Knuccleheadz - Downfall

Knuccleheadz with Snoop Dogg

The geographic benefit to rap is it tells different versions of a similar story city to city and country to country. Gangster rap especially tells the narrative of the underworld that disadvantaged communities create. The sub-genre speaks to the "by any means" hunger and hustle that is a characteristic of people raised in these neighborhoods.

Pittsburgh, Pa. has a story to tell from its hoods and Good Kelly, Heem, and Jiggy of the Knuccleheadz are proud to tell it.

"Never leave the crib without the heater on me... represent the weak and you gon' die in the flames," they say in their newest song called "Downfall."

Even though the Knuccleheadz got out of their Homewood neighborhood for some time this summer while traveling nationally with Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg on the "High Road Tour," they have not lost touch with the environment of where they come from.

Their new song communicates that they will not stop in "the game" until they get what they want. However, they must remain vigilant because people, like the opposition, pray on their downfall.

The reality is harsh when people are "living for today because tomorrow might not even hit." 

"Wild nigga from the 'Wood but I'm smooth as leather. Keep a beretta when I'm chasin' chedda," part of the Knuccleheadz raps.

For some people in suburbia perhaps unfamiliar with urban life, the Knuccleheadz supply a depiction of a work ethic that never stops despite their circumstances. Everyone has to get it how they live.

Learn from the Knuccleheadz below.

SNE - Essence (extended play)

Via SNE's Instagram

Sound Never Ends. This is the truth because a sound is everywhere, and all people have to do is listen. However, in this instance, Sound Never Ends is a hip-hop artist from Hackney, a borough in London, England. "East end boy you can hear it in my tone," he says.

Abbreviated as SNE, the artist calls his sound "trillful," which is a blend of trap music stemming from gritty London neighborhoods and R&B soul music. In his new 14-track extended play called "Essence," SNE demonstrates the spirit of his environment, today's contemporary hip-hop, and his work. "My partner in the trap, me I'm trying to tell him it's a trap... he's just trying to get it where it's at I'm on the same thing."

"Every verse cocaine I told you already," he raps. The grind of running drugs and a trap house influences his sounds as much as the legal grind of trying to make it in the music industry. In the song "Titanic/Turbulence," SNE says, "I do this for my people I'm Corleone," a reference to Italian gangster and The Godfather Michael Corleone who lived and worked for his family. The UK rapper pulls from recognizable cultural icons to state his "Essence" project is just as iconic.

Great parts of "Essence" are hard and utilize alerting chimes, cool bass hits, synths, and cutting lyrics about hood life. Although, the smooth R&B styles are heavily present. The song "House of Love" has a groovy guitar and "442" features a classic '90s R&B tone. SNE's vocal ability shines in "Coolie Skit" and "Outro."

Listen to "Rödrigo" to hear SNE's smart mix of hard rap and passionate soul.

Overall, "Essence" by SNE shows the untapped talent coming from London's hip-hop scene. The project is intriguing because SNE shares his relatable experiences and lifestyle across the pond and puts them to a current and progressive sound.

Mac Miller To Return Home

Album cover for Mac Miller's "The Divine Feminine"

When Pittsburgh native Mac Miller released his last studio album "GO:OD AM," he had a homecoming in The Steel City. He hosted special events, like a softball game, to promote the album and share it with his family, fans, and friends located in The 'Burgh.

For his second album in a row, Mac Miller will return to Pittsburgh to celebrate his musical project and kick-off a global tour. On September 16 his "The Divine Feminine" record will release. Then, on September 18 at Stage AE on the North Shore Miller will hold a concert just after the Steelers play the Bengals at neighboring Heinz Field.

Those anticipating "The Divine Feminine" know Miller released a fun single called "Dang!" with California local Anderson .Paak. Now, another cut surfaces, "We" featuring CeeLo Green. The track is serene, have a listen below.

Also, get tickets for Miller's hometown show here as he keeps excitement in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "It's a blessing, an honor, and a privilege to be from the city," he says.

Cautious Clay- Tell Me ft. Zeroni

Ever since we caught up with Cautious Clay AKA Josh Karpeh last April, life has picked up.  Now a graduate from the George Washington University, Karpeh resides in Brooklyn, NY tackling his music aspirations head-on.  Find him sharing updates on his travels from San Francisco for a showcase he and his other Proper Vibes labelmates put on, to jumps across the pond collaborating with UK artists and producers, like record label 37 Adventures.

Cautious Clay, the producer and instrumentalist, has released his first original track of the year entitled "Tell Me" also featuring vocals from Zeroni.  The trippy-jazz synths, which have become Clay's calling card can be heard right off the bat, but it's the saxophone riffs at the end of the three minute and fifty second track we stay for.  Listen to his new song below, and don't stray too far.  InTheRough is exclusively releasing a funky mix from Clay's time capsule very soon.

Listen to DILLIS' Thoughts in "Cotton Candy" EP

DILLIS photographed by Malcolm Watts

Since enjoying some time abroad in Italy, and an opening act for heavyweights like Fat Joe and Post Malone this summer, DILLIS delivers new music.

Specifically, the contemporary musician released his "Cotton Candy" extended play on August 1 and has received success and airplay on the radio, like Hot 104.7 in Maine. Interestingly enough, the project is entirely produced by a Maine producer, GOD.DAMN.CHAN.

To public perception, it is unclear where DILLIS calls home. However, in his new song "I Don Wan" he states, "I been in The 'Burgh," and his effort with Choo Jackson on the EP's title track, "Cotton Candy," only demonstrates the work DILLIS does in Pittsburgh.

Honestly, DILLIS' project portrays the relationship between the self, drugs, and love. Songs illustrate how he confides in the spirits which "put me in my zone," he sings. Play "Fell In Love With the Liquor" to understand.

Likewise, the artists' song and music video "Love/Drugs" reveals how a person can become disconnected under the influence of drugs, and in turn, their lovers or peers might become frustrated as they want the person to open up more.

For DILLIS, love, and drugs "don't mix well. Drugs tend to put me in a bubble where I don't want to communicate. I think I've lost a lot of girls because of that. I'm a nice guy. I'm just in my head a lot with that shit," he says.

Perhaps he hopes to grow and let his guard down, though, because for a "Wedding Ring" sacrifices must be made.

Listen to DILLIS' thoughts in his "Cotton Candy" EP below and watch his music video for "Love/Drugs" too.