music

Joel Kellem - Lance Vance /  by Alex Young

Joel Kellem photographed by Jordan Beckham Studio

Joel Kellem photographed by Jordan Beckham Studio

Joel Kellem, also known as the chill god of rap collective The Company Only, proves his ingenuity and fly in his newest song.

Kellem raps about how he has felt in the last couple days, like "Lance Vance," a stylish character from the Grand Theft Auto video game.

The music captures Kellem's cool, described as sauce, which he gets from killing the rap game. But also, the song "Lance Vance" has a hazy feeling, a credit to the beat Kellem downloaded from YouTube by MTF MOB and to the copious amounts of weed smoked around the artist. Tapping into his D.I.Y. spirit, the Pittsburgh rapper also designed the cover art to this particular record.

To broader news, Kellem and The Company Only will perform on July 15 at Boom Concepts as they open up for Chuck Inglish, and on July 31 at South Side Event Center as they open up for Young Thug. All together, see what Kellem and his crew have been up to in the latest "Just Chilling" episode here and listen to "Lance Vance" below.

 

Knuccleheadz Present "Timeless" Hip-Hop /  by Alex Young

The Knuccleheadz of Pittsburgh's East side present a classic musical work. Residents of the 'Burgh's Homewood neighborhood, Good Kelly, Heem, and Jiggy rap a "Timeless" EP.

After reminding the crowd at Strip District Music Fest "what hip-hop really is," Knuccleheadz expand upon their retro sound to share tales of gangster life in the city.

Detailing times with their mates on the leftcide, the Crip side, money, and thumping pussy, '90s, Los Angeles G-funk and New York boom bap influences are heavily felt throughout "Timeless."

"We supply gangster shit, you wish you could walk like this," floats the hook of the song "Like This."

Along with the authentic hip-hop themes, Knuccleheadz provide a real narrative and soundtrack to the hardened Pittsburgh streets. "Gangstaz Dont Cry" and "Nice To Meet You" illustrate life in the neighborhood.

The "Timeless" extended play has the appreciation for its original rap flavor. Listen to the Knuccleheadz's latest project below.

 

 

 

 

Foursix - LVL1 /  by Alex Young

Foursix captured by @branndannart

Foursix captured by @branndannart

Members of Foursix, a music collective and art label with New York roots, understand the importance of chemistry, especially in a group of seven people.

When Foursix linked to make music last, J-Payso and Verdé Madera, two of the groups members, crafted "Favors," a song detailing the nature and lifestyle of a nine-to-five job.

After recording "Favors," "we felt so good about it we wanted to carry that energy into a new song," Foursix says.

The individualistic creativity each member in Foursix has builds rapport amongst the crew, comprised of Amoedo, Ashlee, J-Payso, Jahnei, Verde Madera, Zach Day, and Zino. They create a fun, good quality in their music when the group's good chemistry reflects in in their art.

Such is the case in Foursix's newest song, "LVL1." Performed by J-Payso and Verde Madera, the song is produced by Jahnei, one of the collective's two in-house producers along with Amoedo. Also, the track is from Foursix's debut record, "The Manhattan Project," which is due for release soon.

If you are in New York, see Foursix for their show at Webster Hall on July 6, and watch and listen to their most recent works, "Favors" and "LVL1," below.

Pk Delay - dad. (EP) /  by Alex Young

On and for Father's Day, Pk Delay, an artist who goes by the title of 'dad,' released his "dad." extended play.

Later in the day, a person, who some would call "washed up," sent advice over Twitter motivating fathers to be the best version of themselves they can be. The person was Atlanta, Ga. rapper Trinidad James and while he was celebrating the day's paternal occasion, he also played into his own 'dad' nickname.

One of Pk's fans, and the designer of the "dad." EP's cover, @wahoolagan, rebuked to James, "@pkdelay is the true dad. Have some respect and change your name." A conversation ensued where both artists explained what their dad acronyms truly meant. 

By the end of the thread, James explained that 'DAD' to him means "destroying all doubters," and compared to Pk's "doing all deeds," the Pittsburgh rapper presents more of a father figure. 

"Besides our birth fathers, Pk Delay is the only dad we know," another fan said on Twitter to James.

Pk's phrase and consequent nickname assert that everyone should be accountable to themselves and the people around them as to build a strong and honest community. The lifestyle exemplifies some of the traits any good father should have.

Additionally, the conversation on Twitter further promoted Pk and his "dad." project, and also offered some reflection on what it means to be a father, especially on the day when showing appreciation for a dad's leadership and staunch resolve is paramount.

Although the events on social media provide a relevant talking point, focus is placed on Pk Delay's musical work. Hosting seven songs, "dad." features Pittsburgh locals Choo Jackson and The Company Only comrades Deem Trill, Joel Kellem, Seas Supreme, and Slicky Williams. The track "Here" with Slicky is a hit and something you want to hear live, which people in the 'Burgh might be able to do July 31 as Joel and Pk will open up for Young Thug.

Listen to "dad." below.

Coco - MY G (Music Video) /  by Alex Young

East London birthed grime, what we in America would call British rap. The genre of music originates from dance tracks produced at 140 beats-per-minute which was then essentially rapped over. Grime's narrative is authentic to the life of disenfranchised British youths.

Progress continues for the genre as it has been around longer than a decade. Thanks to grime's founders, like Wiley, and current heavyweights, like Giggs, JME, and Skepta, the sound and participants' growth garners mainstream exposure.

The landscape supports talented contemporaries who push the quality of grime. For instance, Coco, a native of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, gains attention for his fiery lyrics laid over hitting bass-lines.

"This fire is gonna spread, My G. You're gonna need you're bed, My G... Real I am not a bootleg, My G," Coco raps in his new music video, "My G."

While Coco receives play on British radio waves such as BBC Radio 1Xtra, he also prepares for his first ever headline show held at O2 Academy2 in Islington, London.

Hear a taste of the UK's grime scene with "My G" below and watch a proper documentary on the culture on Viceland.