequently, “It Came from The Smoke”, a melodic death metal collaboration with Rob Santos that mixes Lovecraftian influences with man’s relationship with violence, murder, death, genocide, and nature. Later, “No Respect for the Conquered” is a mix of death metal and crossover thrash that finds the band taking the point of the view of conquerors to help listeners understand what colonization does to erase communities, histories, and cultures. Finally, “Northern Lights” features Adal Olivera in the project’s longest song as the group mixes elements from all the previously explored genres while studying the relationship between life and death, and how these are ultimately intertwined like the uroboros.
In sum, Ritual Kannabis’ sophomore album reestablishes the band as one to keep an eye on as they deliver a mix of their roots and new sounds while exploring their Lovecraftian influences and current events. After starting her career as a tattoo artist and slowly working on her music, Young Miko would eventually release her single “105 Freestyle”, a track that would slowly see her building a fandom through a series of bangers and collaborations that would later grow and make her explode into the mainstream with her debut project, TRAP KITTY. TRAP KITTY starts with “Standard”, a bass heavy trap banger that’ll have audiences bouncing and/or dancing hasta bajo as Young Miko firmly establishes her flow and hitmaking abilities. Afterwards, “Stripper Diaries (Skit)” is an interlude that seamlessly flows into the following song. Then “Bi” features Brray in a reggaetón, trap, and drill blend that picks up where the previous skit left off and brings back the energy that kicked off the project. Next “Trending” is a hip hop/trap/drill banger that sees Miko flowing like butter over a beat that’ll hook listeners with its entrancing piano sample. The second half of the project starts with “Smoke Break Interlude”, a break that brings down the hard-hitting energy from the previous tracks before delving back into banger territory. Subsequently, “Riri” continues to show off Miko’s hitmaking skills as she delivers a song that’ll force listeners to head bob or dance whether they want to or not. Later, “Acento” is a bass heavy trap tune that finds the artist reflecting on how international women fall for her seamlessly. Successively, “Pull Up” is another trap banger that sees the musician flexing once more. Finally, “Putero” is another hit that’ll definitely have people dancing especially in night clubs, strip clubs, and jangueos and empowering all sorts of women, but especially sex workers.
In sum, Young Miko’s TRAP KITTY is a fantastic debut full of hip hop, trap, drill, and reggaetón that brings a new perspective from a hitmaker who isn’t afraid to be herself in a scene that slowly continues to deliver unique artists. “Yo sólo quiero amar en serio”: TodosAnimales Dive Deeper into Synthpop While Exploring Other Genres8/30/2022 As one of the most active artists to come out of the pandemic, TodosAnimales has been a group that has experimented with trap, pop, hip hop and more recently with synthpop, rock, and more as they slowly continue building their discography with their third full-length, Yo sólo quiero amar en serio, a project that resumes their yearly album quota while expanding their sound. Yo sólo quiero amar en serio begins with “Terror”, a collaboration with Bonsai and Cacti that kicks things off with an upbeat and danceable synthpop tune. Afterwards, “Control” brings the vibe down as heartbreak becomes the main theme. Then “Pasadías” features Victor Blue in another funk and synthpop-driven tune that finds the group exploring more Caribbean-inspired soundscapes. Next “Somos Todos Animales” finds the band further exploring synths as they deliver a track that would play well in 80s radios as well as current playlists. The second half of the project starts with “CASUAL” finds the group mixing elements of synth, dream, dance, and surreal pop. Subsequently, “no me kere” further delves into the dream and surreal pop atmosphere as elements of emo trap and ethereal R&B make their way into this heartbreak experience. Later, “NOKIA” brings back the upbeat vibes as hard-hitting synthpop drives this self-care and love-fueled tune. Finally, the album’s title track is a story-driven synthpop, funk, and new wave fusion that perfectly encapsulates most of the project’s sounds while delivering a banger.
In sum, TodosAnimales’ Yo sólo quiero amar en serio continues to expand the group’s sound as they dive deeper into synthpop while exploring genres such as dream pop, funk, and rock in a love-fueled experience. As the underground and “urban” genre continue to open up spaces for different perspectives, singer/rapper Cita delivers her debut album, El Cuento de Cita, a project that provides a point of view full of female empowerment, single mother experiences, self-care and more. El Cuento de Cita starts with “Sirena Caribeña”, a psychedelic hip hop track where Cita introduces herself as an independent woman looking to make her own space in the scene. Afterwards, “Soltera Mama” is a reggaetón celebration of single mothers who manage to take care of their children while still having a life outside of being just that. Then “Duermo con frío” is an afrobeat record that praises self-care after a break-up as Cita continues displaying her rapping skills. Next “Puro Honey” is a mix of reggaetón, dancehall and afrobeat that finds Cita rejoicing in her femininity. Subsequently, “Se van a asustar” is a trap tune that shows some of the rapper’s story-telling skills while further displaying her flow. The second half of the project starts with “El caco de la playa”, a reggaetón and dance blend that’ll play well in night clubs. Later, “Isla Bella” finds Cita rapping and singing over a beat that mixes elements of dancehall and bomba with other Caribbean flavors. Afterwards, “Dónde tu estás” features YA1000 in a love and sex-driven party de marquesina reggaetón track. Finally, “Tipa Rara” shows a bit of what Cita’s future sound might be as elements of alternative hip hop are fused with drill and dancehall.
In sum, Cita’s El Cuento de Cita is a perfect introduction for an artist who wants to grab multiple audiences in a snap as it features various sounds that blend well while rapping/singing from the heart in every song. After starting his career by producing various artists from scene and making a few lo-fi instrumental hip hop beat tapes, Andres Melz continues to expand his discography by delivering En El Struggle, a project that finds him exploring trap, R&B, electronic, dance, drill & other genres. En El Struggle starts with “-40”, a love-fueled collaboration with Kevtopo, Yung Melz and BOSCH that finds Andres Melz expanding his production by mixing electronic and dance music with R&B and trap sounds. Afterwards, “No Entiendo Na’” features Kevtopo and Yung Melz in a mix of trap, drill and industrial sounds. Successively, “Súplicas” is a sex-fueled collab with Kevtopo that mixes synthpop with trap-inspired R&B. Finally, “Buenas Memorias” is a collab with Yung Melz that mixes electronic, pop, tropical, and trap influences to reflect on life’s good times.
In brief, Andres Melz’s En El Struggle is a great piece of growth on the side of the young producer who continues to develop his sound after exploring, for the most part, lo-fi boom bap beats and other hip hop adjacent sounds. |
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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