NYS Music 2023

Author: Ian Romaker

  • Griselda Umbrella: Keisha “Paint the Town” Plum

    Hip-hop artists are the most envied and least protected individuals on the planet. Many pursue a rap career without knowledge of the risks associated with the occupation. Keisha Plum could be considered a rapper, yet she never has to sound like one. She sounds sensuous and soulful as her poetic tongue glides down the back end of Griselda tracks. A true spoken word poet – this woman gives hope to those who speak their truth in the form of soliloquies.

    In Plum Poetry We Trust

    Keisha Plum – a.k.a Buffalo Jill – drips Tears of Honey onto every page. A great deal of her poetry began when she would send meaningful letters to her brother who was serving in the military.

    keisha plum

    Growing up in Buffalo made her gravitate toward the African American Cultural Center to express herself. Within the AACC compound, she learned what she could do with her craft. A young Keisha Plum learned about her roots through various mediums of cultural black excellence. 

    “If Rakim & Nikki Giovanni did the nasty, they would have had me.”

    K.Plum on Flygod

    She learned that she could write poetry and talk shit at the same time. Obviously, it is much deeper than that but it is evident that she enjoys to paint vivid pictures with her poems. Drawing incredible inspiration from the likes of Maya Angelou, this phenomenal woman lays down piercing poetry that encapsulates the entire Griselda movement. 

    Griselda the Behemoth

    Griselda Records hits you from so many different angles. With nearly 30 artists on roster – each one brings something different and puts the listener into a different perspective on each and every track. 

    Not to mention, they are the head of the umbrella to all of these spectacular artists that hear their work and strive to go harder than the day before. It is such a blessing to discover all of these underground talents adjacent to Griselda who just want to put their own spin on it. 

    keisha plum

    Clearly, Westside Gunn never even had to touch a mic and he would still be set – his kid’s great-grandkids would be set. But we are so glad he did. His lead-by-example no nonsense approach, creative direction and guerilla marketing tactics place him head and shoulders above the competition.

    Estee Nack, Keisha Plum, 1000Words, Rome Streetz

    Westside Gunn is the type of individual who ensures that his legacy will carry on for generations. Ultimately, humans judgment ultimately occurs as a result of outcomes. Did you push yourself every day to ensure that your work will live on when your physical form no longer can? WSG pushes him and his team to their furthest extent – hence all of the new artists and real rap that has risen to the forefront in the past decade. 

    Buffalo Kids Stick Together

    Westside Gunn and Keisha Plum attended Grammar School for the Gifted & Talented together. When Keisha had to settle for a retail job, Wes pulled up on her at the mall to recruit her talent. He wrote poems for Keisha to lay down in the booth as everything came into fruition with meticulous planning and preparation. It was just up to her to fine tune the content, plug & play words that she saw fit and ultimately execute the vision laid before her. 

    The most impressive part about Keisha Plum and her ascension is the way that she bends the genre backwards and flips hip-hop on its headpiece. She is living proof that if you know yourself – know your worth – know what you’re capable of doing – and act upon ideas you can be successful. This woman is single-handedly rearranging the constructs of hip-hop one spoken word at a time.

    Interested in hearing her live? Catch her at The Cookout in September.

  • Lowkey Legends: Your Old Droog

    Coming from New York – you either got it or you don’t. Plain and simple. Some of the most prolific New York hip-hop penmanship comes from Your Old Droog. The word Droog serves as a synonym for buddy or pal as this Brooklyn-based Ukrainian writes, ideates and executes with the best of them. Magnetically, Droog’s mild mannerisms and downright delicate delivery separate him from the pack.

    Initially, many thought that Nas voiced Droog as some sort of concealed alternate persona. Also, Mass Appeal [Media Platform owned by Nasir Jones] posted one of his early singles, “Nutty Bars” further propagating the alias. Nevertheless, this man transcends time with his collaborative contributions to the overarching grand scheme of hip-hop. Particularly, his work with Tha God Fahim proves incredibly extensive.

    To discover the intriguing parts about Your Old Droog (or any artist for that matter) one must immerse and grow with the music over time. Alas, YOD makes music that elicits immersive qualities and allows a person to intrinsically reflect. After all, Droog loosely translates to friend. Listen to the song below to hear about how Droog ended up going the independent route.

