#wobc best of

[wobc-fm]

Anna Rose Greenberg interviewed Natasha of Siberian band Kiberspassk for WOBC! Listen to Natasha talk about Kiberspassk, fairy tales, the changing state of Siberia, and more! Kiberspassk is an industrial/dark electro project based on mixing aggressive sound with ethnic traditional vocal techniques including unique woman Mongolian throatsinging. Their songs cover a variety of topics, with a focus on fairy tales and folklore and how they apply to the modern world. They will be releasing their debut album, See Bear, through Out of Line Records on April 9th, 2021. Kiberspassk can be found on Facebook, or on Instagram.Their music is available on iTunes and Spotify.

Can you tell me a little bit about Kiberspassk?

Идея создать этот проект зародилась несколько лет назад.  У нас уже есть вполне успешный дарк фолк проект Нит Лэнд, в котором мы исполняем аутентичную музыку, эпос северных народов, мы много гастролируем. Но мне захотелось попробовать реализовать себя в более экспериментальных стилях. Я много экспериментировала со звучанием, продумывала концепцию, но у меня не было достаточно времени для работы с этим материалом.   В 2020м году, когда началась пандемия, у меня появилась возможность начать полноценную работу с этим проектом. Это были тяжелые времена самоизоляции – мы развлекались, как могли. )

В Киберспасске я сочетаю русский фольклор с современным электронным звучанием. Уменянетопределенныхрамок. ___________________________________ The idea to create this project was born several years ago. We already have a quite successful dark folk project Nytt Land, in which we perform most authentic music, the epic songs of the North, touring a lot. But I wanted to try to realize myself in more experimental styles. I experimented a lot with the sound, thought over the concept, but I didn't have enough time to work with this material. And in 2020, when the pandemic began, I had the time t   o start a full-fledged work with this project. These were difficult times of self-isolation - we had fun as best we could)) In my project Kiberspassk, I combine Russian folklore with modern electronic sound. I have no specific borders. Do you have any upcoming projects?

Да, мы готовимся к релизу нашего дебютного альбома «Сибирь». В преддверии его выхода мы вместе с нашим лэйблом OutofLineMusicготовим еще пару синглов и клипов. В ��бщем, могу сказать, что в настоящий момент работа идет полным ходом. __________________________________________

Yes, now we are preparing for the release of our debut album "See Bear", which will take place already in April. Ahead of this release, together with our label Out of Line Music, we are preparing a couple more singles and videos. In general, I can say that at the moment the work is in full swing.Follow the news

You've recently released two singles - Derevna and Liho. What is the story behind these two songs?

Песня «Деревня» - это как раз песня об умирающих деревнях. Это такая песня-напоминание, о том, как было раньше, и что там происходит сейчас. Клип на эту песню снимался в нескольких таких деревнях, в том числе и в деревне Киберспасск, в честь которой я назвала свой новый проект. В наших детских воспоминаниях деревня – это такой уют,  свежеиспеченный хлеб, это то место, где все друг друга знают, такая большая семья, с большими праздниками. И сейчас это запустение. От некоторых деревень даже не осталось ничего: не осталось домов, даже стен, только холмы от фундаментов.

Лихо – по мотивом сказок и поверий о Лихо Одноглазом. Это мифический персонаж. Есть много разных его описаний, но в целом они сводятся к тому, что это сухой, костлявый монстр с одним глазом. У нас есть поговорка – не буди Лихо, пока оно тихо. Считалось, что людей страдающих депрессией и унынием, на самом деле Лихо поедает изнутри. Просто раньше никто не знал таких слов как депрессия, людям нужно было как-то объяснить это явление.

Клип был снят в одной из заброшенных советских больниц. _____________________________________________ The song "Derevna (Village)" is just a song about dying villages. It is such a song-a reminder of how it was before and what is happening there now. The video for this song was filmed in several such villages, including the Kiberspassk village, after which I named my new project. In our childhood memories, the village is such comfort, taste of freshly baked bread, fresh milk, this is the place where everyone knows each other, such a big family, with great holidays. And now it is desolation. Some of the villages did not even have anything left: there were no houses, not even walls, only hills from the foundations.

About Liho… The video was filmed in one of the abandoned Soviet psychiatric hospitals. In such places very depressing atmosphere. It was important for us because the song Liho - based on fairy tales and beliefs about Liho One-Eye. This is a mythical character. There are many different descriptions of it, but in general they boil down to the fact that it is a dry, bony monster with one eye. We have a saying in Russia - do not wake Liho while it is quiet. It was believed that people suffering from depression and despondency it is people are victims of Liho. Liho eats them from the inside out.

It's just that before no one knew such words as depression, people needed to somehow explain this phenomenon.

You have a very unique style - what inspired you?

Меня вдохновляет само место, в котором я родилась и живу. Сибирь  - она огромная. Ты выходишь из дома и можешь видеть небо от края до края. Это дает чувство свободы. Я не люблю большие города. Мне там тесно. В Сибири я могу дышать полной грудью. У нас прекрасная природа. У нас есть степи, есть горы, есть Тайга. Эти образы очень вдохновляют меня. Когда находишься ночью в диком лесу и слышишь все его звуки, то начинаешь понимать, откуда взялись сказки про леших и водяных.

Я пишу песни по мотивам русских сказок. Мистика русского фольклора завораживает. Сказки – они идут из древности и доходят до наших дней. Вы знаете, люди стали забывать свои корни. Сейчас многие русские дети уже и не знают таких сказочных персонажей, как Леший, Лихо Одноглазое, Домовой, Кащей (это мифические персонажи). Их больше интересуют персонажи Марвел.

Ну и, конечно, в этом проекте я хочу обратить внимание на проблемы вымирающих деревень. Все больше и больше люди стремятся в большие города, а сельская местность пустеет.  К слову, Киберспасск – это название вымирающей деревни, которая находится в 15 км от места, в котором я живу. __________________________________________

I am inspired by the place in which I was born and live. Siberia is huge. You leave the house and you can see the sky from edge to edge. It gives a sense of freedom. I don't like big cities. It's cramped for me there. In Siberia, I can breathe deeply. We have beautiful nature. We have steppes, mountains, taiga. These images inspire me a lot. When you are in a wild forest at night and hear all its sounds, you begin to understand where the tales, for example, about Leshiy  and Vodyanoy creatures came from. I write songs based on Russian fairy tales. The mysticism of Russian folklore is fascinating. These fairy tales - they come from ancient times and reach our days. I think you know it, people began to forget their roots. Now many Russian children no longer know such fairy-tale characters as Leshy, Liho One-eyed, Brownie, Kashchei (these are mythical characters). They are more interested in Marvel characters. And, of course, in this project I want to draw attention to the problems of endangered villages. More and more people flock to big cities and the countryside is dying out . By the way, Kiberspassk is just such an dying village, this village is located 15 km from the place where I live.

What is the Siberian music scene like?

В Сибири очень много разных групп. Это разные жанры, разные стили. Проблема в том, что часто сибирская группа остается лок��льной. Мы находимся в Азии, и это создает определенные трудности для музыкантов.Большие расстояния между городами создают проблему. Мы живем в 3 тыс. км от Москвы. Расстояние между ближайшими двумя городами 600 км. Поэтому гастроли в Сибири требуют больших затрат – время и деньги. Тем не менее, эта замкнутость очень сильно влияет на уникальность звучания и творчества в целом сибирских проектов. _______________________________________

       There are many different bands in Siberia. These are different genres, different styles. The problem is that often the Siberian bands remains local. We are located in Asia, and this creates certain difficulties for musicians. Long distances between cities pose a problem. We live 3 thousand km from Moscow. The nearest big city is located at a distance of 600 km. Therefore, touring in Siberia is costly - time and money. And therefore, many bands simply cannot afford it. But on the other hand, this isolation greatly affects the uniqueness of the sound and creativity of Siberian projects in general.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Большое спасибо за интересные вопросы! Будьте здоровы, берегите себя и своих близких в это сумасшедшее время, слушайте хорошую музыку и читайте сказки. ____________________________________

Thank you very much for your interesting questions! Be healthy, take care of yourself and your loved ones during this crazy time, listen to good music and read fairy tales.

[herbertwest]

RADIO SHOW!!!!!

I've teamed up with WOBC to bring about the return of Smorgasbord! German, Russian, and Scandinavian rock, metal, and industrial music! And BOY OH BOY do I have some fun stuff planned...all the best of the music I've collected since I went off air two years ago. The show will be 10 pm Saturday, barring technical difficulties. You can listen here (please note that this link will display a 404 error until someone is actually broadcasting. The link might change before the show, and if it does I'll post an update):vhttp://132.162.36.191:8001/broadcast.ogg?fbclid=IwAR2K15k1zQNKij2oQdvazCjfB0XOZyunpJuKGd_Slno3NTNn8HXqFvYnDaA

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The Year’s Best Black Metal

Words by Solomon Rinn

Funereal Presence (US) “Achatius” from Sepulchral Voice Records

“Achatius” is the second album from this New York-based side-project of Negative Plane. Funereal Presence’s real strength is in their composition - the album consists of four 10+ minute tracks which form a concept about the Greek martyr, Achatius. Despite the intimidating song length, the tracks feel varied and engaging. There is a noticeable traditional heavy metal influence here, which can be heard clearly in the catchy guitar leads. The drummer uses a lot of rhythms you don’t typically hear in black metal, alternating between blasts and more intricate, mid-paced rhythms. The synths create a magical and dark atmosphere, and the production and prominent bass solidify this as one of the best releases this year.

Kostnatění (US) “Hrůza Zvítězí,” Independently released

“Hrůza Zvítězí” is an atonal, groovy, psychedelic mess, in the best possible way. It overloads the senses with its odd rhythms, angular hooks, and hypnotic bends, but is always listenable and catchy. The solos and technical lead guitar work really shine here, cutting through the pummeling low-end. The songwriting and production is a huge jump from Kostnatění’s demo from last year, which while still technical had a more conventional black metal sound, and I’m excited to see where this project goes next. 

