In The Den: The Lyons Den Music Minute Vol. 2
The second installment of the Lyons Music Minute serves as a highlight of recently released projects, Sports & Music Editor, Will Lyons feels are worth adding to your rotation.
Travis Scott ‘Utopia’
One of the biggest artists in the game reminds you who he is with some of the best production we’ve heard in a while. Travis shows new fans where the ‘Yeezus’ sound really came from and showcased an impressive Rolodex of artists he collaborated with. Beyoncé, The Weeknd, SZA, 21 Savage and Future help elevate some of the standout tracks.
Standout Tracks
‘Telekinesis’ Ft SZA & Future— is a really dope track with an all time showing from Future, add in some really good vocals from SZA and this is special.
‘Lost Forever’ Ft Westside Gunn — is the collab I never knew I needed. La Flame and Westside really went crazy on this, pairing that Griselda sound and Scott’s awesome production.
Yo Gotti & DJ Drama ‘I Showed U So’
The latest installation of the Gangsta Grillz series serves as a reminder of the caliber of artist that Gotti is. His evolution is something to marvel at. His wordplay and beat selection have continued to improve over the years, along with his impressive business acumen. Gotti has assembled one of the most impressive rosters in all of music with Glorilla, Moneybagg Yo, Mozzy, 42 Dugg and EST Gee. Instead of relying on his artists, Gotti continues to flood the industry with audio dope. Impressive features from Moneybagg Yo and Rich Homie Quan add some extra energy to an already impressive project.
Standout Tracks
‘Driveway Furniture’ — Gotti has really found his lane and perfected his sound. The production, Gotti’s lyrics and some good old sh@t talk from DJ Drama set the tone for this Gangsta Grill mixtape.
‘Mandarin’ Ft Rich Homie Quan — The Rich Homie Quan revival paired perfectly with the CMG CEO on this energetic track.
Mir Fontane ‘Clowns Don’t Cry’
The latest release from Camden native Mir Fontane is a really introspective look into his life and feelings, something Fontane fans have grown accustomed to. ‘Clowns Don’t Cry’ has a really interesting theme showcasing how entertainers are often smiling or laughing through immense trauma. The rising star has a handful of features like Philly rapper Kur that add to the melodic rappers dope lyrics.
Standout Tracks
‘Losing Friends' — A very vulnerable track that speaks to the way distance and time can affect relationships.
‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ Ft Kam Dela — Mir finds a way to speak from the perspective of the most taken advantage of and disrespected minority in the world, the Black woman. Mir’s verses hit hard making you feel like you can see the stories take shape while Kam Dela’s vocals take the experience to another level.
Adekunle Gold ‘Tequila Ever After’
Adekunle Gold is one of the most consistent artists in AfroBeats right now. The Nigerian star dropped his fifth album and continues to solidify himself as a favorite for Afrobeat fans worldwide. The album is inspired by Adekunle Gold’s first experience with tequila and the vibe matches a tequila infused beverage very well. Gold’s unique voice that pairs well with a wide range of production that are perfect for a car ride or summer time event.
Standout Tracks
‘Make It Easy’ Ft Coco Jones — Pairing Gold’s unique sound, that blends English and his native language of Yoruba, with rising songstress Coco Jones was a brilliant idea.
‘Falling Up’ Ft Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers — Pharrell has the unique ability to find a way to make almost any song a hit. Add in the Nigerian star Gold and the supremely talented guitarist and composer Nile Rodgers you have the makings of something truly special.
