Philly artist Kear just released a new video for the hard-nosed “Can’t Fw It” – produced by the legendary Nedarb – and in every way, it’s a deeply exciting dive straight into the deep-end of a burgeoning creative scene happening right now. Front and center, of course, is Kear, whose punk-shaded style and singular eye for aesthetics have only sharpened with each new release. She proudly declares herself a rockstar, and line by line, song by song, is dead set on proving it – from the clothes she wears to the production she chooses, the energy she brings, and everything in between. What helps to make “Can’t Fw It” such a standout release even beyond this, though, is its display of the full-stop creative scene that Kear, Yori, Tina, Don (all credited below), and several others are building for themselves right now. Every detail in “Can’t Fw It” belongs to this scene of people making the things that they want to see, hear, watch, wear, etc. And as such, every aspect of the video feels cohesive, driven by a throughline of DIY authenticity that you can’t but applaud – especially when someone like Nedarb jumps in the mix, who has participated …

There’s a surge of young energy coming out of the UK right now, and Jim Legxacy is helping spearhead the movement with songs like this. “candy reign (!)” – and don’t forget the exclamation point – is a testament to the global quality of Jim’s music, rhythmic and infectious in a way that transcends borders while remaining singular and true-to-self in approach. It’s a no-brainer the moment you hear it, and for those that know, it even bridges generations with a perfect flip of Soul for Real’s 1994 track “Candy Rain.” As if the song wasn’t lively enough, the music video for “candy reign (!)” ups the ante from here with constant movement, dancing, and singing, setting the stage for the way that a track like this strikes listeners. It’s hard to sit still listening to Jim Legxacy’s latest, which at this point, has become fairly common across his catalog. Legxacy is doing things on his own terms (word to the BBK shirt and what that symbolizes), and perhaps most importantly, he seems to be doing it with the people he loves in a place that he loves. With all of these things in line, it only follows that the …

Photo by @filmandbandaids “Left foot left, right foot right / Like baby I like what you like, let’s do what you want, let’s do it all night like –.” Chow Lee has has been a personal favorite of mine for some time now, and with each passing day, he continues to master the sexy drill style of run-that-back one-liners and effortless charm, proving so today with a new song and video called “Hornitos” alongside Nu Sace. In every sense, “Hornitos” looks, sounds, and feels like the perfect soundtrack for getting outside this summer, riddled with love-and-lust-minded lines while structured around one of my favorite drill beats of the year. Nu Sace’s guest verse is the perfect addition to such a high-energy song and the visuals bring this release full circle, setting the stage for the endlessly fun world that Chow and the entire sexy drill scene are creating. Every function needs to be playing this to end the summer off, so peep the song below. And Hornitos, if you’re reading this, cut the check. Shot by @5THAVEFILMS EFX by @EMEKA2030  

Back with volume 3 of the FREE SOUNDs column, and there’s a lot to discuss this week. Peep the lineup of songs below and if you haven’t already, check out volume 1 here and volume 2 here. – – – BEAR1BOSS BEAR1BOSS is, and has been, on another planet ever since I first heard his music — and he keeps getting better. Peep the ATL talent’s new, self-titled album here — a project best visualized as a firework, colorful and explosive in its collaging of sounds while held together by outrageously entertaining personality. “Quit” and “$$$” are favorites, but “Nike!” takes the cake for me. While Bear1 has been a stand out artist from the jump, it goes without saying that on the new project, his ideas are really coming into form. In Bear1’s world, the energy never runs out, and thus, the future is undeniably bright for one of music’s most unique minds. LAY BANKZ A friend sent me Lay Bankz a few weeks back, and “Going Down” has been on repeat ever since. It’s a melodic love song at heart, but once paired with the charged energy of a Philly/Jersey club beat, this one becomes sonically undeniable. Lay …

Cover Photo by @135alistair After introducing the new FREE SOUNDs column two weeks ago, we’re back today with round 2. From NY to Atlanta, Toronto, London, NOLA, and the Carolinas, here’s another batch of interesting and true-to-self things that have been in rotation as of late. Check out Volume 2 below and if you haven’t already, peep FREE SOUNDs Volume 1 here. – – – DEXTER I’ve been a fan of London artist dexter for some time now, and “Pressure” might just be my favorite release of hers thus far. The energy on the song is infectious, the production urges for movement, and dexter’s hook has found itself etched into my brain ever since it came out. Adding additional excitement to “Pressure” is the fact that dexter is also wearing a Corteiz tracksuit in the video, having released the song with Corteiz’s RULESTHEWORLD Records. The UK’s busiest streetwear brand can’t seem to miss, and signing an artist like dexter only enriches the existing connection between London’s fashion and music scenes. “Pressure” checks off every box, leaving me me just as excited as a fan of dexter as it does as a fan of Corteiz. Check this one out below: MEL GLIZZY …

Chow Lee Cover Photo By @filmandbandaids For those who pay any attention to my writing (for which I thank you), you may or may not have noticed that I’ve written much less over the past year or so. It’s a time thing, mainly; while I’d love to write in-depth articles about every release that I find interesting, the time that it takes to get those done is exactly what has hindered my ability to get more articles out there. Which is tough, because I love writing about new artists that I’ve been listening to. That said, I’ve decided to start a column called ‘FREE SOUNDs.’ Less words per artist, but more consistent and more music being shared. Below is volume 1 of the new column, meant to highlight those out there who are making interesting and true-to-self things that I’ve stumbled upon and enjoyed. – – – XJAY Houston producer Xjay is a cheat code right now. I originally became familiar with his work through Highway (who is on a run of his own right now), and after falling in love with the sound they built together, have really enjoyed watching Xjay grow his catalog with songs alongside other artists …

One feeling that never gets old is seeing the debut release, and especially the debut visual, from a new artist. They’re at ground level, few (if any) people in the general public are really paying attention, and as a result, this is when the artist seems to be at their truest self. No expectations to live up to, just an honest introduction to the world. Most recently, I got this very feeling from a new artist by the name of Kelz after being put on by my friend Maine. Coming up out of Brooklyn, and having developed his vocal chops as a background singer, Kelz just recently made a formal introduction to the world with his new song and visual, “Sinner.” The song mixes Kelz’s soft, high-pitch vocal tone with a contrasting set of rhythmic kicks, while his deliveries seem to dance all over the production, complemented by a set of background vocals that bring the sound and feeling of “Sinner” full-circle. What really marks this one as special, though, in my opinion, is the songwriting and the music video. Lyrically, Kelz paints a picture of where he’s from by telling us about the people from that place and the …

“Each of these songs are really the things I never bothered saying being that I felt no one was listening.” This quote sums up to the magic of 20-year old Houston artist Blessing and her debut EP, the girl next door. On first impression, the strength and range in her voice are perhaps Blessing’s crowning features, but as you delve into this project, the diary-tinted songwriting identifies itself as the quality that brings the most out of this vocal performance. There’s an added strength to the vocals when the lyrics are of such personal weight, and across all 6 songs here, it’s clear that such is the case. Blessing doesn’t hold back as a writer, and as a result, she achieves greater relatability the more personal she’s willing to get. “Rage” is a personal favorite, but each song on the girl next door has merit to standout for a different emotional context. Houston has yet another budding star on its hands, so be sure to get in early — listen to the girl next door below: