Stephanie Vaughn

While Scion has spent a better part of the last decade making a name for itself in the auto consumer market, the brand has devoted nearly the same amount of time and energy developing a presence throughout various music, film and art scenes. So it’s only fitting that they would commemorate 10 years with a special music series release devoted to musical creativity that features… Smoke DZA?. Working with producer Harry Fraud, who lays down yet another hazy but uptempo beat, DZA goes for the Win, a power anthem of sorts, fittingly celebrating the payoff that comes with hard work. Whether you’re powering through a workout or cruising the streets in a top down whip, Smoke DZA will get you in the right frame of mind to emerge victorious. Look for Scion to release a new free download from their album every week this month.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on June 11, 2013.

If you know The DJBooth, you know that we open newcomers with open arms and more importantly, open ears. That being said, lend your ears to the dulcet tones of multi-hyphen artist Jade and her single Freedom from her forthcoming album, Jaded. Offering a sultry but moving delivery of lyrics penned by James Fauntleroy over emotive production by The Page Brothers, Jade is a welcome respite from the sameness that plagues the female vocalist talent pool. The mysterious visuals that accompany the song leave much room for interpretation, which may have been intentional to get the audience to examine how it relates to freedom, and perhaps even the meaning of freedom itself. Even if you’re not into interpreting artistic expressions of universal themes, the song will get you in the mood to groove, and that’s never a bad thing. We’re glad to have Jade on deck here at DJBooth, and we look forward to hearing more from her in the future.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on June 5, 2013.

It’s not easy out here for a dreamer. There are cynics and dream-wreckers at every turn trying to destroy your spirit and the vision you are trying to manifest. Don’t worry though, DJBooth favorite Yonas has got it covered in his new single, Pocket Full of Dreams, outpacing the dream-wreckers at every turn; anyone who claims to have 6:1 dream ratio is not one who will be easily deterred from his or her path. With a wobbly, Dubstep-infused backdrop crafted by producer Rob Whitaker, Yonas offers his revelations up for the listener to ponder. Those in the mood for even more support of their dreams should be on the lookout for The Transition 2: Bright Lights, Big City, which is due June 25, and be sure to check out Yonas’ previously-released Feel The Love in the meantime.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on May 21, 2013.

If your week is in need of some hip-hop superhero music, then you’re in luck! Booth newcomer G.Huff‘s new single, I Ain’t Done Yet, sounds like potential theme music for any artist who may or may not don a mask and cape in his spare time. We have producer and Brown Bag All-Star J57 to thank for this glorious looped horn and string sampling composition, which sets solid groundwork for Huff to lay down his motivational lyrical foundation. I Ain’t Done Yet will appear on the emcee’s upcoming Vacant Thoughts EP, which will be a free digital release via The DJBooth on Tuesday, May 28. In the meantime, let this one bang from the whip. Who knows, it may just inspire you to perform some super feats?

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on May 16th, 2013.

When your stage name is SIN, it’s only fitting that your material should entail candid discussions of, well, the act of sinning. And how ‘bout it, the young emcee and producer Numonics of South Florida fame are doing just that, with the aptly-titled forthcoming album, 7 Deadly, due out this summer. The project’s first single, Eye For An Eye, tackles the topic of Envy, with SIN spitting razor-sharp lines over Numonic’s classic rock-tinged composition. It sounds heavy, but the track is actually pretty laid back with hypnotic looped flutes that will lull you into submission if you’re not careful. Keep it locked to The DJBooth for more from the duo leading up to the release of 7 Deadly, and in the meantime, be sure to check out Numonic’s collaborative album with Saheed, Not For Nothing.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on May 8, 2013.

