TOP Artists of the Week – Series 7

Hi Everyone

Here is another Week of the MONTH of October 2022, we are presenting our Top Artists of the Week Series 7 for your entertainment and fun. There are lessons to learn from each other as you look and listen to one another’s tracks. The selections are simply our opinion. All artists are great and super professionals in their calling.

How we select top artists.

Indeed, there are many interesting things that my job involves listening to live concerts by solo artists and ensembles whom we might showcase on a weekly series.  You can learn a lot from watching their video or audio recording of course, but not everything.  In fact, the most important thing you can learn from these commercial or demo recordings is that a particular musician or ensemble is probably not destined for the priority list.

In recent weeks we have found ourselves with the opportunity to hear quite a few concerts, live bands, and recorded works from different artists.  It got us thinking about what criteria are we going to rank and prioritize each artist. We have narrowed it down to 3 areas: technique, interest (substance), and communication.

Technical ability is probably the least important, simply because there’s such a high level of proficiency among professional soloists and ensembles these days.  Indeed, it’s probably fair to say that if you ever get the impression at a concert that a piece of music is really difficult and pushing the performer(s) to their limit, then it’s probably more a reflection on the limitations of the artist than the technical problems of a piece of music.  Great performances usually transcend technical difficulties.

So, the more important question is whether a performance is interesting, meaning does it capture people’s attention, and unlocks their imagination? That comes down to choices a musician makes around musical colors and textures, variation, consistency of approach, creating tension, the overall shape of a piece, tastefulness, and context.  Much of this is subjective, which is why it’s okay, indeed healthy, for people to disagree after a video, or live stage watch – whether they liked it or not.

Thirdly, there’s the issue of communication. Unlike a recording, an artist or ensemble on stage with a live audience has to acknowledge the audience is there and perform for them. Singers maybe have the advantage of words to articulate, but instrumental music is a language too, and the live concert experience is about communicating.

The most memorable concerts we have attended are those at which that communication has been strong and convincing. There are many, many musicians and ensembles across the world who deliver at the highest level.  Our lives are more enriched by having exposure to them.

 

Here are the TOP ARTISTS of the Week – Series 7

 

Life Is Life – Wild

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imlifeislife/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/23imtGfamRMFJTv4tPAyHu

Life Is Life is an artist based in Island. Life Is Life presents the release of his new single “Wild”, which was released on October 7th, 2022. This new single was released under his own Branch/label “Life Is Life” and distributed worldwide.

Life is Life has released several new songs that were recorded this year out of his bedroom studio. “Wild” is the latest of which release bringing son chill smooth guitar beats and some nice pop vocals to add life to his lyrics.

 

The Jealous Guys – Affirmation 2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejealousguys_/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5SKWSaWfjWEP3ziVB5GQuE?si=LyrnJNSoSUehggq4XOgjKQ

The Jealous Guys (TJG) are a hip-hop duo comprised of two emcees, Yin and Casa, born and raised in San Francisco, CA. As natives of the Bay Area, their sound and appeal far exceed what has become the expected norm of regional music.

Ever since they first came onto the underground scene, their music has blended consciousness and positive vibes with street-wise lyricism serving as a soundtrack to surviving and having fun in the midst of the struggle.

They often reference their cultural upbringing, while balancing the harsh realities that come about growing up in impoverished communities. TJG has garnered national media attention, having been interviewed several times, has video premieres on major blog platforms, and has also been featured in VICE network’s Huang’s World and VICELAND “Noisey” Bay Area.

The Jealous Guys are here to spread love and remind you that we all need to put out “Affirmations 2” into the world to get what we want. Affirmations 2 is a track that makes you move and sway while yelling “We have to make it”.

The world is being torn apart by unjust music and the non-conscious mind so here is a track to ground us and remind us that joy and happiness are important and that getting this bag starts with good “Affirmations”. Enjoy and let us know what you think. We are about to drop this song and a few more on the new The Art of Hip-Hop, Vol.2 album.

Vibes, manifestations, and “Affirmations 2”! The Jealous guys have been featured on Vice, Noisey, Notion, EarMilk and more, and they are back with some summer vibes with their latest single “Affirmations 2”.

 

Damion – Beautiful Black Queen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patronspapi/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2AitoYXQBU1Pl4F5bxlNzr?si=hcXwIGLpTN-Id1DY-SnBBA

Damion is an artist based in the USA. A chill smooth Rap/R&B track with chill vocals that talks about how a beautiful black girl is a queen.

No doubt. Music is more than ever all about a vibe. That music that you feel as it gives you an experience you don’t want to go without. When you feel the music it’s that much more real for you, as it goes beyond just enjoying the talent of a creative, but just something that you feel a part of as you get lost in the sound. That’s what you get from Damion on his new smash “Beautiful Black Queen”.

 

Big Yan – Never Forget U

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bigyan4tw?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/44GxBl75OFVoE45cNXPOHg?si=WWsJyFQyREmW4UC4i5Zicw

Big Yan is an artist based in the USA. This is a catchy drake-like vibe about a recent heartbreak. Being a NY-based high school artist, he is looking to grow my audience. More music coming!

Honestly, nothing stands out more in music especially Hip Hop when an artist leaves it all on the line. That relentless approach to the record lets the soul of the artistry shine through and make a true genuine connection that can last a lifetime. Many of our favorite artists have long been able to do that and more to make us keep coming back for more and Big Yan’s new song “Never Forget U” is an incredible start.

