Stephanie Vaughn

Harry Fraud x Smoke DZA - "Win"

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:46:33 -0500

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.

Jade - "Freedom"

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 21:48:09 -0500

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.

Yonas - "Pocket Full of Dreams"

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:15:00 -0500

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.

G. Huff - "I Ain't Done Yet"

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:50:33 -0500

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.

SIN & Numonics - "Eye For An Eye"

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:22:34 -0500

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.

Da YoungFellaz - "F*ck A Rap Critic"

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:49:00 -0500

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

Snoop Lion - "No Regrets"

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:45:23 -0500

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.

Raiza Biza - "7th Floor"

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:36:09 -0500

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.

Skyzoo & Torae (a.k.a. The Barrel Brothers) - "The Get Up"

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 01:13:46 -0500

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.

Neak - "A.M.N.R."

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:20:35 -0500

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.

Sum-in-1 - "I Will Not Surrender"

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:00:39 -0500

It’s no secret that brooding and art go hand-in-hand, so Sum-in-1‘s new video single, I Will Not Surrender, featuring live painting of gritty images by Van Saro, is fitting. Brooding not withstanding, make no mistake that Sum-in-1 is no Edgar Allan Poe and Van Saro is no Van Gogh; they both put on powerful displays of defiance, in their respective art forms. Including a painter in the video makes it easy to draw some powerful parallels. Van Saro brings words and ideas to life with his paintbrush without using a single word, while Sum-in-1 paints vivid visuals in the listener’s mind with his verbiage. Producer Kev Da Khemist‘s grimey sound lays the groundwork for a beautiful struggle in which we bear witness to words and brushstrokes playing off each other while telling their own individual stories. If you’re digging this, be sure to take a spin in the Way Back Machine and listen to Sum-in-1’s last DJBooth feature, from January 2012, She Walked On.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on April 10, 2013.

Kevin Cossum - "Sexy Time"

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:18:00 -0500

Singer/songwriter Kevin Cossum is here to sing your girl out of her panties with his sensual whispers on his current single, Sexy Time. After all, who can resist a guy who seems to be taking a cue from Borat’s cheeky vocabulary to impart his desire to engage with your love below? In hazy black and white visuals that accompany the song, Cossum gets intimate with a couple of mysterious vixens while the shadowy figure of a very flexible women is interspersed in time with The Lottery‘s hypnotic bassline. Sexy Time has been “out” since February, with relatively little fanfare, but it is set to appear on a currently untitled project from the Orlando native that is still in the works. Hopefully, the slickly shot visual will give Cossum a proper boost and get people intrigued to hear his upcoming debut album on producer Danja’s N.A.R.S label.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on April 2, 2013.

Bodega BAMZ ft. A$AP Ferg - "Say Amen"

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:21:47 -0500

Let’s take a trip down to the trap, shall we kids? Today we’re following Bodega BAMZ on his journey to a trap cathedral where he prays to the trap lord in earnest. On Say Amen, he’s joined by A$AP Ferg, who offers both lyrical assistance and spiritual guidance as at trap lord high order priest. There are no organs or hymns at trap church - only bone rattling basslines, rapid hi-hat sequences and distant chanting, courtesy of JohnBoy Beats. Bodega spits a double-time flow that lays out the events of the life he has built for himself - but will it be his ultimate downfall in the end? Say Amen appears on his mixtape, Strictly 4 My P.A.P.I.Z., which dropped last fall. Be sure to also check out his February DJBooth feature, NAVY, and stay woke in the trap.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on March 20, 2013.

Nick Weaver ft. Brianna Falcone - "Terminal 3"

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 01:51:00 -0500

Nick Weaver is coming for your thug tears, and he’s using his latest video single Terminal 3 as his method of extraction. Using the aforementioned airport terminal as the backdrop to this somber expression of the longing, Weaver speaks to the airport as if it were a person because he’s become so well-acquainted after “50 total flights, 2 hours each way.” Between the pensive piano-laden beat by TellingBeatz and the emotive hook sung by Brianna Falcone, don’t be surprised if you’re feeling verklempt by the time Weaver’s journey has ended and he’s back at home. It’s okay, just keep telling yourself it’s “allergies - we’re not here to judge. If you dug this, you’ll be please to learn that it will be on Nick Weaver’s currently untitled debut album, due out this summer. And if you want to hear more, be sure to check out his January feature, Lifted.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on March 13, 2013

The Doppelgangaz - "Oh Well"

