DMarx – Samurai Jack @Dmarx_

Published

4 years ago

November 2, 2019

Blitz

“Samurai Jack”, the newest music video by Portland born rapper DMarx featuring up and coming producer J.Hixon, simultaneously calls back to classic 90’s hip hop and transports viewers to another dimension. On the single, Marx stays true to his signature rap style, spitting urgent lyrics with a catchy refrain and upbeat tempo impossible not to bounce along to. ”I’m checking them trap for trap, my plug look like Samurai Jack, finesse I’m not calling him back, you fall my phone again you gone get slapped” he calls outs cleverly melding early 2000’s cartoon allusions with more traditional rap images of drinking and smoking.

Directed and edited by Taylor Bradberry, the video is anchored by a motif of Chinese characters, flower petals and crumpled paper creating a dreamy landscape which, although clearly set in Portland, Oregon (landmark building Big Pink makes a few feature appearances), feels foreign and surreal. Through heavy handed special effects riffing of the cartoon reface in the title, one scene of the video seems to melt into the next. The white sky is really crumpling paper which becomes a white pair of sneakers and then the inside of a Re:Stash jar. As the camera dives in, the viewer is spit out with DMarx onto a street in chinatown, then a fish tank.

The sense of cartoonish instability permeating the video seems to hit at the dark side of the lifestyle depicted in t”s, bitches, and racks comes the refrain, “my work disappeared so fast, you trying to make it all last.” Like the stylized scenes of the video which seem unreal and constantly verging on melting away, the hustler lifestyle is unmaintainable. The lively visuals of DMarx’s Samurai Jack make it a fun watch, but the real musicality and message make it a must see.

Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

Published

2 hours ago

April 25, 2024

TGR Media

The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.

Audio

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single “Green A Go”

Published

3 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Nancy B

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single titled “Green A Go.” Listen below via Spotify or on any music platform. You can also follow him on IG.

Artist

Derek2ILL Slays In “Magic Box” Ft. Biggz x Zero 610

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2024

MJ HipHop

Derek2Ill is busting out the hinges of a “Magic Box.” The new single, presented by Digital Dynasty Music Group features Biggz and comes with production by Zero 610. Listeners will get minutes of in-your-face bars that will keep whack rappers on the sidelines. Classic cuts and scratches heighten the duo’s performance and message. Stream “Magic Box” and connect with the Bethlehem artist below.