    Choosing What is Right

    The directions by which life twists and turns represent a common denominator. To truly understand what fate means to you – look inward. Subsequently, Your Old Droog refused to put down the microphone after declining many major label deals. Instead, he remained independent and pivoted by way of artwork with Mach Hommy. Recording radio-friendly music via releases to satisfy a record deal do not amount to creative fulfillment in this day and age.

    Zoom into 2019 alone – two years after Droog meets Tha God Fahim and Mach Hommy. The three mixtapes that hit Soundcloud in 2019 are lowkey legendary classics within the underground hip-hop hemisphere. Jewelery has since been removed but It Wasn’t Even Close and Transportation still knock through any stereo.

    Distinguishing Factors

    Furthermore, Your Old Droog’s evocative lyrics vastly distinguish his content from his counterparts. His approach captivates the crowd with cohesive and atmospheric energy developed according to lyrical circumstances. As a humble individual, Your Old Droog promotes conversational and self-deprecating content. Humorous humility and comedy comprise the well-balanced nature of this New York artist. Your Old Droog maintains a balanced homeostasis throughout the fulfillment of his earthly obligations.

    Droog uses a stream-of-consciousness flow that doesn’t always require syllabic rhyme. By piecing together double entendres and using words in a nontraditional fashion, Droog consistently tries to best himself on every track. Particularly, his use of tonal perception as a mind-altering agent allows him to pair words and phrases in a fashion that many have never heard before.

    Breaking Down the Language

    Droog represents the Beastcoast and provides a deeper meaning to the complexities of our language in his music. Clearly, this unorthodox artist venerates and redefines the art of storytelling. Listening to tunes by Droog, it would prove useful to become familiar with the rewind button. This “rap revivalist” makes an impact with powerful opening lines and punchlines that stand among the likes of Big L, Prodigy, and Kool G Rap.

    Hence, intonation and modulation are some of the crucial components of Droog’s vocal renditions. Modern artists tend to fill vocal space with adlibs and attention grabs, but Droog steers clear of filler material. Rather, he prefers to exert precision, accuracy, and intonation to his trademark raspy delivery. 

    As a “self-aware slang slinger,” Your Old Droog’s presence captivates countless city slickers worldwide. He radically explores the historical implications and inclinations of our complex lexicon. Through virtuosic analyses, in-depth comparisons, and brilliant metaphors, Droog makes his message clear.

  • Hearing Aide: “Don’t Feed the Pigeons” by YL Nourishes the Youth

    In order to drive oneself to new heights – you must obsess. Moderately, everything arrives in due time. The contextual irony cloaked within the bubbling progression shown by lowkey Nas of my generation amounts to Don’t Feed the Pigeons. One to cause contemplation, it truly remains an honor and a privilege to witness YL’s progression. 

    Carrier Pigeon v. Passenger Pigeon

    Heretofore, any endeavor relies upon its core components. The way that YL of the RRR Music Group drops content tends to resonate. Indubitably, he facilitates his functions with multiple cryptic previews and properly timed balance of project releases. Again, core components derive from learning all facets of music – production, promotion, precision. Intellectually appealing aesthetics and scenarios never hurt either.

    Aside: As a thorough interviewer and journalist – I pay attention to my surroundings. Twice a week, time is spent at the Empire State Plaza displays and interesting walks of life. Ironically, many public moments with her occur in the opposite manner – as if surrounding glances hold absolutely no weight. Yet it goes to show how incredibly poignant Upstate NY foliage genuflects the rhythmic nature of existence. 

    Additionally, the simplistic nature of mathematical musical lens’ lends generously beneficial outcomes. Simply done, YL provides ample time to build up hype revolving around upcoming releases. “Illusions” proved worthwhile with staying power as a skit and small verse sample hit airwaves last October.  Clearly, this album serves reminiscent of previous intellectually calculated releases with thematic imagery via intros/skits/outros too. 

    Full-Length Follow Up

    Artistically, one of the first, Pigeon singles to drop made its way onto timelines one month before RRR dropped their project titled after their music group. 