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:54:00 -0600

As NY-based duo The Doppelgangaz set the stage for the release of their upcoming album HARK, our musical palate is considerably wet with their gritty new video single, Oh Well. If anyone can figure out the connection that the twosome has drawn between the cows, hooded black capes, tacos and frozen waterfalls that are shown in the video, kindly let the rest of us in on the secret. What is clear is that most of the video was shot in slow motion, which suits the duo’s surreal production with dream-like vocals looped as if they’re meant to lull you to sleep. If you’re getting a Gravediggaz/Boot Camp Clik vibe from these guys then you’re not too far off the mark. And if that’s your cup of brew then be sure to check out HARK, which will be previewed at The DJBooth on March 11, a day before it is released digitally for purchase at iTunes.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on February 27, 2013.

Spectac & Shakim - "For The People"

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 02:27:00 -0600

Spectac should consider changing his name to “Spectac The Storyteller.” A perfect example of why this makes sense is his new, DJ Shakim produced single For The People. The title track off the duo’s latest musical offering comes with a wistfully nostalgic sound that lays the groundwork for some thought-provoking verses that seem to tumble from Spec’s brain like water from a fountain. He prefaces the song with a brief commentary of why he made this album and why it’s called For The People - it’s worth a listen before getting into the music. For the People is available for download right here on The DJBooth, while the album in its entirety can be both streamed and purchased. It’s a one-stop shop, so take advantage however you see fit.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on February 20, 2013.

J. Nolan - "All I Got"

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 21:33:05 -0600

“A wise man once said: ‘You must distinguish yourself, or the rest of the world will make that distinction for you.’” And so begins J.Nolan‘s manifesto All I Got, which serves as the inception of his #DistinguishYourself campaign. In a genre that is unfairly characterized as homogeneous and uninspired, it’s always refreshing when an artist can find a way to stand out in a genuine way without coming off as gimmicky or contrived. Nolan’s bars float seamlessly over the lush ambient sounds and sharp drum knocks of producer Kuddie Fresh, while he reminds us how important it is to stay true to one’s individuality and personal excellence. If All I Got leaves your ears buzzing with excitement, it would be in good taste to keep an eye out for J.Nolan’s full-length release Distinction, due out this spring.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on February 13, 2013.

STS - "The Heavy"

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:01:20 -0600

STS - Sugar Tongue Slim - seems like a bit of a misnomer. The first ‘S’ should stand for “sharp” or “silver” because that is a more accurate description of what Slim’s tongue brings to the table as an emcee. Prepping for the release of his forthcoming mixtape Gold Rush 3, we get the two-for special in the form of a new song called Heavy and accompanying Daniel “Danny Cam” Gallardo directed visuals. Mixing candid shots of STS and his crew sitting around a table with laptops aglow and concert footage from Hamburg, Germany, we watch STS deliver his cheeky wordplay delivered with prowess and style over a Bear One beat. No word on when Gold Rush 3 drops, but you’ll hear it from us first when it does.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on February 12, 2013.

Nottz ft. Pete Rock - "Turn It Up"

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:39:00 -0600

You know what this week needs? More Pete Rock. You know what else it needs? More Nottz. And what do we have here, right at this very moment? A brand spankin’ new video featuring BOTH called Turn It Up. Did I accidentally fall asleep for 4 months and wake up on my birthday? If you’re not up to speed, Nottz released an EP last June called, In My Mind, that’s where Turn It Up originated, so it’s nice to have some visuals to remind us of what we’ve been missing. We always hear about how “less is more” and this is definitely any instance in which that cliché holds true. Just flickering shots of Nottz and the Chocolate Boy Wonder doing what they do best: be awesome. It’s also worth noting Nottz’ shout out to J Dilla, since today (February 7) is the deceased legend’s birthday. If you haven’t copped In My Mind EP, find your way over to iTunes and fix that oversight now.

Originally posted at DJBooth.net on February 7, 2013.

REKS ft. Rapper Big Pooh - "I Remember"

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 20:13:00 -0600

We all know the revolution will not be televised - but how will it sound? At the very least Boston emcee REKS has an idea of what it SHOULD sound like, and that’s why he named his upcoming digital album Revolution Cocktail. Although he delayed the release until Feb. 26, we do have his latest offering I Remember featuring the always solid Rapper Big Pooh and produced by A3, a smooth, soul sample-laced ode to personal nostalgia. This kind of suavity might not be the sound we tend to associate with anarchy, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a moment every now and then to get your old man two-step on. If you’re feeling this, be sure to check out Revolution Cocktail, out on iTunes later this month.

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