Nac - 'The Midnight Album' (Review)

Nac's album attests to the saying all that glitters is not gold. His 13-track LP, titled The Midnight Album, is sonically appealing. Comprising highly energetic flows and experimental hip-hop beats, Nac's album is a welcome sign of his authentic musical style.

N Natalee Gilbert

Ambush Effect & THORO's The Jump Start Open Mic (Review)

This is a review for Ambush Effect & THORO's open mic in March 2021. In March, Ambush Effect and Thoro collaborated for The Jump Start Open Mic. Walking in, the room illuminated with neon lights. Subsequently, the energy that permeated the atmosphere was quite infectious. Everyone exchanged the good vibes with one another, cheering on those who took the stage.

N Natalee Gilbert

BIZZY - "My Age"

Pop sensation BIZZY wonders if an older gentleman would "have chased me in your twenties" in her latest introspective single. Bringing together rock and pop elements, "My Age" presents an opportunity to get answers to your most burning questions. Amongst a sea filled with plenty of fish, BIZZY wonders if he'd reel her in, despite their age difference. Similarly, the singer gives a realistic view of the modern dating scene.

N Natalee Gilbert

Siyo.J - "in the clouds"

Siyo.J's "in the clouds" is about keeping your head above water. Layered with plush pop elements and a summery guitar loop, Siyo.J opts to see the brighter side of what could be a blossoming relationship. His savory vocal range is guided by an open heart and vulnerability. As Siyo.J admits that he'd "walk for miles to make you stay," he navigates the depths of uncertainty to see where they stand. The Washington-based artist then admits why he's in awe of his amore. "Your lovely smile, your perfect face," he sings mid-chorus. Alongside this, Siyo. J also unveils, "I'll tell you everything/Loving on your body/Got me going fucking crazy."

N Natalee Gilbert

Nicholas - "Small"

Blending sweet variations of Afrobeat, jazz, and R&B, Nicholas' "Small" is about yearning for that person who feels like home. After abruptly colliding with a car during a bike ride, Nicholas' ex comes to mind. He then fights between his innermost thoughts, saying, "I don't want to let you make me feel small/I don't want to give you all the control/But I don't have anyone else I can call right now."

N Natalee Gilbert

RJAE - "Her Favorite Jhene Aiko Song"

RJAE's "Her Favorite Jhene Aiko Song" serves as an emotional outlet for the NOLA wordsmith to reflect on a breakup. Cutting to the chase over a dark, pulsating R&B cut, RJAE exposes his lover for being unfaithful. He follows with lyrics illustrating how this betrayal has affected him, saying, "Somethings won't change/But they do/Wish I could take back all that d*** I gave to you/Still getting used to this pain."

N Natalee Gilbert

Remy Reilly - "What Do Ya Know"

Remy Reilly's feel-good pop offering "What Do Ya Know" highlights what it means to be head-over-heels for that special someone. The summery acoustic guitar is a great addition to Remy Reilly's lush vocal range. Lyrically, Remy Reilly uses her emotions to get those feelings across.

N Natalee Gilbert

Panasi - "Girl."

Panasi lays it all on the line for the one he loves in "Girl." Amidst blending an acoustic guitar with his mesmerizing vocals and honest rhymes, the artist wonders if he and this person will ever become something more. Panasi's questions are met with a mixed decision to move on. The alternative R&B offering permits Panasi to be his most vulnerable self.

N Natalee Gilbert

Trill Manny - "IN MY HEAD"

Trill Manny looks to rekindle the flame of passion with his better half in "IN MY HEAD." Providing candid lyrics over a melancholic R&B beat, the singer thinks about the words they've exchanged. As he unveils that he doesn't want to lose her, Trill Manny explains why she's the only one who's caught his eye.