Arnaut Pavle (Finland) “Arnaut Pavle” from Mystískaos

The much-anticipated full-length debut from Arnaut Pavle is their first release in six years. Their 2013 demo on Fallen Empire made a surprising splash with its raw, punk-influenced sound, and the follow-up does not disappoint. What makes this album work so well is that Arnaut Pavle knows exactly what they are - fun, thrashy, grimey black n’ roll. The album doesn’t overstay its welcome, being only 30 minutes, and delivers an unrelenting array of riffs, but it’s certainly not monolithic. The speed metal-influenced tracks like “Unholy Black Balsam” complement the more mid-paced songs like “Poison Grail,” one of my favorites on the album, with its plodding pace, haunting synths, and piercing solo.

Oppression (Canada) “Le Coeur Plein De Rage” from Productions Haineuses

Oppression’s brand of black metal-influenced punk is entirely different to Arnaut Pavle’s approach, more influenced by oi! and street punk, a lot of tracks having hooks with clean vocals to contrast the growls. This is a staple of Oppression’s sound and the Quebec blackened punk “scene” of bands like Akitsa. The tracks on this album are anthemic and misanthropic, and above all, catchy. Some are re-recorded from demos, such as “Je Serai Ton Pire Ennemi,” one of my favorite Oppression songs that first appeared on the fantastic split with Sanguine Eagle. Here, it’s faster and more aggressive. The production is perfectly lo-fi and maintains Oppression’s signature punchy bass. Every track smoothly connects to the next and, like Arnaut Pavle’s album, is a tight 30 minutes. 

Imha Tarikat (Germany) “Kara Ihlas” from Vendetta Records

“Kara Ihlas,” Imha Tarikat’s first full length album, is divided into four chapters, and all of the titles are in Turkish despite the band being German. Imha Tarikat’s vocalist has a very unique style, often closer to howling or shouting than growls. They feel emotional and intense and are the most captivating part of the album, second to the drumming which is surprisingly technical and off-kilter. The pace is often unrelenting but it still leaves room for solos, more melodic sections, and slower, more atmospheric parts. This album is a more than worthy follow-up to their EP from 2017, as the band has continued to grow, their compositions and concepts becoming more elaborate. There is a fiery passion that underlies everything this band touches which is brought out through the pretty clean production and sophisticated songwriting. 

Misþyrming (Iceland) “Algleymi” from Norma Evangelium Diaboli

The Icelandic scene put out a number of impressive albums this year - Andavald and Sinmara both had great albums, but the one that stuck out the most was Misþyrming’s release. Whereas a lot of the veterans of the Icelandic scene seem to be becoming quite comfortable with their sound and sticking to it, Misþyrming had a huge stylistic shift from their last release. “Söngvar elds og óreiðu” was bleak and murky, but “Algleymi” is melodic and triumphant. The production and approach to songwriting feels totally different, brighter and more melodic, as opposed to their previous album. The vocal performance is fantastic, the wall of guitars is hypnotic, and the melodic leads are gorgeous. What more can one ask for in a black metal album?

Yellow Eyes (US) “Rare Field Ceiling” from Gilead Media

Like most Yellow Eyes albums, “Rare Field Ceiling” begins with a short ambient section and wind chimes before hurtling you head-first into a pit of despair. This is Yellow Eyes’ fifth album and they have their sound pinned down. The dissonant riffs, piercing shrieks, and the incredible melodic leads contribute to Yellow Eyes’ melancholic yet energetic sound. What separates “Rare Field Ceiling” from their previous efforts is the warmer, less abrasive production. There’s more low end than on “Immersion Trench Reverie” or “Sick With Bloom,” their last two albums. The sound is massive, especially the drums, which bring such an intensity to the title track, for example, giving the intro a frantic pulse. This might be the most accessible release from Yellow Eyes but they have not sacrificed their songwriting. 

False (US) “Portent” from Gilead Media

False is another Gilead band and will likely appeal to fans of Yellow Eyes. Their sound is huge, with ferocious growls and warm synth tones that compliment the frantic riffs. “Portent” is composed of three lengthy tracks and an outro. Each one is explosive and aggressive with jaw-dropping musicianship and songwriting. This album is filled with intricate melodies hidden in the bombastic guitarwork and is one of the most energetic black metal releases this year.

Departure Chandelier (US/Canada) “Antichrist Rise To Power” from Nuclear War Now! Productions

“Antichrist Rise To Power” is the first full length from Departure Chandelier, and was actually recorded in 2010 but went unreleased until this year. It features members of New York’s Prurient/Ash Pool and Quebec’s Akitsa, and delivers a raw, synth-heavy sound. The lyrical/aesthetic content somehow draws a connection between satanism and French history, which is certainly a unique approach, but the riffs feel a lot like Akitsa’s - simple and sort of punky, often gallopy. The synths are often at the forefront, magical and cheesy, effective in creating a triumphant, fantasy atmosphere. 

Ringarë (US) “Under Pale Moon” from Iron Bonehead Productions

Ringarë is a project from Alex Poole, better known for bands like Chaos Moon and Krieg. “Under Pale Moon” is similar to the Departure Chandelier release in certain ways. It’s a synth-black metal side-project of a prolific artist, written about 10 years ago and unreleased until now. The approach here is closer to most atmospheric black metal, however. The tracks are quite lengthy and murky and create a dream-like, fantasy atmosphere. The composition is impressive and varied and the bass is surprisingly audible for an atmospheric black metal album. The synth tones fit the music perfectly, creating rich textures and beautiful melodies, channeling the spirit of the symphonic black metal of the 90s or early 2000s.

[wobc-fm]

SleepWalker 2019 Freshman List

words by Amari Newman, Maxx McGee, & Brennan Ryan

We are SleepWalker Radio, broadcasting on Tuesday nights at midnight on WOBC. In our show, we listen to a lot of rap and watch a lot of rap music videos. Right now XXL is the only relevant hip hop outlet that puts out a “Freshman List,” which is a list of the best artists relatively new to the rap game who have gained a lot of attention in the most recent year. Unfortunately, every list that XXL has put out seems to be more and more out of touch with what actual fans of rap in our age range actually listen to. They also only highlight rappers in their list, even though so much more goes into the overall content put out by these artists including the beats they rap over and the music videos they put out.

So we’re going to put out our own list of rappers, producers and videographers in the rap game that’s more in touch with what people are listening to and want to experience.  This post will cover rappers, but stay posted for more posts on the WOBC blog from SleepWalker Radio!

Splurge

@ssgsplurge1

Splurge, from Arlington, Texas, is quickly blowing up. One the youngest (he’s 17) and rawest people in the rap game,  Splurge gets his beats almost exclusively from Beat by Jeff and Beat by Six7. His songs normally consist of him just going bar after bar over some hard ass drums and 808 patterns. Splurge doesn’t do hooks or choruses. He gets in the booth and spits strictly trap and street s**t,  resulting in some of hardest content put out in 2k18. Listening to his music really just make you feel invincible. Like if you commit any crime while listening to Splurge you’re almost never gonna get caught because it just gives you the energy to get away with anything.

This past year, Splurge began to blow up in the underground and mainstream community, as evidenced by rappers like Lil Uzi Vert to Chance The Rapper doing the #woah dance to his songs. He only has one feature on his released projects -- from Q da Fool --  but Splurge’s intense flow can be heard on tracks with YungManny and S3nsi Molly. He’s like if Lud Foe was from Texas and started rapping with a Hoodrich flow over slower, but harder beats. Splurge is steadily getting more and more recognition in the rap community and is gonna be on some big moves this summer.

Songs by Splurge to listen to: “Free Granny,” “No Deal,” “Tear it apart,” “UK Talk”

MIKE

@t6mikee

MIKE, from Brooklyn, New York, is operating on a whole different wave than the vast majority of people in the rap game, and the world. Choosing from a extremely diverse array of production ranging from old soul samples, piano riffs, and strange samples in odd time signatures, MIKE can rap over anything and everything. All of his music just sounds so different, in the best way possible. When you listen to him, you can hear the feelings and passion he puts into every verse, and feel exactly how he's feeling when he’s in the booth.

MIKE’s been dropping music since 2015, and has a pretty extensive discography with each project having its own unique vibe, but still finding a way to fit perfectly within his overall body of work. Founder of the [sLUms] collective, MIKE has collaborated with a large group of artist in New York, and the general rap community with people on similar wavelengths as his, including acts like King Carter, Wiki, Mehdane, Pink Siifu, Sporting Life, Navy Blue and 6press. At the moment, MIKE is one of the most recognizable people in his scene, and has become, in a sense, the face of a movement in rap’s underground that is steering the community towards more soulful and experience driven music.

Songs by MIKE to listen to: “Rottweiler,” “God’s with me,” “Nothin to Me,” “God save the Queen”

BbyMutha 

@bbymutha

Bbymutha, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is just raw as hell. She be saying the most wildest, realest and rawest s**t in a way that makes you be like damnnn whenever you hear one of her verses. She’s really one of the best in the game at talking her s**t. You can feel her confidence and knowledge in every word she says. Her ear for good music has lead to her rapping over any and every type of instrumental, but she's still got unlimited songs of her f*****g up some hi-hats and 808s.

She’s been putting out music from as far back as 2012, but started getting a lot of attention over the past year. BbyMutha has worked with artists like Rico Nasty, LSDXOXO and La Chat. She’s currently on tour with Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, and Black Noise, which hopefully means future collabs. BbyMutha has one of the rawest energies in the whole game, and it seems like the rap community is quickly realizing this, if they didn’t already.

Songs by BbyMutha to listen to: “Heaven's Little Bastard,” “Dragon,” “D.I.Y.,” “Playtime”

YungManny

@ItsYungManny

YungManny from Hilmeade, Maryland, is another one of the rawest and youngest (he’s 15!) people in the game. He uses the rapid “Maryland flow” delivering a plethora of stand-alone bars over dark piano samples with hard ass drums behind it. YungManny honestly might have the best punchlines coming out of the “DMV flow” scene. The “DMV (D.C, Maryland, Virginia area) flow” is a style of rapping pioneered and popularized by rappers, almost all from Maryland, who design their verses to be filled with stand alone bars that follow one another rapidly, often cutting the tail end of each one off. When’s it's done right it can really get to crankin.

