New Music
What’s New In NY (11/9/20)
New Music from New York Hip Hop Artists… Sleepy Hallow may or not have just dropped a new single, 4or’Days. Yet another flawless entry from the Flatbush phenom in his signature style over a simple guitar beat, this latest track quietly popped up on Youtube and Apple Music last week – without a peep from the artist or from the Winners Circle camp.
1) Sleepy Hallow – 4or’Days
Sleepy Hallow may or may not have just dropped a new single, “4or’Days”. Yet another flawless entry from the Flatbush phenom in his signature style over a simple guitar beat, this latest track quietly popped up on Youtube and Apple Music last week – without a peep from the artist or from the Winners Circle camp.
Possibly a new release strategy, or possibly an old track that never saw the light of day (with mentions of “Free Ross” – referring to the now-freed 3rd member of Winners Circle, Eli Fross). Either way, 4or’Days slaps for days and hopefully signals that we can expect more new music from Sleepy Hallow and the guys.
2) D. Jones feat. Dave Jones & Jadakiss – WOOH
D. Jones came out of nowhere with “WOOH” – and thank god he did. Even though he’s from Philly, it’s safe to say this is a certified NYC banger, joining forces with Harlem’s Dave East and the Yonkers legend himself, Jada-not-a-bad-verse-in-him-Kiss. The track features a sick beat that grabs you from the first bass-hit – with D. Jones coming in hot with a commanding hook, sounding like what you would get if Rick Ross grew up on the mean streets of Philly. In between the memorable hooks, Dave East kills his verse before Jada comes in to bat clean up with a classic Kiss verse.
“WOOH” is definitely a heavy-hitter, and under non-COVID conditions would surely be having the clubs jumping by now. It also signals the release of D. Jones’ latest project ‘What Up Jonesy Deluxe’ – which you should most definitely check out if you’re feeling this song.
3) Rah Swish feat DreamDoll – Watchu Like
Canarsie’s Rah Swish enlists DreamDoll from the Bronx (and from Love & Hip Hop Season 8) for “Watchu Like.” A bit of a hybrid style, with drill inspired basslines paired with a kind of classic guitar beat, “Watchu Like” is the NYC collab we didn’t know we needed. Rah Swish and DreamDoll make a great pair on this record, trading off on the hard-hitting hook and taking advantage of their contrasting vocal tones. “Watchu Like” is a fun, upbeat his-and-her record – and would be surprising if didn’t start seeing some couples’ TikToks to this track popping up soon.
4) Vado feat Jim Jones & Dave East – “Checkmate”
Vado links with fellow Harlem royalty Jim Jones and Dave East on “Checkmate.” The track is a perfect example of happens when Harlem meets Brooklyn drill. Vado sets it off with a strong verse, managing to maintain his classic New York flow over the drill-inspired beat. Jones and East follow suit, walking all over this drill beat without compromising their signature Harlem-rooted flows. The video also features the always entertaining Mr. Commodore! – as he embarks on a hilarious bank robbery spree.
5) Slayter feat. Yungeen Ace & Lil Jairmy – “Headlines”
On Friday, Slayter dropped “Headlines” feat Yungeen Ace & Lil Jairmy. The track serves as the single off ‘WORLD GOT ME FUCKED UP, RELOADED’ that dropped on Friday (original album dropped this summer). “Headlines” is also accompanied by a visual, featuring the three artists looking icy in an industrial park. Slayter, born in PR and bred in Dyckman, sets the tone with a catchy subdued flow on the hook, perfectly contrasting the southern-twang heavy flows from Yungeen Ace and Lil Jairmy on their verses. Another solid entry from Slayter, one of Cinematic Music Group’s rising stars – be sure to check the new tracks on WORLD GOT ME FUCKED UP, Reloaded.
6) Casanova feat Ugly God & Duke Deuce – VIRGIL
Casanova is back with another high energy, hard-hitting single and visual to match his larger-than-life personality – this time enlisting Ugly God and Duke Deuce to compliment his style on this shoutout to the Off-White founder and the Men’s Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton. Ugly God decided to bless fans with his annual drop – leading off the track with a rare feature, setting a strong tone with a hard-hitting, swagged-out hook over the bouncy bass beat. His chilled-out flow provides the perfect contrast for the aggressive bars from Casanova and Duke Deuce.
On Friday, Jim Jones aka Mr. Byrd Gang aka The Weavahman Jim dropped the timely video for “Election” on Worldstar – the same day the results of the 2020 election were released. The crispy visual features Capo in full ice, inside and outside of Ricardo’s Steakhouse in Harlem, walking over a fire Heatmaker-produced beat in true Jim Jones fashion (before walking inside for a quick food review with @SamKnowsFood)
Honorable Mentions
(Philly) YXNG K.A – Waiting For It
17-year-old rising Philly artist, YXNG K.A is back with another impressive single. Following up on the success of his hugely well-received debut single, “It Is What It Is” – which saw its own star-studded remix featuring JI and LilTjay – YXNG K.A proves he’s got more in the tank with “Waiting For It.” Everything about this young Philly artist is beyond is years, from the unique, fully-developed autotune flow to the crisp, high-production Tayyofficial-direction visual – at just 17-years-old YXNG K.A is already well on his way. If you’re not familiar get with it.
(London) Abra Cadabra – Spin This Coupe
Paying homage to the originators of our newfound New York sound, Abra Cadabra is a rising UK drill artist from London making some serious noise with “Spin This Coupe”. It seems like he may even be borrowing from the borrowers on this track, with “Spin” a decidedly Brooklyn slang term that you’ll hear in just about every Brooklyn drill song – and his vocals striking an eerily similar tone to the late-legend Pop Smoke (RIP). Cadabra absolutely walks over this hugely dynamic drill beat like few others could, using his distinctive baritone voice and captivating London accent to deliver bar after unrelenting bar on “Spin This Coupe.” Already pushing 1M views in 5 days, Abra Cadabra seems like he’s got a hit on his hands. Keep your eye on this London artist – and if you’re looking to branch out from your borough, this could be a good place to start!
(Birmingham) Dutchavelli – Zero Zero
In keeping with the theme, another UK artist, Dutchavelli also dropped a banger this weekend, “Zero Zero.” Dutchavelli is actually from a different (Non-London) city in the UK, Birmingham. (Real New Yorkers will have a special connection with his name, shouting out the once-favored cigar brand of the city). A little culture lesson for all you Americans, there is more than one city in the UK (aka The United Kingdom aka England). Birmingham is a city known for being rough around the edges… and also known among Brits for having the least desirable accents in England. Geography lessons aside, Dutchavelli is a dope, complete artist with a solid catalog, high-production visuals, and an undeniable swag that’s sure to appeal to American and (most importantly) New York listeners. “Zero Zero” is an excellent introduction to his brand of UK rap.
