THE DELI

The elegant hip-hop beats that dominated the tracks of 50 Cent’s 2003 breakout album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ feel like a relic of olden days. The splendor of those beats was in their concentration of funky bass lines, R&B buffs, and kickdrums that popped alongside the velvety verses that laid on the track. It is the smoothly-layered words of NYC’s Akinyemi—alongside his tribute to those beats—that make the artist a standout in the current crowded hip hop market. In his song "Fleece" (streaming) the young MC suggests protection from the elements: he references the frigidness of greed, the heat of competition, the winds of change. Akinyemi says, "the weather isn’t bigger," and the more you listen to his track, the more you feel inclined to believe him. The Queens Village rapper is ready to bring his message to Zone One, Elsewhere on May 25th, loud and clear. – Rene Cobar

Cha-ching! NYC’s Quarters of Change continues to score with some wickedly addictive songs. Since the release of their 2018 eponymous EP, the group has been keeping their work rate in high gear with a trio of singles. Each tune is more refined than the next and displays the band’s vibrant blues-rock style—bass lines slip and slide, guitar melodies cavort, snares crack, and crooning voices harmonize. The smooth players will be further affirming their entry into the NYC music scene by playing Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on May 24th. Check out the sleekness of “Feathers” below. – Rene Cobar

Noise Pop nailed another solid show next month at Cafe du Nord. A power trio of a line up: Red Steppes, Sis, and Range of Light Wilderness. Red Steppes presents a surreal folk with vocal stylings like a less high-pitched Joni Mitchell infused with just the right touch of gentle keys and synths (god bless you, Native Cat, another gem). To be quite frank, it’s beautiful. We’re proud to premier the video for “Madera” here. Stay tuned for much more on Sis and Range of Light Wilderness. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Playing punk music makes sense for folks hailing from the East Village, but what about blending it with good old blues rock? Well, The Sweet Things formed in 2015 with the intent to deliver precisely that sound. Drawing inspiration from ‘70s arena rock monsters like The Rolling Stones, the band compounds blues elements with each member’s previous punk rock backgrounds. Screaming guitars at the start of the group’s latest single “Almost Faded” blend excellently with deft keys that would make Chuck Leavell proud. The fuzzy bass and the powerful drums drive the song forward at full steam and give it the edge that makes it contemporary. The single announces their May 24th debut album In Borrowed Shoes, On Borrowed Time and the band is gearing up for a tour of the U.K. starting in June. The party is just getting started for this group of new yorkers, don’t miss the local leg at The Bowery Electric on May 24 – Rene Cobar

Abe Hollow just released his first single, “Golden Calf” off the forthcoming A Palace in Time and it’s a calm and lovely surrealist folk song reminiscent of Bon Iver’s compositions and Elliot Smith’s breathy sad vocals but with slightly trippier touches. A Palace in Time, recorded at Tiny Telephone and mastered by Jacob Winik, is a collection of collaborations with musicians from all over the Bay Area, including AH, Andrew Maguire, Doug Stuart, John Vanderslice, and many others. Check out this sweet taste and stayed tuned for his full release this July. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor