Benjamin Booker’s 2017 album Witness was one of my favorite records from that year with its gospel and soulful sound. “Off the Ground” is one of the standout tracks from that album with its slow buildup into a punk rock sound. Check it out below.
Son Little’s “The Middle” is a bluesy soulful song that has the singer fighting to not be stuck in the middle. Check it out below.
Chelsea Wolfe has released another song “American Darkness” from her upcoming album Birth of Violence. The track is hauntingly ethereal and Wolfe’s vocals rise and gently fall throughout. Check it out below.
“Culture Vulture” is a rock and roll song from Arizona band Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears. The track instantly reminded me of the Allman Brothers band when I first heard it and had to share it on Captive Balance. It is a rollicking song that gets you up on your feet. Check it out below.
ScHoolboy Q released a dynamic and eclectic album with Crash Talk. The album mixes a little bit of everything including trap, boom-bap, and dream pop. “Dangerous” is a track that falls under the latter with its ethereal sound and Kid Cudi’s vocals in the background. Check it out below.
I have always said that Young Thug is on another level when it comes to rapping. His ability to warp words and to do so much in the confines of a beat is quite amazing. “On the Run” displays how versatile the rapper is as he delivers a catchy unique chorus that you can’t help but marvel at his wordplay. Check it out below.
Whenever anyone asks me who my favorite rapper is I always give the same answer without any hesitation, Nas. I have listened to Nas religiously since I was 13. His lyrics have been a source of inspiration for my own writing and pursuit of knowledge.
I am really excited for Nas’ album The Lost Tapes 2 which is dropping this Friday. “Jarreau of Rap” is the first single from the album and it is a jazz track that features legendary musician Al Jarreau. Check it out below.
