The early evening breeze is refreshing after a work day that seemed short, as opposed to the usual long, grueling days of manual labor. Accompanying me are my two dogs: an older, male, golden retriever mix with an impressive black coat and the personality of a procrastinator and a loud mouth female mutt that we’re currently fostering, who closely resembles a coyote. The wind effortlessly and brazenly tossed my skateboard on the ground that was previously propped up against the faded orange brick wall. With only my left AirPod in my ear so I’m able to hear what’s going on around me, I casually play these three tunes that has been in rotation for a couple of days now.

The Crown- Redux 2

Following behind Redux 1 that was released in late April, the 808 kick that begins the track hits hard and holds similar subwoofer characteristics, I.e, the long, stretched out continuation the 808. The sample from popular Texas song “Sittin Sidewayz” by Paul Wall featuring Big Pokey begins to play simultaneously as the beat rides. Kawasaki and (:hristian coming in hot as usual with the lyrical ability to articulate their individual style in each bar they spit. With (:hristian humorous, “Childish Gambinoesque” flow and Kawasaki’s nonchalant, tongue twisting style, Redux 2 will make you bob your head like a true Texan. Let’s not forget the the slowed part at the tail end of the song that would be a disappointment to leave out.Hit the button below to give a listen, available on SoundCloud

Redux 2 available on SoundCloud

Xibalba- Años en Infierno

Ponoma, CA heavy hardcore band Xibalba continues to tease their fans with yet another single from their upcoming LP that will be available later this month. Known for their colossal riffs and brutal heaviness, the track starts with elements of fast and punchy grindcore that smoothly transitions to their brand of modern death metal. The English translation of Años en Infierno is “years in hell”, and as the lead singer Nathan Rebolledo expresses in Revolver Mag, "'Años En Infierno,' as a song and record, is the embodiment of the past decade of my life," . Whether it carries a sense of catharsis or a testament to a growing sense of maturity, the title seems to be in harmony with the message behind the song. There’s nothing better than for Xibalba to end this track with a breakdown seasoned with a menacing sludge metal. Check out the song by clicking the button below.

Años en Infierno available on Bandcamp

Big Kay Beezy- Bookbag

Primarily, Big Kay Beezy’s video for his single “Aye” is what grabbed my attention late night while idly scrolling through Youtube to pass time. I can’t tell you if it was the catchiness of the beat and flow that seemed to be perfectly intertwined, his youthful flow or the confidence in his delivery hiding behind the chest of his scrawny frame. All I knew at that time was that Big Kay Beezy was going to explode. Sure enough, with the help from Say Cheese, it was all eyes on Big Kay Beezy. Along with his LP release, GG4L, Beezy released the single “Bookbag” with the corresponding video that showcases the reason why he is a standout in the hip hop culture of today.