Innholdsfortegnelse for ISSUE 3 - Sep - Nov 2025 i Urban Barz Magazine

UNITED STATES, BOSTON, MA Released on June 24, 2025, Boston-based artist Aleksandra (Allie) Picariello shares her most vulnerable moment through her original single Chair. A blend of hip-hop, commercial pop, and alternative dance elements, the track is the first in a series of songs that will tell her story of mental health struggles, addiction, and ultimately, survival. The title of the song is rooted in a defining memory. Nearly a decade ago, while in dual diagnosis rehab for drug abuse, severe depression, and anxiety, Aleksandra hit rock bottom. Overcome with jealousy and heartbreak, she hurled a chair against a wall three times. It was at that breaking point, she admits, that she realized she had “lost it”—and more importantly, that she needed help. That moment of clarity sparked the beginning…

Rhythm and blues (R&B) has always been a shape-shifting genre – from its soulful mid-20th century origins to the smooth commercial heights of the ‘90s and the experimental alt-R&B of the 2010s. Fast forward to 2025, and R&B stands at a crossroads. The genre's evolution in recent years has been both exciting and challenging, marked by stylistic shifts, the disruptive influence of streaming, and debates about its very identity. Is R&B being diluted by its blend with hip hop and pop, or is it entering a new golden age of creativity? The answer is complex. What's clear is that today's R&B artists are navigating a transformed musical landscape – one where streaming dictates success, genre lines blur, and a new generation is reclaiming the soulful roots of R&B in fresh…

ENGLAND, BEARSTED Hamilton Hound's latest release, Flames, landed on July 28th, 2025, and immediately set itself apart as a deeply charged cover single. Drawing from Charles Bradley's The World (Is Going Up in Flames), the track re-centers the timeless message of struggle, decay, and hope in a world on fire. With its fusion of UK rap, soul, and contemporary production, the release stands as a testament to resilience and creative reinvention. At its core, Flames is a critique of societal decline – a reflection on corrupt leadership, fractured systems, and the erosion of truth. Yet, the track is not one of despair. Instead, Hamilton Hound injects the piece with hope, pointing to a younger movement of artists, thinkers, and poets as the light capable of shifting narratives and inspiring change.…

NORWAY, ULSTEIN Released on July 18, 2025, Norwegian artist Siklu made a bold entrance into the global rap scene with his debut EP VISIONS. The five-track project is more than just a showcase of beats and rhymes—it is a statement of identity, process, and intention. Built entirely using FL Studio and his personal keyboard, VISIONS strips rap production back to its essence, resulting in a project that is raw, direct, and emotionally charged. The opening track, “Guns Up” (featuring Grafezzy and Yinte), sets the tone for the EP. At just over a minute in length, it embodies the urgency and paranoia that Siklu describes as being “on edge and stressed.” Rather than relying on heavy production or mainstream polish, the track thrives on intensity and minimalism. The short runtime is…

UNITED STATES, BAKERSFIELD Released on July 25, 2025, Mist2'9's album The Reclaim is more than just a collection of songs—it is a declaration of intent. Rooted in Bakersfield's vibrant music scene, the project captures the hunger, ambition, and authenticity of an artist determined to establish their place in the industry. With a mix of gangsta rap, hip-hop, R&B, and US rap, The Reclaim is a showcase of versatility, drive, and raw self-expression. At its core, the album is a response to the competitive energy of Mist2'9's city, where many artists claim to be the best. The Reclaim serves as both a challenge and a reminder that Mist2'9's skills, creativity, and relentless work ethic put them firmly in the conversation. With over a million streams in Kern County and recognition on…

NAMIBIA, WINDHOEK Released on July 17th, 2025, Namibian artist Proklaim continues his mission to reshape hip-hop with his latest dual-track single, CREEPIN/FURTHER (2 IN 1). Hailing from Windhoek, Proklaim has built a reputation as an innovator who blends sharp lyricism with global sounds, and this release might be his boldest yet. Drawing inspiration from classic boom bap, South African amapiano, and a sample from the Shaka Zulu mini-series, the project combines heritage, storytelling, and progressive production in a way that feels both historic and futuristic. Proklaim's vision for this release was clear: to create music that transmits an organic energy, instantly resonating across cultures and languages. CREEPIN/FURTHER (2 IN 1) thrives on spontaneity – the artist purchased two beats, wrote his verses with immediacy, and delivered them in a recording…