Anyways, YungManny makes references to all types of off the wall s**t ranging from Roots, viral memes, WWE, and like every Disney movie/show you can think of from the 2000s. It's hard to listen to any of his songs and not die laughing at something he says in it. It’s like every song is just him joanin on someone over a hard ass beat, and it just happens to rhyme. He can sing too.

Over the last year YungManny has released 6 tapes and a plethora of singles and features. Most of the projects Manny releases have very few features, but he is a frequent collaborator of Xanman (Free Xan) who has also become a punchline heavy weight in the DMV area. He’s also worked with upcoming rappers MoneyMarr and Splurge. It seems like the more music YungManny releases the more popular he becomes, so if you haven't heard of him already you probably will soon.

Songs by YungManny to listen to: “W.O.F.”, “Bonfire pt. 2,” “All my guys are ballers,” “I’m Yungmanny”

ANKHLEJOHN

@ANKHLEJOHN

ANKHLEJOHN, from Southeast, Washington D.C., has established his own very distinct sound. Normally talking his shit over production filled with dark samples that sounds like an evil Madlib produced them, ANKHLEJOHN has developed a grimey flow that sounds like he’s on the verge of slapping the s**t out of someone. When you listen to his music you feel like you’re with him on the block hitting a jack as he describes his surroundings to you and the wild ass adventures he casually goes on daily.

ANKH has released at least 11 projects in the last 2 years and most of them have one or no features, only really collaborating with other D.C. artists including Raheim Supreme and The Khan. He’s already garnered respect in the DMV area and it’s spread up the East Coast to New York too, so expect to start hearing about ANKHLEJOHN soon.

Songs by ANKHLEJOHN to listen to: “God S**t,” “Round 2,” “First Class,” “UUV.”   

Lil Xelly

@lilxelly

Lil Xelly, from Rockville, Maryland, has recently flooded the rap game with an avalanche of content. He’s like 2017 Chxpo from Maryland. This past year Xelly has put out over 30 projects and 260 songs, working with some of the hottest producers in the underground including Maaly Raw, DP Beats, Sparkheem, Noir Brent, Danny Wolf,  nedarb, Chinatown, StoopidXool, Grimm Doza and Levitatingman. He’s got that “Maryland flow” with quick deliveries of a bunch of stand alone bars that follow one another rapidly. He spits every verse like he’s the last fool in a cypher whose been eagerly waiting his turn. His intense delivery over his extremely wide and diverse selection of beats is just a great combination, like he really be spitting over literally anything and it cranks.

This last year, Xelly has worked with budding underground artists like Warhol.ss, Chxpo and The Khan, along with underground legends like P2TheGoldMask and Sickboyrari (Black Kray). Xelly’s got so much released content out there that people can't help but come across it. His following is steadily increasing and I can see him really blowing up soon.

Songs by Lil Xelly to listen to: “Vengence,” “Tony,” “Morgue,” “Stamina,” “V6”

Tisakorean  

@cudyman

Tisakorean, from Houston, Texas, is probably the weirdest and most interesting person in the rap game right now. He makes some of the most ignorant dumb s**t out here that just gets to crankin for no reason. Honestly, if you listen to his music and don't immediately love it then it's just not for you because it's really that dumb ignorant ass s**t that might just go too hard for you, and that's very understandable. His diverse, unconventional and unusual delivery is kinda weird, but goes for some reason. Also his use of layered ad lib tracks of him screaming “ayeee” and “workkkk” with his whole heart and soul accompanies his wild ass bars perfectly. He reminds me of like a toned down Dankgod.

This past year, Tisa has established a solid following, at first due to a dance he started called the “Dip” that was pretty big in Texas, and his weird but lit instagram. He took down most of his posts, but there was a period where Tisa’s instagram was full of videos of him dancing in a random area with no music and freestyling, while dressed in strictly Aeropostale. After a few of his videos went viral, Tisa started to get noticed for his musical style with Lil Uzi Vert remixing his “Dip” song. Since then, he’s dropped songs with 10.K Caash and Kenny Beats, and has previewed content he’s worked on with A$AP Ferg, A$AP Rocky and Chance The Rapper on his instagram. Tisa makes all his beats, not only showcasing his versatility, but also assuring that you really get his full vision when you hear his music. You definitely need to check this guy out because he’s got a good team behind him and he's probably gonna blow soon.

Songs by Tisakorean to listen to: “But Not Wheat,” “Brush my teeth,” “Pat yo weave,” “Justice League,” “Bagel Chips”

[wobc-fm]

SleepWalker Freshman List 2020

Written By Amari Newman Quentin Zimbalist

We are SleepWalker Entertainment. Starting off as a radio show on Oberlin College’s WOBC 91.5fm in 2018 dedicated to highlighting underground Hip-Hop and the community that surrounds it, we have expanded into the journalistic side of music, publishing various reviews, lists, and articles related to music. These have ranged from album of the year lists to interviews with different musicians who have performed at Oberlin including Suzi Analogue, VRITRA, Ethereal, NappyNappa, and SIR E.U. Right around this time last year we published our very first “Freshman List,” built off of XXL magazine’s idea of  highlighting artists relatively new to the rap game who gained a lot of attention in the most recent year. Seeing how XXL’s list seemed to increasingly lose touch with the current wave of genuine Hip-Hop, SleepWalker looked to create our own list of new(ish) artists who we believe are making important impacts on the direction of the genre. The following list will highlight the breakthrough rappers, producers and visual artists of this past year, who we believe people are listening to and want to experience.  

Rappers:                            Producers:                   Visual Artists:

Pop Smoke (RIP)                Evil Giane                    Nitetive Visuals

Baby Smoove                    Adé Hakim                       Revenxnt

Hook                                   Axl Beats                         DVD CITY

Baby Fifty                             JWords          The Realest Photographer Ever

Babyxsosa                             Hi-C                          Brick Productions

Camden Malik                 DamnJonBoi                         1Drince

BKTHERULA                        GAWD                             She Skin

Pop Smoke:

Sleepwalker wanted to write a tribute post to the late young superstar, Pop Smoke. The young Brooklyn-born prodigy emerged in the public eye in January with his hit record, FLEXIN, and followed that up with the song of the summer, Welcome to the Party. Pop Smoke’s 2019 was one of the greatest breakout years of all time within the hip-hop music industry, and it was apparent that he would remain a star for years to come. His death was a tremendous tragedy for not only those within the Hip Hop community, but millions of his fans across the world.

Rest in Peace, Pop Smoke.

Baby Smoove:

Baby Smoove, one of Detroit’s newest household names has actually been dropping music for quite some time now. The oldest song of his I could find was Supersonic, a track he dropped in 2012 under the name “Bandcrew Smoove”, he used a few different aliases before finding his current stage name. Smoove holds onto instrumentals in an incredibly natural way. Sliding in and out of rhythm, on and off of the beat, he always finds his place when the downbeat comes back around. His quiet, inflectionless delivery is a stark contrast to his lyrical content. Smoove raps about his lavish lifestyle, he enjoys splurging on the indulgences he lived without as a child. Other Detroit artists recognize Smoove’s prowess and collaborate with him when allowed. Recently he has worked with big name artists and producers from all over the city like Veeze, Icewear Vezzo, Rocaine, Michigan Meech, and Topside. Needless to say, Baby Smoove definitely earned his position in life, and on this list.

Songs to listen to: Palm Angels, Hellcat, Free Game

Hook

From Riverside, California (Inland Empire /IE) the 21 year old has been gaining steady recognition for her unorthodox flow and distinct style. Hook has been making music since she was 9 years old, travelling and performing in an R&B/Rap group with her step-sisters. As Hook got older, she shifted her focus onto her solo career, garnering a lot of attention throughout the underground with the release of her mixtape “Bully” in early 2019. Hook has made a name for herself for her deliberate flows that incorporate elaborate mid-verse pauses, laughs, gasps, and signature ad libs emanating an unparalleled energy that makes a listener's body uncontrollably convulse from pure pleasure. In the latter half of 2019 and early 2020, Hook put out a few more mixtapes alongside her debut album Crashed My Car, which displayed her steady evolution in sound and abilities to make great music. A frequent collaborator of legendary underground producer nedarb, Hook has also worked with Bootychaaain, WorkingOnDying, RCB and even comedian/rapper Zack Fox. More and more people are becoming aware of the greatness that is Hook, making the rest of 2020 even more exciting for herself and supporters.

Songs to listen to: I’m Shinnin, HEEM, Stand It

Baby Fifty

From Southeast, Washington D.C., the 19 year old’s nonchalant delivery of bars describing rampant death and destruction over any type of beat has quickly solidified himself as one of the most exciting rappers in the city. Fifty’s spaced out delivery accompanied with lyrics packed with punchlines, lingo, double entendres and signature ad libs allows each one of his sinister bars to imprint itself on any listener’s mind. There are very few rappers who can make you feel like everything they say is true, and Baby Fifty is one of them. Every song feels like he is having a calm conversation about the lethal activities he partakes in on a casual Monday. Fifty remains pretty individual in his output with his last few projects being featureless, but he has worked with frequent collaborator Hu$tle, MoneyMarr, and Cheecho. Fifty is one of the youngest and most respected artists from the DC area, and will continue to raise the bar for the remainder of the year.

