This month, I’ve been deep in the process of many big things! I just moved to a new place, started serious work on a new solo project, and continued working on some massive collaborative work for later this year. While I’ve been plugging away, certain tracks have remained entrenched in my head. It just so happens all 3 are from varying levels of the underground and all deserve their shine!

Here are 3 tracks I’ve been loving recently!!

GOJIRA by Baelei P and clwdwlkr

I was loosely familiar with both artists here before hearing this track on Twitter earlier this year and pretty instantly the track hooked me. As a lifelong Godzilla fan, I loved not only the nod but a nod to some of the older models of the titular monster on the cover. The smooth vocal chops Baelei P employs here are infinitely catchy, replaying in my head endlessly even when I’m not listening to the track. clwdwlkr does something I think is pretty unique in the grand scheme of things as a vocalist, using pitch shifters to add a lot of depth to his voice. This technique plus an incredibly catchy refrain anchors the track and gives the song as a whole a backbone. This first half of the song slowly transitions into a more laidback and equally effective guitar and vocal combination, creating a real acoustic feel to allow clwdwlkr to give us one more verse on this track, closing it out with some strong imagery of raging seas and a lost soul looking for purpose. I really love this track, and implore you to check out both of these artists!! Baelei P just released a new tape with the incredible Sleep Sinatra and clwdlwkr has an incredible instrumental catalog along with a really fun tape called Coat Raps!

Ain’t Shit by Niontay

I’ve spoken at length about my love for Niontay and specifically his new album, so I decided to go with something a bit older. Ain’t Shit is co-produced by Niontay under his producer name Sexafterchurch and 454. This track has been perfect for what has been a very warm start to another Florida summer. Niontay’s signature flow and delivery are both amazing here, with this being easily one of his catchiest from a vocal perspective. The beat here is really what has cemented this in my rotation recently though, specifically the vintage bass sounds paired with the steel drum hits. The contrast between what sounds like a very classic beat and Niontay’s new-age sensibilities creates a truly timeless sound that is truthfully just a lot of fun. Through the last month or so, Ain’t Shit has been my go-to track anytime I’m listening on a speaker outside, in my car driving friends or even cleaning my old apartment. I would strongly recommend to anyone not already familiar to check out this track and Fada<3of$, his recent album release!