Connect with us

Story

Reason Is In His Element On “Stories I Forgot”

Back in August 2018, TDE first announced the signing of Reason. Now, two years later, we’re seeing the West Coast rapper really settle into his role within the label and his sound, with his second project under the label, New Beginnings, out today. It seems, like many of his TDE counterparts, he needed to get one album deep to truly develop his sound and find his own creative spin– there is a trend of the second album among TDE signees to be preferential: ScHoolboy came with Habits & Contradictions, Ab-Soul had Control System, Jay Rock dropped 90059, while Kendrick Lamar was Section.80. Each of these albums marked a turning point in the artist’s respective careers, and each still hold up in the artist’s respective larger discography. We’ll have to see if this trend comes to fruition with Reason as well, but upon the first listen of New Beginnings, he seems to be on the right path.

Among the early records on in the tracklist, there is the definite stand-out “Stories I Forgot.” This is the type of banger we love the TDE team for, in fact, the song feels like it somehow works at the intersection of all four Black Hippy members– and yet, there, we find Reason. And for his part, Reason has a stranglehold on the sinister West Coast beat, stretching his cadence to exciting new heights, and then, restraining it, lazily hammering off the hook. Just as menacing as the production from Kal Banx, are Reason’s bars, where he reminisces on gangster activities, with memorable lines like, “Keisha, I done missed ya, nut and doze off/Called me, say she pregnant, bitch, that’s your fault.”

The result is a captivating, late-night, car-ready banger, and incidentally, one that could also work extremely well on a Halloween playlist.

Let us know in the comments what your favorite song off the project is. 

Quotable Lyrics

Advertisement

Woah, shit, get the whole clip, knock his face back
Did that to my little homie, it was hard to face that
Had to tell his mom they caught that nigga while they search for me
Now she praying hurt on me, popping pills, too numb to see
Drinking liquor, smoking weed, hoping they don’t come for me
Nah, I hope they come for me so I can get some vengeance

Advertisement

Artist Spotlight

David Cloyd triumphantly returns with a reflective new album, “Red Sky Warning”

David Cloyd

David Cloyd, a seasoned artist whose creative luminescence has only intensified over his career, makes a noteworthy re-entry following a decade-long hiatus with an emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated new album, “Red Sky Warning,” released via ECR Music Group. This album marks his reintroduction to the music scene as he aims to reclaim the spotlight. Co-produced and mixed by the acclaimed indie architect Blake Morgan (known for his work with Lenny Kravitz, Lesley Gore, and Janita), the masterful ten-track album encapsulates a significant evolution in Cloyd’s sonic profile, where intricate craftsmanship meets intense emotional exposition.

Spanning ten compelling tracks, “Red Sky Warning” is a profound exploration of openness, identity, and the intimacy of human connection. The very first notes of the opener, Ocean of Hours,” envelops listeners in a euphoric wave of melody, with the magic of Cloyd’s lyricism resonating like heartbeats, consistently engaging while maintaining a clear direction. This immersive tone sets the stage for a record that demands to be felt as much as it is heard.

It is followed spontaneously byIf We Could Escape,” the second track, delving into themes of emotional ambivalence and quiet longing for escapism. Its soulful balm and shimmering aura capture the ache of unspoken truths, laying bare the intimate confessions Cloyd expresses through his signature vocal warmth and layered instrumentation. Each hypnotic rhyme that follows builds on this honesty, embracing a therapeutic narrative of accepting imperfection.

In the third track,The Day Before,” a contemplative light emerges as Cloyd masterfully blends soul-pop sensibility with mature finesse. It evokes the quiet anticipation that precedes change, revealing Cloyd’s ability to distill quotidian experiences into a resonant metaphor. Conversely, A Far Cry From Nothing presents a robust rhythmic foundation that underscores lyrical potency, driven by piano-centric confidence and heartfelt phrasing that illuminate emotional resilience. InCage of Water,” Cloyd adeptly navigates the emotional landscape through an audacious sonic tapestry that reflects the fluidity of love’s ever-changing tides. This piece captures the inherent unpredictability of romantic experiences, evoking a captivating composition that accentuates its dynamism. The ambientDrive With Me employs lush ambient textures to guide listeners through reflective pathways, invoking the nuances of nostalgic relationships and emotional bonds often left unarticulated.

Advertisement

Into The Sea dazzles with melancholic elegance, threading love and mystery into a cohesive storytelling framework. Subsequent tracks, such as Climbing Ivy,” maintain this thematic momentum, focusing on unity and the complexities inherent in celebrating brotherhood and kinship through a storytelling lens steeped in poetic nuance.Small Wooden Boat offers a poignant reflection on the past, emphasizing rediscovery and personal growth while capturing the bittersweet clarity that revisiting old memories often brings. The album culminates with the stunning trackWalk the Earth,” a soul-stirring finale that lingers in the heart of listeners long after its chords fade. Cloyd’s use of tremulous vibrato and unwavering vocal performance echoes the weight of lived experience, providing a fitting closure to an album that’s both a personal manifesto and a universal commentary.

Each composition sequentially builds upon the previous one, thereby enhancing the thematic essence of “Red Sky Warning” and symbolizing not only a reawakening but also a rebirth for David Cloyd. His distinctive vocal style as a singer and songwriter approach draws comparisons to notable figures such as Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, and Peter Gabriel while remaining distinctly his own. With this release, Cloyd effectively positions introspection at the forefront of his artistry, transforming emotional vulnerability into a cathartic experience. This meticulously curated body of work serves as a testament to David Cloyd’s enduring musical vision, establishing it as a timeless addition to any music aficionado’s collection. “Red Sky Warning” is essential for those seeking genuine artistry that transcends genre and invites listeners on an evocative expedition of heartfelt optimism and recuperation.

 

For more information about David Cloyd, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM David Cloyd’s AlbumRed Sky Warning on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH David Cloyd | InstagramFacebook |

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Story

Yonatan’s “Jah Is My Guide” is a soulful journey rooted in faith and island vibes

h

Yonatan, the gifted singer from the pulsating island of Martinique, shares his latest spiritual track, “Jah Is My Guide.” This recording is a spiritual song inspired by the timeless Psalms of David, a unique combination of soulful music and a message of faith and inspiration. “Jah Is My Guide” envelops the listener in a tuneful sense of sincerity. Yonatan’s sound boasts authenticity, encouraging listeners to life’s ups and downs through spiritual affirmation. Using the Psalms for inspiration, the song taps a universal longing for strength, wisdom, and protection, which, as themes, never really become aged but instead seem incredibly personal and relatable.

What stands out about this single is the way in which Yonatan is able to incorporate that island reach into the music, however, without sacrificing its holy essence. The rhythms subtly bounce toward Martinique’s rich musical heritage, which gives the song a vital heartbeat that manages to feel both contemporary and timeless. It’s a potent reminder of how old-time spirituality and newfangled artistry mesh seamlessly. Listeners will feel enveloped in a meditative bubble, each verse like a conversation with the divine. Production is slick and slick, taking a backseat to Yonatan’s vocals and the depth in the lyrics. For Yonatan, “Jah Is My Guide” has become a testament to the inspiring power and hope that music can provide.

It provides a spiritual compass for those of us adrift on the uncertain waters of life, and we are all reminded that when faith is our guide, we are never lost both for peace and direction. “Jah Is My Guide” is simply a must listen for lovers of music that feeds the soul and taps into deep spiritual concepts. Yonatan has written a song that reflects the venerable tradition of the Psalms and celebrates his special island identity, a mix that carries with it the potential to inspire and uplift across lands and lifetimes.

Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending