The Weekly Dip 2/27/23
Anybody feeling the need to surf along some tidal waves today can fret no longer cause we got some great tunes washing up ashore for you in today’s installment of our weekly dip!
TEARS - Not Found (Video)
After we featured her single “Dimantes” on the site last month, we waited patiently to see the subsequent upcoming releases from TEARS, where we didn’t have to wait long since she immediately followed her predecessor ballad with an eccentric record titled “Not Found.” The record dropped some weeks back, and already it was a spontaneous single with an everlasting vibe from start to finish, with the visual making way days later and creating more of a mystery for the songstress. Her vocals light up any soundscape it plays in; she spills her emotions in your ears and allows them to reach for your soul for an experience beyond music. Connecting both Spanish and English in her wordplay, the record sends a bolt of static to your being that almost feels like an outer body moment. It’s a feeling you don’t hear often, but when you do, you cherish it. There’s a reason why TEARS is high up on our list of artists to watch, her talent goes beyond flawless, and I feel it’s only the beginning for her glow to shine brighter in the upcoming months. - Frank Campos
RiRiches - 911-0024 (Single)
We were introduced earlier in the month to RiRiches through her official announcement on the SXSW showcase, The Smokeout. She was one of the few names we were unfamiliar with, but if she was listed on such a jam-packed lineup like this, then we knew we needed to get acquainted with her music asap. As luck might have it, she was in the process of dropping a sultry record titled “911-0024,” where she had been heavily promoting the single that would eventually drop along with visualizer to go with the release that has been doing impressive number in the few days it’s been out. No need to hide the freak side of her, as RiRiches get to telling all the nasty things she has for you and her in mind. It’s a track with a sensual taste of fantasy and artistry, so when she gets to unravel her exotic thoughts on wax for a record, that will surely keep the temperature rising. - Frank Campos
Anna Mvze & Krystall Poppin - Where The Bag At? (Video)
Starting the record with the 20th-century Steel Band-sample, then following it up with The Beanuts-sample, will quench the thirst of a hip-hop enthusiast like myself. Then adding two of the most poppin Latinas to the mix already solidifies this record to be one of the spiciest out right now. Anna Mvze links with Krystall Poppin to explain the thrill of obtaining the dead president until it stacks to the ceiling. Call all you want, but they aren’t answering unless you tell them where the bag is at; both these ladies know where their mind resides at, and it’s about chasing the green S’s with vertical lines through them. Ain’t pressed on no man since the only one they carry about is Ben Frank; they’re swift through the release with lyricism & impressive style where they show off skill for skill, why they both are in a league of their own. With all the prowess efforts and not holding back an ounce of wit, I love to see these women shining and powering up with a hit slated for that summertime. - Frank Campos
krissy - Tonight (Single)
Coming across our feed in the middle of last week, we got to hear the latest from the nearly-found artist on our list krissy who just dropped a new single titled “Tonight.” The record has to be one of the best surprises we’ve come across since, in mere seconds of the intro, it sounds like it’s a slow ballad and then spread across a dance vibe record where your hips are shaking, and your legs are tossing across the floor, feeling ethereal of excitement. She wants to know the plans for the evening. Will they remain sober for their time? Is it just for the night? And will this eventually end? She describes it all as a dream, feeling more emotionally connected than ever. If her answers are true to your word, then she doesn’t have to rely on being hurt, but if there aren’t, she has only tonight to remember you forever. It’s one of my favorite records of the month so far, and it's one of the reasons it has me keeping krissy close on our radar for future releases. - Frank Campos
Mouse Meets Dawg - Whole Lotta Money Freestyle (Video)
The hardest married couple in rap, Mouse Meets Dawg, decided to make like the food at MAARS Pizza and heat the place up. Still, instead of using pepperoni, sausage, & bacon, they preheat the goods with lyricism, hard-hitting punchlines, and prestigious presence in hopping over BIA’s “Whole Lotta Money” instrumental in constructing a freestyle of their own where they do the London Jae & Tee Romano produce-hit justice. Back & forth across the mic, both these vicious emcees see the companionship & passion for the music as they unleash worthy lines and prominent bars that continue to concrete their status as one of the best & hardworking duos out here doing it. Expect more to follow soon, and stop sleeping on their talent. - Frank Campos
Niko2k - Nipsey Blue (Video)
Opening up with some wise words from Middleman Marshall, Niko2k is back with the follow up to his last solo single & it’s another Throwed Mind laced number. Reporting live from the Tree Team HQ, Niko has some more of the real to spill as he waxes eloquently through this production. Although he has the Tree backing him, he’s aware that the only reason he’s in a position as blessed as he is, is because he bet on himself. Now that’s always a risk but it’s one you must be willing to take if you wish to achieve what you’ve set out to. Like Nip said, it’s All Money In, that means you’re investing all you’ve got into yourself. Too many times do people make excuses to not follow their dreams & the reason is usually a financial one, causing the road to success to be a tedious & grueling path to walk along but Niko clearly never once complained, even through all the hardships I’m sure he’s faced along the way. He just stood firmly in his passion & now the only way to go is up. Anybody looking for some motivation should look no further than this inspiring cut from the Tree Team alumni.
