Nowaah the Flood – “Beluga” review

This is the 7th studio LP from Dallas, Texas emcee Nowaah the Flood. Breaking out in the summer of 2018 by releasing his first EP Trill Life Mathematiks around the same time as Nas’ 11th album NASIR fully produced by Ye formerly known as Kanye West, he would go on to drop 21 EPs along with The Nowaah & the Dewer’s eponymous debut album and roughly his last 6 proper full-lengths. Standouts for me personally include the DirtyDiggs-produced Private Stock, the Estee Nack collaborative effort Planted Seeds, The Infallible, the Stu Bangas-produced Respectfully, the Giallo Point-produced Right Over Left & it’s sequel, the DJ D-Styles-produced Crème de la Crème, the Kyo Itachi-produced Sudan Samurai Scrolls & recently Plans of the Diligent last Thanksgiving. Almost exactly 4 months later, DJ D-Styles is returning for Beluga.

After the intro, the first song “On Sight” kicks it all off perfectly from the grimy synth-driven boom bap instrumental to Nowaah’s lyricism promising the way it’ll be to those who wanna front whereas “7,000°” ruggedly talks about turning the heat up on everyone. “Big Wheels” keeps it in the basement making a reminder of his murderous reputation, but then “As I Walk Out My Door” featuring DNTE speaks of being weight watchers on the way to a weight house suggesting Planet Fitness can’t even catch a cardio case now.

“No Safehaven” starts the 2nd half of Beluga with a beat feeling reminiscent of “Back Down” by 50 Cent taking no prisoners & showing no mercy while “Willie Bobo” remembers the late Latin jazz percussionist of the same name. “The Sleeping Giant” strips the drums comparing his bars going straight to your brain to blow while “Never Expected” returns to the boom bap for a 3 & a half minute lyrical attack. “Rent Due” wraps things up by waking up the snakes in the grass with a pistol.

Crème de la Crème remains one of the most beloved entries in Nowaah’s catalog & this sequel nearly 2 months after the divided reception of Smash & Grab (Vanglorious Vandals) was what he needed, myself personally annoying it as much as Plans of the Diligent last fall. He’s significantly more focused, DJ D-Styles’ production is stronger, the songs feel more fully structured out in contrast to the rushed state of Smash & Grab (Vanglorious Vandals) almost 8 weeks ago.

Score: 4.5/5

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Reuben Vincent – “Hit Me When You Get Here” review

Charlotte, North Carolina emcee Reuben Vincent preluding his upcoming 3rd album by putting out his 3rd mixtape. Emerging under the original moniker Esau, his debut tape IDOL.escent would catch the attention of 9th Wonder & would sign Reuben to Jamla Records in 2016. His debut album Myers Park would be released the next fall followed by the previous EP Boy Meets World, the latter of which resulted in Roc Nation Records handling distribution for Reuben’s future output much like fellow Jamla signee Rapsody beginning with the sophomore effort Love is War almost 2 & a half years ago continuing to elevate his popularity. General Admission was ok in comparison & with the next LP set to be fully produced by 9th Wonder, they’re dropping off Hit Me When You Get Here in anticipation of it.

After the “Mama” intro, the first song “Mama’s Prayer” begins with this soulful instrumental likening himself to a pimp tryna get his cake up whereas “God’s Children” works in a crooning vocal sample taking more of a boom bap route looking back on the days before their innocence was taken from them stuck in their ignorance. “In Search Of” flips a piano to talk about going from being 13 to getting a deal while “Surfin’” gives off a chipmunk soul vibe initially thinking the picture would be perfect when it’s torn.

“The Way (You Love Me)” keeps the sample chops going addressing a romantic interest that he can’t get off his mind leading into “Let You Down” giving off a significantly jazzier approach to the beat talking about not wanting to disappoint anyone he deeply cares for. “Getting Along” featuring Foggieraw tells their lovers they do this music shit because they love it as opposed to selfishness prior to “Anything (Have!)” talking about his dream girl having whatever she wants.

