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Price Brings Melanin Celebration With Debut Solo Album “CLRD.”

Although the provision of a dense concept album with meaningful lyrics and production from the likes of Boi-1da would seem out of place for a novice solo artist, don’t let the short discography fool you. California native, Price, has been spending ample time finely tuning the skills we would come to witness in CLRD.

From his 2009 signing to Interscope Records as part of the prolific duo, Audio Push, to his successful collaboration with Pink Sweat$ for the soundtrack to HBO’s Insecure, this has been a long time coming.

With this in mind, it seems fitting that CLRD. takes place in the context of a school day, as we find the unique lyricist eschewing mainstream braggadocio raps, in favor of his plans for maturation. On “RUMORS” we get a succinct vision of his self-esteem, as he prioritizes not the way in which others perceive him, but the innate integrity of his acts.

As the album’s second of eight tracks, it helps establish a motif of Price recognizing that life as an up-and-coming rapper is far from insulated from systemic societal flaws. Recognizing his place in society as a rapper, a male, and especially an African-American, is in essence the lesson he acquires throughout his “class”.

Despite the recognition of arbitrary roadblocks he knows are likely to stand in his way, Price shows no sign of diminished ambition. He still aspires toward love and social prosperity as evidenced by “WATERMELON”, wherein he reckons with the struggle of trying to be a king in society, while also telling a female love interest “I know what’s seen I helped you unlock your inner queen”.

Even with the brief trip from “RUMORS” to “WATERMELON”, and in turn from “WATERMELON” to the end of the album, Price doesn’t waste a moment. He stresses every syllable just as he stresses his rhetoric of confidence in the black community, until the album’s end, “TUSKEGEE”, where he asserts, “Stop. Black man, know your worth.”

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Tiri The Seed Breathes New Life into Nostalgia with ‘Back In The Room’

Tiri The Seed expertly blends vintage musical elements with contemporary production techniques in “Back In The Room.” This track pulsates with a retro vibe, yet maintains a fresh sonic identity, largely due to Tiri’s charismatic vocal delivery, which infuses the mix with an effortlessly cool energy. Thematically, “Back In The Room” explores the nuances of reconnection, encapsulating that poignant emotional experience of revisiting spaces or moments previously perceived as lost.

Musically, Tiri’s signature vocal timbre overlays an infectious rhythmic foundation paired with lush, sweeping synths, evoking the ambiance of a late-night drive down memory lane. The lyrics are crafted to provoke introspection while the production invites physical movement, striking a harmonious balance between nostalgia and celebration. Tiri’s warm delivery creates an intimate listening experience, drawing the audience into a shared reminiscence of formative moments. The track encapsulates a dichotomy of nostalgia and optimism, making it essential for those who appreciate a classic aesthetic imbued with modern sensibilities.

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Janet Noh Takes a Deep Dive into Vulnerability with ‘One Breath’

Janet Noh’s latest single, “One Breath,” presents a poignant exploration of emotional depth through a minimalistic sonic arrangement. The track harnesses dynamics and silence, allowing Noh’s nuanced vocal delivery to take center stage.

The single “One Breath” engages in introspective self-examination, showcasing Noh’s adeptness at lyrical composition that balances vulnerability with strength. Her phrasing and tonal choices exhibit a masterclass in expressive restraint, allowing listeners to engage with the subtle emotional undercurrents present in the music.

The listening experience is intimate, akin to sharing a personal revelation, which enhances the profound quality of the piece. As the final notes fade, the lingering resonance of the song invites reflection, echoing themes of hope and resilience that are striking in their simplicity. Janet Noh successfully cultivates an atmosphere of comfort and contemplation, which speaks to the listener on a personal and universal level.