Music
D Smoke’s Uplifting ‘It’s OK’ Video Showcases Some Talented Youth
The Grammy-nominated Inglewood rapper released the optimistic song just ahead of the new year. …
The new year is already off to an optimistic start thanks to the efforts of Inglewood’s breakout artist, D Smoke. The Grammy-nominated rapper returned with a brand-new song over the weekend, “It’s OK,” delivering a positive message and showcasing some talented youths in the song’s accompanying music video. D Smoke released the video today after debuting the song a few weeks ago.
The cleverly shot video sees D Smoke recruiting the kids as hype men, backup dancers, and musicians, as the video breaks down with a marching band and becoming an exuberant display of joy in a backlot. Throughout, D Smoke’s rapid-fire verses express his uplifting outlook — even when he flexes a pump-action shotgun and warns that he believes in using it for self-defense.
D Smoke, the winner of the inaugural season of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, is nominated for a Best Rap Album Grammy for his debut album, Black Habits. He most recently released the “Closer To God” video from the album with his brother SiR. He also appeared in Houston rapper Tobe Nwigwe’s “Headshots” video and collaborated with Berkley’s Rexx Life Raj on the song “Optimistic” for Empire’s Voices For Change compilation.
Watch D Smoke’s “It’s OK” video above.
Artist Spotlight
“We Keep Walking” by Foxy Leopard explores the quiet forces that lead us toward history
There is something unsettling about being on a journey that does not end when the destination is not assured. That tug is at the heart of Foxy Leopard’s cinematic alt-country sound on “We Keep Walking.” What looks like a simple step forward becomes a meditation on history, community, and the choices people make before they know the consequences.
The concept album Foxy Leopard released earlier tells the story of the last months before the American Civil War through the lives of common people, and the song is a turning point that takes a different turn from a typical historical song. It’s not zooming in on the war itself but on the unseen momentum building around normal families and communities.
Foxy Leopard dishes up alt-country with a cinematic edge, and “We Keep Walking” seems to be a particularly potent example of that style. This song has a forward motion that fits its theme, a driving pulse, and darker implications all the more apparent.
The vocal and production approach serves the storytelling, and there’s a control beneath the energy that makes the track’s space feel reflective, uneasy, and quietly dramatic. Foxy Leopard demonstrates how alt-country can be employed for cinematic storytelling without sacrificing its human scale. If you’re a fan of atmospheric alt-country, storytelling songwriting, and songs that find personal meaning in grand historical moments, there’s a lot to discover on “We Keep Walking.”
Artist Spotlight
Lana Crow unveils a fun getaway for summer freedom on latest release “Japrisot”
Lana Crow‘s latest release, “Japrisot” is a song that feels carved from sunshine, open roads, and the call of the sea. Lana Crow’s sunny summer feel here is a perfect fit. The song takes inspiration from The Lady in a Car with Glasses and a Gun, and while it has a playfully dramatic touch, its energy is squarely aimed at adventure. Right away, the attitude is set in the lyrics, “I stole your car, I bet you weren’t prepared for this. I am driving off. To the sea, to the joy you can never know. It’s cheeky, it’s bold, it’s just right for the song’s freewheeling summer vibe.
“Japrisot” musically has the feel of a classic pop tune, with a bass line that serves as an especially enjoyable foundation for the guitar. Lana’s vocal texture is another appealing element, her breath control and warmth are cool, giving the song a playful drama without overwhelming its breeziness.
Lana Crow keeps the track moving with lyrics about speed, excitement, and the rush of taking control, the feeling of movement goes on. I’m driving fast, the rush of hitting the gas, it feels so hot, it makes me feel like a badass, this is what I call freedom. The song doesn’t just talk about a sunny day, it gives the heat, the road, and the sea something bigger, something that’s part of an escape.
Connect with Lana Crow on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
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Guest
October 7, 2023 at 4:12 pm
D Smoke’s ‘It’s OK’ video is a brilliant showcase of talented youth, offering a refreshing and optimistic perspective. Released just before the new year, the Grammy-nominated Inglewood rapper has once again proven his ability to create meaningful and uplifting content. This product is not just a song, but a message of hope and inspiration, making it a must-watch for all music lovers.