Another Hump Day is upon us - if you’re encouraged by the fact that we are officially midway through another work week, then why not treat yourself to some good music that will tide you over until the weekend? May we suggest F*ck A Rap Critic by Da YoungFellaz, a bouncy boom-bap, dreamy string-sampling, Method Man-quoting gem produced by Statik Selektah? These days, opinions and criticisms of hip hop are no longer limited to the pages of music publications. Anyone with an Internet connection and some free time can weigh in, much to the chagrin of many artists. When do you draw the line between being a fan and being a critic? Can both co-exist in the same space? Whichever side you’re on, this is definitely a track worth paying attention to. Unfortunately, it won’t be on Da YoungFellaz’ upcoming LP, Sophisticated Ignorance, due on June 25, but be sure to check out their last DJBooth feature, October’s Incognito. in the meantime if you’re digging what you hear.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on April 24, 2013

Spring is a time for renewal and fresh new beginnings. The Earth awakens from its wintry slumber and life springs forth anew to begin the cycle all over again. As many of you know, Snoop Dogg became a Rastafarian and changed his name to Snoop Lion. Releasing a new album, Reincarnated, under his new handle at this particular point in time seems pretty symbolic, and its timeliness cannot be understated. In addition to the new album, which was released yesterday, we’ve got a bonus track that is certain to delight smokers and non-smokers alike. No Regrets would have been the perfect musical accompaniment for 4/20 with its reggae-infused composition and YOLO-esque message. And coming out the gate with Diplo behind the boards and a lyrical assist from T.I. isn’t too shabby when you’re trying to change how the world sees you. So, how about it - have any regrets about what Snoop Lion’s rebirth has to offer?

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on April 24, 2013.

Another Hump Day is upon us, and we’ve got a smooth - excuse me, smoove - audio treat for those of you who need something to mellow out to until the weekend. Allow me to take a minute or so of your time in order to introduce Raiza Biza, a New Zealand artist by way of Rwanda. Recent album standout 7th Floor is Biza’s first DJBooth feature, and it’s a gift to your ears if they crave a steady flow over a boom bap, keyboard-infused beat. Producer SoulChef cooks up a winner behind-the-boards and Biza adds his own vocal flavor to give the track a nice kick, adding up to an easily digestible audible meal. Let 7th Floor stick to your ribs and inside your brain, and while you’re at it, check out his new LP, Summer, which was freely released on April 1. Welcome to The DJBooth, Mr. Biza!

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on April 17, 2013.

If you’ve been thinking, “I need some new Barrel Brothers music in my life” lately, then today is like winning the musical lottery. Skyzoo and Torae are back with a trunk-rattling new joint called The Get Up, and it may or may not leave you needing a neck brace when you’re done listening. Send your medical bills to producers M31RK & Peter Haslanger, as they are responsible for the hard-hitting, bass-heavy composition that drives the song, and as long as you’re at it, you might as well also charge Sky and Tor for their hard-hitting rhymes. The Get Up is the first single from the soundtrack for the upcoming documentary DEMOS, which will also feature new music from Rapper Big Pooh, Planet Asia, Tanya Morgan and many more. In the meantime, be sure to check out Torae’s latest mixtape, Admission of Guilt, right here on DJBooth, and keep an eye our for the DEMOS documentary; it looks like it’s shaping up to be a game changer.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on April 16, 2013.

The weather is FINALLY warming up around Chicago, so this smooth new video single A.M.N.R. from native son Neak is highly apropos: Ladies and gentlemen, I think we have our first “cruisin’ in the whip” banger of the Whip Cruising season. Neak didn’t wait for the warm weather to get his cruise on, and it is evident in the heavy breath condensation that is visible in many of the outdoor shots in this emblematic Aaron Perkins, Jr. directed video. That doesn’t mean this song shouldn’t conjure up a feeling of excitement for the warmer days in which this song would provide the perfect soundtrack for a trip down Lake Shore Drive on a sunny afternoon. The soulfully-crafted, sample-laden production by J-Rell lays some lush groundwork for Neak’s fluid double-time delivery and brings life to the visual presentation overall. Be sure to check for Neak’s upcoming project Paura/Amore. Sadly, A.M.N.R. won’t be on it, but that just means we can expect more good things from Neak down the line.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on April 11, 2013.