By: Shamus Hill We're taking a few steps outside of Massachusetts' borders today, as Nashua native AzizTheShake makes his first appearance on the Mass Music Radio Airwaves following the release of his anthemic single "Terance Mann". Aziz has been a staple to the music coming out of New England for some time now, as he's produced extensively for BIA and many other titans throughout the music industry. While releasing music of his own is something that AzizTheShake had taken a brief hiatus from in order to focus more so on his production skills, the time has come for him to inject some new life into his own discography. "Terance Mann" certainly possesses the correct aurora to do this, as the track contains a high-paced energy from start to finish. Aziz takes the X-Files theme music, and manages to craft something even more elegant than the original on this release. For those unfamiliar with the name Terance Mann, he's actually a Professional Basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers. Additionally, he has ties to Massachusetts, being that he is originally from Lowell. This visual is filled with Massachusetts energy, as the staff over at Van Buren Records, Lil Rich, and numerous others make appearances over the course of this video's two minute length. After.Pangea, who was responsible for constructing Vintage Lee's official music video for "Dune", was again charged with the task of bringing this visual to life. Be sure to hear this track, and many more from artists across New England on Mass Music Radio! Watch the official music video for "Terance Mann" below:
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By: Shamus Hill While browsing Instagram last week, I stumbled upon ShoMoore - a rapper from Boston who recently debuted the official music video for his single "Hall Of Family". While his discography is certainly not the lengthiest, ShoMoore packs a lot into the little over two-minute time frame that compromises "Hall Of Family". He possesses an incredibly natural presence over the instrumental - one that is reminiscent of a Griselda veteran. This track doesn't have a hook, but rather straight raps for its entirety, which is something that instantly made a lasting impression on me, and many other listeners according to the video's comments on YouTube. If you're like me, and are looking for some refreshing new music to enjoy, then please tap in with ShoMoore. Watch the official music video for "Hall Of Family" below: By: Shamus Hill Boston's Chase Murphy is prepping for next week's release of Pauly Rev: The Mixtape following the release of the project's debut single -- "No Bandana". Accompanied by a visual that was shot by Athel Rogers and edited by Happy Belated, "No Bandana" serves as a preview for what will ultimately be his first body of work since 2019's Long Winters. Known for fusing his loves for Electronic Pop and Hip-Hop music into a singular, congruent sound, Chase Murphy has amassed a solid fan base - one that streams his music more than 26K times per month on Spotify alone. I've been a proud fan of Chase's since I first started covering songs like "No Mo" and "Hollup" way back when for Graduation Music, it has been amazing to witness his growth overtime. Definitely check this release out if you're looking for some more music from Massachusetts to add to your rotation! Watch the official music video for "No Bandana" below: By: Shamus Hill Snax recently stopped by the Mass Music Radio Station and dropped an amazing set! Watch the video below: By: Shamus HIll Van Buren Records may very well have their own holiday now, as 4/16/21 will forever be remembered as the day this collective of artists, producers, designers, and just all around creatives released one of the best projects to come out in Massachusetts history. Just when they had the attention of the masses, they seized the moment and released the official music video for "Medic". I wrote extensively about the meaning that surrounds Bad For Press in a blog post that I published yesterday, so if you'd like to read more about the album, then feel free to click here. Watch the official music video for "Medic" below: By: Shamus Hill I'll never forget when I first met Kleo. Both Shlomo and myself, as many of you know, got our start in radio back in college at UMass Amherst. After scouring the internet for new local artists to feature on our show, I came across Kleo's single "Toyota", and immediately became a fan of both him and the collective of artists he worked under named 2020. Fast forward to a cold Massachusetts morning a few months later, Kleo joined Shlomo and myself at the WMUA studios alongside Gio Shyne, Briefcvse, and Christian Yoon. Looking back on this memory, it's funny to note how much progress both we've made as a platform, and they've made as artists. Today, Kleo breaks his long-lasting hiatus following the release of "Fountain