U N D E R G R O U N D

❝Hip hop started out in the heart, now everybody's trying to chart.❞ ┉ Lauryn Hill

[rhythmicsouls]

A personal favorite of a newly rising producer/singer/mix master Briley Harris. Originally a Kaytranada mixed beat, Harris puts his own flair to already masterful production to make it an even more breathtaking masterpiece.

Stay tuned for more of his work, coming shortly.

Enjoy.

[rhythmicsouls]

Ushering in a NEW Era of THE UNDERGROUND

Ushering in a new era of the underground, I will not be solely focusing on hip hop, but rather tasteful music in it's entirety. My goal when I first started this blog was to educate your ears on the amazing underground hip hop artists trying to make a way for themselves. But I've realized that there is so much more talent that is not under the hip hop genre that people do not know about. For that reason, I've decided to expand the listeners ears and incorporate more than just hip hop. Thank you all, Gee the Creator and Curator of all this music. God bless. ✌️

[rhythmicsouls]

I'm a human fucking being, over dope ass instrumentation.

Kendrick Lamar - Ab-Soul Outro

[rhythmicsouls]

LATE ON IT'S INDUCTION, HERE'S THE REVIEW OF                      THE OLAWUMI'S    N   O   I   R.

Cloud Altrium leads the production behind a tape full of melodic croons which do nothing but diversify as each track is given a sound listen. The flavor behind this obscure piece would find ingredients of eccentric subject matter, quasi-deep emotional content, and an refreshing use of vocals which sows it all together. And duly, I see a lot of bountiful reaping to come as I sit in listen. 28 days past release and this LP seems timeless.

Shall you see for yourself? TRACK MENTION: SOUL

         4/5 Sounds.

[rhythmicsouls]

If bars could fight for a Championship, the artist formerly known as June would take the underground title as we tune into acoustics. Punchline after punch, quotables to pack for lunch. If you don't listen, you'd miss it and in the end you'll have wondered why you've been knocked out. 

NEON JUNE, SCENIC ROUTE LP.

"No guts no glory boy, you don't have the stomach for this."

Without my preference speaking bias through my likeness for acoustics, this first week of June has been lamented by the release of Neon June's visual for 'SCENIC Route Main Theme'. Though the acoustic difference between the original is not one acute, you can feel the alteration between the fluidity of his deliverance. While the melodic vibes of deeper keys, and the jazzy horns keep you circling between the near flawless production and the bars that build on. 

The visuals bestowing to you the simple atmosphere of the radioing process, which allows you to watch as the artist act in their natural state--pulling you even closer to the music.

4.5/5 Rhymes.

[rhythmicsouls]

DMV Native Goldlink: 9:30 Club presents at U Street Music Hall GoldLink's "The God Complex" Release Show 4/12. If you are in the DMV area, be sure to come to this show. Opening the show for GoldLink are Baltimore artists including Vi77ans, Mista Selecta, and Lakim. Support your local artists, it's sure to be a party. You can find more information at GoldLink's twitter page here. 

[rhythmicsouls]

Galimatias & Joppe - "One Step Back" Ft. GoldLink

DMV native GoldLink provides us with a master verse on this Galimatias & Joppe song. With over one hundred thousand plays on many of his songs, and almost nine thousand followers on his soundcloud, this DMV artist stands out among the rest. To listen to more of his music, you can find his soundcloud here. 

[rhythmicsouls]

Late on it's indictment, here is the 10 Best Mainstream Albums of Hip Hop Culture 2013. 

Weeding out popularity to replace relevance with skill and refined composition, this collection of albums give you the best of many worlds. 

From nostalgic records reminding of you whose best is worth claiming a throne, to bangers that do more than appease the taste of the streets. The chosen artist all possessing their own ingenuity with many holding the flame such as EMINEM himself; the others simply reach level after level. 

[EMINEM] reigns supreme once again, from the shadows of silence since his 2010's billboard hit RECOVERY 一 Slim Shady ignites a spark of wistful energy while retaining the seniority of his fluid finesses of words. With tracks like RAP GOD to set bars above normal limitations, letting students and veterans of Hip Hop alike know that THE white rapper is here to stay. Eminem is a force unbound by his color, Rap is his playground and the debate needs not to be spoken of. 

