Deem Spencer Reveals His Vulnerability On His New Album "Pretty Face"

As one of New York’s emerging lyricists, comparing Deem Spencer to the mainstream’s typical emo-trap/rap emcee’s can seem like a bit of a stretch, but the Queens protege has been quite vulnerable on his last two projects, stemming from personal upheaval, despair and emotional struggles.

On 2017’s, “We Think We Alone,” Deem Spencer showcased a foggy and grieving account of his psyche after the death of his grandfather. 2019’s, “Pretty Face,” illustrates another emotional turmoil that Deem faces, but from a different set: his ongoing battle to sustain the romantic relationship with his long time girlfriend.

If “We Think We Alone” engulfed Deem at his darkest state, then “Petty Face” certainly strips Deem at his core, revealing the introvert’s most heartbreaking and tormentuous feeling of love lost. Which I would think seems as a rarity for the emcee’s stern, some-what cold demeanor, that Deem portrays both on and off the stage.

For the duration of the album, Deem attempts to salvage what’s left of his 4-year relationship, which is painfully expressed through his emotional depth, quirky muted vocals and a gloomy creative approach. The record is laid out over a statement that Deem gnarly croons in repetition on the album’s first track - “Really, I been tryna tell shorty how beautiful shorty is to me but shorty not tryna hear it from me - “ which is ingenuously the album’s track list read out in a sentence.

With its aesthetic storytelling and lyrically raw honesty, this record displays Deem at his best, and yet worst ways, as he struggles to identify with his own vulnerability and grief over a solid and beautiful production that carries the young emcee on every track.

Some of our favorites on this record are “Is,” “Tryna Tell” and “Not Tryna Heart It.” All excellent tracks that you can add to your playlist this weekend.

Listen to “Pretty Face” today - out now on all music streaming platforms.

Deem Spencer

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J. Cole Tackles The Consequences of Addiction on "KOD"

J. Cole's new album, "KOD," is a profound critique, and tailored exploitation, on the consequences of addiction in our society.

The North Carolina emcee, whose transition from hip-hop hitmaker to hip-hop activist, followed up 2016's, "4 Your Eyez Only," with a superb record that accounts for Cole's experiences with addiction seen through the windows of his own personal struggles.

Across this 12 piece epic, however, Cole also finds room to tackle some of America's other controversial and polarizing subjects – including the government's response to gun violence, depression/anxiety and the hypocrisies of Black America & urban culture. There's even room for a "lil" beef with today's trap stars and emo-rappers, as Cole also addresses the state of hip-hop with the genre's future artists.

On "KOD" (or depending on how you wish to decipher the acronym - "Kids on Drugs," "King on Drugs" or "Kill our Demons"), Cole encourages listeners to steer away from drugs through the polarizing storytelling and expressive lyrical ability that harbors his own personal battles with addiction during his childhood and adult life.

On "Once an Addict (Interlude)" Cole's vulnerability takes whole when he opens a window for listeners to view some of the emcees most intimate challenges. The song speaks on his mother's addiction with drugs and alcohol and their frictional relationship during his upbringing. Cole also addresses his own addition, both personally and professionally, on "Breakdown;" while also poised with relying on drugs to escape from his opportunistic friendships on "The Cut Off."

J. Cole - ATM (Official Music Video) - Directed by Scott Lazer. © 2018 Dreamville, Inc., Under exclusive license to Roc Nation Records

Cole also touches upon his success in contrasts to the misfortunes that surrounded his former circle on “Friends.” He combines this concept of guilt and blessing with a stance on how success can be misleading. On “Brackets,” Cole enlightens listeners to re-think about the fruits of their labor and the effects of taxation on our urban communities. Cole offers us a little humor, however, where he references one of Richard Pryor’s old stand-up skits at the beginning of the song, offering another perspective on how money is viewed in our society. While on, "ATM," Cole shows us his own perspective on money and it's lack of importance due to its a temporary void.

And what’s a Cole world without songs about love, sex and infidelity? On “Photograph,” Cole’s swag and tenacity on the mic discusses the mirage of love in the digital age where online-dating sites and matchmaking apps remain apparent. Cole also issues an exposition on infidelity and selfishness with, “Kevin’s Heart,” which is titled from Kevin Heart’s cheating scandal. The song dictates the lack of appreciation men have for a faithful woman and the emotional consequences that are conveyed.

J. Cole - Kevin's Heart (Official Music Video) - Starring Kevin Heart. Directed by J. Cole & Scott Lazer. © 2018 Dreamville, Inc., Under exclusive license to Roc Nation Records

At the album’s conclusion, Cole’s song, “1985 (Intro to “The Fall Off”),” set’s off another heated commentary and lecture on hip hop’s mumble and emo-rap culture. This critique is specifically geared to the longevity and sustainability of emcees set in a genre-trending sound. With warnings of fiscal irresponsibility, a falling off sound, and ultimately, the lost of an audience, J. Cole’s shots at today’s youth speak to his experiences of how rappers have risen and fallen over the course of his career. With Cole’s on going feud with this new form of hip hop, this song allegedly aims at such charting trappers such as Lil Uzi Vert, Smokepurpp and Lil Pump, who have also had words for Cole in the last year.