As for “Good to Me”, we have Reuben over more soulful boom bap production expressing the large amount of gratitude he has currently on top of the hip hop game treating him greatly & “It’s Alright” gets back on the chipmunk soul tip to finish up Hit Me When You Get Here the way it really began talking about the familiar feeling of the world crashing down on us & God having a plan for everything.

Granted I felt that General Admission & As If Nobody’s Listening… were more average compared to Myles Park & Love is War, it shouldn’t really come off as that much of a surprise that Hit Me When You Get Here clears both of those projects & ranks as the greatest mixtape of his career. 9th Wonder’s sample-heavy production unsurprisingly doesn’t miss for anyone familiar with his general sound & Reuben fully locks in regarding his own performances.

Score: 4.5/5

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Tha God Fahim – “Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 7” review

Here we have the 54th EP from Atlanta, Georgia emcee/producer Tha God Fahim. Starting as an affiliate of Griselda Records as well as being 1/3 of the Dump Gawds alongside Mach-Hommy & Your Old Droog, we also can’t ignore the massive discography that he’s managed to build for himself, some of the standouts include Breaking Through tha Van Allen Belts & Dump Assassins. He’s been putting out amongst his best material in the past few years like the Camoflauge Monk-produced Dark Shogunn Assassin, the Nature Sounds-backed Iron Bull, the Nicholas Craven-produced Dump Gawd: Shot Clock King series, the Oh No-produced Berserko, Dump Gawd: Rhyme Pays produced by Mike Shabb, Tha Supreme Hoarder of All Pristine Wealth. Supreme Dump Legend: Soul Cook Saga produced by Cookin’ Soul & Machine Gun Vocabulary produced produced by Cartune Beatz. Coming off Lethal Weapon the other day, Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 7 is keeping the Dumpathon alive.

“From the Void” is this soulful intro likening people fucking with the Dump Gawd to gambling whereas “Falsified Documents” hooks up this string sample talking about being an envelope pusher & a master cooker at the same time. “Simple Math” takes the chipmunk soul route telling everyone to keep a positive attitude just before “Real Gainz” smacks the evil out of demons’ mouths giving consequences to those who go against the brotherhood.

The song “Strategic Plans” works in some crooning vocal sampling comparing his squad to the Avengers owned by The Walt Disney Company subsidiary Marvel while “Not tha Only One” maintains the chipmunk soul vibes talking about life being a lonely one sometimes. “Fallen from Grace” ends the EP with these pianos talking about him always trying to love something.

Lethal Weapon was a solid showcasing of Drega33’s talents behind the boards & Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 7 takes it back to what makes the series so beloved warming up for Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 8 tomorrow. Nicholas Craven’s production on this one is more prominently boom bap centered with the elements of chipmunk soul, jazz rap & drumless all revealing themselves at points during the 15 & a half minutes.

Score: 4.5/5

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Tha God Fahim – “Lethal Weapon” review

Atlanta, Georgia emcee/producer Tha God Fahim dumpin’ his 53rd EP ahead of Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 7 tomorrow. Starting as an affiliate of Griselda Records as well as being 1/3 of the Dump Gawds alongside Mach-Hommy & Your Old Droog, we also can’t ignore the massive discography that he’s managed to build for himself, some of the standouts include Breaking Through tha Van Allen Belts & Dump Assassins. That said: He’s been on a CRAZY ass run since 2023 with the standouts being the Camoflauge Monk-produced Dark Shogunn Assassin, the Nature Sounds-backed Iron Bull, the Nicholas Craven-produced Dump Gawd: Shot Clock King series, the Oh No-produced Berserko, Dump Gawd: Rhyme Pays produced by Mike Shabb, Tha Supreme Hoarder of All Pristine Wealth. Supreme Dump Legend: Soul Cook Saga produced by Cookin’ Soul & Machine Gun Vocabulary produced by Cartune Beatz. We got a 2nd AND a 3rd installment to Tha Myth Who Never Quit. Taking a breather from of the Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap saga, Drega33 is being brought in to produce Lethal Weapon.