Songs to listen to: sunniD, Walkout, Roll Out

Babyxsosa

The 19 year old Richmond, VA native grabbed attention from the whole underground with the release of the GAWD produced single “EVERYWHEREIGO” in the middle of 2019. She then joined the New York-based collective Surf Gang and continued to pump out amazing music, including her newest EP BABYXOBAMA. Even though her recognition is relatively recent, Babyxsosa has been releasing musical content since 2015 making waves in the Richmond area as a DJ and producer. Her musical experience is clear in her diverse selection of beats, and complex structures of harmonies and verses. Babyxsosa’s high pitched voice allows her to casually hit octaves that sound perfect in your eardrums, and her mastery of switching between rapping and singing mid-verse creates a distinct flow that only sosa can achieve. She has collaborated with fellow Surf Gang members Evil Giane, Polo Perks and Pasto Flocco, and has a notable catalogue of collaborations with fellow Richmond artist and freshman GAWD. Babyxsosa has undeniable potential, which she fulfills with every new release, making the rest of her 2020 an exciting sight to see.

Songs to listen to: UBERXL feat Polo Perks, PUSSY FREESTYLE, DOWN

Camden Malik

From New York City by way of Sacramento, California; Camden Malik has proved time and time again that he is beyond worthy of his place on this list. I was made aware of Camden when I saw him perform Live this past summer. I attended a Show Me the Body show in Ridgewood, Queens because of the opener, MIKE. During MIKE’s set, he allowed some friends of his to perform their music as well. Among these friends were big names such as Pink Siifu and King Carter, as well as Camden Malik, whom I was unaware of at the time. He performed his track “Dreams”, and it was easily the best performance of the set. Malik seemed to hit every word of the song, captivating the entire crowd as he spit circles around the mic in his gold-rimmed glasses. After the performance, I began researching him, only to find his stockpile of music on the internet, recently working with artists like ZelooperZ and Darryl 10k. He finds ways to pack all of his rhymes with meaning, while placing them into pockets of the beats that most artists would not even know existed. I truly think this guy could rap over anything and I can’t wait to see what he brings to 2020.

Songs to listen to: Lie Detector, Hear da Same Thang, World Different (ft ZelooperZ)

BKTheRula

From Atlanta, Georgia, BKTHERULA is proving to be one of the most exciting female rappers coming from the area. She started putting out music in 2017, but gained attention at the beginning of 2019 for her underground hit “Faygo.” BK continued to pump out hits throughout 2019 including her biggest hit “Tweakin Together.” BK’s punch-in delivery mixed with her high vocal octave is entrancing, and is combined with a myriad of futuristic melodies and next level 808s, making her music impossible to not bob your head to. She has enhanced her singing capabilities over the year dropping her debut project Love Santana where more than half of the songs explore her melodic capabilities that hit a sonic sweet spot, giving a soothing massage to a listener’s heart and mind. But BK can follow up any ballad with an intense barrage of strictly bars, that automatically gives you the stank face. This past year, BK has worked with Atlanta producers Digital Nas and Rxlvnd, and has been a frequent collaborator of Autumn! and fellow freshman Hook. In fact, the two artists are rumored to have a collaborative mixtape that could be released at any moment. BK already stands apart from the flood of artists who gained attention in 2019, and her willingness to explore her capabilities on more experimental releases gives her the potential to truly skyrocket to another level.

Songs to listen to: LEFT RIGHT, UH HUH, DAMN

Producers:

Evil Giane

Surf Gang CEO evilgiane is probably at the forefront of the New York City underground right now, and moving upward at an astounding speed. Giane has been producing for a few years now, using other monikers such as YUNALOE and aloevine before adopting his current alias. Originally, Aloevine dropped mostly house music tracks, but he began releasing hip-hop beats a few years ago and has not slowed down since. Giane’s trademark sound these days consists of clean and punchy drums, and uplifting melodies, though through his leaks and posts online, it is clear that this producer’s talent extends way beyond his sound, as his drill and even experimental punk beats rival some of the greats. Recently, Evilgiane has placements with a plethora of up and coming stars; HOOK, Babyxsosa, and Pasto Flocco, as well as songs with established underground heroes like Black Kray and BootyChaaain. I’ve already called 2020 as the year of Surf Gang so it only makes sense that Giane will continue to fly as the CEO. Expect big things.

Songs produced by Evil Giane:  MOH BARETTA - ALL4U IV,  POLO PERKS - RICH GIRL/starpower, Hi-C - tr3nd1ng t0p1c juiced

Adé Hakim

From the Bronx, NYC, the 21 year old rapper and producer has been putting out music as far back as 2014 under the name Sixpress. Adé is a member of the [sLUms] collective, and has helped curate the next phase of New York’s sound that gained a lot of mainstream popularity this past year. Hakim incorporates a wide range of sonic layers in his production including violins, horns, cries and moans from blues songs, piano riffs, and video game effects. These are all stretched, reversed and changed in pitch, creating a brand new authentic melody. This is accompanied by snares, claps, kicks and 808s that are also adjusted, giving them a mechanized sound that allows the expansive nature of his production to fully form. Listening to an Adé Hakim beat sounds like you are strolling through a busy robotic construction site with headphones on that is playing Miles Davis at half the normal speed in one ear, and the Sonic The Hedgehog videogame score in the other. Hakim has worked with a large number of New York legends in the making including MIKE, King Carter, Medhane and Navy Blue, and has expanded his sound past the city working with NAPPYNAPPA, Pink Siifu and Earl Sweatshirt. Adé Hakim is one of the most positive artists in the game and his constant output of good will continue to come back to him for the rest of the year.

Songs produced by Adé Hakim: LIKE ME, MIKE - PLANET, Sticking to My Roots

Axl Beats

If this list was based sheerly on streaming numbers, Axlbeats would be at the top. Axl found himself in 2019 getting placements with world renowned superstars such as Travis Scott and Drake. Luckily, Here at Sleepwalker we believe in more than numbers on the screen below the song, but we wanted to acknowledge AxlBeats’ accomplishments nonetheless. The London Based Producer’s career began in 2016, where he became locally popular for flipping Chicago style drill beats into more modern, new sounds. Axl then rode the drill wave all the way to Brooklyn, producing for artists like Sheff G, Fivio Foreign, and Pop Smoke, as well as A-List Celebrities Rich the Kid, and Jay Critch.  Axl ended his 2019 incredibly strong, by producing Drake's drill inspired track “War”.  If you haven’t heard Axl beats by now you may need to check and see if your radio is still working, but you will definitely hear him in 2020.

Songs produced by Axl Beats: Drake -War, Fivio Foreign - Wetty, Travis Scott feat Pop Smoke - GATTI

JWords

From Union City, New Jersey, JWords is rapidly making waves across the Hip-Hop and Electronic community. Releasing music as far back as 2015, JWords produces intricately structured soundscapes that incorporate digital synths with complex progressions, and old soul samples. The jazzy layout of her bass patterns, and mystical sounds that accompany them, reminds one of a chandelier of chimes flowing in a slight breeze. JWords can also switch it up, creating fast paced and unique sound structures that sound like futuristic versions of Salsa and Bachata, which she notes are heavy influences on her musical output. Her preference of hardware in music creation gives it a more genuine feel, and contributes to her next-level live performances. Listening to JWords feels like traveling through the ocean in an underwater spacecraft at 1000 mph, but the speed isn’t overwhelming, it's actually very soothing. Now a member of the NeverNormal Collective, JWords has been garnering attention throughout the past year. She’s worked with MIKE, Suzi Analogue, King Carter, and Nappy Nina, while also performing with other contemporary greats at live shows throughout New York City. She released her debut EP Sin Senal earlier this year and recently led an Ableton-sponsored beat making workshop. The momentum is only building for JWords, and 2020 seems like it will be her breakout year.

Songs produced by JWords: Stay Away, Shine <3, Numb feat MIKE

Hi-C

A member of the infamous Reptilian Club Boyz (RCB), Hi-C has been making waves in the underground as far back as 2013. Adopting various monikers like HighCee and C Boogie, the Richmond-based artist has always stood apart for his futuristic and majestic melodies, reminiscent of the soundtrack to a final boss battle in Ninja Gaiden, that are combined with hard-hitting 808s and kick patterns. This sound is leveled up by an insane assortment of sound effects that range from soundbites from Super Smash Brothers, SoulCaliber, Dragon Ball Z, Nascar races, thunderstorms, gun shots, applause and evil laughs. This past year, Hi-C’s talents seem to have been collectively noticed by the underground, landing him features and placements with fellow RCB members Diamnodsonmydick and Cartier’GOD, along with Surf Gang, Hook, Marcy Mane,and NolanBeRollin. Everything is lining up for Hi-C and RCB to reach massive heights in their musical content and impact on the general rap culture this year.

Songs produced by Hi-C: No Emotionzzz, DOMD feat Hook - BRATZ, DOMD feat SickBoyRari - King Lamagra

DamJonBoi

The Detroit Hip-hop scene saw a flourishing 2019. Reaping many of the benefits of this newfound popularity was the incredibly versatile and talented DamJonBoi. 2019 gave Jon placements on underground smash hits with talent like Teejayx6, Sada Baby, Kasher Quon, FMB DZ, Drego Baby, and Lil Beno. On top of all of his 2019 placements, he had a strong end of 2018 producing Drego & Beno’s “Recipe 2”, which has amassed over 5 million views on Youtube and a plethora more streams. Aside from producing, DamJonBoi has been laying down vocals of his own. His smooth voice and classic Detroit style inflection work amazingly in his songs, many of which showcase his lavish rockstar lifestyle. Needless to say, JonBoi is up now for 2020.

Songs produced by DamJonBoi - Super saiyan, Brainstorm Feat. Babyface Ray, Teejayx6 - Dark Web

GAWD

The 20 year old Richmond, Virginia native is one of the most hardworking artists in the game. Holding the largest discography of released songs on our list, GAWD has nearly 1,200 tracks just on his SoundCloud. With a vast amount of monikers including 65 Cent, Black John Stockton, DJ Lil Stank, and Lil Coochie Burp, GAWD has consistently been dropping great music since 2014. His production consists of Pharrel-like synths and chord progressions matched with  signature distorted 808s that often fall in a simple 4/4 pattern. His addition of piano runs, harps, and video game effects to this formula elevates his sound to another level. Every GAWD beat is pleasing to the ear and always has a bounce, no matter how different they are from each other. Even though he has been on the scene for years, GAWD has gained a lot of attention this past year as his collaborations with fellow Richmond artist Babyxsosa have grown in popularity. On top of collaborations with Karmah and RCB, GAWD did a DJ session with Noble Spell in New York for Corpus Radio this past summer. It seems like he is finally getting the necessary recognition for years of hard work, and it's exciting to see what the rest of 2020 holds for him.

