ScHoolboy Q – "Groovy Tony"
TDE’s ScHoolboy Q is back and harder than ever in his new track "Groovy Tony", rapping over a heavy bass-driven beat that can only be matched by his aggressive flow and tone. After dropping his last album, Oxymoron, in 2014, which many would consider his most accessible piece of work thus far, ScHoolboy seems to be back on his street grind with his forthcoming album, which has yet to be named. The track represents an ode of sorts to the Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killa (aka Tony Stark), which is evident by Q ending the song on the pitch-shifted line “Groovy Tony no face killa / I see the money right.” Though the track "Groovy Tony" does itself justice through audio, the music video enhances the somber and hard-hitting song immensely, using a POV-styled approach to showcase the dark and violent tone surrounding the beat and lyrics. And if that alone doesn’t convince you to go and watch, you may want to check out ScHoolboy Q lighting up a Backwoods with his own burning sleeve at 1:45 in the video.
Black Mountain – "Mothers of the Sun"
The Canadian based band Black Mountain has been successfully droning out a blend psychedelic rock and stoner metal since 2004, and in their new album IV, Stephen McBean and his band continue their tradition. The opening track on the album, "Mothers of the Sun", is accompanied by a mythical hallucinatory-enticing video, featuring occult rituals and colorful visualizations. The song starts with a soft, elvish key progression, but before you know it, McBean’s guitar shreds through the song as if Black Sabbath was taking over the soundtrack for Lord of the Rings.
JMSN – "Most of All"
Whether you’re trying to cozy up with your S.O. or lovesick from the past, JMSN’s new track “Most of All” well help you soothe out all the kinks. The Albanian American RnB songwriter and producer has a soulful voice reminiscent of D’Angelo and Justin Timberlake, creating the perfect atmosphere for those late night situations when The Weeknd just isn’t quite romantic enough. In the first single off of his forthcoming album It Is., JMSN takes you through a dreamscape of what he misses the most of all, while his smooth layers of vocals tuck you in tightly, whether you’re spending the night alone or with that special someone.
TOKiMONSTA – "I’m Waiting"
The beat machine and DJ from Los Angeles, TOKiMONSTA (aka Jennifer Lee), has been a staple in the West Coast DJ and production scene since her debut album Midnight Menu (2010). On her latest album Fovere, TOKi opens up with the track "I’m Waiting", an atmospheric tune that leaves you floating in a calm sea of synths while soothing vocals wash over you. For those of you looking for lush, ambient, hip-hop influenced production, Fovere is here waiting to take you on that dreamy journey.
Explosions in the Sky – "Disintegration Anxiety"
If you’re searching for thought provoking music without the clutter of lyrics, look no further than post rock veterans Explosions in the Sky. The instrumentally focused band has just released their seventh studio album, The Wilderness, a bright and powerful album that makes you feel determined to hike up a beautiful mountain while taking in the wondrous sight all at the same time. The Texas based band has accomplished a lot in their 17 years together, from scoring the movie Friday Night Lights to playing their new track "Disintegration Anxiety" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Their new album is sure to make you feel like you can accomplish anything, too.
