Author Archives: papicleve

James Qupid – Holy Water [Prod. Bless]

James Qupid
James Qupid

STREAM: Apple Music / Tidal

PRODUCER: Bless

During this ongoing quarantine, we’ve all been trying to find solace within ourselves. Trying to stay productive and motivated has been a bit of a struggle for most of us. While we are distressed and adapting to the new “normal”, James Qupid finds inspiration. Coming from the depths of south Florida, James Qupid keeps his faith strong with his new single, “Holy Water”. Consequently, this new record is a reawakening of himself that is lead with hope.

His foundation with music started in the church, singing in choir on Sunday mornings. From being brought up in the church, Qupid began to develop his faith and uses it inspire his creativity. “Holy Water” is an energetic record that’s full of body and optimism. Spirituality is at the forefront and James Qupid is confident with himself. He is genre-less, blending different textures of Hip-Hop and R&B, creating a sound that’s unique to him. The south Florida artist’s melodic flows make it seem that he is floating over track. “Holy Water” was blessed with exceptional production by a producer named, Bless (ironically). With it’s warm and pulsating 808 bass and crisp drums, the record turns into amplified version of the classic, “Amazing Grace”.

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GAT$ – BTCR (Official Music Video) [Prod. Jxpvtty]

DIRECTED: Animus Visual and 85 Visuals.

PRODUCED: jxpvtty

Featured off his prolific album ROBBERS, Gat$ releases a powerful visual for “BTCR” (Boost The Crime Rate). The Tampa Bay artist speaks on the cruelty of systemic racism and the need to rebel against this corrupt system. The video supports the black lives matter movement and the fight against racism that’s been prominent in the U.S. for over 400 years.

“BTCR” showcases clips of news reports covering the national protests of the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. In the video you can hear protests chant out, “No Justice, No Peace”. Throughout the song, Gat$ makes a number of references such as police brutality and the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. “Flint aint seen no muthaf*ckin’ drainage, the government poison our people.” The Tampa artist also makes reference of black women facing sexual assault. “In Trumps America how can I bring in a daughter? Women here forever living in horror.”

Nonetheless, “BTCR” is proof that the Tampa artist stands in solidarity against injustice across the nation. You can hear pain, rage and anxiety through his words. It’s without a doubt this song holds gravity, weighing down current issues that effecting many across the world. He may not know it but this was a record that was much needed.

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Lu$ – Moody (Debut EP)

Lu$ - Moody (EP)
Lu$ via insagram

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PRODUCED:  Terrance Daniels

M.E.I Recordings which stands for Music Entertainment Imagination has been a hotbed for talented upcoming artists. Artists such as Marlounsly and Lada Beseda are very skilled artist who are promising. In addition to their arsenal, they’re introducing Lu$.

Born and raised in Miami, the Haitian American R&B singer Lu$ thrives with her compelling voice. Her debut EP, “Moody” is an imposing introduction to her artistry showing an immense amount of potential. The Miami singer gives us 13 minutes of her own story and experiences that are told gracefully. Her voice is powerful enough to reach you from the inside where it may separate her from her contemporaries.

What makes the R&B singer shine is her point of relatability when it comes to dealing with relationships. “Moody’ [EP] is about a girl who is expressing her hurt, confusion, and experiences with love,” Lu$ explains. The EP has moments where it’s sensual, intimate and strong. There’s a range of emotions and moods the singer goes through as well. “Selfish” serves as an ode to self-care while “Moody” is a battle of confused feelings.

Nonetheless, the EP shows great promise within “Lu$”. With her heartwarming voice she’s someone to pay special attention to. While you listen to her EP, check out her music video for her finale track, “Moody” below.

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IvySound – Insecure (Feat. Chedeline) [Single Debut]

ivysound


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ARTWORK: DaShawn Watson

Social media is as prevalent as ever. Over time social media has become our main source of communication, news and entertainment. Although social media can be fascinating it also has it’s own side-effects. The growing platform has become place of insecurities. We constantly compare ourselves to others. With this in mind, we question our own value. Broward’s very own Ivysound, speaks upon that with his new record “Insecure”. The upcoming artist gives a poetic tale of a struggling relationship that is being troubled by insecurities. Ivysound cultivates a song that’s reflective and full of emotion. Throughout the song you can hear frustration of an artist who is passionate about the message he speaks. 

Within “Insecure”, the Broward artist becomes a true lyrical poet who is meticulous with his wordplay. His storytelling is vivid, where he paints a compelling picture with his words. To end it off, he brings in vocalist Chedeline who sings gracefully with power. Her voice captures the moment that’s so profound where you can feel the soul within her spirit.

“Insecure” is introspective record that’s captivating. A song that’s worthy of conversation. With it’s jazzy tones and lo-fi aesthetics, it’s a song that is much needed during this time.

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seeyousoon – Blue Chord (Social Distancing Edition)

The 9-member collective, seeyousoon is full of versatility. Their two earlier releases “Steamy” and “ICFWT” are both very distinctive records with refreshing yet intriguing sounds. Their new record, “Blue Chord” is the perfect song for the summer. It’s a dance-floor, feel good song that’s irresistibly great. From it’s pulsating bass-lines and groovy tones, seeyousoon cultivate a record that’s warm and confident. If you’re a fan of electronic producer Kaytranada, then you’ll love this song. “Blue Chord” is nothing short of sensational. The song is also accompanied with a music video, but quarantine style.

Each member is so unique and genre-less. Luke Summers provides, sultry vocals that full of warmth and soul. Joshua is a complete alien when it comes to his flows and lyricism. Mitch delivers an impeccable verse while lastly, Maddie lays down her sultry and enticing vocals.

seeyousoon

With only three songs in their discography, each one has it’s own identity. So far, Seeyousoon is ambitious and boundless, where it’s so exciting to what they would come out with next.

To Stream “Blue Chord” click here.

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Feng Shui – No Response (Debut Single)

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Feng Shui from the city of Tampa makes his presence known with his debut single, “No Response”. Just a few seconds after pressing play, Shui makes a strong first impression with his aggressiveness. As the Tampa artist spits with a vengeance like he has something to prove, he delivers lyrical skills that are combative. Hearing his vocal clarity, rhyme schemes and flows is like watching Mike Tyson sparring in the ring.

Feng Shui - No REsponse
Feng Shui

“No Response” is a for sure heavy hitter, filled with ferocity and passion. The Tampa artist is here to make a mark on this world and we can’t wait to see what he does next.


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Layomi The Tampa Baes – “You, Me and The 813” (EP)

Layomi The Tampa Baes

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Over the last couple of months, Layomi The Tampa Baes have been making a name for themselves. Lunchmoney’s latest girl group have released their debut EP, “You, Me & The 813”. This EP is packed with many flavors to satisfy your taste-buds. Together, OG Layla Johnson and Naomi Bravo cultivate a project that’s an ode to city of Tampa Bay. The project features 6 tasteful tracks that is for everyone. As said by Layla on instagram:

“We created this project as a soundtrack to your everyday life regardless if you’re taking a walk in the park or going through a bad breakup, our ultimate desire is to bring happiness to you through our music.

Their standout single, “No apologies” is a fun record that speaks about self-assurance and being unapologetically yourself. “Hit My Phone” is a complete bop with afrobeat aesthetics that is a made to be enjoyed outside. “Dancing In Mirror” is a sexy record that encourages women to be confident in their figure an to love themselves. It is for sure to make the ladies move their waist.

Layomi The Tampa Baes have made a fun and dope project that’s perfect for the summer and help you get through this quarantine.