MY LOVE LETTER TO RAP & HIP HOP
Terry talks
Step into Terry's world, a love letter to Rap and Hip Hop. Explore the beats, the stories, and the soul of the culture. Here, will serve as not only a hub to archive my thoughts but to hopefully pass some knowledge on to the next music lover.
Before you keep scrolling DROP ME A TRACK what have you been listening to?
Here, you'll find my monthly reflections, not just recaps but the highlights that defined my musical journey. With 12-14 hours of music daily, this is where the standout moments from each month resonate. Primarily Rap & Hip Hop, but expect a few genre-bending surprises from time to time.
July was a stellar month for my music obsession, marking my debut in the "For The Record" Community. A huge shoutout to Elsie, known on X as @ElsienotElisee, for this incredible opportunity to connect with fellow music enthusiasts.The soundtrack of my July was dominated by the infectious vibes of Angelo Mota's "It's All Good," a tune that's been stuck in my head, perfectly accompanying my morning coffee ritual.Diving into new sounds, I was thoroughly impressed by debut projects from Hue Sound, Infinity Song and Devin Malik, each bringing something fresh to the table. Seattle's own Oble Reed continued his winning streak with a sophomore album, solidifying his place on my radar with back-to-back hits.Notable singles from the likes of Skip Waiters, Ovrkast, Chris Patrick and Low.bō stayed in my rotation as well, looking for projects from these four.Wrapping up the month, Denzel Curry dropped what we might call a major release. True to form, Denzel delivers. His versatility as an MC shines through, effortlessly switching from fun, playful tracks to those where he absolutely eviscerates with his lyrical prowess with bars straight out of F-L-A.You can catch all these tracks and more in my Monthly Mixtape,
"Terry's July"
August was a whirlwind of musical discoveries, each release carving its own space in my playlist.Starting with the title song of my recap "4202" by Myles Clayton, the dynamic MC from NC really gave me a song to continue going back to. He also happens to be my Underrated Artist of The Month for September. Check out the Spotlight HEREGetting into the Albums that made my month we start with JPEGMAFIA dropped "LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU" on the 1st. This album isn't just music; it's an experience, blending chaos with melody in a way that's distinctly JPEG.The next day, Navy Blue unveiled "Memoirs In Armour". Tracks like "Basis" and "La Noche" aren't just songs; they're poetic journeys through sound, each verse a step deeper into his world.On the 9th, we got a double feature. Larry June with "Doing It For Me" brought that laid-back, luxury lifestyle vibe with tracks like "Cleaning My Spot". On the same day, Ramirez hit us with "THE WARLOCK AND THE GORILLA". "Carti Frames" stands out, showcasing his unique blend of dark and vibrant.Closing out the month on the 30th, Doechii released a dynamic and well versed Mixtape "Alligator Bites Never Heal". "Catfish" and "Hide N Seek" are not just tracks; they're statements, diving into her world with raw energy. Doechii stood out amongst the rest in August for me with a project that showcased all her skill sets and left the audience wanting more.Singles that caught my ear included "Mutt" by Leon Thomas, the collaborative "iNDIFFERENT" by Kembe X and Zelooperz, and "CREAM" by Malz Monday. Also, "Just Like That" by Rayonte and Deante Hitchcock has been a smooth addition to my playlist.I rounded out the month with some stand out instrumental singles as well. "Subway Theme" by AlienLoop and "Gospel" by Free Flow Flava were the perfect easygoing and clean beats that brought together the sound of August for me.A huge shoutout to Ruben @checktherhyme1_ for his recommendations that kept my playlists fresh, and to Micro-Chop @micro_chop for their newsletters that always uncover hidden gems.You can catch all these tracks and more in my Monthly Mixtape, "Terry's August"
September 2024 brought an impressive array of musical offerings, showcasing the diversity and vitality of contemporary hip-hop. Let's delve into the noteworthy releases that defined this month's soundscape.Skip Waiters delivered "THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE," an album that resonates on a deeply personal level. The standout track "THE FUNCTION," featuring Westside Boogie, exemplifies Waiters' ability to blend introspective lyrics with compelling beats. This collaboration adds a layer of street-wise perspective that enhances the album's overall impact.Free Flow Flava's "FULL HOUSE" takes listeners on an auditory journey across various moods and atmospheres. From the serene ambiance of "Wind Rises" to the energetic pulse of "Akihabara," this album demonstrates Free Flow Flava's masterful ability to create diverse sonic landscapes within a single project.While released in