of Dreams". Similar to many of the track that were featured on Kleo's 2019 offering Battle Damaged, "Fountain of Dreams" possesses a dark aura that entrances the listener. Equipped with booming production that'll turn a drive on the highway into an intergalactic speed chase, "Fountain of Dreams" is an extremely solid addition to Kleo's discography. I'm hopeful that this marks the beginning of many more releases to come from Kleo throughout the year. By: Shamus Hill The day is finally here. Following several years of individual releases, and several months of posse cut singles -- Van Buren Records has finally released a full-length collaborative album that is entirely composed of their artists. Luke Bar$, SAINT LYOR, Lord Felix, Jiles, Meech, Andrew Regis, Ricky Felix, and the rest of the team are putting Brockton on the map today, as Bad For Press makes its way into headphones across the Globe. VB has been teasing this project for the last month, and since its release earlier today, the Massachusetts music scene has been completely enveloped by this album. If you're a creative in MA, or even just a general supporter of the local music scene here, then you've certainly heard of Van Buren Records up through this point in time. If this is your first time hearing about the group, then it's time to step out from underneath the rock you live under and experience one of the most refreshing collectives of artists in music right now. Each of their individual releases have blown me away over the years, so it's only right that I was filled with excitement for Bad For Press' release. Once the clock struck midnight this morning, I immediately gave this project a spin. I eagerly awaited how these high-caliber artists were going to mesh their styles on a full-length release, something that I know requires a great deal of communication and comfortability. As each track passed, it was as though the energy of the song would be dictated by the first artist to be featured, then would be reciprocated by each of the following artists in their own unique way. Each song feels like a relay race, and as the baton passes to the next individual, Van Buren widens their lead ahead of many others in Rap right now. Some of my standout tracks on Bad For Press were "Girls Wanna Have Fun", "Looking For Trouble", and "Nevermind". On each of these songs, the artists on Van Buren's roster showcased their distinctive artistic capabilities, and just how much they have developed with time. Luke Bar$ and SAINT LYOR in particular were two artists on this project that really showcased what their discographies have in-store, and to say that I am excited for what they have coming next would be a severe understatement. Additionally, Andrew Regis deserves recognition for stepping into the arena alongside his VB teammates and holding his own. I'm hopeful that we'll be hearing many more verses from him in the future. Brockton is one of the most special places that exists in Massachusetts, and the fact that the city has Van Buren Records to further the area's historic legacy is something that brings a tear to my eye. This team of young men are on pace to accomplish some amazing feats, and the fact that they represent Massachusetts along the way is something that everyone in the Bay State needs to celebrate. By: Mike Scarfo One of the most gut-wrenching, nerve-wracking conversations we’ve all experienced in our lives at some point or another: the dreaded break-up of a romantic relationship. I know, I apologize for triggering anyone; even as I write this it’s sending shivers down my spine as I think back to a few break-ups of my own. There’s really no words that can describe the feeling you get from being on either end. The person initiating the break-up is often left with feelings of emptiness and guilt, while being broken up with usually endures impending gloom and restlessness. But again, this is putting it mildly in comparison to the realistic emotions one feels in the aftermath of a break-up. Normally in music, more frequently we hear the side of the person who has been dumped and left to meticulously mend the pieces of a broken heart. Yet, I would argue having to put an end to a relationship is even more difficult than being on the opposite end, and that’s exactly what Massachusetts native and Rhode Island based pop artist, The China Blue, contrasts on his latest single “Nervous”. By all accounts, The China Blue successfully captures the overwhelming anxiety one feels when they realize they’ve reached the end of the road with a significant other, in this case a long-term relationship. “Nervous” is uniquely written in multiple perspectives through first, third, and even second person, which is one of the most difficult and rare writing techniques in the English language. However, when used effectively, it can have a lasting impression on the listener or reader. For example, The