(Audio) TOPE – Again & Again @itsTOPE
Portland Producer and Rapper TOPE, born Anthony Anderson, has been known in some circles as one of Underground Hip Hop’s best-kept secrets for some time now. As an up and coming artist, TOPE was best known for his prolific output as a solo rapper and also founding member of the groups Living Proof and TxE. In early 2014 things started to move for TOPE with cosigns from Cody Chestnutt for his instrumental work and love from the Queen, Erykah Badu herself, for his Take Your Time music video. The release of TOPE’s album BROKEBOYSYNDROME marked cosigns from XXL, 2Dopeboyz, The Source and many more. The sky seemed to be the limit for TOPE as he packed up his bags and moved to California landing in Oakland and eventually moving to LA, then back to Oakland. A 28-city tour followed with TOPE leaking singles here and there to go along with show dates and tours. As time started to tick away the Portland music scene continued to grow and TOPE’s career in California seem to have hit a wall. Still managing to land production credits for Slum Village, Gift Of Gab of Blackalicious, and Skyzoo – TOPE’s solo music had all but disappeared. Citing depression, a lack of motivation and more TOPE took some time away from releasing music to learn piano, bass guitar, and change his sound completely. With a new album complete and more production credits starting to seep out, it appears TOPE might have reignited the fire he once had for music.
Enter his newest release “Again & Again” now available on all digital streaming platforms. A new sound, an ultra-fresh vibe but that same classic TOPE is apparent on his latest release. Updating us on his life, the grind, and the ladies occupying his time TOPE takes us straight to a summer day in California on “Again & Again.” Only marking his second non-sample production credit TOPE has stepped away from his style of chopping up Soul records ala J-Dilla and Madlib to playing smooth chords and wildly funky basslines. “Again & Again” is written, recorded, produced, and co-mixed by TOPE himself sharing mixing credits with Neill Von Tally of Eyrst Music. With over 10 years in the game, TOPE felt it was only right to challenge himself and reinvent his sound which will be heard all over his new album set to release in 2020. Roll your windows down and press play on “Again & Again” and be sure to tap in with TOPE as he releases new music this year.
Music
(Video) MUMU FRESH – “MY WHY” @maimounayoussef
Grammy-nominated Washington, D.C.-based singer/songwriter/emcee Mumu Fresh presents her new single “My Why”. Produced by Carvin Haggins and Johhny Smith, “My Why” will appear on The Healing, Mumu’s forthcoming album which will also feature contributions from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nile Hargrove, 14KT, Daniel Crawford, Vidal Davis, DJ Dummy and more. Mumu has collaborated with Lil Wayne & Tech N9ne (stream “Too Good”), Busta Rhymes, Salaam Remi & Black Thought of The Roots (watch the music video for “No Peace”) and Common (watch Mumu Fresh and Common perform “I Used To Love H.E.R.” live) and Tobi Nwigwe (watch the music video for “Tundah Fiyah”). Mumu has performed on two separate NPR Tiny Desk concerts (watch Mumu Fresh featuring Black Thought of The Roots & DJ Dummy on NPR’s Tiny Desk) and has performed worldwide at events like the Essence Music Festival, Montreux Switzerland’s Jazz Festival and Dubai’s Sole Fest DBX. “State of Emergency” marks another chapter in a career of self-described “art activism” for the Baltimore native who has performed and given lectures within the US prison system, The Congressional Black Caucus, I.M.A.N. Central in Chicago & Atlanta, The W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Ford Foundation and The Indigenous People’s Movement. Mumu is co-creator of the Recording Academy’s “Best Song For Social Change” trustee award which went live in 2023 at the 66th GRAMMY awards show and was presented by The First Lady, Jill Biden. The winner of Indigenous Music, Washington Area Music (WAMMIE) and Urban World Music Video awards, Mumu has served as Musical and Cultural Ambassador for the US State Department, Ambassador of The Black Music Collective and is a former elected governor of the DC chapter of The Recording Academy. Mumu describes “My Why” as “a tribute to that person(s), place, or thing in your life that is your “WHY”. Your reason not to give up. Your reason to keep trying and to push a little harder than you thought you could. You why reminds you of what you’re made of and brings out the best in you.” The Healing drops April 19.
Music
Santa Sallet X Nemizzo (MSP) – “Big Hands”
DMV-based rapper/producer Santa Sallet and France-based producer Nemizzo are MSP, presenting their new single “Big Hands”. Sallet has been busy showcasing his brand of East Coast braggadocious rap across a slew of recent singles like “Camouflage” (watch on Youtube), “I Get Money” (watch on Youtube), “Championship Ring” (watch on Youtube) and “Chinese Funk” (watch on Youtube) in preparation for the release of Plutography, Sallet’s forthcoming album which blends salsa beats, southern trap, and eastern jazz with classic and conventional rap samples, reflecting Sallet’s international upbringing across South Africa, Dominica and the US. Sallet is planning a series of full-length releases, among them C.R.E.A.M. which recounts his journey from broke to financially free, and Women and R.A.P. which describe his pursuit of success in relationships and the music industry respectively. “This is the song that really started MSP Tunes,” Santa says. “Nemizzo had laid down his verse and I was like, let me try something on this and I just talked about what I knew. What I think is funny, the outro is actually me recording a bunch of potential beat tags. There was a miscommunication and Nemizzo extended the beat and made it the outro. I like it though lol.” Check out Santa Sallet merch here.
EP
(EP) 38 Hauncho – “First 38”
In a momentous stride forward, rising rap sensation 38 Hauncho has unveiled his latest EP, “First 38”, a bold testament to his unparalleled artistry and unyielding dedication to his craft. After spending the last 8 months incarcerated, 38 Hauncho came home and got straight to work. Within the first 38 hours of being released, these songs were created. Hence the title, First 38.
Crafted with precision and passion, “First 38” serves as a placeholder for his highly anticipated next project featuring his single “Smooth Nigga” and “Alter Ego”. The EP encapsulates his distinctive style, blending infectious beats with reflection of 38 Hauncho’s journey, drawing from his personal experiences and aspirations.
Featuring a dynamic fusion of tracks, each song within “First 38” showcases 38 Hauncho’s versatility as an artist, effortlessly navigating through various themes and emotions. From his gritty street narratives , the EP offers a multifaceted glimpse into the artist’s world, inviting audiences to immerse themselves into his trap.
Available now on all major streaming platforms, “First 38” is set to make waves across the industry, solidifying 38 Hauncho’s position as an artist to watch in 2024 and beyond.
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