Songs produced by GAWD: 65 Cent - CHANGE TALK, Babyxsosa - EVERYWHERIGO, RCB - #bloodthisrsty #711

Visual Artists:

Nitetive Visuals

The 20 year old videographer based out of France has stood apart from the surge of artists producing intricate edits for the current output of music videos. Nitetive has been releasing video content since 2017, often consisting of minute long edits of rappers like A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert being put in alternate dimensions, video games or outer space. In 2019, Nitetive began to focus on producing full fledged music videos. Although he has shot and directed a good amount of videos, Nitetive has gained a reputation for his ability to edit footage. Collaborating with other visual artists including MarkoVisuals and fellow freshman Brick Productions, Nitetive has gotten to edit some of the most mind bending music videos of 2019 and 2020. Nitetive’s visuals consist of a fast paced barrage of glitches, rainbow styled effects, shattering glass and datamosh transitions, and 3D animations that place the viewer in an alternate reality. With footage that is often reversed, layered on top of one another, and switched between crystal clear and VHS quality, Nitetive’s videos are truly mind bending. The quick flashing of logos and important lyrics throughout his videos make the viewer feel like they’re watching a sped up hypnotization reel that’s subconsciously tricking them into becoming cool. In the past 6 months, he has worked with the likes of Pi’erre Bourne, SickBoyRari (Black Kray), Bladee, Cyrax and K$upreme. Nitetive seems to get better with every release, making 2020 exciting for what else he has in store.

Videos edited by Nitetive: SickBoyRari (Black Kray) feat Bladee - Blue, Pi’erre Bourne - Try Again, Cyrax - Breeze

Revenxnt

If 2019 gives any indication as to how someone’s 2020 will go, then we should all keep our eyes peeled for Revenxnt this year. This Newark, NJ based visionary had a high point in 2019 of producing a Pusha T video for Vogue. Besides being a video artist, Rev also produces music (with placements like Sha Hef, Grimm Doza, and DA$H), is a prolific painter, and even dabbles in clothing design. A typical Revenxnt video consists of interesting colors, often double exposure shots and ambiguous angles, lots of adjusting focuses, and quick transitions. All these elements come together to create glitchy looking masterpieces that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. Recently he has made some masterful instant classic visuals with the likes of Medhane, Mavi, and Moh Baretta. Rev has an amazing internet presence, always tweeting his mind and uplifting his followers. A staple post of his will be a photo wad of money with the caption “IF YOU READING THIS YOU’RE GETTING MONEY TODAY” One thing that is for sure about is he will never stop hustling and never move backwards. I have no questions about 2020 being as big a year for Revenxnt as ever.

Videos directed by Revenxnt: Medhane - Allegedly, Moh Baretta - Phew,  Mavi - Sense

DVD CITY

Based out of Detroit, Michigan, the collective of visual artists have been putting out content since 2015. Originating as VHS Country, the group has stayed true to its roots putting out visual mixes that incorporate off-coloring VHS-like effects. Various clips are layered on top of one another and fast forwarded, reversed or flipped sideways with frequent freeze frame trails filling the screen. These clips include viral youtube videos, infomercials, orchestra concerts, anime, hockey fights, animals, Mandelbrot sets, Tekken, WWE clips, and Kung Fu movies. Those watching a DVD CITY exclusive may believe their youtube webpage has gone haywire with effects that make the viewer feel as if they are watching 20 VHS films at once that are being fast forwarded and rewinded at the same time, but at different speeds. In the past year, the collective has produced music videos and snippets for Akai Solo, Pink Siifu, GAWD, MIKE and JWords. They also did the visuals for Never Normal Records’ most recent annual 4/20 live stream. The collective is pushing audio/visual boundaries to a new length with their consistent output and in-tune video references that are bound to entrance any viewer.

Videos directed by DVD CITY: DVD CITY 24//5GHOTSPOT, Black Sand - 2K4ev, DVD CITY 22//JWORDS

Brick Productions:

The Richmond-based videographer has been releasing content since 2017, and immediately started gaining notoriety throughout the underground for his diverse capabilities in making any type of music video. Brick’s ability to incorporate close zooms, still frames, and 3D animations into footage that can be of the highest or lowest of qualities is practically unrivaled. This is enhanced by transitions that take advantage of intentionally shaky camera footage that is often at a high frame rate, making some of the cleanest videography out there. These quick and clever transitions engage the viewer, but at a pace that is perfect, giving them a moment to fully enjoy the beauty of each shot before it is followed by another. That being said, Brick can also flood the screen with a flurry of effects including colored trails following body movements, crows flying in the background, Dragon Ball Z characters quickly appearing, snow falling, and flames engulfing the screen. This past year, Brick Production’s diverse visual output has landed him collaborations with SickBoyRari (Black Kray), Hunned Mill, A$AP ANT, Trippie Redd, Cyrax and Bootychaaain. He has also worked with Utmost, a Richmond-based skating company, in their recent collaborations with DC Shoes and Round Two. Brick Production is steadily evolving, learning how to merge creative and off the wall editing with smooth and straightforward shots that find happy balances with every new release. The rest of 2020 is his for the taking.

Videos directed by Brick Productions: Black Kray - PERIODT, Sunny2point0 feat Trippie Redd - Man Down, BOOTYCHAAAIN - MESSROUND

Realest Photographer Ever

Being the most secretive artist on our entire list, it’s hard to pinpoint when exactly the Realest Photographer Ever started dishing out creative content. The artist made their debut under this name with frequent collaborator Zelooperz for his video “Bootleg” in mid 2019. Their use of footage that looks like it's been shot off an iphone, shows a minimalist yet effective approach to making videos. Clips of people doing regular activities, such as chilling on a couch, hanging out by a river, or walking through a city, is manipulated and arranged in a way that creates a brand new reality that is incredibly engaging. An entire screen can be full of different scenes from different places at different times, allowing one to find something new every time they watch a video. The Realest’s perfectly timed transitions, reverse playbacks and freeze frame layers eliminates any need for fancy visual effects. Their straight forward visual production has landed them collaborations with Earl Sweatshirt, Zelooperz and Caleb Stone this past year. Since the Realest has no accessible social media, other than a Youtube page with 3 videos on it, it is hard to tell what they have in store for the future, but whatever it is, it will be great.

Videos directed by The Realest: Earl Sweatshirt - EAST, ZelooperZ - Going on a Date, Zelooperz feat Earl Sweatshirt

1Drince

One of the members of the ClockWork Productions collective, 1Drince has been delivering top tier videography to DMV based artists since 2018. The Washington D.C. native has gained a lot of attention the past year for his frequent collaborations with fellow freshman Baby Fifty, directing 10+ videos for the rapper over the past 9 months. His use of menacing shots and close zooms will send chills up your spine. Drince’s smooth transitions and high quality footage perfectly captures the chaotic and deadly energy of the people he shoots often flashing drugs, money and weapons of all shapes and sizes at the camera. He is able to perfectly capture the feel of every song he does a video for, thoroughly enhancing it. Every time one hears a song, they automatically think of the Drince video that accompanies it. In addition to Baby Fifty, he’s worked with MoneyMarr, Baby 9eno, Q Da Fool, Big Flock, YungManny, and RXPeso this past year. Drince and the ClockWork Productions team continue to solidify themselves as the go to videographers for DMV artists, making it exciting to see what they have in store for the rest of the year.

Videos directed by 1Drince: Baby Fifty- One On One, MoneyMarr - Cable Box, YungManny & Big Flock - TPA

She Skin

From Salem, Virginia, She Skin is the most versatile visual artist on our list. He started his visual output as far back as 2012, releasing creative and distinct skate videos. He soon transitioned into making music videos during the 2014/2015 SoundCloud Golden Era, providing music videos, visualizations, cover art, production and audio mixes for Divine Council and other Richmond-based artists. On top of videos, She Skin also established his own line of merchandiseincluding acrylic pieces, figurines and t-shirts.

Clearly, She Skin’s extensive catalogue sets him apart from the typical definition of a freshman, but he is on this list because it seems like he is finally gaining the recognition and praise that has been years past due. In addition, he seems to have found a signature look for his videos. His high frame rates and frequent zoom-ins are meshed with intentionally shaky camera work that cuts the artists in and out of frame at perfect moments. This is accompanied by sped up, slowed down, and chopped footage that creates a feeling in his videos that is unsettlingly soothing. She Skin has recently done videos for SickBoyRari (Black Kray) and hernbean5150, while releasing a series of minute long snippets from other Richmond artists including FHN Mook, Karmah, and Hunned Mill. He has also collaborated with Utmost throughout the years, providing pictures for the company’s most recent collaborations with Round Two and DC Shoes alongside fellow freshman Brick Productions. Even though She Skin has been a present and respected force in the underground for years, it seems like 2020 is shaping up to be the year his capabilities become known across the country and world.

Videos directed by She Skin: Herbean5150 - Felons, SickBoyRari (Black Kray) - Feel My Pain, FHN Mook - Undaground Sluggroad

[wobc-fm]

SleepWalker 2019 Freshman List

words by Amari Newman, Maxx McGee, & Brennan Ryan

We are SleepWalker Radio, broadcasting on Tuesday nights at midnight on WOBC. In our show, we listen to a lot of rap and watch a lot of rap music videos. Right now XXL is the only relevant hip hop outlet that puts out a “Freshman List,” which is a list of the best artists relatively new to the rap game who have gained a lot of attention in the most recent year. Unfortunately, every list that XXL has put out seems to be more and more out of touch with what actual fans of rap in our age range actually listen to. They also only highlight rappers in their list, even though so much more goes into the overall content put out by these artists including the beats they rap over and the music videos they put out.

