Che Noir featuring 38 Spesh - "Smooth Jazz"

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Earlier this year, Che Noir gave birth to her first child, and released The Color Chocolate 2 in June. Now she's back with a new single off another new album, this one due in August. The first single off that album, "Smooth Jazz," features Rochester, NY rapper 38 Spesh. It's a just over two minute song with stripped back production, with little more than a beat and sampled horns. The jazz sampling reminds me of the jazz rap movement from the 90's with artists like Guru and Digable Planets, but a modern version of that. Plus, "Smooth Jazz" seems to have a darker vibe to it than it's predecessors typically had. Che Noir and 38 Spesh are two of our favorite newer rappers, so it's great to see the two team up on such a great track.

Che Noir says of her new single and upcoming album:

“This album, No Validation, is one of the dopest projects I’ve created. The lead single, ‘Smooth Jazz’ featuring 38 Spesh, was recorded while I was pregnant. I knew immediately Spesh was the perfect fit. It’s been a wild journey bringing this to life, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

You can listen to "Smooth Jazz" below. No Validation is due out August 29 on HiPNOTT Records. For more on Che Noir, check out the artist's website.

On Repeat...

Liam Kazar - "Shoes Too Tight"

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Photo by Alexa Viscius This may be Liam Kazar's debut single, but the Chicago based musician already has an impressive resume, having worked with Jeff Tweedy, Chance the Rapper, Steve Gunn, Daniel Johnston, and others. "Shoes Too Tight" features childhood friend Spencer Tweedy on drums, Lane Beckstrom on bass, and Ohmme on vocals. It's an absurdly fun and groovy little song that is a party waiting to happen. What he gives us here is a timeless song that could truly have been released any time since the 1960's (ok... maybe not the 80's...) There are elements of classic rock, 60's crooners and R&B, indie rock, modern Americana... it's really just packed with everything in a cohesive song that maintains the vibe the entire way through. You can watch the video for "Shoes Too Tight" below. For more on Liam Kazar, check him out on Instagram and Twitter . He's also raising money on his Bandcamp for Constellation and The Hungry Brain. ...
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Photo via Facebook When you're a rock band from Salem, MA, you have to have at least one song about witchcraft. The Freqs have fulfilled their obligation with a banger of a song. "Witch" is this giant monster of a song, filled with fuzz and strained, screaming vocals. This is the type of song that doesn't usually exist in this century. It's giving me some serious 90's flashbacks, like if Hum got aggressive or Alice in Chains decided to do some damage on the college charts. As great as the vocals are in "Witch," what's really drawing me in is the instrumental break down that takes over about halfway through. This is the kind of song to make the hipsters and the headbangers equally excited. You can listen to "Witch" below. For more on The Freqs, check out the band on Facebook and Instagram . The Freqs · Witch
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Dutch ReBelle - "GOONIEZ"

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How is Dutch ReBelle not a national superstar at this point? The Boston MC just released "GOONIEZ," and I know I'm a bit out of touch with current mainstream hip hop, but this song is absolutely killer. It's a stripped down hip hop song that has this futuristic space age sound to it. Plus, ReBelle's flow is unsurpassed. You can't listen to her and not be completely sucked in. The song has a feel reminiscent of classic Missy Elliott. As much as I love that we can still see Dutch ReBelle in smaller Boston venues, "GOONIEZ" proves she should be playing much larger venues nationwide very, very soon. You can watch the video for "GOONIEZ" below. For more on Dutch ReBelle, check out the artist's website . 
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