Fulltime: Budding Projects That Have Soundtracked The Year
The Final Whistle
The sad reality of indie music releases today is that full-length albums are increasingly becoming harder to come by, whether it’s because of the audience’s shrinking attention spans or even just the cost of time and money that developing and distributing a full-length project demands. Albums provide so much meaningful context to an artist’s creative vision and provide them a longer-form medium to explore and create significant moments with their music. With that being said, though, we love singles over here too, but we think it’s time to tip our hats to those who are taking artistic risks to put together cohesive projects and experiences to surround their art despite all the leg work it might take.
“Fulltime” is a continuation of our “Halftime” drop that recapped our 6 favorite underground projects from the first half of the year and put them in one spot for your ease of listening. If you missed the full regulation of 2023, we got you with the highlights! The following are six of our favorite projects that dropped within this past calendar year. Tap in and discover your next favorite artist!
FAST 5 - 454 x Surf Gang
When listening to music from the Flordia native 454, I am automatically shifted into a dream-like state. His distinctive high-pitched voice sticks out like a sore thumb amongst any other artist - capturing euphoric energy within every project he releases. His newest EP, FAST 5, where he teamed up with the production crew Surf Gang, stays consistent with his mesmerizing sound. The 11-minute project is a tidbit of the regular 454 that we are accustomed to, but with a pleasant twist of production that never fails to keep up with the task of matching 454’s unwavering intensity.
Immediately upon the first announcement of this project, I was more than excited to see what the two acts would create due to the impact Surf Gang has already cemented in hip-hop. From “Making The Band” (Danity Kane) by Earl Sweatshirt to “The Hillbillies” by Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem, Surf Gang has some already acclimated titles under their belt. Nonetheless, the two distinct sounds that make these musicians unique blend in the most masterful way - almost like they have been preparing this for years and have finally released it.
The EP acts as a dreamy soundtrack of a space flight but instead of being in a rocket ship, you're accompanied by a rally car. The track “ANGEL” and “NEXTEL” brings a calm nature of energy to the intro of the project rarely performed by 454 that still has you intrigued until the very finish. My favorite track is titled “BARBIE” which sounds like 454 is reading a love letter to his girl over some bouncy drums and colorful synths. The instrumental that bleeds through the project is “COBRA” featuring Sickboyrari; it's able to balance the melancholic but energetic feeling at the same time. 454 easily floats over the beat and throws an alley-oop to Sickboyrari to add to the energy of the song.
Although the album may only have a short 11-minute run-time, 454 and Surf Gang offer a variety of songs to pick from for any mood you may want to feel. With every new project they release, both acts are distinguishing their sound in the modern hip-hop world and are voicing their reason to stay.
Pressure Sensitive - Anysia Kym x Jadasea
Throughout the slew of star-studded releases from various artists and groups in 2023, one label has amassed a truly unique sound by artists releasing projects never shy of pushing the barriers of music production or the complexities of writing lyrics. If you couldn't have guessed it yet, I'm talking about the label 10K - composed of some familiar names such as MIKE, Niontay, and Sideshow. My favorite project released under the label this year was from Anysia Kym and Jadasea’s Pressure Sensitive in which the two artists capture the essence of collaboration by creating somewhat of a warped terrain of “drum n bass” and UK grime.
We enter the project with the bit-crushing drums and electronically induced “Nothing Comes to a Sleeper but a Dream,” sonically reminiscent of old Nintendo video game soundtracks that used to hypnotize me in my childhood. Anysia Kym handles the production of every single track, blending elements from different realms of electronic music and creating a painting full of color and emotion. Adding Jadasea’s esoteric lyrics, barely coherent on these complex instruments drives a mystique feeling like we are watching them in the studio develop every layer of this work piece by piece. My favorite track off the tape is titled “Stain”, where Jadasea boasts a bouncy rhyme scheme perfectly capturing the energy of the beat, and then abruptly ends by bringing in a beat switch, adding a new life to his flow and effortlessly finding the pocket once more.
Jadasea and Anysia Kym both hail from different sounds - Jadasea often heard rapping over mutilated and looped samples like other stylistic acolytes from the label - and Anysia Kym resonating with the breakbeats and mesmeric “drum n bass” soundscapes. But there is a beauty powered by the clashing left-field sounds that make this collaboration addicting. Every track of this album is the outcome of two mad scientists going to work, offering a mix of potions that reek of influences from club and rave music to abstract rap.
Long Story Short - Monday Night x DVNTBEATS
The rising Richmond, VA emcee wields one of the most exciting voices in the underground, a reality backed by his indica-laced laid-back sound that meticulously toes the line of sophistication and grittiness via his measured delivery that nonchalantly pronounces his potent scheme-filled raps. All of the above and more are exhibited in abundance within the June release of his collaboration with prolific Chicago-based producer DVNTBEATS on their joint tape Long Story Short, which quickly climbed its way to the top of my listening history thanks to the unique medley that it presents with its stellar sample-based production – via DVNT – and ear-worm flows provided by Monday.
This project presents Monday deep in his bag, with some of his most expressive verses delivered atop a collection of masterful production, and the project’s opening track, “Bonjour” is straight-up special. On “Bonjour,” Monday reflects on worse times over stirring production featuring sound sculpted from soul-filled samples, complimenting his down-tempo and meandering flow. Monday builds off the momentum of the opening track and flexes his versatility on track 3, “Disco” where he adds pressure to the gas with a head-spinning string of bravado-filled 16s. Although the project is concise in its runtime, it frames Monday at his best and the musical chemistry between him and DVNT is undeniable.