    Wholeheartedly, the most ideal characteristic about thee Triple R timing propels any life joy. One thing is for sure – two for certain – any listener cannot hear their collections and resist the urge to feel. The feeling elicited by some of these smooth synchronous samples creeps up on a meticulous listener and hits ‘em where it counts.

    Contextually, many of YL’s albums released within just the right era to help me navigate dark times. The songs have carried cruises for extended views and such. Alas, nobody needs to brave this world or music industry alone – big shouts to Waqas.Ghani [RRR Orchestrator] Also loved was a Roper Williams reunion – the top rope from whence the producer duo struck!

    Among the highlights of Don’t Feed the Pigeons: YL lets the beat speak on Nothing’s Changed ft. Ankhlejohn, YL says: “Gettin poppin on some present day fame – kind of strange how you hate but stuck in the same place,” and Beat says: “Guess nothing’s changed”

    ‘Tis impossible to undermine the magnitude of giving space to three man weave with the beat speak.

    “Can’t dwell on what it once was – you finally getting bread that’s wassup.” – YL consistently taps in and touches upon thematic lines. He simply rearranges placements and tests out pockets where words, phrases and lingo might interact more beneficially.

    Seemingly, his concept of $20 has escalated to $100 on this project – listen closely. 

    “$100 dollars on the floor Y’s it seem like a test?”

    –Yoke, YL

    Huge Takeaway: “Letting go of the past put my future in better perspective – boutta make feature films lifestyle well-directed.” –Dry

    Don’t Feed the Pigeons from YL incorporates fascinating elements as a robust full length follow up to RRR the Album.

    Key Tracks: I Promise, Yoke, Illusions [each produced by Roper Williams]

  • Lowkey Legends: Roc Marciano

    When it comes to making music, everyone charts different territory through various methods of approach. Some people choose to pay homage to those that came before them in order to emulate and reciprocate greatness. Such is the case with Roc Marciano, a smooth operator out of the 100 Block of Terrace Avenue in Hempstead.

    Growing up in Hempstead was rough for this New Yorker but he managed to climb his way out of the, “city in the suburbs.” His residing area receives major attribution for the direction of his approach, style and taste within the genre of hip-hop.

    roc marciano
    Alchemist x Roc Marciano

    Six Degrees of Separation

    Coming up, many people were hip to Marciano’s talents and abilities. Once he linked up with Busta Rhymes – those recognizable traits started to gain major traction. Marciano attributes his Busta Rhymes connection to the  “six degrees of separation” theory. Subsequently, he went to school with Busta’s younger brother who caught wind of some early musical efforts and passed them along to Busta. 

    Obviously, both of them thought highly of his capabilities and gave him the chance to shine on a brighter platform. Around 2000, Roc Marciano sparred bar for bar with some of the hardest artists in the game. Along the way, he bestowed the utmost respect to legendary artists who paved the way for him to thrive. He paid homage to those before him but also would gauge where they set the bar and try to surpass that. When he contributed to “The Heist” on Busta Rhymes’ album, Anarchy – he exchanged verses with the likes of Ghostface Killah (fresh off classic album Supreme Clientele) and Raekwon, both from the Wu-Tang Clan.

    UN or U Out?

    In 2001, he formed his own clique called “UN Crew” with his Uniondale High School counterparts, Dino Brave, Laku and Mike Raw. They received cosigns from major influential artists such as Large Professor, Madlib and Just Blaze. The group rapped over Pete Rock beats called, “Petestrumentals” and navigated their way into a record deal.

    After their deal with Loud Records fell through, the UN Crew would ink an agreement with Carson Daly and 456 Entertainment. Roc Marciano grew tired of obeying commands and having to rap over beats chosen for him and eventually disbanded from the UN Crew and the record label they were signed to.

    roc marciano

    After a while, Roc began to truly differentiate himself from his peers. Rather than constantly trying to rap over the “hardest” beat, he strayed from the typical path and shifted the paradigms of his artistry. Large Professor played a monumental role in the encouragement of Roc Marciano’s solo career. Large Professor encouraged this burgeoning artist to tap into the twisted sounds within his brain and individually produce every track for his forthcoming album.

