February 24, 2024

Phoniks "The Cashmere Tape" (Album Stream)


Pusha T just said, "We done seen n!ggas panic and show us they tears / Reminiscin' over hits but the money ain't there / Truth or dare, still get it for eighteen, I swear / Reasonable Doubt and all my thoughts are cashmere," on that Ray Vaughn joint, "Problems." Enter Phoniks' "The Cashmere Tape," his latest offering which uses new technology to isolate the vocal files and remixes Jay-Z's 1996 debut classic 'Reasonable Doubt' front to back. A laid-back, jazz-infused reinterpretation of one of our favorite albums of all time. Many would tell you, leave perfection alone! But that would rob us of the occasional surprise release like this one. Listen to the jazzy Cashmere Tape below... 

February 23, 2024

Ray Vaughn ft. Pusha T "Problems" (Video)


Top Dawg Entertainment signee Ray Vaughn is joined by relative rap veteran Pusha T on his new single “Problems.” The nearly four minutes of straight lyricism connects not only generation but regions, with Ray Vaughn from Long Beach, California and Pusha T famously raised in Virginia Beach. “Let em label me a backpack rapper/Turn to a school shooter/All they top five get hit/Unless they cool tutors,” Ray Vaughn raps early on, leaning into his identity as a serious wordsmith in an era where hip-hop can be anything, as well as his willingness to lean on the greats — Pusha T would be one of them. Pusha T’s guest verse marks his first time on wax since October’s “Mr. Put That Shit On” with CyHi. He spends his quick appearance shouting out Ray Vaughn’s label, asserting his longevity, and offering the young MC a warning: “New rappers trying legends for the notch/And every has-beens interviews are watched/Listen Ray Vaughn be clear of your peers/’Cause in a couple years, it’d be musical chairs.” This is a straight banger on all levels! Watch the video below...

February 10, 2024

Blu & Roy Royal "Royal Blue" (EP Stream)


Introducing "Royal Blu," the highly-anticipated collaborative EP by Blu and producer Roy Royal. Bursting onto the scene with undeniable chemistry, the dynamic duo from the heart of California delivers an electrifying fusion of boom-bap beats and soulful samples that redefine the essence of West Coast hip-hop. From the moment you hit play, "Royal Blu" captivates with standout tracks like 'The Same OG', 'LA Blue', and the mesmerizing 'The Priceless' featuring Cashus King. Each song showcases Blu's unparalleled lyricism and Roy Royal's masterful production, creating an immersive journey through LA and beyond. Following Blu's acclaimed projects in 2023, including the collaborations with Real Bad Man and Nottz, "Royal Blu" marks a triumphant return to his roots, solidifying his status as one of the West Coast's finest MCs. With Roy Royal's soulful chops and Blu's unwavering conviction, every track feels like a passionate ode to their beloved city. Listen below...

February 09, 2024

Awon & Parental "Sublime" (Album Stream)


A new MC/producer duo is on the rise, please welcome the collaborative effort "Sublime" by Awon (MC) and Parental (producer from Paris, France). The smooth but mind-blowing lyrics by Awon paired with Parental's Jazz-infected beats make their debut album another sureshot for all Jazzmatazz heads. The project consists of 13 tracks in total plus all instrumentals and the features include fan-favorite Anti-Lilly, Pete Flux, Tiff The Gift, Fresh Daily, Debonair P, Alcynoos, Saï T & Dan Amozig. Much love to the homie Awon and the whole Don't Sleep Records camp. Listen to Sublime below...