Upstate's Latest: Kory Alexander, Jake Daniels, Mannikin and More Release New Music
Take a Look at our recap of recent releases from the upstate NY music scene this week. You can find music from all of the artists listed below on Upstate Aesthetic's new Spotify playlist 'Upstates Latest'
New Projects (Album, EP, Mixtape)
Kory Alexander - Complicated
This Friday Kory Alexander released his highly anticipated debut album. The project features 12 tracks, and showcases Kory's insane musical ability and versatility. This project is a wonderful blend of hip-hop, pop and r&b and is sure to impress. Tune in to the project available now all on all streaming platforms
Blicka Don - Bar Study
Blicka had this project available for pre-order for anyone who wanted to throw support behind the incredibly talented artist. For anyone who took him up on that offer they were not disappointed in their investment. Blicka delivers from top to bottom on Bar Study. If you're in need of some real rap bars this is the one for you as Blicka delivers for this entire 7 track 13 minute project.
Nohaj Vegas - 2021
Nohaj Vegas continues to showcase his ability to flex on drill beats with his latest EP 2021. Going into the new year with an EP that showcases Vegas ability while featuring a number of talented Upstate artists this project is easily consumable and very reminiscent of a sound that has caught fire throughout New York over the past few years.
Jamal Gasol - The Ghost of Fritz (Deluxe)
Jamal Gasol is back with the deluxe version of 'The Ghost of Fritz' after the original released in November of 2020. The Deluxe includes four new tracks replacing the skits on the original with new content. This is another project that features many of the elements that exemplify the New York boom bap hip hop scene. With a feature from 38spesh this project has a lot worth checking out especially if you missed the initial release in November.
New Singles
Jake Daniels - The Show
The Show is the follow up to Jake's incredibly successful track 'Two Face' this one is poised to perform very well. The track is more in the dark pop realm but it's a realm Jake has perfected and clearly dominates. Jake's music typically stands out as highly professional and can easily be described as 'Radio Ready'. Do yourself a favor and put this one on now.
Mannikin ft. Wakefield - 17 Minnesota
Mannikin is back with his first single of the new year a somber track that features Mannikin joining forces with Wakefield. Mannikin handles a majority of the singing on this track while Wakefield's rapping gives us a different dynamic than you may be used to from Mannikin's typical releases.
Quimby 15 - Spraydown
Quimby is a young artist from Upstate New York who has slowly been showing growth with his music and hopes to have a productive 2021, tune in and throw some feedback Quimby's way!
J Hasan ft. WanBlvd - Deja Vu
If like us you're a bit unfamiliar with J Hasan this is the one to check out because he is highly talented. This track has some perfect r&b and hip-hop elements that is only accentuated with a solid feature from upstate favorite WanBlvd.
Alonzo Brunn - Guns & Drugs
After a relatively quiet 2020 Zo is back and hasn't missed a step. Delivering a quality bar heavy track, the cover art will grab your attention but the bars will be what blow your mind. Don't get caught seeping on one of Upstate's most talented lyricists.
Zay Smalls - Working on Me
If you tuned into The Cypher podcast you got a preview of an unreleased Zay Smalls track that won the insanely talented artist first place in our 4th competition episode. 'Working on Me' is not the track Zay submitted but it's another prime example of the undeniable talent the young artist possesses! If you're looking for a local r&b KING to support Zay's your guy.
La Reina - Chanel
La Reina has been teasing the release of her latest release 'Chanel' on social media and this week the track was officially released onto all streaming services. Make sure you check it out and keep an eye out for the official release of the visuals to accompany the track set to release soon.
Dey Cal ft. Anthony Kannon - Downbad
Dey Cal has been relatively silent since the release of his collaborative track 'Rockstar' that he released with Anthony Kannon and Meech Booker in late 2019. He kicked off 2021 in a major way releasing his latest single 'Downbad'. The track also features Anthony Kannon as well as Meech Booker briefly and has a totally different vibe than Rockstar.
Quez - Changing
Quez released his latest single 'Changing' to kick off the new year and provided listeners with an upbeat pop style love song that is sure to impress those who have an affinity for pop music. A solid track that shows Quez' versatility as an artist as he can really shine when he raps as well.
Mainstream Artist Releases:
Westside Gunn ft. Smoke DZA, Wale - The Hurt Business
Ahead of the release of the official 'Conflicted' soundtrack Westside Gunn released another track off the project. The track plays off pro wrestling group 'The Hurt Business' while featuring Smoke DZA and fellow pro wrestling fan Wale delivering the raw hip-hop we have come to expect from most Griselda affiliated tracks. You can stream the 'Conflicted' soundtrack on most DSPs now and it will be available on Spotify this Monday.