“Leave Nothin’ Left” is this soulful intro boasting the brutality he has with sounds whereas “Tha Speed Force” goes for a drumless chipmunk soul direction instrumentally talking about having vengeance in his heart & wisdom in his mind. “Stay Warm” takes the sample-driven boom bap route moving at speeds that’re pretty much hard to be calculated just before “Silver Bullet” maintains the chipmunk soul edge likening his pockets to Peter Griffin from Family Guy on the Fox Corporation’s flagship property.

To start the 2nd half, “Make Believe” flexing that he’s a misfit with supreme linguistics leading into the crooning “Stronger Than Feelings” talking about him chillin’ on a yacht eating chicken parmesan. “Direct Path” hooks up this orchestral sample on telling everyone not to underestimate themselves & take themselves for granted prior to “Floater” promising to end all height with the techniques of Michael Jai White.

Was expectin Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 7 to come out first since the whole series has been gradually showing improvements in the last 4 months, but Lethal Weapon will hold off until that time comes in a few days. Drega33 gets a chance to let the underground know what he’s capable of behind the boards with his sample-heavy production pulling from boom bap, drumless & chipmunk soul for Fahim showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Score: 3.5/5

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Tha God Fahim – “Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 6” review

Atlanta, Georgia emcee/producer Tha God Fahim continuing the Dumpathon with his 52nd EP. Starting as an affiliate of Griselda Records as well as being 1/3 of the Dump Gawds alongside Mach-Hommy & Your Old Droog, we also can’t ignore the massive discography that he’s managed to build for himself, some of the standouts include Breaking Through tha Van Allen Belts & Dump Assassins. That said: He’s been on a CRAZY ass run in 2023 with the standouts being the Camoflauge Monk-produced Dark Shogunn Assassin, the Nature Sounds-backed Iron Bull, the Nicholas Craven-produced Dump Gawd: Shot Clock King series, the Oh No-produced Berserko, Dump Gawd: Rhyme Pays produced by Mike Shabb, Tha Supreme Hoarder of All Pristine Wealth. Supreme Dump Legend: Soul Cook Saga produced by Cookin’ Soul & Machine Gun Vocabulary produced by Cartune Beatz. We got a 2nd AND a 3rd installment to Tha Myth Who Never Quit until starting the Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap saga that spawned a 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th entry in only a few months. 48 hours after the last one, Dump Gawd: Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap 6 has arrived.

“Symptoms” fuses jazz rap & chipmunk soul together calling his rhymes magnificently significant whereas “Disconnection” soulfully talks about never recovering by any chance on God’s green Earth from this knuckle sandwich he’s on the verge of giving y’all. “Korin” brings in these horns boasting that no one is surpassing him lyrically while the crooning “Over 9000” homages the iconic Dragon Ball Z line delivered by Vegeta.

The song “Crusher” hooks up a sample-heavy boom bap instrumental referring to himself as a phenomenal occurrence with no explanation while the soulful “Destruction Achieved” promises to hit the stage with the same machete that Jason Voorhees carries on him. “Tha Invitation” finishes with more sampling on top of him talking about getting his next belt & never taking a vacation since the Supreme Dump Goat is taking off.

Nearly every Hyperbolic Time Chamber Rap EP we’ve gotten since November all have vaguely similar redeemable qualities & the latest here takes it even further. The hardcore hip hop vibes they’re known for are still prevalent so are the jazz rap, chipmunk soul, boom bap & drumless undertones that both of them have pulled influence from during the course of their careers except they occasionally experiment with vaporwave at 1 point.