Since stumbling upon Monday’s discography early last year, his music has subconsciously snuck to the top of my most-played list, but that’s at no mistake. Monday has sculpted his own original sound and sonic aesthetic, chiseled it down to a science, and delivered two phenomenal projects in the last calendar year. Monday voices this casual delivery – in an almost conversational tone – that aids in another layer of individuality as he drops some of the craziest deep-take sports references I’ve ever heard over an mp3. More than the novelty of hearing a Kurt Warner namedrop, though, Monday is unafraid to be candid in his art about the anxiety he faces and the vices he masks it with. This authenticity of his pen bleeds through his growing discography, and I have no doubt that the charisma and compelling sound of his tracks will catch the recognition they deserve, and Long Story Short is the precursor to that.
Dirty Harry - El Cousteau
Growing from an eclectic generation of DC-bred artists, El Cousteau is cut from a different cloth, and he’s walking fashion week in it. The multi-hyphenate is carving out a new lane of slick talking moshpit-tailored music that he performs at breakneck tempos, effortlessly weaving from one quotable punchline to another. Unconscious flows, high-octane production, curated style, and unreplicable stage presence define his addictingly bold aesthetic. Cousteau is nothing short of the modern archetype of a four-dimensional artist, and all of the above is on full display in his standout album, Dirty Harry.
My first encounter with Cousteau was during MIKE’s Ipari Park Tour last Spring, where Sideshow halted his own set to give him a chance to perform a track. Cousteau grabbed the mic and passionately paced the stage with his fists clenched as his decibel-defying track, “Nitro” rose in volume from the stage’s monitors. I have seen a lot of live shows, but the electric 2-minute guest performance he gave blindsided me with a display of energy like nothing I have ever witnessed. Cousteau’s infectious stage-framed presence and charisma undoubtedly transcends his performances and pours out in abundance in the tracks themselves.
This past year’s release of Dirty Harry is a statement piece spoken with pure clairvoyance as Cousteau pronounces what’s to come for his inevitable stardom. On “Nitro” Cousteau voices boastful lyrics atop a heavy metal 4-bar guitar loop with his signature pedal-to-the-ground intensity to his delivery. However, those who boil down Cousteau’s sound to just being loud and fast are missing the point. His lyrics are overflowing with personality, and each bar is articulated with very real raw emotion. As a result, his music provides a satisfying fist-clenched cathartic release for both Cousteau and those on the other side of the mp3. More than that, though, he may own some of the best quotables of the year like, ‘Ralph Lauren button down, my momma think I’m cross-dressing,’ on “Nitro” or ‘My mother asks what I’m outside doing, I told her god’s work,’ on “Harry.” Cousteau is easily one of the most well-rounded artists I’ve come across in recent history, and I’m not the only one to see it with impressive cosigns from A$AP Rocky, Earl Sweatshirt, and The Alchemist, to name a few. His inherent appeal defies mediums, having modeled for designer brands like Telfar and Ralph Lauren, and his versatility begs the question. When will Cousteau be at the top of the game?
Girl In The Half Pearl - Liv.e
This album emerges with rejuvenating and delivering a heartfelt experience that has become one of my cherished releases this year. Liv.e's remarkable vocal range, coupled with crazy beat transitions, allows you to feel emotion in each track to resonate deeply. Among my personal favorites from the album is "RESET!" Its fusion of island-inspired rhythms and Liv.e's melodic delivery, sprinkled with elements of Drum and Bass, and delightful listening venture, regardless of the time.
The project embodies a compelling storyline, guiding audiences through the tapestry and love of self-discovery. The unfiltered, genuine vocals, almost like a soulful cry, deeply resonate with my inner being. Witnessing Liv.e perform live in Chicago this summer heightened my appreciation for her work, the harmonies and vocal cadences solidifying my admiration. Liv.e's ability to navigate these beats effortlessly truly sets her apart as an artist in a league of her own.
Collaborating with Ben Hixon for "GITHPREMIXEDITION," the remix of "Girl in a half pearl," marks one of this year's finest House projects, introducing novel rhythms that compel movement. I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to delve into Liv.e's music—the dedication and authenticity poured into her craft promise a fulfilling experience that will not disappoint.
Dr. Grabba - dj blackpower
Dj blackpower, also known as MIKE, emerges onto the music scene from Brooklyn, New York, unveiling a treasure of surprises encapsulated within dj blackpower’s sophomore album Dr. Grabba, a standout beat tape of the year. Initially drawing me in with its album cover, dj Blackpower lives up to expectations and more. Dr. Grabba proves to be remarkably versatile, fitting seamlessly into any moment of the day or any activity. Among its tracks, "Shay-La" and “Buss” this tape holds a special place as it radiates with an irresistible energy for party settings and social gatherings.
Throughout the tape, dj blackpower masterfully mixes elements of jungle Drum n' Bass, extracting samples from timeless melodies. "Missed U" emerges as another standout, a testament to DJ BlackPower's skill. The drum breaks echo with unfiltered emotion, vividly displaying the artist's ability to convey profound feelings through the medium of sound. Notably, this emotional depth isn't confined to one part of the project but through the entirety of the album, guiding new listeners to dive into the intricate blend of beats and melodies, inviting connection and exploration.
Sincerely,
Three genuine perspectives
(Jakai, Jack, & Malcolm)