So we’re going to put out our own list of rappers, producers and videographers in the rap game that’s more in touch with what people are listening to and want to experience.  This post will cover producers, and you can find the post on rappers here, but stay posted for more posts on the WOBC blog from SleepWalker Radio!

Forza

@YunForza

Forza, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, makes the rawest and rarest beats in the underground. A member of the Working On Dying producing team, Forza has made a name for himself for his use of a wide variety of samples from video games, and other things I can’t identify, matched with his signature high tempo drums and unconventional 808 patterns that automatically makes you want to mosh. His music sounds like you’re in an intergalactic space war with a bunch of spaceships flying by at like 100,000 miles per hour shooting lasers at you, and all of it is happening at like a 2x youtube speed. Like the s**t is wild to listen to.

The last few years, Forza has established himself as a pioneer in the underground’s Soundcloud scene, working with SickboyRari (Black Kray), Lil Tracy, Five Finger Posse, Bootychaaain, Bladee and Agoff. Forza has recently evolved his sound, focusing on more melodies that match his high tempo sporadic drum patterns, and has collaborated with more mainstream artists including Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Peep and Yung Bans. Forza, along with the whole Working On Dying collective, has already made a significant impact on the underground rap scene and is on track to make massive waves in the industry very soon.

Songs produced by Forza to listen to:

“Yung Bans - ETA,”  “Sub9k - Wit it,” “Lil Uzi Vert - Of course,” “Agoff - Aint no hitta”

Chinatown

@ChinatownBeats_

Chinatown, from Greensboro, North Carolina, makes some of the most melodic crankage out there. One half of the Capsule Corp production team with MilanMakesBeats, China has developed a great selection in the soundscapes that he creates through his production. His complex and layered synths mesh together to make beautiful melodies that are only enhanced by the powerful 808s and wavy drum and snare patterns that accompany them. Listening to Chinatown is like taking a stroll through the world’s most expensive chandelier shop, or driving down a highway next to the beach at midnight with a full moon out and the top down, but there's no wind, just the feeling of slight mist coming from the ocean that’s dark red. It’s honestly just beautiful to listen to.

Chinatown has worked with a variety artists, ranging from Diego Money, Chxpo, Slime Sito, ThouxanbanFauni and D Savage to more mainstream artists like Playboi Carti, Famous Dex and Rich the Kid. China is in a position to really make big moves this year with his sound getting more distinct and better, and I am already seeing a trend in other producers who are shaping their beats similar to China’s, showing how much influence he already has in the game.

Songs produced by Chinatown to listen to:

“Diego Money - Numbers,” “Playboi Carti feat Lil Uzi Vert - Firearm,” “Thouxanbanfauni - GiGi,” “Chxpo - U ALR SNOW”

Beat By Jeff  

@jeffersonbeats_

Beat by Jeff, from Arlington, Texas, was probably the most influential producer in the game this past year. Originally gaining recognition in the scene for being the sole producer of almost all of Splurge’s songs, Jeff’s simplistic style quickly took over the sound of the whole rap industry in a few months. His beats are not that complex, and normally include some robotic ass and reverbed 808, hi-hats, and a clap or snare, but it cranks. And every person who raps over it sounds great. Although he did not create the #woah dance, almost all the videos that went viral of people doing it were to Beat By Jeff’s production. Once the #woah started blowing up, a large amount of relevant rappers at the time came out with songs with a Beat by Jeff “type beat” that people could #woah to. He really repopularized the non-melodic and basic components of Hip-Hop production that lets the lyricism and cleverness of a rapper shine.

Jeff has done a great job at putting people from his city on, working with a bunch of Texas artists including Splurge, 10K.Caash, S3nsi Molly and G.U.N. He has recently began to branch out, working with artists like Unotheactivist and Matt Ox. Jeff is definitely responsible for the shift in the production in rap songs that took place in 2018, and I’m sure he’ll continue to influence rap’s production this year as well.

Songs produced by Beat by Jeff to listen to:

“Splurge - Intro pt. 2,” “Unotheactivist - As a Young Boy,” “S3nsi Molly feat Lil Brook - 223,”   “Splurge - Tear it Apart”

Marcusbasquiat

@marcusbasquiat

Marcusbasquait, from New York City, has got some of the most ethereal and otherworldly beats out there. Using keys and synths that sound like chime bells moving very smoothly in a nice breeze, Marcus creates complex and beautiful hums that have futuristic snares, hi-hats and drums over it. Listening to his instrumentals puts you in an alternate universe that is probably the color purple.

This past year, Marcusbasquait has become a frequent collaborator with Lucki, being responsible for all of the production on his “Days B4 II” ep, along with producing “2012 summer” off his Freewave III project. He has also produced for Thouxanbanfauni, BOOFBOIICY, UnotheActivist, and Terrence Escobar. He is quickly developing his own sound, and it's becoming easier to identify a Marcusbasquiat beat as his collection grows. He's definitely gonna be putting out some heat as the year goes on.  

Songs produced by Marcusbasquiat to listen to:

Lucki - 2012 Summer, Thouxanbanfauni - Eyes Wide Shut, Lucki - Switchlanes

LordFubu

@FUBARTI

LordFubu, from Jacksonville Florida, production is really just beautiful. His smooth keys and samples, fit perfectly with his clean drum patterns. Listening to his music is like laying on a beach with really warm sand and looking at an ocean that's crystal clear. Fubu has been steadily expanding his repertoire and reputation since 2015, currently acting as the main producer for the Marino Infantry collective operating out of Baltimore. He has produced an astonishing amount of YG Addie (A$AP Ant)’s newest material being his go to producer since 2017. He has also worked with artists like Silkmoney, A$AP Rocky, Tay K, Supa Bwe, Michael Christmas, Da$h and ICYTWAT.

LordFubu is also one of the most active producers on social media, posting cool anime edits to his beats, reviewing the many pairs of shoes that he owns or comes across, and going live on his instagram and chefin up right before his followers eyes. He’s really just a cool dude who makes smooth ass beats.

Songs produced by LordFubu to listen to:

“A$AP Ant feat Hoodrich Pablo Juan - Diamond Dust,” “A$AP Rocky - Nights like this,” “Divine Council - Dirtbags in Distress”

Cheecho

@AyeeCheecho

Cheecho, from D.C. or PG county, is probably the hardest producer out of the DMV area. His 808s hit harder than all other producers’ in the game, and his drum patterns just crank. Listening to his music feels like you’re experiencing an earthquake while in the middle of a shoot out.

Cheecho has produced for many upcoming rappers including Q da Fool, Hood Rich Pablo Juan, Goonew, Lil Dude, Big Flock, Slime Sito, Xanman (Free Xan), MoneyMarr and Baby Ahk (RIP). He has played a huge role in developing the sound coming out of the DMV area that is quickly taking over the general rap game. His production has become a staple of that sound, with almost every popping artist from the area having a song with Cheecho in the early stages of their career. Essentially, you can literally get any random person from Maryland to spit over a Cheecho beat and it’s gonna crank by default.

Songs by Cheecho to listen to:

“Q da Fool - Trap Shit,” “Lil Dude & Goonew - HunnitBandJugg,” “Slime Sito - Blanco,” “Goonew - Bag”

Noir Brent (BrentRambo)

@BRENTR4MBO

Noir Brent, from Chicago, Illinois, has some of the most lit production out there. Acquiring the most randomest sounds he can find and mixing them together over some crazy 808 and drum patterns, along with his tag that comes from an old viral meme, Brent makes every one of his beats noticeable and distinct. Noir Brent, and his frequent producer collaborator Uglyfriend, have mastered this weird production. His beats sound like a computer being microwaved, with all of its parts going haywire and making the wildest digital sounds that loop perfectly over sporadic drums and 808s.

Brent has been active since 2015 and has produced for almost every relevant “Soundcloud rapper” including Lucki, Lil Pump, Smokepurrp, Famous Dex, Madeintyo, Lil Yachty, Rich The Kid, Yung Bans, Trippie Redd, Chxpo, Warhol.ss and Nolanberollin. Brent has proven himself as one of the most unique producers of our time, and more people in the game are noticing, if they didn’t already. Brent is another producer whose really active on social media, becoming one of the most reliable meme plugs in the rap game, even though he’s toned down his meme related content as of late. He’s got some bars too. But yeah, Noir Brent’s music is beyond wild and always slaps when you listen to it.

Songs produced by Noir Brent to listen to:

“Warhol.SS -  boof!,” “Lil Xelly & Noir Brent- Started, Xrr!,” “Famous Dex feat Madeintyo - With yo B!tch,” “Noir Brent - WhutShutUp”

[wobc-fm]

Sleepwalker Top Projects of 2019

We are SleepWalker Radio, broadcasting on Thursday nights at midnight on WOBC. We listen to a lot of music on our show. Since it's the end of the year we decided to put out a list of our personal favorites for the past year.

