#azhhf

As the weather gets colder, so can our hearts.  This year more than any we have a longing for those epic summer days that just didn’t get the chance to happen.  Despite that pause in summer fun, the ups and downs of life don’t pause.  From fresh romances to break ups, life keeps going.  So whether you’re dying for another song to turn up while you’re closing out the summer or you need something to help soothe a wounded heart, Danny Kobayashi’s latest single “Blue” from his AFTERDARK EP is the perfect song to end the summer while leading you into the rest of the year.

With its string-heavy instrumental, laced with a beautifully deep bass line, this track could’ve been written for Post Malone and fit nicely along side the rest of his primarily rock driven catalogue.  The lyrics don’t fall flat in the slightest and do their best to match such a powerful musical foundation.  Even an artist like The Weeknd, a connoisseur of sexual provocation mixed with self reflection and dark indulgences, would be proud of lines like “she thinks that I’m Latin when I’m Japanese, I can’t hear her talk when she’s on her knees”.  The content starts thoroughly dark but with a chorus that says “You said it’s all black and white, then why are we feeling blue?”, it’s easy to see why it’s so unapologetic in its tenebrous approach.  Danny Kobayashi cuts through all the bullshit and lets the realities exist.

Now admittedly, that’s some good company to be associated with but the song stands out amongst its sonically compatible peers as well.  Danny Kobayashi’s voice is not like anyone else and this elevates the song as it allows his talent to truly stand out.  You might hear the perceived influences of current artists but his tonality and cadence help shift that sound to a decidedly unique one that is all his own.  Throw in top notch melodies that will not only have you signing along but help drive home such powerfully honest words.  Danny Kobayashi has given us a song you'll be blasting in headphones while you’re trying to shake off a heartbreak or playing it loudly on some really nice speakers that help the bass hit just as hard as the lyrics do.

For everyone that flocks to Hip Hop music because of the lyrics then you need to look no further than Big Doobie.  This Detroit to Phoenix artist released his "From the D to AZ" mixtape, hosted by the one and only Sauce Walka, and we needed to spotlight our favorite track so you can get a sample of the talent and skills he possesses.  

The instrumental draws you in while distant layered vocals invite you further until the drums hit and Big Doobie's infectious chorus takes off.  This gets you invested right away as you can't help but move to the beat and his cold delivery.  His flow reminds you of the grittiest days of Hip Hop, before it took over as the most beloved genre in the world.  There is confidence that has to stem from real life experiences and inspirations because the conviction in his delivery is what sells it the most.  The flows switch throughout to the point where you start to anticipate it.  Of course Big Doobie matches and exceeds what you might be anticipating.  From the first line, "I have no competition, there is no opposition", the bars elevate to more internalized and complicated rhyme schemes as the songs plays and it leaves you wanting more.

If you have Sauce Walka hosting your project its bound to sound great.  There is also some expectation that starts to swell up as well.  It's not easy to meet people's expectations when it comes to anything in life, especially music, however, in just one song Big Doobie surpasses that expectation.  Big Doobie is what a lot of people call a "rappers" rapper.  This means his lyrical ability is basically on an elevated level compared to most other artists.  This isn't to discredit anyone else, it's actually a compliment to have an artist like Big Doobie setting the bar so high.  With high production value, a driving instrumental, catchy hook and lyrics delivered with such emphasis you can feel yourself vibing to the cadence alone, "Snappin" is a complete hit that demands more than a few replays.

by SLIM HALPERT

Name someone selling out shows every Friday night in Phoenix, AZ.  If you are having a hard time thinking of one I can help out with that.  It’s Respect The Underground.  Selling out shows every Friday night is not a small accomplishment, especially when you consider where these shows are taking place, at the Monarch Theater, in the heart of downtown Phoenix, AZ.  Its something Respect The Underground could brag about and start throwing some Gary Vaynerchuk left hooks if they were so inclined, but they still host nights like the iKONiK FRIDAYS CHALLENGE with iKON Radio, nights where its all about the independent artists in their community.

Respect The Underground wants to foster independent artists and help them grow, to help them get closer to the holy trinity of success; money, power and respect.  So they decided to help out by offering up a prize of $500 cash and a spot on the main stage for the 5th Annual Arizona Hip-Hop Festival.  Money and Respect were the prizes but who had the power to take them?

The winners EastSide Savvy and Nu Vision Project got on stage and rapped their lyrics with conviction and maximum effort.  EastSide Savvy had more people watching his performance than the previous 4 or 5 artists combined and brought an old school vibe with his honest bravado.  His music matched his swag, he is young but isn't shy about his dreams and motivations.  Nu Vision Project showed true lyricism and they had more skeptics turn to fans than anyone else while feeling like a pseudo headliner.  The words “real hip hop” were uttered multiple times and by more than one person.  EastSide Savvy was so admired that people were following him around and showing love long after he finished his performance.  Nu Vision Project was canvasing the venue, talking to people and engaging with their fans.  They were giving out free music, and connecting with people.  These artists showed how deserving they were and with the help of the packed house texting their votes, were able to claim victory together and set the tone for up and coming artists heading into festival season.