Score: 4.5/5

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Dutch Interior – “Moneyball” review

Dutch Interior is an indie rock band from Long Beach, California consisting of guitarist/vocalist Jack Nugent, guitarist/vocalist Conner Reeves, keyboardist/vocalist Shane Barton, drummer Hayden Barton, bassist/vocalist Davis Stewart & guitarist/vocalist Noah Kurtz. Their 2021 debut EP Kindergarten would prelude their full-length debut Blinded by Fame, the latter of which would become their most acclaimed project thus far & resulted in Fat Possum Records signing them earlier this winter. To coincide with spring, they’re making their debut for the label by putting out their sophomore effort.

“Canada” is this indie rock opener singing about seeing 2 sparrows flirting by the lake whereas “Sandcastle Molds” goes for more of an alt-country vibe dealing with holding on to your sense of self as the world descends into madness at a nauseating pace. “Wood Knot” keeps the alt-country influences going disregarding the idea of being a leaf when he’s a natural irregularity, but then “Science Fiction” sings about something shifted in his shape over acoustics & an organ.

The acknowledgement of self-awareness on “Sweet Time” of the world moving fast day by day is made clearly with it’s traditional country tone while “Life (So Crazy)” goes indie rock again singing that he misses the days when the moments were still until the weight came. “4th Street” embraces an Americana direction keeping their secrets close to the ground & the country-driven “Horse” dreams of living in the countryside. “Christ on the Mast” feels more alt-country feeling Hell bent & “Beekeeping” finishes their Fat Possum debut with a reflection on personal flaws.

These guys’ disparate influences all converge on here shapeshifting oscillates between sharply hewn indie rock as well as alt-country along with hints of dissonant ambience & Americana, all while still sounding like a band who both speak their own private language & translate it into something universal. They take the observation of us existing in a tradition of American music & take that to places that are personal to them finds its way in terms of songwriting through its own humorous twists & turns, an undercurrent of omnipresent & steadfast declarations of love.

Score: 4.5/5

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Selena Gomez – “I Said I Love You First…& You Said It Back” review

Selena Gomez is a 32 year old actress, singer/songwriter, producer & businesswoman from Grand Prairie, Texas notable for emerging as Alex Russo on The Walt Disney Company owned Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place & & later the A24 Films crime satire Spring Breakers. She even put out 3 full-lengths Kiss & Tell, A Year Without Rain & When the Sun Goes Down under Hollywood Records with her band The Sceneuntil fulfilling her contract in the form of her solo debut Stars Dance & signing to Interscope Records thereafter. Revival & Rare were as decent as everything else she’s done, except her 4th LP produced by her fiancé benny blanco got my best interest even if people are more upset with Selena for crying on camera because of people being deported instead of Ye formerly known as Kanye West fresh off leaking his own album BULLY openly calling himself a Nazi.

After the titular intro, the first song “Younger & Hotter Than Me” produced with FINNEAS details self-hatred for thinking an ex of her’s was different & wishing she never loved him after moving on to someone younger & prettier whereas “Call Me When You Break Up” featuring Gracie Abrams co-produced by Cashmere Cat & Dylan Brady blends pop rock, dance-pop, synthpop & indie pop offering support to a friend after a breakup. Ojos Tristes” featuring The Marías samples “El Muchacho de los Ojos Tristes” by Jeannette for a Latin pop duet describing a boy with sad eyes finally finding a reason, but then “Don’t Wanna Cry” sings about finding another hand to hold.

“Sunset Blvd” was my favorite single fusing synthpop, bedroom pop, alt-pop, chillsynth & hypnagogic pop recalling her first date with benny just before “Cowboy” featuring Glorilla on the remix gets a little raunchier topically revolving around the themes of intercourse. “Bluest Flame” written with Charli XCX suggests a contrast or an overcoming of a set standard by evoking an intense & powerful feeling wanting to go insane all night leading into “How Does it Feel to Be Forgotten?” expresses hope that one will get to heal 1 day & asking what it’s like having her forget the individual that she has in mind.