    Often, rappers have a leg up on their competition when they are able to rhyme over self-produced beats and melodies. Furthermore, Roc Marciano executes his verses well with an off-kilter and complicated form. He received widespread internet acclaim when he dropped Marcberg in 2010. On his debut album, he received high amounts of underground reception because he was able to display the intricacies of his artistry. By rapping over his self-produced beats, Marciano was able to deliver sounds in pristine form and enter a zone that made him truly stand out. 

    Smooth Maneuvers

    Roc Marci exists as a New York individual that keeps it fresh – stylistically, metaphorically and within his approach to the genre. His casual intensity makes what he does seem effortless, with a highly stylized stream of consciousness. Alas, every move made on wax and between the scenes requires a great deal of calculation, rehearsal and craftiness. Being both smooth and strange has yielded beneficial results for this New York artist. Roc Marciano puts forth masterful bodies of work regardless of theme/concept, ultimately serving the hip-hop ecosystem with compositional lyricism. 

    As an unpredictable, risk-taking and edgy performer, Roc Marciano keeps it very interesting when it comes to creating tunes. In order to change the landscape of the genre and push culture forward he consistently tests the boundaries and takes risks to improve himself as an artist. He chronicles his endeavors extravagantly and uses a hyper syllabic percussive flow. By doing so, he extricates great detail through the use of imaginative imagery. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNxCljW2uWQ
    Verse Starts at 1:03

    He paints narratives with specific skill and prolific penmanship by layering images via dense wordplay. Hence, he masters his entire process with non-traditional methods. Roc Marciano illustrates so well that his verses could be translated into movie scenes. With carefully crafted concoctions, he aims to develop scores for cinematic production.

    With psychedelic wordplay, Roc is a hip-hop natural. By proceeding upon an organic path, the music that he releases allows the audience to follow the voyage of a time traveling wordsmith who is magic whenever he graces the mic. As a lowkey legend, Roc remains recluse and observant. In general, he does not care for radio spins as long as the checks come in and those who truly appreciate the music continue to catch wind of his endeavors. He has extremely high standards and tries to outdo himself every time he steps in the booth. He is constantly reinventing his craft and submits his ultimate contribution to the game by submitting songs that sustain with longevity. 

    Roc Marciano x Flee Lord Delgado

    Verbal Technician

    Roc Marciano nonchalantly devastates his opponents. As a descriptive and introspective emcee he illuminates the virtues of a true player in the game. His stone cold delivery accentuates elements of linguistics and exuberance. He flourishes with precise timing, cadence and tonality. His hyper-controlled nature allows for him to direct the process in the direction he sees fit for his persona.

    He amassed a significant following in part to his extremely impressive flair for storytelling. He attributes his gravitation to the art of rap to the group, Ultramagnetics. They showed him the “scientific” aspect of rap and Roc was highly intrigued by the possibility of evolution within the genre. With an innovative approach, authenticity and discrete nature – no wonder why people appreciate him and his music.

  • Zoomo Digs in the Crates to Make Unique New York Music

    It’s tough to Google “Zoomo” and find anything other than World Class E-Bikes. Perhaps intentionally and synonymously, Zoomo – from the New York hip-hop group Real Recognize Real – maintains a low profile. Operating as a soulful crate digger, Zoomo achieves success through a subtle, steady emergence onto the scene.

    Left to Right: Starker, YL and Zoomo sell merchandise at Supply and Demand 2021 Hosted by Top Shelf Premium and Peter Rosenberg [Photo By Mos Neammanee [img.mos]

    Zoomo glues the R.R.R. Music Group with gorilla cohesion. His meticulousness leads him to piece through countless old-school records to find and fine-tune the exact sound he provides. The works of art speak for themselves as anyone can see his name often placed right alongside the artist in album titles. Technicalities aside, Zoomo stands out because he creates timeless art bound to leave a legacy.

    Let the Beat Build

    Zoomo often finds one word or phrase and lets that serve as the basis for the entire beat structure. Then at the end, sporadically in the middle or even at the beginning he plays the entire phrase sequence to give the listener a better idea as to the source of that word loop. 