Recommended listen: Love Game ft. Kendrick Lamar. A tale of love dissected, and pieced apart to destroy the fallacies brought to the two spitters by former conquest. Baring a feeling of Eminem's own SUPERMAN from 2002's hit The Eminem Show blended with the witted hatred told of in KIM from MMLP, the current album's senior. 

5/5 Rhymes.

               MCHG, Jay Z. The beginning of Jay Z's #NEWRULES campaign. Proven to be bigger than a Rap Career far before the dropping of this 16-track take, Jay Z hasn't lost a touch. This tape trickles wit and wisdom, wordplay and trap - blessing knowledge which most have yet to uncover. 

Did I mention? He made a million off of it's completion before it dropped. Samsung...ssh. #NEWRULES Recommended Listen: Holy Grail ft. Justin Timberlake. The now frequent collaborators speak on their battles with a bitch named FAME. 

                            4/5 Rhymes.

               Born Sinner, J. Cole. Blowing his last run out of the water, he settles for bringing together two sides of the same coin. Blending the intricacies of his fresh reality with the grunge preaching of his flow. Telling tales of regretful adultery and sorrow-filled diamonds, the lessons he aims for us to understand on each ride every tracks takes us on is nothing short of his best. Next to his highly acclaimed 2011 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS - Born Sinner is a milestone for the NC bred lyrical hero.

Recommended Listen: Rich Niggaz. Nuff'said. 

                            5/5 Rhymes. 

               NWTS, Drake. Reintroducing my respect for the Toronto native, nothing much as changed aside from the complacency to excel beyond the expectations of Rap. Drake sets his own boundaries as he continues to crone and moan about histories made interesting through his timeless sound. Despite what can be said about his singing career; Nothing Was The Same begs attention by all audiences, smacking sleepers awake with records like Starting From The Bottom and Worst Behavior. Continuing to sooth faithful listeners of his hybrid style of rap and song with tracks like Too Much, featuring the erotic soul vocals from Sampha.

Recommended Listen: From Time ft. Jhene Aiko. Telling it like it is. Love can be a mystery, but direct words of regret and second chances resonate in the rekindling for this track equipped by the unique songstress that is Jhene Aiko.

                            3.5/5 Rhymes.

               Wolf. Tyler, the Creator. So outside of the box, he needs to stay in it. The rap game I mean, without many innovative geniuses out there pushing limits on how far to take their ideals - nothing would exist of true talent. Tyler gains respect left and right through the artistry of his projects, the founded originality of content and the skillful display of production. From Bastard to Wolf, Tyler remains a force that doesn't care - as long as he enjoys. 

Recommended Listens: Colossus. LISTEN. Mirroring STAN by Eminem, Tyler tells of his like and distastes for fanatics of his work.

                            3.5/5 Rhymes.

               MNIMN, Pusha-T. He almost meant it when he said this project was the best of 2013. Pusha-T is a veteran on his own, keeping the purity of street music where it belongs - out of the clubs and in car speakers. Bringing together bars built on his previous gig of selling them, tales of his struggle and even love ballads about a modern Bonnie; 1/2 of the Clipse? He makes his own name. 

Recommended Listens: S.N.I.T.C.H Sorry Nigga I'm Trying to Come Home. Listen. 

                            4/5 Rhymes.

               Because the Internet, Childish Gambino. Donald Glover? Comedian, Songwriter, Scriptwriter, Actor, Producer....What can be said about his RAP artistry? A lot. The eclectic ingenious of the unnatural black rapper, as he had called himself before continues to pour ART into the craft behind his projects. From CAMP to BECAUSE THE INTERNET he retains conceptual innovation. He wasn't loved by the thugs (Worldstar), or was it not enough club play (Crawl)? Doesn't matter. Soon his rise will not be limited by his audience as it continues to expand. Musically being understood, he is not to be undermined. 

Recommended Listens: Sweatpants ft. Problem (Unaccredited adlibs).

                            3.5/5 Rhymes.