After the “Do You Wanna Be Perfect?” interlude, “You Said You Were Sorry” opens up about a dream she had where someone finally apologized to her & them forgiving each other while “I Can’t Get Enough” dabbles with moombahton except it feels more like a J Balvin song. “Don’t Take It Personally” addresses a friend of benny’s that he used to talk to every day & things not being the same since she came around while “Scared of Loving You” is a folk pop, singer/songwriter & indie folk outro telling her fiancé that she’s afraid of losing him.

“That’s When I’ll Care” starts the deluxe run with a Rare outtake indifferently responding to those who’re so consumed about her personal life while “Talk” interpolates “Never There” by Cake yearning to have benny’s arms around her. “Stained” is another leftover from the Rare sessions singing about the damage Selena’s exes have inflicted upon her & the final bonus track “Guess You Could Say I’m in Love” featuring Greg Gonzalez puts their feet down regarding the pain that comes with love.

Growing up watching Selena Gomez on Wizards of Waverly Place during my adolescence, I could never get into really any of The Scene’s output or her last 3 solo efforts since it simply wasn’t for me personally. I Said I Love You First…& You Said It Back however went above & beyond my expectations for it beginning her impending hiatus from making music to focus more on her acting career by chronicling her & benny’s love story from around the time they first met to,l falling in love & looking to what the future holds showing influences of pop rock, dance-pop, synthpop, indie pop, bedroom pop, alt-pop, chillsynth, hypnagogic pop, moombahton, folk pop, singer/songwriter & indie folk.

Score: 4/5

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Grounds – “Walking into Tragedy” review

Grounds is a singer/songwriter & multi-genre producer from Farmington, Missouri most well known for leading the alternative rock band It Comes in Waves. Finding his calling quickly during his adolescence, he was invited to front multiple local bands & even formed a hip hop duo which would go on to release 2 full-lengths. He eventually signed to Dirtcore Music last summer, which marked a pivotal moment in the label’s expansion into rock & metal music. Couple singles later, he’s putting out an EP of his own & is setting out to show Dirtcore’s versatility.

“Down in the Fire” is a nu-metal opener produced with Dirtcore founder Crossworm that really gives you a taste of what’s to come from the rest of the EP singing about not feeling alive whereas “Broken” continues the heavy instrumentation explaining that no one knows the Hell he’s been through. “Fractured” goes for an alt-rock vibe that I really enjoy unable to tell if it’s love or regret just before “The Little Things” passionately sings about no longer being afraid of what he’ll lose for speaking his truth. “Make Sure You Hurt” featuring Samson Samson ends the EP vengefully assuring those who cross them will be sorry.

Dirtcore Music is primarily known for their acts being within the underground hip hop realms other than Crossworm’s last album ANTI & Walking into Tragedy feels a lot like Zug Izland releasing their debut album Cracked Tiles under Psychopathic Records or Makenzie Nicole’s sophomore effort Mystic under Strange Music & the Dropout Kings’ sophomore effort Riot Music under Suburban Noize Records being a more recent example. What I’m saying is: Dirtcore lets the It Comes in Waves frontman drop a 5-track EP that I can see appeal to fans of LINKIN PARK, 3 Days Grace, 30 Seconds to Mars & Bullet for My Valentine.

Score: 4/5

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Seth Narley – “The American Dream: Son of a Dealer” review

This is the 8th EP from South Bronx, New York emcee Seth Narley. Dropping his debut EP 5am on Crosby in 2019, he would later follow it up by putting out the Trissland trilogy & drop 3 more EPs last year; Night at the Roxy, A Millbrook Story & S.A.L.Y. (Still Ain’t Lie Yet). Both the artwork & the name for The American Dream: Son of a Dealer caught my attention since it homages former 3-time NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion, NWA National Heavyweight Champion, WWE Hall of Famer, WWE United States Champion, 2-time WCW World Tag Team Champion & 3-time WCW World Television Champion Dusty Rhodes.