    Working your way up through tinkering, crate-digging and experimentation proves worthwhile for any producer. The difference inlies within the fact that not just any producer loops soulful melodies together the way Zoomo does in New York.

    Image from Video Shoot of Out My Head

    While Zoomo’s beats definitely have a theme – you could never consider them repetitive! Beat structures in modern mainstream hip-hop regurgitate the same hi-hats, sounds and patterns – Zoomo always infuses something new. Whether that be different placement or rotating the parts where he draws emphasis – this man carries many tools in his arsenal.

    Hence, his latest project – Cloyd represents a milestone for this man. As every Zoomo-stamped project adds value to the underground ecosystem – this one seems like a culmination of several aspects of his career. Zoomo hosted this mixtape release and multiple different artists hopped on the track. Most times – the artist hosts/promotes the mixtape and the producer receives a credit. 

    Let the Beat Speak

    Zoomo makes the beat sing. What does that mean? Well, consider the songs “Oh Boy” by Cam’ron [Prod. by Just Blaze] “By Your Side” by Jadakiss [Prod. by Baby Grand] or “Hold You Down” by Prodigy [Prod. by and feat. Alchemist] 

    In each of these songs, the artist may take a breath or irregular pause to let the beat complete their sentence. Thus, these types of songs like prove innovative and allow Zoomo to fulfil his role masterfully as his beats provide a story of their own. 

    Furthermore, as a hip-hop head I wake up with a different song floating through my cranium daily. Whenever a R.R.R. song makes its way through those precious grooves – the Zoomo sing-sample almost always pops up and plays on loop.

    Undoubtedly, Zoomo carved his own path and continues to kick down doors for him and his team. To hear his latest offering, check out, “More Life” with YL from recent album, Don’t Feed the Pigeons which hit the airwaves on June 16, 2023.

  • SPAC Provides Blast from the Past with Shaggy & TLC

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center played host to Sean Kingston, En Vogue, TLC and Shaggy on Friday June 16. SPAC stands head and shoulders above any outdoor venue in the Capital Region, and this evening, the venue lived up to its reputation as even the rain couldn’t stop a good time.

    The way that thousands of people filed into SPAC in the name of R&B brought joy to my heart. It is wild how much we take basic necessities for granted until we lose access to them. Alas, a mix of live hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall always proves essential for the well-being of citizens.

    R&B + Dancehall Concert in New York

    Sean Kingston maximized his thirty-minute set with plenty of vibes. Dutty wine dancing, nostalgia, and vocal energy set the tone for the whole evening. Certainly, when “Beautiful Girls” blasted through the speakers, every person of age instantly reminisced about the era of ringback tones.

    Next, En Vogue continued the theme of setting the tone with radiant energy. Not one drop of rain could stop their shine as they played renditions magnificently. Some people questioned the order of the setlist but nobody could debate the way En Vogue prepared the audience for the next act, TLC.

    TLC-Waterfalls [06/19/23]

    Now, TLC stole the spotlight if you ask me. It seemed as if the rain would subside during breaks and lesser-known songs. But when songs like “Red Light Special” and “Diggin On You” made their way through the airwaves the whole crowd started to feel the rhythm. Ironically, when the best songs came on the rain began to steadily flow. 

    Rain Washes Worries Away

    This precipitation did not put a damper on things, whatsoever due to its light and misty nature. The beautiful woman by my side chose not to untie her rain jacket from around her waist as she embraced the evening elements. Altogether, the moment felt like it belonged in an R&B video.

    The break between TLC and Shaggy proved to be well-deserved for the audience. After exiting the TLC trance, concertgoers gathered around for one last hurrah. Performers who emit strong stage presence tend to make you feel close to the stage no matter where you stand. 

    Toward the beginning of his set, Shaggy grew discontent with the energy level of the crowd. Calling an audible, he threw on “Red Red Wine” to lift the crowd to the level he desired. From there, not one person could resist swaying their hips to Mr. Wasn’t Me. While that song is the classic, “Boombastic” and “Guardian Angel” were the ones that really brought the house down. 

    Overall, this show at SPAC proved to be extremely worthwhile. Everyone needs an outlet and an opportunity to let loose. This dual-purpose event provided the chance to immerse within an incredible atmosphere and truly let any anxieties or worries dissipate for the entire evening.

