Oklahoma has always been known for its lucrativity and potential. Since the early days of American settlement, open land and natural resources have magnetized many to The Sooner State; causing an unprecedented rush of habitants. Now, in 2019, a similar hysteria is transpiring. Where once it was settlers racing into OKC, now it is thousands of listeners; and instead of land and resources, they have their sights set on a new, particular treasure: NOHEZZO. Repping Oklahoma City, this Hip-Hop upstart is making a grandiose impact on the Southern rap circuit; and his slow-burning “My Soul” single is definite proof. Already, the GUAPKIDQ-produced banger has netted over one-hundred thousand views on its Youtube music video. Every last count can be attributed to NOHEZZO’s impeccable performance on both the visual and song itself. Yes, the rapper delivers an enthralling, action-packed video for the record; however, it would be nothing without the music that backs it. Embraced by a patient, almost R&B-esque instrumental, NOHEZZO lyrically shows out. He swags the beat with a flow and inflection reminiscent of 6LACK, chronicling his myriad experiences in those OKC streets. With every turn of a verse, and every flutter of the beat’s kick, hat and snap, NOHEZZO gives more and more of himself to the record; fitting “My Soul” with an introspective flair few can match. To say the least, this two minute banger is a deep and relatable addition to NOHEZZO’s catalogue. In time, it will have more light shed on Oklahoma than ever before; and this young artist will be at the forefront of that stardom.
The chances of you stumbling upon an upcomer with a track record of collaborations as impressive as South Central’s melodic, Micky Munday, is extremely low. He has rubbed musical shoulders with the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, Young Thug, 808 Mafia, Kevin Gates, BJ the Chicago Kid, and a bevy of other breathtaking artist. Today the Californian creative is expounding on his 808 Mafia alliance with a new, Nonstop Da Hitman-produced single. Fresh and hot, ready for all of us to dip our ears into, is the club-shaking “Sauce”, featuring Y2. A colorful, yet tranquil chord progression initiates the record, rode by the early, auto-tuned adlibs of Munday. Briskly, the pound of an 808 kicks the track even further, dragging the rapper’s easy, melodious chorus along with it. It won’t take long for his infectious production and catching songwriting to seize you. Much of the power in this record lies within its percussion, which effortlessly create a danceable groove; and Munday’s writing, which makes it all the more fit for Billboard success. He proves here that he is no amateur when it comes to crafting a record; evident by his melodic hook and bridges, as well as the addictive “sauce” chant that permeates throughout the length of the mix. Even his feature, Y2, seems to conform to the world our South Central star has created; blending perfectly into the sonic scenery. Once you’ve put “Sauce” into rotation, there’s no other song you will want to run next; just ask his one million plays on Spotify. It is the quintessential, modern-trap party record you’ve been dying to taste.
Lakeland, Florida new-age rapper, Ayo.! Ciera works smart – not hard, on her latest single, “On the Phone”, off upcoming mixtape, “Overlooked Underrated”. From calling plugs to calling shots, Ciera glides across a spooky, Big E Beatz instrumental, letting us know exactly why her monthly bill’s so high. The track begins with a chord progression and synth sound reminiscent of the early, Chicago Drill scene, afore diving head first into a ghoulish melody of pads and keys. A roll of hi-hats take to the instrumental, blanketed by the pound of 808s and snappy snares. Before you know it, you are engulfed in a nightmare of a beat; with Ciera’s flow haunting every crack and corner. She is relentless with her rhymes; sailing the beat almost effortlessly, in between bars about her most cherished device. With the energy she brings on this record, Ciera has undoubtedly created something that can house parties nationwide. If this joint is any indication of what she has in store for us with her upcoming mixtape, we’ll be “On The Phone” seeing a lot more of her this year.
