Vibrant, piano strikes are the first things to shine through the mix of “Circle Too Small”. That is before the audacious flows of Heatray and Fargo introduce something even brighter to the track: their duo, 2 LIT. Amid the bounce of 808s, and syncopation of trap drums, this Washington, DC-Atlanta, Georgia team give stellar, sprightly performances; resulting in one of the most radio-ready records of the month. Everything about “Circle Too Small” perfectly coincides. The deathly lyricism of 2 LIT blends smoothly with the devious production of Trackdealer, whilst both elements uniquely match a ghostly, jet-black cover art. “My circle too small, gang members only / I walk around with the M and M’s on me!” Styles of the DMV and ATL both bite viciously through this hardbody single. Its subjects and atmosphere are teeming with the darkness of DC; while its rhythm, delivery and flow are something no true ATLien can ignore. Through fusing those two styles, 2 LIT has cultivated an invincible sound. One that will rocket them, and “Circle Too Small” straight to the club-rocking top.
Just north of San Francisco and the Bay Area, in the streets of North Richmond, California, a distinct sound is bubbling. A sound that merges the old school, hyphy energy of NorCal legends Mac Dre and Keak da Sneak with a fresh, new school ambiance. Many are spearheading this progressive take on upper West Coast Hip-Hop; but none as dominant as Way Way Santana. With her “NOW Mixtape Vol 1”, the Californian emcee brings her region’s eclectic bounce into the scope of modern trap. Certainly, the drum kits, rhythms and basslines of bangers such as “F**k A Handout” (feat. Lil Goo & Marlo Franklin), “Karate Choppa’s” (feat. G-Bo Lean), “Project 12”, “Sacrifices”, and “However You Want It”, siphon an ancient, hyphy fire; however, their melodies are new and improved. The synths and keys wafting around “NOW Mixtape Vol 1”’s party-starting percussions give these beats an air of currency. Way Way Santana’s raw, yet youthful Californian delivery only adds to this energy; keeping the project floating between two eras with each and every bar. For her lyrics and delivery are bright enough to illuminate the new-school; yet, likewise, the way she rides these nostalgic NorCal beats nods back to the E-40s and Too Shorts who came before her. The final track, “Btfw”, a charismatic remix of Too Short’s 2006 hit, “Blow The Whistle”, proves so undeniably. “NOW Mixtape Vol 1” is the perfect example of a rapper who takes great pride in where she comes from. Enough to, in between telling her own story, honor the stories of those who gave her a page. Soon, North Richmond will be added to the history of NorCal Hip-Hop, and Way Way Santana will be the one to thank.
Promised to make international waves with his latest record, “Zango”, is West African artist, SNOW FLAKES. He is splashing along the coast with a signature, afrobeat sound that is both futuristic and conventional. Just as his parents before him married Togolese and Nigerian, SNOW FLAKES is discovering a unique espousal between Afro-dancehall and international EDM. “Zango” is the resulting, anthemic lovechild; positioned to rock clubs, parties and festivals, continents abroad. There is a wealth of spirit and culture in the tune; strengthened by SNOW FLAKES melodious delivery and the nightly, yet colorful production backing him. The seductive momentum of the bassline alone will enthrall the hips of any listener involved. That, if nothing else, secures its potential as a dancefloor smash; and rectifies SNOW FLAKES imminent, international stardom. This year has seen an explosion in underground, African talent; and SNOW FLAKES “Zango” is a finale beyond our wildest dream.
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