  • Neighborhood Heroes: Billie Essco, Buffalo Pioneer

    Billie Essco flourishes within the hip-hop and fashion scene on his own terms. Holding it down for Buffalo, NY – which he also describes as a “hyperbaric chamber.” Essco is a Buffalo kid through and through. The city of of Buffalo is known for its grimy-ness and is known to make men out of boys by placing individuals on the frontlines and running them through the gauntlet. Hence, some get chewed up, spit out and booed off stage – others accept the challenge and emerge war-ready. Billie Essco stands tall amidst the onslaught of adversity as a true Fashion Rebel in every sense of the word.

    Billy Essco
    Twitter/@BillyEssco

    Subsequently, Griselda Records x Fashion Rebels encompass everything that hip-hop has been missing. The way that they have ushered in their own style, adornment, musical influence and mastery resembles the way that A$AP Mob emerged to fill a void in the 2010s. Griselda Mob carries the torch in a valid manner through top-tier excellence and curation.

    Surging Buffalo Renaissance

    Beautifully, Billie Essco blossomed under the Griselda umbrella as a contemporary curator. His brand, Cafe spurned from the idea that local cafes felt outdated without contemporary taste. To coincide with Cafe, his brand Czen specializes in repurposed garments and consciously progressive graphic design. 

    Billy Essco's brand Cafe is here to stay.
    -Recently, Cafe announced a collaboration with New Era.–

    Nonetheless, the way he designed the brand represents meticulous construction. Drawing from his Fashion/Textile technology experience at Buffalo State – Billie came up with two four-letter brands. The brevity and impactful nature of these eight letters combined with the color schemes and exquisite patterns create the ultimate consumer’s dream.

    Multihyphenate Ghetto Couture

    Incredibly, the most beautiful part about Essco’s creations lies within their multifaceted roots. Everyone gets their start from somewhere – it just so happens that Billie arose from Buffalo’s trenches. Essco’s vision received the ultimate boost in 2020 when he styled Westside Gunn for the Off-White x Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Show. Working with Virgil Abloh encouraged him to double down on his efforts. 

    A political-conscious contemporary brand, Cafe represents the times and adapts accordingly. Similarly, Cafe + Czen releases merchandise that deconstructs racist policies and politics. Auspiciously, with youthful aura and purity, the Cafe trucker hat gives off a Midwestern type vibe. Geographically, this makes perfect sense given Buffalo’s proximity to Cleveland. Foundationally, this brand performs well and resonates heavily with consumers because of its underlying message and the creative connections associated with its core brand elements.

    Undoubtedly, the world needs more people like Billie Essco – a critical thinker with historical prowess, tried-and-true methodology and contextually colorful design schemes. In like manner, the young designers continues to elevate with a collaboration with New Era symbolizing a major milestone. Essco’s journey can serve as inspiration for many Buffalo natives. A person who pursues spiritual and mental growth will never plateau in regards to their potential. No matter what age, color or creed – you have limitless abilities – just tap into your gift and never stop working toward your destiny.

  • Played ‘Em Like Chess – Lola Brooke Don’t Play At All

    The drill scene seemingly emerged from out of the gutter. Many will trace its roots back to Chicago – but for those who know – New York drill remains unparalleled. One small but mighty artist – Lola Brooke reps Brooklyn and continues to flood the airwaves with her boisterous bass-filled voice. Much like MC Lyte – she needs a roughneck.

    Lola Brooke drill

    Marcy Projects to be Specific

    Reigning from Bedford Stuyvesant – the home of Biggie and Jay-Z – this artist remains unapologetically herself. Her name combines tomboy Space Jam character Lola Bunny with the place that gave her the flavor – Brooklyn. Seeing a Kriss Kross video at her grandmother’s house in Birmingham, AL at age eight sealed the deal. Rapper or bust.

    Certainly, Lola experienced her share of turmoil en route to the limelight. Often times, she maximized her abilities by going straight to the studio after working her regular job. Eventually, her mom took notice of the work being put in and provided the security for her to quit her job and pursue a career in music full time. Lola earned her mother’s faith through consistent work, and experimentation with her craft. Today – her song, “Don’t Play With It” serves as the drill anthem for all of NYC. 

