This year I've been trying my best to get back into Underground and independent artist in America. I listen to a ton of music from America to Korea to Japan. After listening to over 300 albums I decided to take 5 albums that I liked but never got the chance to listen to them fully, or talk about them much when they first released. These 5 American albums I enjoyed and I want others to know that they exist and need to be indulged.
Futura Bloom - Honey!
AliForTheGo and Sly Luke form the duo Futura Bloom who dropped their debut EP "Honey!" over the summer. The EP was entirely produced by Dougy. Long story short, the album is sweet. Its a breath of fresh air for the three HipHop artist as their are sounds of electronic and pop mixed in. The beats create an abstract arena in which the rappers flourish in. Compared to the music usually released in Chicago, these young upstarts are thinking outside the box, whether that be the purpose or this is the field they wish to dominate. The album contains beautiful production, sweet singing and slick raps. Standing at 6 songs, its a great EP to jam to.
Sweater Beats - For The Cold
I cam across Sweater Beats when listening to Hayley Kiyoko on Spotify. I decided to check out his EP "For The Cold" and I feel in love with it. There are only 4 tracks that feature Hayley Kiyoko, MAX, Nicole Millar, Imad Royal, and R.LUM.R. Each song has its own taste but they come together to create a full meal. Throughout the album I could pick up on Sweater Beats style as well as the other artist, It doesn't feel like anyone is giving so much and receiving little as Sweater Beats does not overwhelm the talent with his style, neglecting theirs. Its an equal effort that only helps the album in the end. Just as the name suggest, the album is for the cold. You can snuggle up in your sweater next to the window, sipping your coffee and enjoy the album.
The Flavr Blue - Blue Dream
The trio, The Flavr Blue, released their debut album "Blue Dream" in October. The Cali trio bring a blend of R&B and HipHop to the party that spices things up. Filled with solo and group tracks, the album never gets old. Each member shines collectively and solo. For a debut LP, they did a great job on capturing new fans while never having to switch up any of their styles. Solo tracks fits well next to the group joints never losing the flow of the album. Each song is unique but there is one track I don't like. "Live It UP" just feels way too generic. Contrary to that, the group is ast their peak on songs like "Top Down" and "365".
Dougy - What's Next
In October Dougy released his debut EP "What's Next" with featurings from Futura Bloom, Kidwin, and Shownay. The album once again showcases his ear for great abstract beats. Dougy misses no step in creating a great album to jam to. He;s showing so much personality in his beats that when you hear it, you know who produced, it could be no one else. The EP is short, clocking in at only 16 minutes but during that time you're transported to a world of sound that beats on your ears with the coolest chords, drums and vocals. A solid project that should be in every one's playlist.
Satica - Drippin
"Drippin" is the debut EP of Satica. Going into the album I was expecting Pop but I was greeted with R&B and HipHop. The album is splendid. I love her voice against the color yet robust beats. For once, its good to hear a person actually sing next to these HipHop soul beats instead of carry some trash note. Satica can sing and she came to let us know. I love this album but its short. That seems to be the theme here but its true, I love her lyrics which are simple yet so relateable. We've all just wanted to smoke a bowl with your crush because why not. The highlight here is definitely her voice. I can't wait to see where he future heads.
AliForTheGo and Sly Luke form the duo Futura Bloom who dropped their debut EP "Honey!" over the summer. The EP was entirely produced by Dougy. Long story short, the album is sweet. Its a breath of fresh air for the three HipHop artist as their are sounds of electronic and pop mixed in. The beats create an abstract arena in which the rappers flourish in. Compared to the music usually released in Chicago, these young upstarts are thinking outside the box, whether that be the purpose or this is the field they wish to dominate. The album contains beautiful production, sweet singing and slick raps. Standing at 6 songs, its a great EP to jam to.
Sweater Beats - For The Cold
I cam across Sweater Beats when listening to Hayley Kiyoko on Spotify. I decided to check out his EP "For The Cold" and I feel in love with it. There are only 4 tracks that feature Hayley Kiyoko, MAX, Nicole Millar, Imad Royal, and R.LUM.R. Each song has its own taste but they come together to create a full meal. Throughout the album I could pick up on Sweater Beats style as well as the other artist, It doesn't feel like anyone is giving so much and receiving little as Sweater Beats does not overwhelm the talent with his style, neglecting theirs. Its an equal effort that only helps the album in the end. Just as the name suggest, the album is for the cold. You can snuggle up in your sweater next to the window, sipping your coffee and enjoy the album.
The Flavr Blue - Blue Dream
The trio, The Flavr Blue, released their debut album "Blue Dream" in October. The Cali trio bring a blend of R&B and HipHop to the party that spices things up. Filled with solo and group tracks, the album never gets old. Each member shines collectively and solo. For a debut LP, they did a great job on capturing new fans while never having to switch up any of their styles. Solo tracks fits well next to the group joints never losing the flow of the album. Each song is unique but there is one track I don't like. "Live It UP" just feels way too generic. Contrary to that, the group is ast their peak on songs like "Top Down" and "365".
Dougy - What's Next
In October Dougy released his debut EP "What's Next" with featurings from Futura Bloom, Kidwin, and Shownay. The album once again showcases his ear for great abstract beats. Dougy misses no step in creating a great album to jam to. He;s showing so much personality in his beats that when you hear it, you know who produced, it could be no one else. The EP is short, clocking in at only 16 minutes but during that time you're transported to a world of sound that beats on your ears with the coolest chords, drums and vocals. A solid project that should be in every one's playlist.
"Drippin" is the debut EP of Satica. Going into the album I was expecting Pop but I was greeted with R&B and HipHop. The album is splendid. I love her voice against the color yet robust beats. For once, its good to hear a person actually sing next to these HipHop soul beats instead of carry some trash note. Satica can sing and she came to let us know. I love this album but its short. That seems to be the theme here but its true, I love her lyrics which are simple yet so relateable. We've all just wanted to smoke a bowl with your crush because why not. The highlight here is definitely her voice. I can't wait to see where he future heads.
Garser Dismuke is a writer for Blerdsonline.com as well as Garserspoetry.com
He releases his vast knowledge of Anime, Wrestling, K-pop and Poetry on the daily
Check out my new book “181820” on Amazon