Sleepwalker Best Projects of 2019:

Lucki - Freewave 3: This project elevates your mind to the highest plane and numbs all of your unwanted emotions with each track operating as a different form of spiritual novacane. Favorite song: “Glory Boy” / “More Than Ever”

MIKE - Tears of Joy: Listening to this album all the way through feels like giving your soul a deep tissue massage. The kaleidoscopic production accompanied by extremely genuine and direct bars makes it impossible not to be moved by this album. Favorite song: “It’s Like Basketball”

Toro y Moi - Outer Peace: Play this album anywhere at anytime from start to back and anyone touched by its futuristic sound waves will experience true euphoria. Favorite song: “Freelance”

Future - The WZRD: Only Future can drop a 20 song album where every song thoroughly cranks. Favorite song: “Servin Killa Kam”

Lucki - Days B4 III: Top tier soundscapes from the best producers out, mesmerizing bars, and auto tune Lucki. If you listen to any part of this project and close your eyes you will automatically smile from pure joy.Favorite song: “Left 4 Dead” / “Beverly Hills to 35th”

Steve Lacy - Apollo XXI: This album feels like floating through a bright orange maze with a lot of twists and turns, but you subconsciously know exactly where to turn and it leads to your own bed that has sheets and covers that are fresh out the dryer. Favorite song: “Basement Jack”

Baby Smoove - Flawless: Smoove delivers an account of his daily routines over beats provided by Detroit's most quintessential producers. Giving you a peek into his city that levels up your inner finesser with every listen. Favorite song: “Mr. Perfect”

Earl Sweatshirt - Feet Of Clay: 15 minutes of strictly the best bars of 2k19 over mind-bending sounds. It’s physically impossible to listen to this project and not immediately run it back. Favorite song: “Tsk Tsk / Cookies”

Zelooperz and Black Noise - Dy-No-Mite - Every track on here is very different from the next and it serves as a clear reminder that these Detroit legends can make any type of song and have that shit hit in every type of way. Favorite song: “Bootleg”

Diamondsonmydick and Hi-C - Reptilian Club Boys Bizzare Adveture: This sounds like you got sucked into a GTA and Smash video game collab and your going against 3 Captain Falcons with AKs while on molly. It’s an insane experience. Favorite song: “Pentagram”

Honorable Mentions:

HOOK and nedarb - Bully

Xanman - Xan Servin 2

Pi’erre Bourne - The Life Of Pi’erre 4

Larry June and CardoGotWings - Mr. Midnight

Young Nudy and Pi’erre Bourne - Sli’merre

Blink 182 - NINE

Bladee - Icedancer

[wobc-fm]

SleepWalker 2019 Freshman List

words by Amari Newman, Maxx McGee, & Brennan Ryan

We are SleepWalker Radio, broadcasting on Tuesday nights at midnight on WOBC. In our show, we listen to a lot of rap and watch a lot of rap music videos. Right now XXL is the only relevant hip hop outlet that puts out a “Freshman List,” which is a list of the best artists relatively new to the rap game who have gained a lot of attention in the most recent year. Unfortunately, every list that XXL has put out seems to be more and more out of touch with what actual fans of rap in our age range actually listen to. They also only highlight rappers in their list, even though so much more goes into the overall content put out by these artists including the beats they rap over and the music videos they put out.

So we’re going to put out our own list of rappers, producers and videographers in the rap game that’s more in touch with what people are listening to and want to experience.  This post will cover videographers, and you can find the posts on rappers and producers here!

Lonewolf  

@whylonewolf

Lonewolf, from Indiana, produces some of the most psychedelic visuals you will ever experience. All his videos are really high paced with a new edit, camera angle, transition, paper cutout, painting or newspaper clipping coming at you like every half second. In some of his videos, you can't count past one second without something new happening. Like you should try it because you literally can't do it. And despite the flow of chaotic visuals, every one of Lonewolf’s videos still matches perfectly with the beat and lyrics of each song. Watching his videos is like having an incredibly relaxing seizure.

Lonewolf has done visuals for Drake, Future, Lil Tracy, Denzel Curry, Lucki, Yung Bans, SahBabii, Maxo Kream and Comethazine. He is really blowing up right now with more and more people in the underground and mainstream acknowledging, and biting, his greatness. Lonewolf’s music videos are something that would make complete sense if you took LSD and watched them.

Videos by Lonewolf to watch:

“Lucki - Switchlanes,” “Yung Bans - Out,” “Warhol.ss - Devil’s Sight”

AWGE (HidjiFIlms, YGA film, Ricky Fula, Jimmy Regular, Bladi and more…)  

So there’s like a lot of people in AWGE, and they’re pretty lowkey about what exactly they are, but think of them as like an extension of A$APMob. I will be focusing on the videographers in this group, and I’m pretty sure they are all from New York. Once again, they are pretty mysterious about who works on what in their videos, but there are like 8 main editors and videographers that work them. Their videos are some of the rarest and cleanest out there. Using high-quality footage meshed with a bunch of glitch art and edits, AWGE has pumped out some of the most visually stimulating content in the past 2 years.

They have released a series of DVDs online, and in their bodega, that features a variety of rappers including Kanye West, Tyler the Creator, Maxo Kream, Lil Flip and Chief Keef. They have also released music videos for A$AP Rocky, Gunna, Kodak Black, Playboi Carti and A$AP Ferg. AWGE has made a name for themselves as the most creative visual team in the mainstream community, and they played a huge part in introducing music videos with weird edits, effects and transitions to the mainstream hip-hop audience. AWGE is still working to fully establish themselves in the industry, and I am sure they will be flooding the game soon with an onslaught of visual experiences to complete their takeover.

Videos from AWGE you should watch:

“Playboi Carti - Magnolia,” “A$AP Ferg - Plain Jane,” “A$AP Rocky feat Skepta Prasie The Lord (Da Shine)”

Moshpit DMV

@MOSHPIT_DMV

Moshpit DMV, from either Maryland or D.C., has quickly established himself as one of the areas go to videographers, especially when it comes to the more creative and experimental type of videos. His videos are incredibly diverse, ranging from a replication of a marvel comic book to a video starring a Lego version of Lil Xelly. Watching his videos can really evoke any type of feeling or emotion because each one is its own, and Moshpit has become very effective at using his creative visuals to enhance the songs they are for.

This past year, he has shot videos for SickBoyRari (Black Kray), BootyChaaain, Lil Xelly, Goonew, Lil Dude and The Khan. Moshpit is definitely one of the most creative videographers out there, and is quickly gaining attention from a bunch of emerging rappers right now. He’s in a position to really take over the visual rap game. He’s also got one of the hardest intro sequence/logos in the game by far.

Videos by Moshpit to watch:

“Lil Xelly - Marvel,” “The Khan - Just Like Me,” “SickBoyrari (Black Kray) - Catchmeoutside,”  “SickBoyRari (Black Kray) and Lil Xelly - Fishtank”.

Jmoney1041

@JermaineMiller_

Jmoney, from Arlington, Texas, has made a name for himself for having some of the  hardest transitions in the rap editing scene. And by transitions, I’m talking about what's really popular nowadays in rap videos where they switch scenes in the video by zooming into like someones iphone. It's kind of hard to explain. You just gotta watch one of his videos to understand, but the s**t goes hard.

Jmoney has shot the vast majority of videos for Texas artists Splurge and 10.k caash. He has also shot for Blueface, Matt Ox, Lil Uzi Vert, and Tisakorean. Jmoney is one of the biggest dance video recorders in Texas. If you go to his youtube profile the vast majority of his videos are of different dance groups performing to popular songs, and some of these videos actually have more views than his music videos. Jmoney is extremely versatile and is one of the hardest working videographers out whose buzz is only getting bigger.

Videos by Jmoney1041 to watch:

“Splurge - Intro pt. 2,” “Sensi Molly - $HHH,” “Splurge - Free Granny”

Nikiboix_x

@nikiboix_x

Nikiboix_x, from somewhere in Russia, might be the most interesting videographer on this list. He's this guy who gets videos sent to him and makes crazy ass edits to them that no one else in the game can match. A simple video of someone just rapping into a camera is transformed into an action packed visual with a bunch of drawings, 3D animations, glitch art and Call of Duty loading screens. Watching his videos makes you feel like you just chugged three cans of Mountain Dew GameJuice while on molly, and are just experiencing the hallucinations that come from that concoction. Like the s**t is actually insane. Imagine if that Cartoon Network show Problem Solverz was rated R and then put in a rap video. Even with all the wild shit going on, all of his edits still fall in sync with the beat and everything being said in the song, which shows how precise he is with what he’s doing.

Nikiboi has done a lot editing for the Marino Infantry collective’s videos. Doing visuals for its members YG Addie (A$AP Ant), Baby 9eno and Lulu P. He has also shot for the Noesix dance crew, Diesel and Vfiles. He also makes wild ass Dubstep music too. Although he is pretty new to the visual rap game, Nikiboi’s unrivaled talent will definitely send him to some impressive collabs as the year progresses.

Videos by Nikiboix_x to watch:

“Baby 9eno & A$AP Ant - Rerock,” “Lulu P & A$AP Ant - Western Union,” “Lulu P - Hot Fire”

Reggie Reggg

@reggie_reggg

From PG county Maryland, Reggie Reggg has mastered creating visuals that match perfectly with a song. A member of the Clockwork Productions visual team based out of the D.C. and Maryland area, Reggg doesn’t use any crazy edits or wild transitions, he just makes videos that are clean as hell. Like once you watch one of the videos for a song that he shot, you automatically think of the video when you hear the song because it really just matches perfectly with the feeling that the song was originally intended to evoke. Whether it's doing a slow and smoove Q da Fool song, or a turnt ass Goonew song, all of Reggg’s videos complement them perfectly.

Reggg has shot for a lot of the hottest artists coming out of DMV including Rico Nasty, YungManny, YG Addie, Goonew, Lil Dude, Q da Fool, Shabazz and Lightshow. Reggie Reggg has already established himself in the DMV area, and more people outside the area are starting to take notice, so expect some more heat to be coming from him the rest of 2019.

Videos shot by Reggie Regg to watch:

“Q da Fool - Bakk to Bakk,” “YungManny - All my guys,” “Goonew - Bag”

Marcy Mane

@MARCYMANE

Marcy Mane, from uptown D.C.,  is definitely one of the most influential and respected artists in the entire underground rap community. He not only raps, produces, DJs and designs clothes, he’s also been one of the pioneers in making experimental rap videos. A former member of the Goth Money Records collective, which is arguably the most important and influential group in the entire “Soundcloud” rap community, Marcy Mane was one of the main people responsible for directing the videos that were put out by the group. He’s been consistently putting out art since 2011, and was really on making weird edits with layered sequences and old VHS tape effects, before almost anyone else. Even though a huge amount of current videographers have bit Marcy Mane’s editing style, noone has ever been able to do it like him.

As of late, Marcy’s videos have been based as hell. They normally consist of him doing everyday things like buying food, drinking tea, playing golf, driving, or just walking around the city, but its filled with crazy edits that blow your mind. Watching his videos takes you to an alternate universe that's always glitching out, and turning from high def 4k to old vhs footage at any given moment, and everyone is moving in reverse.