    Lola Brooke drill

    Standing 4’9″, Lola likes to play up her petite pedigree. Cameramen capture her best angles and do not feel pressured to make her look tall. Rather, she embraces the juxtaposition between her fun-sized physical appearance and her larger than life persona. Hearing the inflection in her bass-filled voice would never lead one to imagine her miniature stature.

    Breaking An Artist

    The amazing part about her hit single, “Don’t Play With It” revolves around the fact that it took nearly two years to go viral. A major turning point for the trajectory of her career emerged when she performed the song on “From the Block.” All of the traction that the song garnered worked wonders for both the From the Block platform, Producer Dizzy Banko and Lola Brooke. Wins all across the board.

    Lola’s voice booms with timbre and takes the listener by surprise. Thus, her tunes and tones carry seductive, masculine and argumentative vibrations. While completing her song process, LB tends to pace about the space, repeat a catchy phrase and let the energy marinade. Therefore, by the time she gets to the studio it is an absolutely explosive type K.O. moment. 

    Timbo Collabo

    It seems as if the city of Brooklyn is synonymous with the Timberland boot. From “Stomping a b*tch out in her Timbo’s” to creating a customized shoe – Lola continues to climb. Seeing her musical aspirations materialize allows her to feel understood. Is it better to be lucky or good? Either way, for Lola – it is less important to be seen than it is to be understood. 

    Recognition, spiritual fruition and a whole lot more than “100 Bands” currently surround Lola Brooke, who told Gothamist, “When you wake up in the morning and you know you still look good without knowing how you look — that’s what I want my music to give off. Supreme confidence.”

  • Roam Out of Your Comfort Zone – A Rome Streetz Profile

    Not all those who wander are lost. If you’re wondering, Rome Streetz travels far into well-versed pockets of the universe, never one to remain stagnant. His nomadic nature has landed him within several sectors of New York City and London. Nowadays, his rhymes are beginning to land him on concert flyers. Is Jerome in the house?

    Nah. Jerome is out and about. At a young age his family sprung Rome into action. Moving back overseas and embodying change might have been his biggest blessing.The T-Mobile Sidekick LX inspired the rhyme writing at an early age but it wasn’t until he ended up back in London did the rhymes start to resonate. It’s almost like you don’t get love until you leave your hometown?

    On the verge of a European record deal, Rome’s family moved him back to NY. It is impossible to name an exact region of NY where Rome roamed as he inhabited nearly every borough and bounced throughout every block in his lifetime. Alas, he has resided in Queens, Long Island, Brooklyn – say what you wish – this man is one of the most raw NY lyricists in the game today.

    Rome Streetz goes from Mud to Moet

    Rome Streetz emerged via DatPiff circa 2011. His mixtape, “Vagabond” earned a Coast to Coast Mixtapes title belt. At this moment, he began to align himself so that the chips would fall in his favor. As a result, Coast to Coast promoted the tape which sent his bars swirling within countless underground hip-hop circles. Unfortunately, Rome could not stake an ownership claim on any of the beats. Although this victory did not come with a paycheck – it symbolized the fall of the first domino for this lucrative Griselda Records Artist.

    Fast forward to the present moment, Rome Streetz cannot miss. His tangential progression showcased a project per quarter last year which normally indicates an artist on a tear. 

    Creativity Breeds Consumption

    Many artists harbor and labor over their projects as perfectionists. To each their own – those who consistently drop projects receive more placements, engagements and impressions.

    Rome Streetz exists as a flaneur – an ambivalent figure of affluence with the ability to wonder; an acute observer of industrialized contemporary life (UGHH.) In other words, he has spent his time opening doors. Furthermore, when you think of Rome Streetz the word sonder comes to mind. Likewise, his rhyme patterns make you truly contemplate the fact that each and every passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. 

    Last November, Rome Streetz represented Griselda Records to the fullest as the headliner at the Crib in Providence, RI. Ramon Lazo better known as 1000words hosts shows for those that rose from the underground concrete. The sacrifices that Lazo [More than just a Polaroid Photographer] makes for the underground culture cannot be undermined – only appreciated.