UNITED STATES, CHARLESTON, WV Charleston-born artist Stephen Thomas continues to prove why he's one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary music with the release of his latest single, Strange Love. Out now across all major platforms, the track dives deep into the complexities of modern relationships, fusing alternative indie R&B, commercial pop, and dance elements into a sound that is both infectious and emotionally resonant. The single marks another milestone in Thomas's ever-evolving career as he builds anticipation for his upcoming EP, The Universal Me. Pioneering what he calls the “Universal” genre, Thomas blends sonic influences without boundaries, creating music that resonates across audiences and styles. On Strange Love, that ethos is on full display—offering a reflective yet high-energy track that captures the emotional fallout of today's romance…

UNITED STATES, SANFORD Released on June 28, 2024, Total Control by Ado Drix has become one of the most significant moments of the Sanford-based artist's career to date. The track, a heavy-hitting fusion of trap, hip-hop, and rap, recently earned a prestigious sync placement with the National Football League (NFL). Now licensed for broadcast play across live events, commercials, and highlight reels, Total Control is more than just a single—it's a statement of ambition and proof that independent artists can reach the highest stages without traditional gatekeepers. Fewer than 30 hip-hop artists each year secure an NFL sync placement, making this achievement a rare and powerful milestone. For Drix, it represents not just personal success but also an opportunity to build a framework for other independent artists to follow. Beyond…

ENGLAND, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Released on July 18th, 2025, Southend-on-Sea's rising artist Mz teams up with long-time friend Cabra for BMT, a hard-hitting rap cut that strips everything back to its essentials: bars, flow, and chemistry. Dropping under ES6 Collective, the independent label where Mz has been carving out his career, this track marks Cabra's first official release as part of the collective. Together, the two artists deliver a no-nonsense performance that captures the raw thrill of rap in its purest form. BMT is unapologetic in its simplicity. With no hooks, no filler, and no distractions, the track is powered entirely by back-to-back verses, with each artist feeding off the other's energy. The result is a braggadocious, head-nodding performance that leans into traditional rap energy while carrying the grit and cadence of…

NETHERLANDS, ROTTERDAM Liona Jahmara is stepping forward as one of the most compelling new voices in modern music – and her latest release, Lioness Fire, is proof that authenticity and innovation can walk hand in hand. Dropping on July 24th, 2025, the track emerges from Rotterdam, Netherlands, with a force that blends dancehall, reggae, R&B, afrobeats, and pop into a sound that is as powerful as it is unique. What sets Liona apart is not only her sound but also her approach. She embraces AI technology as part of her creative process, weaving digital tools into her songwriting and production. Yet, while AI shapes the technical landscape, the heart and soul of her music remain entirely her own. “I create with AI, but the soul is mine,” she explains. “Every…

UNITED STATES, CHARLESTON Mr. Rockstar is making waves out of Charleston, United States, with his high-energy single All Day (Studio Mix) – released on July 6th, 2025. A bold fusion of grunge-inspired guitar riffs, booming 808s, and rap bravado, the track blurs genre lines while delivering the kind of adrenaline-charged energy that's tailor-made for summer playlists. Already gaining traction across TikTok and Instagram with over 300 reels, All Day (Studio Mix) is proving itself as both a fan favorite and a cultural statement: a rock-rap anthem for the next generation. From its opening riff, the single makes its mission clear – to bring raw energy back to the forefront of mainstream music. Where many modern releases lean heavily into production gloss, Mr. Rockstar embraces grit. The guitar lines echo the…

FROM THE MARGINS TO THE MAINSTREAM Rap music may have been born on the streets of New York, but its voice now echoes across every corner of the globe. Yet for decades, which voices reached the mainstream was tightly controlled by industry gatekeepers. In the past, the tastes of a select few – often older, white male radio directors and label executives – dictated which rap artists got distribution and exposure. This narrow pipeline meant many talented rappers from outside the traditional US market, or outside expected norms, struggled for recognition. Today, however, a new wave of artists from London to Lagos and beyond are finding ways around these barriers. This article explores how rap's global representatives are navigating – and challenging – the gatekeepers of access, exposure and influence…

SWITZERLAND, LUZERN Released on July 25, 2025, Swiss Latin artist Seanchez delivered a striking new chapter in his career with Violento. Recorded at the acclaimed Del Sol Inc. studios in Luzern, produced by Snake, and mastered by Leslie de la Mota, the single is a finely tuned piece of Latin trap that thrives on contrast: seductive yet raw, melodic yet menacing, bold yet vulnerable. At its core, Violento is about desire pushed to extremes—a dangerous attraction that simmers with intensity. With its slow-paced trap beat, dark tonal palette, and hypnotic vocal melodies, the track creates a cinematic soundscape where lust and power collide. Seanchez's vocal performance is both smooth and commanding, weaving sensual hooks with sharp, streetwise lyricism that cuts Musically, Love You All blends hiphop, rap, soul, and trap…

