Despite all the chaos going on around the island of Puerto Rico, there are always spots that shine and one of those is the ever growing influence of the independent art scene. With time, the movement has slowly demonstrated that it has a voice and promising individuals with stories to tell. Among the many artists to excel in the scene are the musicians who have been able to connect to with audiences of all ages, but most importantly the youth and future of the island. Below are some of the most prominent singles released in mid to late April 2018 by some up-and-coming and already established independent Puerto Rican musicians.
“Hakuna Matata” by Fico Rodz
(art for the single)
With “Hakuna Matata,” Mayaguez rapper Fico Rodz continues to establish his role as a rapper and his moral compass approach towards life. By rapping about part of his journey in music, he establishes how it is important to work for hard for one’s goals and the fights one must go through in order to be established in the field. However, Rodz doesn’t only rap about his life journey. He also touches on themes of his unique mix of skateboarding and hip-hop, the importance of enjoying life, social awareness, Puerto Rican and personal identity, and staying away from drugs.
“TOMBO” by OMVR X JC feat. JOEMY
(cover for the single)
Another entry into their repertoire of dark trap, “TOMBO” features OMVR X JC collaborating with JOEMY in a track that features them rapping about their awareness of the police, drug use, their journey to get money, and how they would do anything to achieve that goal. While the song features great production and performances by all the artists, it lacks in lyrical creativity as the trappers fall into familiar territory. While the track is a great addition to a “get lit” playlist, it would be interesting to see them explore other themes.
“Rica Como Aroma” by Vicks
(cover for the single)
A laid back boom-bap rap track, Vicks’ latest single is a visual love story with sexual elements where the rapper perfectly uses the samples in the background to further enhance the experience being presented. While thematically there isn’t much growth from the artist, she manages to demonstrate hints of musical evolution. This tune continues to show how the young rapper is definitely one to look out for.
“Y Si El Tiempo No Me Da” by Carly Musa feat. Mike Rodz
(artwork for the single)
Featuring a mixture of smooth melodies and hip-hop, this new collaboration by Carly Musa and Mike Rodz features both artists reflecting on everything they would like to accomplish before their time to pass comes. From artistic involving their music to personal goals related to their loved ones, Musa and Rodz manage to create a fantastic and inspirational track about never taking time for granted and being thankful for every moment in life.
“24/7 4:20” by Jib Da’ Mist
(cover for the single)
One of the many songs to come out in celebration of the marijuana-themed April 20th, this trap banger by Jib Da’ Mist is a great addition for anybody looking to lay back and smoke or for those who wish to head bang to the track’s heavy bass drops.
“Primate” by FOSFORO feat. Jib Da’ Mist
(art for the single)
A rap track that gathers influences from boom-bap rap and trap while creating a dark atmosphere, the recent collaboration by FOSFORO and Jib Da’ Mist is an experimental hip-hop song reminiscent of the work by Earl Sweatshirt in I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside and Danny Brown in Atrocity Exhibition that demonstrates the variety and continuous evolution found in Puerto Rico’s evergrowing hip-hop scene.
“Victor Power” by Misa E Gallo
(promo used for the video single)
The first single off of their upcoming debut album, “Victor Power” shows that this alternative band is exploring the sweet sounds of classic swing music in a fun and danceable storytelling track about a couple meeting and inviting each other for activities in and outside the classroom. In addition to get an even better experience of the song, one might want to watch the Yeya Monroig-directed music video.
“Que Tu Sabe De Esto” by PJ Sin Suela feat. Myke Towers
(cover art for the single)
An alternative hip-hop track produced by Pain Digital, PJ Sin Suela’s latest single featuring fellow Puerto Rican lyricist Myke Towers is a rap tune with a poppy chorus where lyrically and flow-wise the rappers display their abilities as two of the most promising artists the genre has to offer. In the song, they touch on themes such as their understanding of the music industry, their lyrical prowess, and the positives they wish upon the youth.
“Regeton” by Fico Rodz
(artwork for the single)
With a simple yet danceable track, Fico Rodz’s lyrical take on reggaeton features the artist tackling the genre in a way where he keeps himself true to his roots expressing how he hasn’t lost his moral compass, but just wanted to work with a different sound while having fun. While many might criticize the artist for exploring a sound which he has critiqued in the past, the tune shows Rodz’s growth as an artist who stays true to his core while opening himself up to different genres.
“Verde” by Yambo and Doctor Manu
(cover for the single)
A boom-bap hip-hop track whose flow is influenced by reggae music, Yambo and Doctor Manu’s latest single is another entry to the ever growing repertoire of conscious and political raps of Puerto Rico’s contribution to hip-hop. However, this track also manages to provide some commentary on the development of relationships as well as the connection between rappers and their music.
“Flow Reggae Roots” by Explicit feat. Alexito
(cover art for the single)
Another entry into the songs that celebrated the marijuana-themed April 20th, Explicit’s latest single is a reggae influenced trap track that continues to display his lyricism. While this tune is interesting for its use of storytelling, detailed descriptions, and blend of trap and reggae, it would be great to listen to it in the future with a higher fidelity. Nevertheless, this track is yet another great addition to everybody’s “4/20” playlist.
With artists like PJ Sin Suela, Sr. Langosta, Orquesta Macabeo, and Myke Towers headlining Puerto Rico’s independent music scene, it is safe to say that it’s one of those that is slowly becoming one of the most prominent. Therefore, it is imperative for us to keep an eye out and see how it all develops.