You’re into hip-hop and rap but the all too similar stuttering hi-hats and offbeat flows really have taken the joy from adding new songs to your playlist over the last months? We feel you. And offer you, to make it all alright.
We get it, you’ve got to stay with the sound of the time, especially in such contemporary cultures as hiphop, the culture that in 2020 arguably is the most influential and dominant in the world. The times where white pop had the audacity to separate itself from heavy black influence or roots are over, and in 2020 the claim would be ridiculous. Female artists, male artists, producers, the culture is omnipresent.
At the same time, what’s new right now doesn’t necessarily sound new. In fact, the craft seems to get lost in the mix of influencers, actors, Youtubers and other people that try to make a cut of the current peak. And a lot of real artists see the commercial potential and react. Songs are not written to express emotions anymore, it’s about being short enough not to be skipped in playlists, being TikTok-able, going viral with anything but the music itself.
That’s all fair. But who do we turn to for new, good music these days?
Frankly, I stumbled over Austin, Texas rapper Arod’s album review on LATabloid.
I don’t know why, even though they never shape my opinion on the music, I still love to read album reviews. And this one was absolutely ecstatic. I was intrigued and – wow. Surprised.
First of all, what brilliant beat picking! This album is a gem for anyone who loves to detect old soul samples between modern 808 patterns.
The artist himself delivers with a voice as distinctive as only the big boys like The Game or Nas can.
All that with an effortless variety of flows and storytelling that captures you from the first sentence.
Listening to Arod is an hour well spent, whether you’re working out, in the office, driving or just sitting back and paying full attention.
It’s far from monotonous superficial flexing, we’re listening to a young man sharing stories from an eventful life.
And sharing dreams and visions of a better one. It’s refreshing and delightful to see there are still artists out there trusting their own skills and craft, being passionate about what they do.
His debut album ‘Lend me your ear’ is exactly what you should do, right now.
Thank us later.