J. Cole mastery on “KOD” illustrates again how persistent Cole’s dominance has been in the game today. With enduring storytelling, daring vulnerability and profound empathy, the Dreamville emcee forces us to reflect on the gifts that we take for granted.

From the painful consequences of America’s drug epidemic to the hypocrisies that are endured throughout our urban communities, Cole’s activism, through lyrical brilliance and prolific expression, makes “KOD” one of the most daring and intriguing albums of 2018 so far.

Along with stern commentary on today’s rising emcees in the trap/emo-rap space, as well as an onslaught on man’s infidelity, Cole continues to be the exceptional voice for today’s hip hop generation.

Listen, steam and download “KOD” on all digital streaming platforms today.

J. Cole

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Water Seed Redefines Funk & Soul With "We Are Stars"

Water Seed continues to establish themselves as the essence of contemporary funk and jazz hailing from the streets of New Orleans. Progressively authentic, yet innovatively versatile, Water Seed has adamantly blended the genres of soul, gospel, funk and blues that adhere to their complex musicianship and tender dexterity.

Founder Lou Hill (drummer, composer & vocalists) cultivated Water Seed out of Atlanta, where they toured extensively across the country to develop Water Seed’s an emerging resume.

With a variety of performances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans Essence Festival, The Richmond Jazz Festival, New York’s renowned The Apollo Theater, Tipitina’s in New Orleans and a three month residency in Russia – just to name a few – the band obtained a national following through it’s funkalicious grooves, smooth keys, early 60’s soul and gospel-esque melodies that have mesmerized audiences. Flautist Cinese, along with lead vocalist Berkley the Artist and vocalist Shaleyah, have also propelled Water Seed to establish its unique genre binding sound along with preservation, keen artistry, and composition.

The band’s extensive discography has stacked to over 250,000 downloads, album sales and music streams. Their last two projects, “Water Love 1” and “Water Love 2,” have debuted in the top 20 iTunes album charts.

Along with an immersive fanbase, Water Seed continues to emerge as one of the best independent funk/soul bands with the release of their fifth studio album “We Are Stars.” Water Seed’s latest project constitutes a musical journey that’s packed with soulful melodies; a mix of classic jazz and seasoned Orleans-esque sounds straight from the Bayou. With songs such as the album opener “Open Sesame,” early 60’s island groove “Work It Out” and the hit lead single, “Bollywood,” Water Seed resonates a sound that continues to grow among audiences to get on their feet and dance the night away.

Water Seed provides funkier elements on “We Are Stars” with songs “Arithmetic,” “Simple Truth” and “Funktamis,” accentuating late 70’s synths, elaborating horns and energizing grooves. The album itself elicits more of Water Seed’s funkier compositions and progressive songwriting that elevates the band’s music identity and effective sound.

Water Seed’s continued focus on strong musicianship and innovation, allows this band to redefine the sound of contemporary funk and soul, while finding new grooves for fans and audiences to get funky. . 

On June 29th, we’ll be offering two free exclusive tickets to see Water Seed perform their new album, "We Are Stars," at The Bitter End, one of the oldest music venues in New York City, with a signed copy of their album. The show will be apart of Water Seed's spring/summer tour, kicking off next month.

Make sure to catch Water Seed live in a city near you and download/stream, “We Are Stars,” today! Tour dates and locations shown below.

Tour Dates

6/2. Cafe DaVinci. Deland, FL

6/3. The Atlantic. Gainesville, FL

6/7. 1904 Music Hall. Jacksonville, FL

6/8. Vinyl at Center Stage. Atlanta, GA

6/9. AM Booth's Lumberyard. Huntsville, AL

6/10. Blue Canoe. Tupelo, MS

6/16. Chop Shop. Chicago, IL

6/17. Two-EE's Winery. Huntington, IN

6/18. Player's Pub. Bloomington, IN

6/19. Be Here Now. Muncie, IN

6/20. Urban Artifact. Cincinnati, OH

6/21. Nighttown. Cleveland, OH

6/22. Spirit. Pittsburgh, PA

6/23. Livery. Benton Harbor, MI

6/24. PJ's Lager House. Detroit, MI

6/27. Sauf Haus. Washington, DC

6/28. Tipping Chair Tavern. Milldale, CT

6/29. Bitter End. New York, NY

6/30. Plough & Stars. Boston, MA

7/1- World Café-  Philadelphia, PA

7/2. Emilio's. Richmond, VA

7/4. Town Pump Tavern. Asheville, NC

7/6. Preservation Pub. Knoxville, TN

7/7. Acme Feed & Seed. Nashville, TN

7/13. Seven. Santa Barbara, CA

7/18. Hotel Utah. San Francisco, CA

7/19. Crazy Horse. Nevada City, CA

7/20 through 7/22. Peppermill Casino. Reno, NV

7/23. Lagunitas. Petaluma, CA

7/25. Winston's. San Diego, CA

7/27. Pour House. Oceanside, CA

7/28. Hotel Cafe. Los Angeles, CA

Water Seed

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