Guilty Giraffe's Dreamy and Transformative Sound Shines On Their Self-Titled Album

Westchester’s trail blazing quartet, Guilty Giraffe, released their self-titled EP last Friday showcasing the bands guitar shredding sound, grungy aroma and dynamic blend of subgenre that graciously form into one magnificent record. A collage of both new and previously recorded songs, Guilty Giraffe illustrates a guitar-leading album that’s aggressive, breezy; yet experimental with every growling vocal and acrobatic rifts. 

Forged by lead singer/guitarist Mathew McGinnis and former drummer Felipe Reis, the Yonkers-based outfit released their debut album, “A Time to Slime,” in 2015. After signing with independent record label, Mint 400 Records, Guilty Giraffe released their sophomore album, “Server Error.” Subsequently, the band linked up with new members Will Vellek (guitarist), Shane Sumano (bass) and Kevin Knebel who came on as drummer after Reis’s departure from the band in 2018. The band released their lead single/video to their song, “Washed Out,” this past January ahead of their self-titled release.

FILMED AND EDITED BY ORION PERENYI. RECORDED AND MIXED BY WILL VELLEK. MASTERED BY SAM STAUFF.

Known for their raspy post-hardcore style, Guilty Giraffe throws down a compelling and enchanting production with the album’s kick-off song “Babyface.” The cool electrifying guitar play by Vellek, and unique vocal charm by McGinnis, reign supreme on this track. The grungy pop-centric melodies of “Kmart Goth” and “Xanax” also illustrate Mat’s crooning vocals and the band’s energizing licks that are fueled with noisy elements and masterful effect pedals. 

On the LP’s lead single and visual, “Washed Out,” Guilty Giraffe portrays their dreamy guitar play and spellbinding pop aromas with enticing vocals and charming melodies. While on “Try and Figure,” the grungy-esque flare and surreal atmosphere pulls the album together perfectly with signature amps and a killer breakdown. The quartet’s airy production, “Cool as a Fan,” showcases their talent on experimentation and reach of their composition. 

Will Vellek (far left), Mat McGinnis (center left), Kevin Knebel (center right), Shane Sumano (far right)

Embedded with a grungy slime-rock sound, Guilty Giraffe captivates audiences with their cloudy aesthetics, ingenuous pedal play and soothingly wholesome vocals that are displayed masterfully through every song. With their distinct creativity and transformative sound, Guilty Giraffe have solidified themselves as one of the leading emerging indie bands coming out of the Westchester DIY scene. A band that’s a must watch, and listen, for those seeking a fresh sound in this genre.

Catch Guilty Giraffe at Margarita’s in Yonkers tonight for their album release party. Listen/follow Guilty Giraffe today: available now on all streaming platforms.

Guilty Giraffe

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Trippie Redd Unreils His Beautiful, Yet Messy Voyage, of Complex Emotions on "Life's A Trip"

With his signature screeches and melancholic melodies, Trippie Redd released his debut album, “Life’s A Trip,” last month that illustrates the young emcees beautiful, yet messy voyage of complex emotions and unapologetic honesty across his two solid deliveries: hip-hop and punk rock.

Raised in Canton, OH, Trippie Redd gained famed and notoriety in 2015 after releasing a series of mixtapes and videos that went viral across SoundCloud and YouTube. His unique versatile style of combining emo/cloud-rap, with the rebellious energy of garage and punk rock, made him an instant sensation online that accelerated his rise amongst audiences looking towards hip-hop to endure the struggles of depression and drug use.

“Life’s A Trip” is one of Redd’s finest works to date. A bold record that allows the emo-rapper to unveil his highest glowing melodies and viciously precise bars, all while confronting his deepest emotions and personal endeavors over hollow guitar riffs and some of the best trap/boom-bap production this year.

 The heavy hitters on this record, “Bang” and “Bird Sh$t,” showcases Redd’s unique vocal expressions, with an inviting lyrical approach that’s bolstered with smooth head-boppin’ productions. His feature with Travis Scott on, “Dark Knight Domino” (the albums leading single), also displayed Trippie’s trap/cloud roots, illustrating a stern musical approach and heart pumping beats that masterfully aligns with Scott’s lyrical depth and genre-binding arrangements.

Directed by White Trash Tyler - Music video by Trippie Redd & Travis Scott (C) 2018 TenThousand Projects, LLC

 Trippie Redd draws out his honesty on the hauntingly scorn opener, “Together,” where he croons, “I gotta keep it together ain’t no tweakin’ now / I gotta pull it together ain’t no holdin’ on.” His subsequent track, “Taking A Walk,” is a witty obituary that’s fluid with stuntin’ vibes, vivid imagery and autumn-esque flows that fall gracefully with every crawl.