Jastin Martin - Reassurance (Video)
R&B is in such a beautiful state at the moment. It’s stripped down, intimate little numbers like these that should really have you not feeling otherwise. Taken off her latest EP, “MINE”, released back in August of last year, we finally get a visual treatment to my personal favorite cut off that record. If you’re someone who suffers from anxiety, especially when it comes to your romantic relationships, it’s always heartwarming to know you can turn to your partner for some “Reassurance”. She’s reminded daily how protected she is by her love & he doesn’t even have to utter a word at times, just his presence alone, the safety she feels wrapped up in his arms & waking up to that pretty face every morning is enough to reassure her that she’s in good hands, with someone who’s gonna handle her as delicately as her packaging requires.
Seuss Mace - The Babadook (Video)
We got any horror fans in the building? If you’re not familiar with Seuss Mace then you should get acquainted today, he’s the Babadook of the rap game. Most caught wind of the insane lyricist after his rapid fire performance on Tech N9ne’s “I Don’t Fit” but on this record, he showcases that he’s not just a chopper but an MC through & through. Who would’ve thought you’d be singing along to such a catchy hook to an otherwise horrific song overall cause the bars he’s spitting throughout this number are grotesque. It’s nice to see horrorcore Hip Hop done right. With guys like him, it’s Halloween all year round. I wouldn’t be surprised if he found a home at Strange Music sometime in the future fore I feel he’s a perfect fit for the label with his hardcore lyricism & peculiar visuals showcased here.
Gwalla Boi Slim - Cookie Jar (Video)
Y’all know full well what this metaphor here means. Gwalla has blessed us with 3 banging hits back to back to back. His style is like some Hood R&B, not necessarily a singer but it works beautifully. I mean, when you surrounded by biddies like these women, how could you not keep your hands out the cookie jar? I love how he keeps the cookie theme throughout the lyrics, naming off his favorite cookies as if they are the different women he’s been involved with. Not only will you be singing along to this infectious number but you just might eat the whole pack by the time it’s over with & yet still come back for more of them cookies. Gwalla Boi is the true Cookie Monster of the rap game.
iyla & Symba - Impala (Video)
Balancing a love life & a career can be a tricky thing to do & I don’t believe either are cut out to handle the stresses of it. iyla would rather pack her “Impala” & go back home since he can’t deal with all this newfound attention she’s getting. She wants the relationship to last but she’s got other priorities at play & if he can’t respect that then it’s deuces. He hates that his insecurities are beginning to bubble up to the surface but he’ll be damned if she isn’t partly to blame for this rift in their relationship. It’s a number I’m sure a lot of couples can relate to, especially those who don’t put their relationship first, simply cause their career won’t allow them to. The visuals may be her most simplistic yet, but still manage to slip in some of her usual quirkiness as you’ll see with certain shots throughout the video. I don’t see these two breaking up at any point, they’re too attached at the hip.