BLESSED brings an original and exciting new release 'My World'

We're really big on visuals and it's even better when we get an artist who sends us something that visually looks amazing AND sonically is impressive. BLESSED is the latest artist to land on our radar and is bringing a fresh new sound to the table that we can't seem to get enough of. It has a very classic Kid Cudi/Rock vibe and BLESSED absolutely killed it. The verses, the hooks, it all sounds absolutely incredible. BLESSED is a Sydney-based musician, producer, and songwriter who originally hails from Accra, Ghana. From soul rock vibes, to hip hop beats, to pop melodies, BLESSED draws from influences in every genre and puts it on display with a powerful form of human expression: honesty. We're definitely hooked on the material BLESSED is sharing and we can't wait to hear more from the artist for the rest of 2018. 

Connect with BLESSED: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Lin-Z speaks from the heart on new single 'Grown.' (feat. Corrin Sanders)

We love when artists send us music that comes from a genuine and heartfelt place. There's a distinct difference between music that's generically and sonically cool and the types of music that capture the essence of the soul. This is one of those songs, Lin-Z speaks from a genuine and sincere place and that's what makes this gem worth checking out. We love the flow and the style of the instrumental and we can't wait for you to hear it. If you enjoy Lin-Z's style, be sure to connect with them online to stay up to date on any future releases in 2018.

Connect with Lin-Z: Soundcloud

You're going to LOVE this new release from DUETS AND STUFF - 'Serve Somebody'

There's a magic to this new release from DUETS AND STUFF. Their new song 'Serve Somebody' is a chilling experience from start to finish. The new release creates a colorful energy that's both soothing and calming. Everything from the vocal work to the production is rich in texture and is easy to follow along with. We love the vocal style and the melodies of the guitar - if you're a fan of indie-pop, this new record is right up your alley. Kick back and really soak this record in, you won't regret it! 

Connect with DUETS AND STUFF: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

CUT CHEMIST drops forward-thinking visual for 'Metalstorm' (feat. Edan and Mr. Lif)

We LOVE visuals over here at Gems and Secrets and today we have something pretty awesome from legendary turntablist artist from Jurassic 5, Cut Chemist. Known for their forward-thinking and thought-provoking style, Cut Chemist's latest is everything art should reflect. Pay attention to the lyrics and the raw grittiness of the song. As Cut Chemist gets ready for his official sophomore LP, Die Cut , (Out March 2nd), the veteran producer/turntablist hits us with an awesome visual for 'Metalstorm,' featuring both Edan and Mr. Lif. Throughout the self-directed visual, Cut deftly puts a host of stop-motion effects to use while projecting his guest features on various surfaces as he splices in different textures and old record covers.

Connect with Cut Chemist: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Connect with Edan: Twitter

Connect with Mr. Lif: Twitter

This new record from Alfred Hall is a must hear!

Wow, where do we even start with this one? Alfred Hall landed on our radar not too long ago and we're so incredibly grateful that they did. Their new release 'Pearl Driver' is a gem inside and out and we can't stop playing it. If you're a fan of indie-pop, you're going to LOVE Alfred Hall. They're sound is rich and vibrant, it's melodic, it's charming - it's everything you want in a great song. If you dig the song, check out their Soundcloud to hear some of their past releases and don't forget to connect with the artist to stay up to date on any future releases this year. Don't sleep on this, with material like this, we can foresee some pretty incredible records from the group and we can't wait to hear them all! Enjoy!

alxxa drops impressive new original - 'icy love'

Ah, something fresh and exciting to kick things off today. This new release from alxxa is an electro/future-pop record that captures the incredible lyrical skill from Los Angeles up and coming artist alxxa. You may remember alxxa's cover of Rihanna's 'Umbrella' a few months back and we had nothing but great things to say about the artist then. We can't say much as changed since, alxxa's lyrical style feels powerful and raw. The production is just as exciting and energetic as her vocal work is and we love what alxxa is bringing to the table. We can't wait to hear more original music from the artist in 2018 which brings us to our next question... what would an alxxa music video look like? Probably epic, we'll just have to wait and see! Enjoy!