Redd draws out his hip-hop roots, however, on “Missing My Idols,” “Oomps Revenge” and “Gore” that’s ripe with sharp lyricism and fiery-engulfed flows. 

On “Missing My Idols,” Trippie pulls out his Lil Wayne card with a Weezy-esque style shout out to his idol, while also grilling the competition, as he accounts for his inspirations.

In the soul gripping, “Oomps Revenge,” Trippie showcases his lyricism with a laid back vibe and meticulously refunded bars. He draws out his emotions again by acknowledging those who’ve stood with him - both past and present - throughout his struggles and those who’ve shoved him aside during his journey to the top. “I don’t think they get me/Build a legacy and hope my n***as be up with me/,” he spits, “And everyone that’s with me/I used to feel alone, but I know my brothers soul is with me/I know oompas soul is with me.”

Official Music Video | Diplo - Wish (feat. Trippie Redd). BBTV_MadDecent, [Merlin] BecauseMusic (on behalf of Mad Decent); UMPG Publishing, Create Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, CMRRA, Abramus Digital, ASCAP, Downtown Music Publishing, and 9 Music Rights Societies

On “Gore,” Trippie spits that heat over a ripely ill beat that shatters audio systems. Redd defiantly croons, “Even if it kills me, imma win,” with a liquidly fresh melody and soaked up bars that electrifies a thunderous delivery.

As one of the most polarizing and versatile young artists to ascend from the cloud/trap genre, Trippie Redd’s debut album excels in both sound, storytelling and lyricism. The record strips away at the Ohio emcees most emotional undertones, which reconciles his strength, empathy and self-preservation. 

At a time where mental health is such a pressing issue in our society, and it’s profound impact across the hip-hop space, Trippie Redd sustains himself as a beacon of light for many of his listeners and peers experiencing the same challenges. Though his complex ability to reach across genres, Trippie Redd’s music has already defined a generation that’s trying to keep it together and how faltering now is not an option.

Add “Life’s A Trip” to your playlist today.

Trippie Redd

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Travis Scott Ascends On His Own Psychedelic Musical Carnival With "Astroworld"

Houston’s very own, Travis Scott, released his third studio album, Astroworld, this month that has already received critical acclaim and chart-topping success. A montage to a long lost amusement park from his hometown, Astroworld pulsates as a collage of celestial imagery, superb production and a dazzling psychedelic world that’s curated through Scott’s lyrical talent and euphoric vocals.

Undoubtedly one of his strongest albums to date, Travis Scott’s creative approach and surreal artistry has risen the 26-year old emcee to mainstream dominance, recording along side the likes of Kanye West, Drake, Migos, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, Frank Ocean and others.

A self-proclaimed singer than rapper, Scott’s preferred auto-tuned style offers a trippy-sounding and cloudy vibe to his music – two components that allow listeners to be lost in a hallucinating penumbra of unexpected musical arrangements, mesmerizing sound and alluring lyricism. Scott’s mastery in the studio is shown exponentially on Astroworld and it’s an approach that allows for an excellent listen from start to finish.

On the opening track, “Stargazing,” Scott crawls over a beautifully spellbinding production that’s both inviting and haunting - an experience that opens listeners to a euphoric and illusionary sound that cascades throughout the record.

Travis Scott showcases his continued dominance in social media and pop culture with the hit record “Sicko Mode” Feat. Drake. Drake’s savvy flow and witty bars, mixed with Scott’s smooth rhyme play, work beautifully over a multi-faceted beat that’s both catchy and inviting.

“Stop Trying To Be God” - By Travis Scott, Featuring Philip Bailey, James Blake, Kid Cudi and Stevie Wonder on harmonica Directed by Dave Meyers (c) 2018 Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. With Cactus Jack and Grand Hustle.

The extravagant and charismatically pleasing, “R.I.P. Screw” highlights Scott’s artistry with a potent and gorgeous aesthetic that meshes among groovy hypnotic chords. While Scott’s collaborations with John Mayer and Thundercat on, “Astrothunder,” illustrates the young producer’s depth with genre-trending ingredients that’s euphorically decadent and elegantly refined.

On the passionately spicy, “Wake Up,” Scott teams up with The Weeknd for a soulful R&B track that’s ripe with auto-tune finesse, romantic honesty and steamy finishes. Scott also rolls his pop endeavors on the heavy vocal, “Stop Trying To Be God,” where Scott crawls though an auto-tuned entrenched vibe that’s backed by Kid Cudi's addictive humming and Stevie Wonders signature harmonica

Scott turns up the heat on the trap hits, “Butterfly Effect” and “Houstonfornication,” that enhances his illusionary and bugged-out approach with stellar execution and a complex tailored flow.