June, SYMPAL's "To Whom It May Concern" continues to make waves. Tracks like "Stay Alive" and "Smooth With It" showcase SYMPAL's versatility, seamlessly transitioning from hard-hitting rhythms to more melodic flows. This album's enduring relevance speaks to its quality and depth.Midway through the month, Ka graced us with "The Thief Next to Jesus," a profound work that transcends typical hip-hop boundaries. Songs such as "Bread Wine Body Blood" and "Broken Rose Window" are not merely tracks but poetic explorations set to music. Ka's ability to weave complex narratives and spiritual themes into his work sets this album apart.JEMS! closed out the month strong with "GEMS IN THE CORNERSTORE II." The track "RUNNIT" stands out as a potential anthem, embodying the energy and vibrancy that JEMS! brings to the hip-hop scene.September was equally notable for its single releases. While numerous tracks made waves, let's focus on six standout singles that captured the essence of the month:- LOS KEMET's "Miss Me" (released September 4th) bridges the gap between old-school hip-hop aesthetics and contemporary production techniques. This track offers a fresh take on nostalgic sounds, demonstrating LOS KEMET's ability to honor hip-hop's roots while pushing the genre forward.- Blu, Exile, Nana, and Ahmad Anwar collaborated on "Gold" (released September 6th via Dirty Science). This single exemplifies the best of alternative hip-hop, blending thoughtful lyricism with innovative production. The synergy between these artists results in a track that's both intellectually stimulating and sonically engaging.- Ray Vaughn, featuring SiR, released "Everybody Dies" on September 13th through Top Dawg Entertainment. This collaboration offers a poignant reflection on mortality, wrapped in soulful melodies and introspective verses. The chemistry between Ray Vaughn and SiR is palpable, creating a track that resonates on both emotional and philosophical levels.- Joey Bada$$ and Chlöe's "TELL ME," also released on September 13th via Columbia, combines Joey's sharp lyricism with Chlöe's melodic vocals. This collaboration creates a track that appeals to both conscious hip-hop fans and mainstream audiences, showcasing Joey's ability to craft crossover hits without compromising his artistic integrity.- LOCS and SYON dropped "DOPE" on September 20th. This single exemplifies the creativity and innovation thriving in the independent hip-hop scene. With its fresh sound and unapologetic energy, "DOPE" serves as a testament to the vibrant underground hip-hop community.- Kembe X and Ab-Soul's "INTROVERTED EXTROVERT," released on September 27th via BMR, delivers a dose of introspective, underground hip-hop. This collaboration challenges listeners to think deeply about identity and self-expression, showcasing both artists' lyrical prowess and ability to tackle complex themes.While these six singles offer a glimpse into September's musical landscape, they represent only a fraction of the month's releases. The full spectrum of September 2024's hip-hop scene includes additional tracks from artists such as Ian Kelly and Sandy Benjamin, Samara Cyn, Slightly Faded, Madlib and Moonbyrd, Whookilledkenny, Icee Red and G Bliz, and Alemeda, among others.September 2024 has proven to be a month of remarkable musical output, demonstrating hip-hop's ongoing evolution and its power to reflect, challenge, and inspire. From soul-searching albums to thought-provoking singles, these releases collectively showcase a genre driven by artists unafraid to push boundaries and explore new territories. As the hip-hop landscape continues to shift and expand, these September releases stand as a testament to the genre's enduring vitality and its position at the forefront of contemporary music.Ready to dive into this treasure trove of hip-hop gems? You can find all the tracks mentioned above, plus many more, in "Terry's September" Mixtape. Don't miss out on this curated collection that captures the essence of hip-hop in September 2024.
underground artist of the month
Welcome to the section where I highlight a different Underground Artist every month, where we dive deep into the raw and untamed world of underground Rap and Hip Hop to bring you the freshest talents that the scene has to offer. Here, we celebrate the hustle, the beats, and the lyrical prowess of artists who are crafting their paths away from the mainstream glare.
myles Clayton
The Poetic Voice of a New Generation in Hip-Hop
In the vibrant industry of modern hip-hop, Myles Clayton emerges as a fresh voice, weaving together elements of poetry, introspection, and social commentary. His journey from the choir stands of Washington D.C. to the bustling streets of Charlotte, North Carolina, paints a picture of an artist deeply connected to his roots yet constantly evolving. Here's an in-depth look at the man behind the music, exploring his origins, influences, and the unique sound he's crafting.