 

Leantzay – Ion Needa 4-93 Bazel, Leantzay,& Walk

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/leantzay-zay

Leantzay is an artist based in the USA. This track has three artists with their own styles mixed into this one song. From good lyrics to catchy punchlines this song will have you hooked.

So, when people come to Hip Hop, they come for the real. That authenticity in an artist comes through the speaker in a real way, to make you feel the music. When an artist is being true, without even knowing them you know they’re giving their soul on the mic. That soul is what resonates and that soul is what you get from Leantzay on the new song “Ion Needa 4-93 Bazel, Leantzay, & Walk”.

 

Pheelynx – Emotions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Pheelynx_music/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7rBnyRk5C73g5moyOkmkk1?si=K3rVkv0ISR2cjuaeAmV_Ug

Pheelynx is a self-taught producer, and singer/songwriter based out of Los Angeles, California. Her musical mission; bring to light an uncomfortable truth and heal those who may never see justice within their lifetime. Her dark melodies and compelling lyrics are meant to wake you up and she does so without apologies.

Born and raised in a bitter New England setting, Pheelynx, who now resides in the sunny city of Los Angeles, California is a self-taught producer, singer, and songwriter. With an eclectic palette of shared influences including Yppah, J Dilla, Bonobo, and Beardyman.

Pheelynx’s music ranges from ambient to rage to melancholy moods and certainly takes you on a journey throughout. Her choice of the beat foundation is balanced by a romantic approach to melodies that serves the listener well. Sexy lyrics and strong bursts of energy in just the right places are a culmination of a lot of hard work an artist has to do on one’s self to present an honest and authentic piece of work.

The future of Pheelynx looks incredibly exciting. The artist’s debut six-track EP ‘Shadowboxing the Apocalypso’ is out now and is a stunning representation of what she has to offer so far as well as an encouraging glimpse into what her future sounds may develop into. “I’m a mermaid on a moral crusade that dances on land and sings in the shade” –Pheelynx

Pheelynx like many artists is pushing out tracks in hopes of a record deal someday. Hope you will like the Emotions! “Emotions” is really out of love of being a bedroom producer. As a singer/songwriter with a lot to say, sometimes the beauty of music is getting to do so without anyone interrupting the process.

Even if that means putting a track together without your own vocal. I like a mysterious song as long as it makes me move in some way. Sometimes ‘Emotions’ makes me want to dance and sometimes it makes you want to turn the lights off and get down.” (Pheelynx)

 

Kevinlilnastyass – This Song

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinlilnastyass/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yMVHZGsdQTSNFlvwCtIbS

Kevinlilnastyass is an artist based in the USA.  Kevinlilnastyass is here with something dark, vibey, and of course a little nasty. “This Song” is putting something sexy to a little western-inspired mood music. “This song” should set you up for good vibes all night.

Hoping to expand his reach and get this song slapping in more ears as he prepare for the music video release, He loves to grow his listenership including you!

 

Slim Pickens – Good Day

YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/tyfow44

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5YCyvWotNfZP1jRBeiQ9EJ

Slim Pickens is a hip-hop duo from Michigan consisting of D Shot and T Fowle.

Years ago 40-50-year-olds weren’t really into hip-hop/rap but nowadays they are. Slim Pickens thinks there’s a market for more mature, grown-up hip hop that hasn’t really been tapped into much.

D Shot & T Fowle make up the hip hop duo, Slim Pickens, and bring a positive message with a slice of life. Over the last couple of years, the group has really found its unique sound and is running with it. Indeed, it’s a Good Day!

 

Ivrry J. – Dirty Dancer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lvrryj_tw/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6xKRXKIhsRMYymveKhzynm?si=Y-CXe2h4R0GBhrvA73hKhA

Lvrry J (Larry J), was born to Lawrence Nai who Ghanaian versatile singer, rapper, and songwriter. With his unique diction, voice, and flow, he’s certainly the one every music lover should look out for according to listeners and several players in the Ghana Music Industry.

Born in Nima on the 25^th of April in the 90s, raised in LA, and grew up in Adenta. Lvrry J started music at a very tender age.

As long as he feels and vibes with any beat, he’s able to creatively chum out something melodious and mind-blowing. He solely writes 90% of his songs and will be right to say he’s inspired by the ambiance and vibe in the studio. Lvrry J is currently signed on the newly established Ghanaian label SS Music GH.

“Dirty dancer” is the story of a troubled youth who finds love in a “bad bitch”. Lvrry J describes how he fell helplessly in love with her and how he would do anything for her. He expresses how exciting their relationship is in the chorus of the song “Dirty dancer” and refuses to let her go. Every misunderstood lover whom society labels as broken is a “Dirty Dancer”.

 

Antimus Prime (King Ant) – Glisten (Interactive Performance Video)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Antimus_Prime1/

Antimus Prime (King Ant) is a North Carolina artist in continuation of the visual promotion of his Fair Warning EP releasing the video for Glisten.

Antimus Prime is a hip-hop artist from Apex North Carolina who has been carefully crafting and promoting his Fair Warning EP with consistent releases mostly on Soundcloud. These releases have collectively garnered more than 100,000 streams, with multiple song charting on Repost Exchange hip hop charts.

“Glisten” is a personal unapologetically honest look into the personal lives and thoughts of Antimus Prime and some of the closest people around him expressed Antimus Prime as one of the best artists.

 

 

Which is your favorite song? Drop a comment below in the comment section