“Butterfly Effect” - by Travis Scott. Director: BRTHR Video Producer: Laure Salgon Executive Producer: Sara Greco (C) 2017 Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

Scott closes out his impressive record with “Coffee Bean” - a critique on his unexpected child and relationship differences with Kylie Jenner. The song displays Scott at the peak of his game with an honest display of lyrical bars; deep cut arrangements and formidable storytelling that allows Scott to bare all humility. A segment that reigns throughout Scott’s archaic funhouse-obsessed concept.

With a neon display of cosmic sounds, strobe-influenced arrangements and absorbingly complex vocals, Travis Scott’s, Astroworld, is a magnificent achievement that’s warm, inspiring and precise. Scott’s skillfully curated sound, both through production and voice, allows this project to be a pleasing aesthetic that bustles with sticky creativity and impressive musical command. As hip-hop continues to raise the bar on expressive, unique and genre-binding music, Travis Scott pushes further. He stands atop as the ringleader of his own visionary and abstract musical carnival – a circus that we’re all paying top dollar for.

Add Astroworld to your summer playlist today.

Travis Scott

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Rebelution Vibes Out On The Breezy and Consciously Smooth "Free Rein"

With those breezy and conscious Cali-Island rhythms, Rebelution's new album, Free Rein, is a perfect record for those blazing hot summer days to keep you vibed out and chill.

The Santa Barbara-based band released their seventh studio album last month and it’s a fantastic acoustic/reggae-dub record that showcases the veteran band’s authenticity, lifestyle and care-free living.

Rebelution takes on a very acoustic and slow-jam approach with tracks such as, "Healing" and "Constellation," which are perfect for those on-the-sand acoustic sessions by the Pacific. On "Healing," Rebelution offers listeners with a gentle acoustic and tranquil vocals that would have the likes of Peter Frampton and Eric Clapton smiling. On "Constellation," the cali-based band tones down the temp further with smooth moonlight energy, Americana vibes and a moody approach.

"Healing” - Rebelution off their new album, Free Rein. Available Now on 87 Music / Easy Star Records.

Yet, Rebelution keeps to their trademark sound and reggae-So Cal roots with songs such as, "Celebrate," "City Life," "Settle Down Easy" and "Patience." These gems are perfect for this summers backyard bbq's, late afternoon beach tanning, and of course, passing around some Mary Jane around the bonfire. 

Their reggae roots are truly shown on "Celebrate" and "City Life" with positive lyrics, vivid storytelling and a refreshing ocean kiss that grasps your spine with iced out vibes and island grooves. "Settle Down Easy" and "Patience" are other reggae-centric tracks that keeps the Mary Jane bright and relaxing rythms to ease down your day.

Rebelution's authenticity, positive attitude and laid-back antics, with both a reggae and indie rock feel, is why this band remains a primary go-to when you need to cheer to the good life.

Add Rebelution's, Free Rein, to your beach house playlist this summer!

Rebelution

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Kid Cudi and Kanye West Confront Their Own Demons On "KIDS SEE GHOSTS"

Kanye West and Kid Cudi released their long-awaited collaborative album this month under the project, KIDS SEE GHOSTS, highlighting their strong chemistry, unapologetic honesty and distinctive approaches. 

With both artists dealing with their fair share of mental illness, the seven-track record is a complex account of both artists’ honesty, self-reflection, doubt, confessions and rehabilitation. 

Through Ye’s candid lyricism and innate storytelling the legendary producer shines with one of his finest works. Along with Cudi’s crooning melodies, emotional depths and vocal truths, the album symbolizes a turning point for both artists and an impressive account of how we tackle some of our deepest demons. 

Our fav tracks on this one: ‘Reborn,’ ‘Free,’ ‘Kids See Ghosts’ and ‘Cudi Montage.’ 

Add to your weekly playlist today!

Kid Cudi

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Nas Battles Social Unrest, Political Upheaval & Gun Violence on "Nasir"

As today’s fragile society & divisive politics disintegrates into chaos each day, it’s fitting that hip hop guides us back to one of its most prolific storytellers and curator of urban social issues. 

In his 11th studio album, NAS’s new project is one of the most anticipated albums of 2018 and the 4th installment of a series of produced works by Kayne West in June. “Nasir” showcases both artists current critique of today’s increasingly vial social issues that span from police brutality, gun violence, domestic violence and the means of success. 

Nas and Ye waste no time on their thoughts on the police brutality epedemic with the Slick Rick sampled, ‘Cops Shot The Kid.’ The album also opens with a powerful protest song, ‘Not For The Radio’ feat. Diddy, that highlights the power of Black America through historical truths and tribulations. One of our favorite tracks, ‘Everything’ Feat. The-Dream & Ye, tackles success and self-reflection on how such blessings play a role to make a change in society. 

With an incredible production from Kanye and a powerful lyrical and curating account of today’s issues by Queens Bridge’s finest, Nas proves once again that he stands among the greats to have ever wielded the mic. 

Add “Nasir” to your playlist this week.

Nas

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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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