               Hall Of Fame, Big Sean. Gainfully surpassing its predecessor in my opinion, Big Sean's sophomore album is a tape to be ran in its entirety. Without a disappointment in mind, Big owns up to the BIG name in this lyrical project that displays his credited classic flow with perfection. Tracks like ASHLEY which tells of his previous long term relationship once corrupted by his rise to fame - he retains fan favorite memories that correlate with his love song perfections such as Love Song and Don't Tell Me You Love Me. Hall Of Fame tells the hidden truth of his legacy: He is definitely here to stay.

Recommended Listens: MILF ft. Nicki Minaj & Juicy J. The classic tale of single mothers meeting new men turned into a song from the male's perception. Many moments highlighting the son's feelings, this unique track is a adventurous lesson to listen to.

                            4/5 Rhymes.

               Trap Lord, A$AP Ferg.  Trap music has never sound so good to a Hip Hop head. A$AP Ferg takes the simplistic genre and turns it into a A$AP modernization. From tracks like Shabba to his Work Remix, he is not shy of the club bangers - but also keeps sympathy to the streets with tracks like Lord ft. the legendary Bone Thugs & Harmony.

Recommended Listens: Fergivcious. 

                            3/5 Rhymes.

               KNOCK MADNESS, Hopsin. The cutthroat rapper is at it again. Opinionated honesty is painted along the virtuous fluidity of his sober flow as he fights the norm. Arguably one of the best artist without the influence of features and drugs to impose on his popularity - Hopsin delivered the fan anticipated KNOCK MADNESS. Letting you know that just because it isn't always sought, true talent stands. This is record simply for Hip Hop lyrical doctors, listen and dissect. 

Recommended Listens: Lunchtime Cypher ft. Passionate MC & G-Mo Skee.

                            3.5/5 Rhymes.

 [ Honorable Mentions一LongLiveA$AP, Something Else, Doris, The Gift, Watching Movies With The Sound Off.]

[rhythmicsouls]

When you think about recent hip hop projects, do you alleviate beat tapes? You shouldn't.

Yung Tawndurrz releases a four day effort that appeases the attention given to a listen. Known as #YTFW, the seven track tape handles intertwined samples with a decent amount of drum usage - peaking with sounds that fit oh-so delicately next to each other in loop. 

Did I mention the hands behind the masterpiece are feminine? Didn't need to, the credit is due regardless.

Peep it here on bandcamp.com

Rated 4 out of 5 Beats. Star track: YUNG.

[rhythmicsouls]

Akoko - The Blair Witch Project OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

FLASHBACK to 2013 for a moment.

If you're not hip to the femcee duo, "Akoko" here is your chance to get hip to them now. They are based out of the DMV and show impeccable talent. They recently released their tap, Cataraps. These women have a bright future in the underground world of hip hop. They show a unique style and skill.

[rhythmicsouls]

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you and yours!

-from all of us at Rhythmic Souls

[rhythmicsouls]

Lauryn Hill vs. Nicki Minaj

On monday evenings I work with a bunch of inner city kids and we inspire them to want to come to college and do something positive with their lives. A lot of these kids have had trouble with the law, or in school. So we try to be positive influences to them. some of the kids were having a conversation, and one of the girls started asking me if I listened to various artists. Then she asked if I listened to Lauryn Hill, but of course I do. She's one of the greatest femcees that ever picked up a mic, if you ask me. However, this particular girl said something that made my soul cringe. She said. "I think if Nicki Minaj were to battle Lauryn Hill, Nicki would win." I'm sorry for the little Harajuku barbies out there, the Nicki stans, but lyrically? Nicki has NOTHING on Lauryn. NOTHING. I had to step away for a moment and regain myself before I had responded to her ludicrous statement. I thought about it, then I understood. The people that the majority of young people, at least the ones in this program, want to listen to are what, for lack of a better term, I am going to term "non-socially aware rappers." I think that in order to appreciate the lyricism of Lauryn Hill, you have to be a thinker. That's what her music makes you do, think. If you don't want to be mentally stimulated then you'd appreciate something that you'd "turn up" to more. Previous to Nicki Minaj signing with Young Money, there was some substance in some of her songs, she wasn't just a sex toy. The more money she got, in my opinion, the more herself she lost and the more she was changed by her record label. But, I guess that's how the game works, huh? I think that Lauryn Hill is one of the greatest femcees that ever opened her mouth to spit and she should be respected for it. Thinkers, hip-hop heads alike all know this.

bless.