Connect with alxxa: Instagram | Soundcloud | Twitter

[Premiere] Realnamejames drops a brutal freestyle over Jaden Smith's 'Icon'

Rialto, CA rapper Realnamejames drops a brutal freestyle over Jaden Smith's 'Icon'.

Announces forthcoming album 'Super Regular' - Coming in 2018

Connect with Realnamejames: Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud

Yoko-Zuna brings the funk with new single 'Day Job ft. SWIDT'

New Zealand electronic/hip-hop band Yoko-Zuna provides the energy with their latest single that is sure to get the party bumpin'. With the help of rapper SWIDT dropping bar upon confident bar atop an upbeat, saxophone-studded rhythm, it's impossible to call the track anything less than a hit. Funky basslines pervade every minute of the tune, making it the perfect aux cord ammunition for just about any occasion. Complete with an irresistibly catchy hook, this band from down under has delivered an impeccable record that is sure to stand the test of time. Look out for more gems from Yoko-Zuna as they continue to crank out the gold!

Brand new Needs No Sleep & ZESKULLZ - "Black & Blue" (feat. Mikey Ceaser) [Out now via Homerun House]

Gritty, raw, and exceptionally awesome - we're obsessed with this new release from Needs No Sleep & ZESKULLZ. Titled 'Black & Blue', the new track was released on Homerun House yesterday and highlights the raw undertones of a dark bassline mixed with fierce hip-hop bars from rap artist, Mikey Ceaser. If you're a fan of hip-hop and house music crossovers, you're in for a real treat. Warning - this may cause violent dancing or a sudden urge to party. Check it out for yourself and if you dig the song, share it with your friends and spread the word.

Don't forget to connect with the artists to stay up to date on any future releases in 2018. Enjoy!

Needs No Sleep - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud

ZESKULLZ - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud

Mikey Ceaser - Twiter | Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud 

Homerun House - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud

SCARlit breaks it down in this heavy new single 🤘🏻

SCARlit is the wildly original brand concept from LA based producer BigJerr that is pushing the boundaries of heavy bass music. His latest single 'When Life Breaks down' fuses together metal and dubstep into a thunderous arrangement of live-recorded 7-string guitar and drums as well as some seriously gnarly synth bass sound design. Aside from the unique and creative arrangement, the production quality on this record is absolutely top-notch, which is no surprise considering BigJerr's background as an instructor/sound designer for industry-leading companies like Icon Collective, Cymatics AcademyFM, and Evenant. 'When Life Breaks Down' is out today on all platforms along with a free sample pack from the bass guru himself! 🙌

Follow SCARlit • Soundcloud • Instagram 

Connect with BigJerr • Facebook • Youtube 

Stisema's deep house cover of Clean Bandit's 'I Miss You' has us in our feels

After ending last year with a bang, Norwegian artist Stisema breaks into 2018 with a hot new cover/remix of Clean Bandit's 'I Miss You'. Recruiting wonderful vocalist Inæs, Stisema has made the hit track his own by putting a groovy deep house spin on things, all while maintaining the heavy emotional vibe of the original track. Bringing us into the song with Inæs' beautiful vocals, Stisema soon builds up to a drop complete with crispy stabs and a bassline that could make anyone drop what they're doing and start shuffling. A track like this is great because it's suitable for play at just about any occasion, whether it be at the club, in the car, or at relaxing at home. Be sure to keep up with everything Stisema has to offer as he gears up for a massive year!

Code Canary brings new 'Substance' to the world of Electro pop

Substance, a song by Code Canary on Spotify

German-based band Code Canary drops the lead single 'Substance' from their newest EP, uniquely titled '</>'. This heavy-hitting fusion of synth wave and electro-pop has a dark industrial vibe, complete with eerie falsetto vocals and modulated electric guitars that pair perfectly with the thunderous bass. The contrast between the heavy verses and the massive anthemic choruses makes for a jarring transition that quickly shifts the vibe of the music from dark to a more uplifting feel. Code Canary has a truly unique and refined sound that makes for an unforgettable listening experience. 

Follow Code Canary • Facebook • SoundCloud