Music
D Smoke Delivers A Comforting Reminder About The Future On ‘It’s Ok’
The new single is a triumphant effort that caps off D Smoke’s great year. …
The mainstream music world got to know who D Smoke was by the end of 2019 as the Inglewood native went home as the inaugural champion of Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow. While that moment may have been a huge milestone for him at that time, D Smoke would go ahead to reach new heights this year thanks to his Black Habits album. With just weeks left until 2020 comes to a close, the rapper lays off one last single with “It’s Ok.” The track is quite the triumphant effort that seems to remind himself and those who are listening that today’s struggles will be a thing of the past tomorrow.
In just under two months, D Smoke will have the opportunity to win one, if not, two Grammys at the upcoming 2021 award show. He was nominated for Best New Artist alongside Chika, Doja Cat, Kaytranada, Megan Thee Stallion, and others while also getting a nod in the Best Rap Album category. His Black Habit album joins Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist’s Alfredo, Nas’ King’s Disease, and Jay Electronica’s A Written Testimony.
Additional content from D Smoke comes in the form of a recent feature he made alongside D Smoke on their “Headshots” collab as well as his “Optimistic” track with Rexx Life Raj.
You can listen to “It’s Ok” in the video above.
Artist Spotlight
Matt Johnson breathes new life into “For Good” with a solo piano interpretation
The beginning of Matt Johnson’s “For Good“ is like a moment of hushed contemplation, where memory, gratitude, and emotion mingle. Johnson plays the beloved Stephen Schwartz song from the Broadway hit Wicked, and somehow it sounds even more emotional when he exclaims it on the piano.
“For Good“ has always had a tenderness that settles deep in you, and Johnson renders the familiar piece more personal. The emotional weight of the song is clearly apparent. Each note feels articulated, allowing the melody to open up in a direct space.
The piece is an instrumental from Johnson’s work for Singing Fingers and expresses a simplicity that showcases his capabilities as both performer and composer. Johnson’s use of the expressive power of only a piano invites you into an introspective sonic space. The result is an interpretation of “For Good“ that feels like a conversation with the music.
Johnson’s version doesn’t detract from the original brilliance of Stephen Schwartz’s work. Instead, it pays tribute to that grace and emotional depth that make the original a timeless favorite. His own performance makes the piece feel solitary and reflective, drawing out textures and emotions that might not have been otherwise perceived.
Johnson teases the song’s bright heart by using careful wording and restraint. The piano, which tells a story, takes the audience on waves of memories. “For Good“ is a great example of how potent simplicity can be, and it demonstrates that, at times, an instrument and a deeply felt performance are all you need to convey how beautiful a song is.
Connect with Matt Johnson on Website | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram |
Artist Spotlight
Eylsia sings faith and healing in every note on “He Walked Among Us”
Eylsia’s latest single, “He Walked Among Us,” is a great fit for Easter. It feels like a quiet breath of thought. The best thing about this single is that it can be both personal and universal. Eylsia’s use of many languages adds depth to the emotion and reminds us that faith, strength, and recovery are more than just words.
Each verse feels like a personal reflection, yet the themes resonate with anyone who has faced challenges and found comfort in faith and growth. The song is about going from hard times to understanding, and from hard times to quiet healing.
“He Walked Among Us” by Eylsia is a gentle reminder of how we all grow, have faith, and go through life as humans. This single gives you a rare, quiet space to think and connect with your feelings in a world that is often loud and busy. It is a timely and important release for the season.
Connect with Eylsia on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube || Twitter || Tiktok
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoThe Real Mack The Knife celebrates where love and dance meet on “Santorini Agapi”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoLaf0822 speaks for the underrated in new single “Delusional”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoThe Scouseness unveil hidden depths in “Giz A Spliff”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoBhy2r unites martinique and jamaica in “Want to Be Loved”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoFrançois Marius & Bérénice bring sunny energy with “Loco Vibes”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoC’est Ça find their groove on new release “Renegade”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoAaron Koenig and Nectaria mirror each other in new song “Love Yourself!”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoDapp Deh Youngin brings street energy on “Heavy.”