China Blue writes the hook in such a way that the listener is forced to realistically implant themselves into the song’s narrative: “Why are you so nervous / Just be honest, is it over? / Because after four years I don’t deserve this at all / How could you desert this? / I hope you find your purpose”. This writing style is impactful because it compels the audience to consider what it would be like if “you” were actually in this situation, albeit most of us have been. Simultaneously, the hook portrays this woman’s defensive and understandable emotions as she is clearly blindsided by the news. But it is The China Blue (or the main character in the storyline) who is truly at odds, as he experiences nauseating anxiety “tossing and turning throughout the night” over how to end this relationship without hurting her. Don’t believe me? Check out the music video below, as the imagery of reckless apprehension comes to life. He recognizes that no matter how he handles it, he is going to break her heart. The listener can empathize with the fact that hurting her is the last thing he wants to do, even though it will be best for both of them in the long run. It’s the fear of the impending conflict that is the most difficult part, and yet the audience gets the sense that he is fumbling over his words in the moment. No matter how long he prepares or avoids this situation, the immensity becomes far too paramount to endure. This ultimately leaves her without closure, conveying sentiments of her self-worth and dignity. Sonically, The China Blue conveys this heartbreakingly relatable story through melodic croons and falsettos backed by a colorful synth-pop instrumental. The sheer accessibility of the melody and beat of “Nervous” pairs beautifully with the engaging lyricism. Of course, major credit should also go to the song’s lead engineer, the very talented H3x, who is also an artist himself and heavily involved with our Turntable Teachers team. The China Blue impresses with this release on numerous fronts, as both a vocalist and producer, but more importantly as a writer, something he values and has discussed at length on his Guest Speaker podcast episode with us. Be on the lookout for The China Blue’s upcoming EP later this Spring. By: Shamus Hill Cassh Cartel may be a newcomer to Mass Music Radio listeners, however don't let this statement overshadow what this Boston artist is capable of accomplishing. Early last month, he linked up with M9 Visuals and dropped off the official music video for his single "Falling", and since then has steadily been building up his brand alongside fellow Boston artists B Blazo and Bando Baby. Since familiarizing myself with Cassh Cartel earlier this year, I've grown incredibly fond of his discography. While I still think that he's in the midst of developing what will ultimately become a sound of his own, Cassh's ability to put a song together is certainly apparent. My favorite offerings of his are typically on more of the melodic side, however Cassh Cartel has also showcased how talented of a rapper he is as well. On tracks like "Mad At" and "We Coolin PT. 2" featuring B Blazo, Cassh exemplifies this wonderfully. Boston has quickly become an East Coast hub for Hip-Hop music, and it's young artists such as Cassh Cartel who make this possible. If you'd like to learn more about Cassh Cartel, feel free to follow him on social media @casshcartel! Watch the official music video for "Falling" below: By: Shamus Hill BoriRock has swiftly become a household name for supporters of the Massachusetts music scene. Not only has he already released two full-length projects this year, but Bori has been amassing a loyal fanbase that excitedly awaits each of his next moves. The Puerto Rican Jay-Z makes his way back onto the Mass Music Radio Airwaves today, with the official music video for "For A Few Dollaz". Coming off of his January tape IT'S ME, "For A Few Dollaz" served as the introduction to what this project would entail. From the second the listener hears Bori yell "I can't get a job they doing background checks", this gritty, tenacious energy takes over. El Hooto has never once shied away from placing his life experience at the forefront of his discography, as he continuously provides realistic anecdotes of life in Boston. This raw authenticity combined with his natural ability to put raps together have resulted in an unparalleled catalog of music that is continuously under development. I'm thrilled that Bori tapped in Gil Videos to bring the visual for this song to life, especially being that the reason I got hip to Bori in the first place was from the music video for "La Vida" featuring Dun Dealy -- one that was also shot by Gil. Both Bori and Gil Videos have been improving on their craft, and it's an honor to be able to witness this growth in real-time. Watch the official music video for "For A Few Dollaz" below: |