UNITED STATES, PHILADELPHIA On August 8th, 2025, Philadelphia-based hip-hop artist MrZnote released his latest single, Boathouse Row—a deeply personal track that captures both his struggle and his triumph. Blending hip-hop, rap, and US rap sensibilities with raw poetic lyricism, the song stands as a powerful reflection of inner turmoil, resilience, and the pursuit of authenticity. Recorded entirely in his own home studio, Boathouse Row is more than just a single; it's a milestone in MrZnote's journey as an independent artist. Years of sacrifice and selfbelief culminated in this release, marking the first time he had full creative control from start to finish. That freedom, coupled with his relentless determination, allowed the artist to tap into something unfiltered and uniquely his own. The track's title and spirit are tied to Philadelphia,…

UNITED STATES, TRENTON NEW JERSEY 3 Independent hip-hop artist Boom Blake is emerging as one of the most authentic and ambitious voices in the underground scene. Hailing from Trenton, New Jersey, Boom has spent years crafting a sound and vision that reflect both the grit of his environment and the scope of his ambition. His latest single, Blow The Whole Band, released on January 1st, 2025, is his boldest statement yet – a high-energy, cinematic anthem that brings together lyrical precision, real storytelling, and striking visuals. Produced by Chevy of Gwap Gang, the single hits hard with unapologetic street realism, layered over a beat that amplifies tension and triumph in equal measure. Lyrically, Boom Blake makes no compromises – his bars speak for the hustlers, the survivors, and anyone who…

UNITED STATES, MILFORD Independent hip-hop artist ZakkATK is proving that passion and originality can collide in powerful ways. His latest single, Nuketown, released on August 1st, 2025, is more than just a track – it's an immersive experience that bridges gaming culture and rap artistry. Rooted in his deep love for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, the record captures both nostalgia and technical skill, offering something that feels fresh in today's hip-hop landscape. ZakkATK hails from Milford, United States, and has steadily been carving his place as a rapper with precision wordplay and a knack for storytelling. Working closely with engineer Tony Martinez – a longtime collaborator and creative partner – he recorded Nuketown in his homemade studio, a space he painstakingly built himself. For ZakkATK, this independence is…

UNITED STATES, LOCKHART Released on July 18, 2025, Austin, Texas–based independent artist Pimpin Change delivers one of his most personal and heartfelt tracks to date with Love You All. Known across the underground for his gritty storytelling and relentless work ethic, Pimpin Change strips it all back here, blending chopped soul samples with freestyle authenticity. The result is a song that balances street realism with emotional reflection, a tribute to loyalty, community, and resilience. Recorded at his home studio in Lockhart, Texas—a creative hub where local legends have passed through and where much of his catalogue has been built—Love You All carries a deeply intimate energy. The track was captured in a single freestyle take, with emotion leading the process rather than polish. A chopped soul sample anchors the beat,…

UNITED STATES, SOUTH FLA Released on August 22, 2025, Nate G's new album Me Myself and I cements his place as one of South Florida's most intriguing DIY artists. Entirely self-produced, self-written, and self-recorded, the 10-track project captures an artist at his most vulnerable—working without features or outside influence to deliver a body of work that is unfiltered, introspective, and deeply human. Raised between Massachusetts and South Florida, Nate G has always embraced the independent ethos. Inspired by lyrical greats like Nas and innovative producers like Timbaland, he resists chasing clout or bending to trends. Instead, Me Myself and I functions as both a diary and an experiment, merging lo-fi textures, alternative pop melodies, and hip-hop rhythms into a sound that feels mellow yet confrontational, hypnotic yet honest. “This album…

UNITED STATES, LEXINGTON KY Released on July 29, 2025, independent artist Trevor Drako has returned with Fly Away, a powerful new single that blends lyrical sharpness with emotional honesty. Known for his ability to glide between genres—hip-hop, country, rock, and trap—Trevor's latest track demonstrates his range and reinforces his reputation as a fearless storyteller. For Trevor, Fly Away is more than just another single—it's a statement of growth. Following the success of his earlier project Bottomless Emotions, which earned strong traction across platforms, Fly Away arrives as a deeply personal and timely release. The single has already made an impact across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, pulling in hundreds of thousands of views thanks to its emotional relatability and raw delivery. “I wrote this from a place of needing freedom,” Trevor…