The jamz continue to be spread
Jerod ‘Space Prince’ Barker:
Oddisee – That’s Love
Oddisee has been rapping over self-produced beats so long I can’t even tell you which one this is in his list of solo records, and I have four of them. Barely any time at all after releasing a debut album with Diamond District, his group project with fellow D.C. rappers X.O. and yU, Oddisee unleashes upon us this new batch of retro soul-influenced beats topped with the wise words of a truly self-made, uncompromising hustler. And just look at that cover design, such style captured in a photo taken straight from his home in NYC. Never one to slow down, he’s been refining the next instrumental album as well, so prepare yourself because his wordless tracks rival the likes of J Dilla, Bonobo, Com Truise and Pretty Lights.
John Dillingham:
Kacy Hill – Experience
Another young one for the books, 20 year old Kacy Hill debuts with her first track Experience. As a former American Apparel model and overall bubbly California girl, her music follows suit. Experience is a vibey electronic track with a stellar balance of ambiance and intention for a light hearted single, with just enough edge to contend with the best. I find myself listening to this record on repeat, impatiently waiting for more to come. Just after her debut, Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. music took to signing her, so here’s to hoping for more jamz from Hill.
Dustin Wolfe:
Jack Ü – To Ü (off of new self-titled album Jack Ü)
Skrillex and Diplo have worked together for the last year to produce one of the biggest EDM record releases of spring spring in their new project Jack Ü. Arguably the two most powerful names in dance and bass music, these two producers created an 10 song album that has all kinds of bass-heavy funky, twerk inducing tracks. There first single Take Ü There destroyed soundcloud and the interwaves and they even hosted a 24-hour live record release house party that streamed on Twitch TV online for all Diplo and Skrillex fans to watch. My favorite track off the new album is one that features AlunaGeorge titled To Ü, but some of the other features include The Biebs, Missy Elliot and 2 Chainz. Checkout this album if you need something to get amped to, work out to or just wild out to.
Rachel Bennett:
Cyberbully Mom Club – Can’t Say I Wanna
Cyberbully Mom Club has won over my heart, soul and music taste. Their sound can be described as lofi, sadcore bedroompop–basically all of my favorite things in music. And the best part is that they consider their work “nothing serious.” Through the well written lyrics, the unconventional vocals convey growing up and crushing on someone perfectly. This simple song has a complicated effect that proves that sad love songs are worth more than their label. Cyberbully Mom Club might not be taking themselves too seriously but they are showing the industry that low budget and lo-fidelity goes a long way.