In conjunction with Red Bull Sound Select, singer/songwriter Xavier Omär — formerly known as SPZRKT — delivers a new song titled “Afraid”. For those who aren’t familiar with SPZRKT, his emotionally-charged work with Sango (ex. “Middle Of Things, Beautiful Wife,” Hours Spent Loving You) made a lot of waves on the DJ circuit a years ago.

The song is an ode of how you don’t have to be afraid of your insecurities or fears. In its bare honesty, “Afraid” is a statement of how we as a society cover up our sensitive interiors with a tough shell which can block our blessings. Speaking on the track, Omär explained:

The only reason many of us claim to be a savage or have no feelings is because we’re really just scared to get hurt, so we act and play but we’re never fulfilled because we won’t be honest with ourselves. This song is the beginning of honesty with myself.

Produced by Bizness Boi, the tune creates a setting that feels safe and comforting enough to reveal one’s deepest thoughts. It might just be the perfect tune for your “got blues” playlist.

Check out “Afraid” below; it comes accompanied by a second cut titled “No Way Out,” which features GoldLink.

https://soundcloud.com/redbullsoundselect/sets/xavier-omar-afraid-no-way-out

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Xavier Omär dropped a new tape this morning, entitled The Everlasting Wave. A 26 year old hip-hop and R&B artist originally from Texas, Omär is changing the music game. Not only that, he is gaining international attention for his new style, performing at Afropunk and touring around Europe this past year. Previously known as SPZRKT, he’s appeared on tracks with Noname, Masego and Mick Jenkins. Omär also collaborated with Sango on Hours Spent Loving You, which came out in June 2016.

Tracks “Blind Man” and “Grown Woman” off the album have already been released, and are odes to how fantastic women are, deviating from a large portion of mainstream R&B. He explores relationships, the power and strength of women, and self-love in these songs, and it seems this album will stay in line with the same themes.

In an Instagram photo posted three days ago, Omär hinted more about the content of the tape writing, “When You battled through depression and self hate to now joy & self love ya / And project bout to drop And they ask you how you feel.” Staying with the theme of men in hip-hop opening up about mental illness and talking about important issues, this is going to feature some dope records.

Omär’s tape is available on iTunes and Spotify.

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Listen to this very illuminating song on the lessons of love & patience below:

https://soundcloud.com/nonamegypsy/all-i-need-feat-spzrkt

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Cover art by @artbynikko

Noname Gypsy is back and she’s bolder. With her newest single, “All I Need” featuring SPZRKT, she floats over bright and airy production courtesy of Saba, THEMpeople & Phoelix. Noname, who was introduced to the world via collaborations with fellow Chicagoans Chance the Rapper and Mick Jenkins, is showing that the verses that we’ve heard thus far are just the beginning. Her distinct cadence and whimsical lyrics engage the ear in a way that hasn’t been present in hip-hop for quite some time, if ever. And SPZRKT’s voice drips over the song like molasses–sweet, thick and soothing. If this single is representative of her forthcoming project Telefone, the young emcee should have quite the debut.

https://soundcloud.com/nonamegypsy/all-i-need-feat-spzrkt

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1) Punch Drunk by Dave B

Known as Dave B – or DaveBSpaceDot if you’re on Twitter — the indie artist delivered his rendition of feel good music in “Punch Drunk,” a nine-track EP that is provided the chill that was needed in 2015.

The project, which dropped, Oct. 30, offered tales of self-discovery, relationships, and illegal pleasures. Blending the experimentalism of new wave hip-hop instrumentals with recycled content that alludes to the early to mid 90s, Dave B created a sincere, yet nostalgic sound.

The soul infused in his music makes it contagious, slowly covering the wound left by Frank Ocean’s musical departure. His mellowness creates positive vibes – offering a break from the turn up that rocks the airwaves.

2) Calling Brio by Amine

Holding down the Westside of Portland is Amine, a starving artist whose drive for recognition is humbled by tribal-inspired instrumentals. With Kaytranada, Tek.Lun, and Pasque´ on production, Amine was able to channel his inner Mowgli and lyrically deliver a feel-good tape.

Showcasing his flexibility, Amine was able to deliver both trap and new wave hip-hop, adding his own style to both. Flipping his pace from rapid to smooth and kosher, Amine’s rhyme scheme is unpredictable, heightening the interest of his entire project.

3) The Beautiful EP by ChanThePharoah

Pounding out six tracks that live up to the project’s, ChanThePharoah fused his Houston roots with the unpredictability of experimental hip-hop. From the subtle bounce association with riddim to the hithat driven knock drafted by the South, he produced pure riding music, mellowing down the hardness of his delivery.

4) Hours Spent Loving You by SPZRKT & Sango

While linking up with Sango — one of Soulection’s most famed producers–, SPZRKT (pronounced Spazzy Rocket) poured his soul in this seven-track project. Though soft spoken, the intimacy behind his lyrics allows him to vocalize his story, complementing the beauty in Sango’s interpretation.

The collaboration between the two evokes happiness, love and beauty, moving a mountain of emotions in those who care to listen.

5) Sang 4 Me by Chavis Chandler

Behind the boisterous raspy voice is a kind-hearted soul whose appreciation for women is showcased throughout his five track EP. Throughout the tape, Chandler willingly confesses his wants and desires with his future maiden, delivering his admiration over coffee shopped-inspired instrumental.

The post 5 Soundcloud Projects That Went Under The Radar in 2015 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

On the flipside stands SPZRKT, the Georgia native who starts his sets by serenading fans with heavenly a cappellas as smooth as fresh-churned butter. His popular Soundcloud collabs with Soulection‘s #1 producer Sango showcase the 25-year-old’s signature sound, which sits somewhere between indie R&B and dreamy soul. Naturally, anyone who stands within earshot of his enchanting voice simply can’t help but be mesmerized by SPZRKT’s romantic ballads and spacey melodies.

Now, put these two performers together and you’ve got a line-up with a little bit for everyone- and then some. Such was the case last week at UPenn‘s Rotunda theater, where Spazzy’s flawless vocals and fire falsettos warmed up the crowd for Tory Lanez’s hellish headlining set. The show was also sponsored by the new music app Jukely; so needless to say, ’twas lit like bic.

Check out our photo recap below for exclusive shots and closeups from the concert.

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