    Warrior-like on a tape with Ransom – Rome sparred with an extraordinarily dense and picturesque emcee. His collaboration tape with DJ Muggs broadened reach to the West Coast. His verses on Westside Gunn’s eighth installment of Hitler Wears Hermes Side B (mixtape title is a play on Devil Wears Prada) were head and shoulders above other guests. 

    Capturing the Crown

    Subsequently, the independent blueprint is alive and well thanks to non-gatekeeping individuals like Westside Gunn. Rome Streetz’ Joyeria mixtape released via Daupe! Media and for heads who know – not everyone receives placement via that platform. We’ve noticed that he loves to use imagery and alliteration while delivering art and storytelling. Furthemore, Rome Streetz clearly showed he can get his mixtapes poppin’ on his own. What Westside Gunn did was recognize his ability and accelerate the rate by which he could represent his region.

    -Listen to Rome Streetz’ Griselda debut, Kiss the Ring–

    The likening of his music to that of addictive substances cannot be overlooked. Many of the recanted tales could not be told if they hadn’t been lived. Undoubtedly, Rome knows how to add the right amount of seasoning to infuse the track with the proper flavorful adrenaline. His imaginatively infectious bars increase intention and interaction. Therefore, a hyphy energetic approach coupled with stamps of approval and strong rapport seal the deal.

    Moreover, Streetz will continue to combine and intertwine laced rhymes for years to come. Especially with how the vinyl culture continues to flourish. Why sign to a major label when people are collecting CDs, cassettes and vinyls for $50 to $100 a pop?

  • Hearing Aide: Smoke DZA Drops “Smoke Sessions v2”

    Smoke DZA serves the rap game as a mainstay & staple type New York artist. Certain lyricists put forth so much groundwork that they are cemented throughout underground for generations. Roc Marciano and Curren$y come to mind when conceiving the kingship achieved by lowkey legends. There is something special about artists like Your Old Droog that just continue to sharpen and fine tune their penmanship. Furthermore, we set out to place real hip-hop lyricists on your radar for as far our reach yields. 

    In Mid-May, Smoke DZA dropped Worldwide Smoke Sessions Volume 2 presented by The Smoker’s Club an NYC based lifestyle brand founded by Jonny Shipes, Smoke DZA and Shiest Bubz.

    It’s just something about second versions of mixtapes that allow the artist to carefully construct and improve upon the first edition. Hear me out – on this tape – there’s a track reminiscent of Mos Def “Travellin’ Man.” Is it a stretch to consider those two within the same breath? Even if that rings true, real audioheads may hear the resemblances.

    Pinpointing

    Consequently, a real journalist carries the audacity to auspiciously sense when songs might utilize similar types of flows/cadences. Thus, it just so happens that DZA cleverly pieced together a very smooth collection of songs. The first Worldwide Smoke Sessions dropped in 2019. Since, DZA’s vision continues to clairvoyantly depict relatable scenes and scenarios. Entering into this listening experience in an open-minded manner served the ultimate purpose for v2.

    More times than not – if a mixtape passes the “car test” it proves authentic. Sound engineers like Mike Dean recommend playing the mastered product in the car to formulate final decisions. Eventually, the car test combined with a stereo sound bar and a speaker boombox hit for the trifecta when it comes to immersing within an album. Regardless, this DZA tape creates such a genuine vibe that we were taken aback by its phenomenal nature. 

    Growing Roots

    Some projects take longer than others to develop wings and truly begin to move someone. For instance, “Nacksaw Jim Duggan” – a Griselda Records Estee Nack Debut – took several listens to grow roots. It’s clear to understand that greatness comes over time by trying your hand over and over again, or in this case, training your ear to absorb the album within different environments.

    Smoke DZA laid the foundation very precisely throughout his endeavors as a New York artist. Without a doubt, his name holds weight within musical circles associated with meditative properties. Hence, listening to Worldwide Smoke Sessions Volume 2 by Smoke DZA creates a multilayered onset effect for the listener. This mixtape comes complete with boatloads of relaxation, variety and tunes good for cruising along.

    Key Tracks: House of Blues, Kobe, Back 2 the Crib