Marcy directed a lot of early videos for SickboyRari (Black Kray), Kane Grocerys, Lofty305, Luckaleannn and Milf Mitch. He has recently done videos for StarFoxLaFlare and Sybr. His videos really are just their own, and are great. Many people have bit the swag, but have come nowhere near doing what Marcy has done.

Videos by Marcy mane to watch:

“Marcy Mane - Plugged In,” “Marcy Mane - Thuggish Ruggish Goth,” “Marcy Mane - slobonmiknob ft Mitch,” “Marcy Mane - Gothallthisgwap,” “Marcy Mane - 47you.”

[wobc-fm]

The Year In Extreme Music

words by Matt Grimm

2017 was a really great year for metal and extreme music. The political turmoil of the past year has led to a lot of bands to return to making political and angry music. We saw name-making releases from heavy music up and comers like Jesus Piece, Bell Witch, and Code Orange (If someone told me that in 2013 that Code Orange Kids would drop the “Kids” from their name and be nominated for a Grammy in 4 years I would have laughed in their face). 2017 also saw some excellent releases from genre mainstays like Boris, Converge, Obituary, and Krallice, still proving that they can make excellent and innovative music decades into existence. Here are some thoughts on 10 albums from the past year that I highly enjoyed, and hope you can too.

-Matt Grimm, WOBC Metal Director

Endon - Through the Mirror

I had never heard of or listened to Endon before I saw them open for Boris in October. I left that show absolutely speechless. This Japanese five piece combines elements of powerviolence, black metal, grindcore, and power electronics into pure chaotic beauty that I have never seen a band even attempt to do, let alone do perfectly. Opening track Nerve Rain is a 6 minute instrumental epic that slowly builds entirely off of one jangly riff, adding elements of distortion and stretching the song to the brink of snapping before suddenly ending and quickly transitioning into the next track, “Your Ghost Is Dead,” one of the most sonically punishing andbeautiful tracks i have heard all year. Vocalist Taichi Nagura pushes his voice to limits that arenot humanly possible (listen to 3:40-4:13 on Your Ghost is Dead to hear what I mean) and hekeeps it up throughout the whole album, with screeches that make your skin crawl. I havenever heard a band like Endon, and probably never will hear a band like them again. To find aband that can punish themselves like this is rare and makes this record incredibly special.Through the Mirror: https://endon.bandcamp.com/album/through-the- mirror

Power Trip - Nightmare Logic

Texas crossover thrash titans Power Trip had already proved themselves a force to be reckoned with in their blazing 2013 debut Manifest Decimation, yet somehow they felt the need to top that. On their 2017 sophomore record “Nightmare Logic”, an 8 track record that leaves your head banging for 32 minutes. Their pummeling, no-holds-barred take on crossover thrash paints a gory picture;with songs titled “Firing Squad,” “Executioner’s Tax,” and “Crucifiction,” all setting a dismal mood before getting kicked open with some of the most fun and circle pit-ready riffs of the year. Power Trip manages to capture the hardcore essence of crossover thrash without making it too cheesy, while simultaneously keeping the riffs and speed of peak ‘80s thrash, making one hell of a fun record which I could not stop listening to.

Nightmare Logic: https://powertripsl.bandcamp.com/album/nightmare-logic

King Woman - Created in the Image of Suffering

King Woman has been one of my favorite bands in doom metal for a few years now, as they take the heavy, deep, and gloomy aspects of doom and combine them with elements of shoegaze, alongside ethereal vocals from frontwoman Kristina Esfandiari. CITIOS builds on these sonics, laid out on the band’s first EP Doubt, and makes them even more sharp, with much improved production and lyrics. Overarching themes of Esfandiari’s religiously repressed upbringing are present throughout, with lyrics such as “Am I created in the image of my Father God?” on the track “Manna” and “If you’re a holy church I wanna worship” off of album centerpiece “Hierophant.” “Hierophant”, my favorite track of the album, quietly builds with haunting vocals and slowly picked guitar lines that drive the song before crashing into something that Wednesday Addams would slow dance to at prom, or something that sends chills up your spine that remain after the song ends.

CITIOS: https://kingwoman.bandcamp.com/album/created-in- the-image- of-suffering

Uniform - Wake in Fright

One of my favorite bands in industrial music today, Uniform’s second release is a total mind bender of clashing genres, which actually WORKS. Some tracks sound like “Hell Awaits”-era Slayer with a drum machine (“Habit”), others sound like Prurient DJing a Berlin nightclub (“The Lost”), others are just ear-piercing hardcore (“The Light at the End”, “Bootlicker”), and others sound like Psalm 69-era Ministry (“Killing of America”). This band is beginning to carve a unique niche in extreme music today, and I cannot wait to see what they are going to do in years to come.

Wake in Fright: https://unifuckingform.bandcamp.com/album/wake-in- fright

Devil Master - Inhabit the Corpse

‘80s Japanese hardcore is one of my favorite subgenres of extreme music out there, and very few bands have replicated that style in the ‘2010s as well as Devil Master. Their 2016 Demo was 11 minutes of fun, creepy, hardcore, and this Halloween-released EP cranked the spookiness up even higher. The opening track “Inhabit the Corpse” opens with an evil and frantic guitar riff which is enhanced with deep and reverb-heavy vocals which are barked rather than screamed. With a run time of only 10 minutes, this record comes and goes in the blink of an eye before closing track, “Blood on My Shroud,”which ends with a piano outro played on a piano that has not been touched since the 1800s, leaving you with just a slightly unsettling feeling that rewards you with every listen.

Inhabit the Corpse: https://devilmaster.bandcamp.com/album/inhabit-the- corpse

Bell Witch - Mirror Reaper

Bell Witch has always been a band focused on death and mortality, which has made them one of the best bands in funeral doom. However, “Mirror Reaper” puts that into a new perspective, after the passing of drummer Adrian Guerra in 2016. Now, with a single-track, 86 minute long album, Bell Witch channels this tragedy into serene doom metal, with gradual crescendos that take several minutes to reach a peak, moments of almost complete silence, and crushed vocals coupled with heavy, emotional bass and drum parts. This album is not something that you just listen to while quickly walking to class some afternoon. It is meant to be listened to in darkness or solitude; it’s meant to wash over you and be something you get lost in, and before you know it you’ve finished the album and you feel a sense of peace and tranquility remain.

Mirror Reaper: https://bellwitch.bandcamp.com/album/mirror-reaper

Red Death - Formidable Darkness

DC hardcore has had a hell of a resurgence in the past 2-3 years, with bands like Kombat, Protestor, and Pure Disgust doing the same thing today that Minor Threat and Void did in the early ‘80s, with even more intensity. Red Death has been one of those DC hardcore bright spots lately. Their first record, 2015’s Permanent Exile, was a crossover thrash ripper that I liked but had faded from my memory. Formidable Darkness, the band’s first release on Triple B Records, brings the same breakdown-heavy crossover thrash energy from the first album and cranks the production value and catchiness up by 11, with riffs that are catchier and more melodic than their first record but still pack a heavy punch.

Formidable Darkness: https://bbbrecords.bandcamp.com/album/formidable-darkness

Jesus Piece/Malice at the Palace - Split

Jesus Piece is one of the most important bands in hardcore today, both in terms of musical direction and in social relevance. Saying what needs to be said and not taking any BS from anybody, Jesus Piece released a split with Florida hardcore titans Malice at the Palace. It is the best release in hardcore of the year, period. Jesus Piece frontman Aaron Heard writes politically charged and active lyrics about life in America as a black man, talking about ignorance towards injustice. These are seen brightly in split standout “Deny Reality,” Heard takes aim at political structures ignoring the voice of minorities, saying “deny the chance of understanding / unaware of all you're damning” and how “in the age of information / The facts you still deny”, firing shots at President Trump’s “fake news” rhetoric. Couple that with a blastbeat heavy bridge and a breakdown that leaves you spinkicking in your dorm room, and you have one of the best hardcore songs of the year. MATP brings the same energy on the second half of the split, reminding me a lot of Expire-esque hardcore at its best. If you like hardcore, you will like this record. If you don’t like hardcore, I would still recommend this record just as one of the most important splits to come out of hardcore this decade.

Split: https://bridge9.bandcamp.com/album/split-10

Also, my favorite live video of 2017 was this video of an 8 year old girl singing with Jesus Piece at This Is Hardcore Fest

Full of Hell - Trumpeting Ecstasy

One of the most prolific bands in extreme music, Full of Hell released their best album to date with “Trumpeting Ecstasy”, a 23 minute whirlwind of powerviolence, noisegrind, and overall chaos. All 11 tracks are very, very good, classic Full of Hell songs with much more impressive production, thanks to production by Converge guitarist/heavy music savant Kurt Ballou. However, what really blew me away was the final track “At The Cauldron’s Bottom,” a 6 minute epic that opens up like a traditional powerviolence piece and then slows down into something I have never heard Full of Hell do: mix sludgy drum fills and guitar riffs into something that chugs along slowly, rather than sprint by at a breakneck pace like the rest of the album. Full of Hell never fail to impress me, and they’ve topped themselves on “Trumpeting Ecstasy”.

Trumpeting Ecstasy: https://fullofhell.bandcamp.com/album/trumpeting-ecstasy

RAGANA - You Take Nothing

RAGANA, an Olympia, WA-based duo, combines black metal, doom metal, and screamo into something incredibly creepy but simultaneously beautiful. Taking as much inspiration from Punch as they do from Wolves in the Throne Room, RAGANA made black metal political and did so expertly. Each one of frontwoman Maria’s (last name unknown) lyrics hit harder than the last, as the instrumental parts in between her piercing screams add extra oomph to what she sings. While not the best album for fans of traditional black metal, I would highly recommend this record as a great place to start with innovative and active metal, as it is still palatable to newcomers to the genre.

You Take Nothing: https://ragana.bandcamp.com/