N Natalee Gilbert

Donnel Johnson: Creator of ILL THINKERS AWARD, Director, A&R, & Podcaster

Donnel Johnson has an eye for talent. Giving all creatives their rightful props with the Ill Thinkers Award, the multi-faceted music figure works effortlessly to put others on game. The New York-based business mogul also has his own podcast that highlights emerging acts, current events, and more! One avid listener said about the podcast,

N Natalee Gilbert

09_9 - "Try Again (09_9 Remix) feat. Jack Johnson"

09_9 has a go at interpolating P'ierre Bournes' "Try Again" with his latest single. Instead of keeping the beat at a slower pace like the original record, 09_9 switches things up by upping the pitch of P'ierre Bourne's delivery and accelerating the rhythm. His take on "Try Again" is encapsulated with a line of hyper pop elements and video game-styled synths at a hit of the drum. After this, piano loops and space trap arrangements emerge, making the listen even more enticing.

N Natalee Gilbert

jessa - "saying i'm fine"

jessa's summery R&B offering, "saying i'm fine," is about hiding her distress from the public eye. As she uses a hypnotic vocal range, she sings about seemingly escaping the hurt by taking on a new identity.

N Natalee Gilbert

Detzany - "Parasite"

Detzany hopes that a loved one's absence stops making her heart grow fonder in "Parasite." Over the tickled drum loop and warm piano number, the songstress admits that she "tries to avoid thoughts related to them." However, the memories continue to linger, making it hard for Detzany to move forward. Her breathtaking register and outpour of passion move listeners to hang onto her every word.

N Natalee Gilbert

Justin Henry - 'Tales Of A Rebel!'

Justin Henry's Tales Of A Rebel! is an outpour of strong-willed lyricism and versatile flows. The project truly confirms the many talents and unwavering focus he possesses.

N Natalee Gilbert

Lil $o$o - "Expensive Taste"

Lil $o$o serves up a fine line of confident-styled bars in her latest single, "Expensive Taste." The bass-heavy playful trap beat brings attention to the rapstress' pristine flow.

N Natalee Gilbert

CARRO & KIZZY Kobain - "Soft Love"

CARRO and Kizzy Cobain's new single embodies the more vulnerable side of love. Smooth cruising on the breezy afrobeat, the two singers try to work out their differences. The woman in question seems to be pulling away, but CARRO lets it be known that he needs her close.

N Natalee Gilbert

MAXUR - "Perfume"

MAXUR's "Perfume" is about parting ways and then regretting it in the long run. The beat blends R&B with lofi and alternative pop. Similarly, the single directs attention to his full-toned vocal range.

N Natalee Gilbert

Meet Casey: The Come Up Experience & Empire Global Consultants

Casey works day in, day out to provide an artistically-thriving space for musicians on The Come Up Experience to levitate. Not only do they garner a new fanbase, but these artists also get opportunities to show off what they've got. Casey's desire to provide a platform for her gifted peers and the unfortunate passing of one of her friends, ignited the fire that would combust every showcase in the Tri-State. The Come Up Experience gives both upcoming and established musicians a shot at performing on a major stage. It also opens the door for further possibilities to take their career to the next level.

N Natalee Gilbert

Serene - "Distance"

Serene is conflicted between having a sometimesy lover near or keeping them at a "Distance" in her newest record.

N Natalee Gilbert

Shane Garcia - "Evil Twin"

Shane Garcia battles it out with her ego and self in "Evil Twin." As she delivers emotional-gripping lyrics with a soft vocal range, the singer-songwriter confesses that she loses a bit of herself to vices.

N Natalee Gilbert

Collier Doak - "PINK PUNK"

Collier Doak's "Pink Punk" is about living life on the edge. The record comes in strong with electric guitar loops before transitioning to a more punk rock meets alternative rap vibe.

N Natalee Gilbert

Arionne - "Hope"

Arionne's "Hope" fights back the sense of doubt others had about him making it. As he spits with passion, the elite lyricist reflects on his rise to fame.

N Natalee Gilbert