“Club Eugene” after the “American Dream” intro is a drumless opener to talk about usually making fast money on a slow day while “Pelle Pelle Princess” works in a heavy piano instrumental asking who this dude get his style from since he clearly stole it. “Jolly Mo (High)” featuring S.W.A.N. finds the pair coming up short & getting a quarter for trying prior to “Dusty (Family)” finishing the EP properly by talking about recently being advised to keep it within the bloodline & chillin’ at the courtyard of the Marriott resort.

A little over a decade in the game & the former A$AP Mob affiliate known for his style being a mixture of former Bad Boy Entertainment artist & current It Is What It Is co-host Ma$e meeting Ye formerly known as Kanye West with wordplay inspired by the late Stack Bundles cooks up my favorite EP of his ever telling us what it was like for him being the Son of a Dealer homaging the late father of the current WWE Champion Cody Rhodes who’s also an 8-time WWE tag team champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, the inaugural & record-tying 3-time AEW TNT Champion, NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion, IWGP USヘビー級チャンピオン ROH World Champion & ROH World 6-Man Tag Team Champion.

Score: 4/5

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Tierre Diaz – “Maniflex” review

Worcester, Massachusetts emcee & actor Tierre Diaz returning 6 years after his full-length debut studio album Energy by making the sophomore effort his Armed Robbery Entertainment debut. Ever since performing the Clown Drip Stage at the 21st annual Gathering of the Juggalos which is the only Gathering that I’ve ever been to in my lifetime, he’s been seeing the biggest successes of his career whether it be DJ Clay signing him to A•R or forming the B.A.R.S. supergroup over 12 months ago exactly. He performed at this year’s Juggalo Weekend, so it makes sense to drop Maniflex a month later.

“The Wave” begins with a cloudy trap instrumental talking about everyone else being in a whole different lane compared to him whereas the title track keeps it atmospheric so he can shine as if he never even left. “Prime” goes for a guitar-driven trap direction keeping focused & never noticing others leading into “B.O.T.H. (Blood On The Hood)” showing a bit of a Memphis influence getting violent.

As for “Shiny”, going for a cloudier trap vibe once again telling everyone to quit acting as if they’re blind to the success he’s been seeing these past several years just before “Let’s Live” hooks up these prominent horns trying to go to places he ain’t ever been. “Bad Meets Killa” featuring Royce da 5’9” & produced by Johnny Slash returning to the boom bap to lay out hardcore lyricism, but then “Fantastic” featuring Ant G aptly explains how they’ve been.

The Insane Clown Posse joins Tierre for “Trending Topics” that Shaggytheairhead laced poking fun at everyone who be following trends while “Michael Myers Jordan Jackson” after the “MMJJ” interlude talks about being a mix of the Halloween antagonist, the greatest basketball player of all-time & the king of pop. “How Can I Sleep?” featuring King Gordy & Zitro ominously gets the trio in their wicked shit bags while “So It Is (RAPfirmations)” talks about being the person he always wanted to become.

“Delight” featuring Romey Sklar fuses trap & pop rap displaying a sensual side to both of them while “Girlfriend” embraces a rap rock sound talking about a woman who wants to date him. “urself” encourages everyone to be their true selves since ain’t nobody gonna come close to being you while “Time” continues the cloudiness talking every day being anew & hitting snooze.

The song “What’s Next for Me” aggressively nears the end of Tierre’s long-awaited Armed Robbery debut maintaining the fusion of hip hop & rock courtesy of Zug Izland guitarist Mike P. confessing that he’s unsure of whatever God has planned for him continuing to take the road he’s been going nonetheless & “Last Breath” is this gloomy trap outro talking about not wanting to have any regrets when his time to go comes.

In the 6 years since Energy, the Worcester artist/actor has had quite a few realized goals or dreams of his becoming manifested all in this era of his career & Maniflex attests to his growth since he first started making music. The production shows influences of boom bap, trap, rap rock & horrorcore with some of his biggest influences joining him on the mic spreading a message that has changed Tierre for the better & could change yours too.

Score: 4/5

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