Ps.

If you NEVER heard Lauryn spit, 1. you're missing out on life. But you can find a few favorites here and here

[rhythmicsouls]

follow us on twitter: here !

[rhythmicsouls]

Ars-Nova ⎢Charlie Parker (Another Interlude)

Formally known as Yankee Gold, Ars-Nova blesses us yet again with another visual. The New York native on his grind to the top resembles a rhythmic soul.

After his somewhat recent (June 2013) drop of his latest mixtape, the New York native never sleeps, much like his city. He remains hard at work, set on making his mark in the underground hip hop game and is making a come up.

With already a couple hundred plays on his soundcloud, and a couple thousand views on this video alone, Ars-Nova is only moving one way in his music career; forward. 

Enjoy the visuals of his song off his latest mixtape, Yard Bird, Charlie Parker (Another Interlude) shot and directed by Matt Walsh of Desio Media 

To listen to more of his sounds, you can find his Soundcloud here And his latest mixtape dropped earlier this year, can be found on Audio Mack, here. 

enjoy & jah bless

[rhythmicsouls]

Mike Of Doom - Coolington

Take a look at some new visuals for DMV Hip-Hop artist Mike of Doom's new song “Coolington" directed by MishMoshFilms  The song can be found on his newest project "Rookie of The Year”, now available on mediafire. Check out his soundcloud for more of his latest releases and content. 

enjoy yet another, rhythmic soul jah bless.

[rhythmicsouls]

Meet Jourdyn Alli, also known as AllitheAbstract (no spaces) Let me tell you what he told us about himself and his music: 

My name is AllitheAbstract (no spaces). I am a 20 year old college student at the University of Maryland, College Park. In my spare time, I write music (I don't rap). I don't really expect to go anywhere with my music, hence me being a full time student and working an internship, I just enjoy writing and directing videos with my bro Roxatherwindow. Recently, I have gained the attention of the Washington Paper in Washington, D.C., Durkl, a local clothing store, and A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad. If I were ever to get lucky enough to make a dime off of music, it would all go to my student loans and tuition. I rep G3RMAN (German 3), a duo of Roxatherwindow and myself, I handle the music and video editing aspect and he brings the shooting capability and humor to the group. I am very attracted to older women, my music is inspired by MILFS, and I hope someday that a kid plays my music for his or her mother and she immediately hits me on craigslist. I know this has been a weird submission, but thanks for the opportunity lol, I'm a weird guy.

Regards,

AllitheAbstract

For such a "weird guy" he shows immaculate talent, lyrically he spits about the things that he knows, the stuff that pertains to him. His music is something that people can listen to, think about and even relate to. Who doesn't love relatable music? He's definitely a rhythmic soul in my eyes.

  He recently put out a mixtape, entitled, The Middle Class Album, that could be found here

Also from his mixtape is a single entitled, The Cookout Song, that can be found here

We're always hype to find rhythmic souls and when rhythmic souls find us.

Enjoy this music video shot by Roxatherwindow of one of his songs "Hypocritic Christian", also from his newest mixtape.

Shot by: roxatherwindow Edited by: allitheabstract

jah bless

[rhythmicsouls]

Just a snippet of a sound derived from Baltimore's own, DYLIJENS.

A bit of the immense work that he can do, amazing production. This piece that he sampled is from a twenty year old movie enititled, Short Cuts. This piece closely resembles Blu's, Morning/Melo. ( In case you don't know what that sounds like, listen to it here.

There's a plethora more of DYLIJENS very tasteful production selection. From the different styles of his instrumentals to the different samples and pieces that he puts together. 

Here's another one of my favorites from him here

Not only is he an amazing producer, but he also spits shit too. Lyrically he is a mastermind. His lyricism mixed with his amazing production makes him just another rhythmic soul 

If you'd like to follow his producing and music, you can listen to his soundcloud here

You can also follow him on twitter here

enjoy & jah bless