PLAN-A RADIO

SONG REVIEW CRITERIA

Jul 5, 20222 min read

Skweez gon give it to ya

Immediately, this beat will catch your attention. The beat flipped Janet Jackson's classic "Anytime, Anyplace" and sprinkled in some Kendrick Lamar influence as well. This song is not bad at all, and gives some space to improve. Skweez is an independent artist who is working to find his way much like his musical influence, the late Nipsey Hussle. We honor the space Skweez has created for us to enjoy his music and the story he has to tell.

Bop: As mentioned before, this song does have some space to improve. The beginning of the song starts off a bit rough but the song in itself is written really well. Skweez is a talented rapper with an amazing voice. It is raspy and youthful; it is fresh and intentional. This gives Skweez an amazing foundation off which to build. Proper mixing of the vocals to help them align with the beat would elevate this song well on its way to being a certified bop.

Airpods Quality: The beat is really well produced but the track needs work on to address the rawness of Skweez's vocals. As independent artists continue to grow, it is essential that they begin to locate engineers who can mix their songs to radio quality. If you want to fully enjoy this song, turn down the volume a few notches to be able to hear all of the elements of the song; the Janet Jackson sample, the drums, the evolution of this beat to decipher from Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice" to this independently existing record. "Can Get It" would still get some play in my airpods, for sure, though.

Knock Value: Given that this track derived from an R&B single, this song is a nostalgic groove. It has some knock to it, but it isn't distracting. The producer did a great job of flipping this beat from the two former iterations by Ms. Jackson and Mr. Lamar. Coincidentally, "Can Get It," reminds me of Payroll Giovanni in that it is nostalgic bounce to the flow. It won't have your speakers rattling in your car, but you'll find yourself snapping along midway through the record.

Misogyny Meter: There isn't a direct attack on women in the song at all. One of Skweez's influences is Curren$y and you can hear the influence in music. Skweez's flow is skraight hip-hop. There is confidence, introspection, and an invitation to acknowledge Skweez's style. Definitely something we can all enjoy.

Decidedly, this song is pretty good. It could use some work to develop the vocals and to remain steadfast in the identity of the song. However, you can tell that Skweez is a dedicated artist, a talented rapper, and a favorable songwriter. There is a charm about this song that you can appreciate as a fan of independent artists. Click the links below to follow Skweez on social media and to support this artist!

Jun 30, 20222 min read

Dream big with Apollo King 47

Apollo King 47 has created a solid acoustic tune with "Patron;" accompanied by a Richie Picasso visual, Apollo King 47 croons over his own acoustic production. A humble artist from Tenosique De Pino Suarez, Tabasco, Mexico, Apollo King 47 gives us an international song to vibe along to that is sanguine, vulnerable, and hopeful about building a life for yourself.

Bop: This is an acoustic mellow vibe, and Apollo King 47 is a crooner, for sure. Most of the songs in his catalogue are romantic, yet they are genuine, much like "Patron." It is clear that his songwriting concentrates on a heavy Baby Bash influence (whose first album was also released independently 😉). We love authenticity, especially from our international artists who often experience discrimination from predominantly English-speaking platforms. The joy comes in being able to experience a Spanish-speaking artist, digest their lyrics, and honor the space in-between. Love is a universal language, and Apollo King 47 has given us something to bop to with "Patron".

Airpods Quality: As can be expected with an Indie Artist, the mix on the song is a bit raw. However, this adds a lot of character to this acoustic song in its entirety. It feels like being invited to an intimate concert; like MTV's Unplugged. If you love a good acoustic song to add to your playlist, give Apollo King 47 a listen.

Knock Value: I wouldn't consider this a song that will have the speakers knocking screws loose. It is acoustic and inspirational. The knock comes with the feeling put into the song. As mentioned earlier, love is a universal language-- it is felt. Speaking of dreams for yourself and the life you want is empathetic, because who doesn't have dreams? Try not to expect your speakers to be JOMPIN; this is a ballad; a love letter to the self; it begs to question: how big can you dream?

Misogyny Meter: There are a few instances that could make one wince, but we can let this one slide. I'll give it a 6/10.

Overall, "Patron" is a very solid song from international artist, Apollo King 47. The song has been well-received and has even been reviewed by Plan-A Radio co-founder, DJ Show (linked here).

Make sure to check out Apollo King 47 on all platforms linked below.

Ink, 2022

Jun 25, 20222 min read

Kyee: The Show Stopper

Updated: Jul 4, 2022

The West Coast continues to deliver talented artists who understand their sound and Kyee is here to prove that very point. "L.M.S.M" is a heartfelt bubbly song reminiscent of the 00's ear RnB; it is funky; it pops; and it is beautifully melodic. The song samples Mooreyardi's "It's Gon Be Alright," and offers a beautiful chorus in return. With the accompanied music video, Kyee delivers a colorful visual to this love song. The video is so fun! Kyee even incorporates a dance ensemble, which is one of the truest signs of a talented artist. It's giving Beyoncé, y'all.

Bop: If you enjoy Beyoncé, or appreciate Lauryn Hill's pen, then you'll love this song. Kyee is an Oakland native, so it is only appropriate that she delivers a bop that is all encompassing of the phenomenal artist that she is. This song is even more amplified by the incredible music video which features dancing and playfulness from the cast. Kyee's "L.M.S.M" is a bop, for sure. You will absolutely enjoy this song and the music video (linked here).

Airpods Quality: It is rare to have heard such a beautifully mixed song. This song comes out of your airpods like butter; so smooth and so rich. The guitar isn't too plunky, it falls into the fold of the production-- very hand in hand. Kyee's vocals are also perfect. Nothing more could be done to perfect the sound of this song and how it travels through your ears. Kyee places herself amongst a host of beautifully raspy singers like Mariah Carey, Brandy, and Sade.

Knock Value: Out. Of. The. Park. What a stellar song from an incredible independent artist. "L.M.S.M." is a 10 out of 10 in Knock Value. It is beautifully crafted, it is well produced, it is phenomenally delivered, and well packaged. Kyee is SPITTIN on this song. She gives honor to the beat with her melodic pauses. You can hear the Missy Elliot influence with the space she gives the beat to exist alongside her beautiful voice and lyrics. She even sends us out of the song by adding her vocals to the harmony in the background. Spectacular.

Misogyny Meter: "L.M.S.M." is the song to sub your ex to 😂. It is fully inclusive and can be sang by all (it's even appropriate for the kiddos).

Kyee has a certified banger with this one. It is radio ready and should be getting shopped around to labels immediately. Kyee is a well packaged independent artist with a lot to offer the game. You can tell she has a hip hop influence, but the lady is all soul. Kyee is the next up in the R&B game. We have been awaiting someone like this who can appeal to a younger demographic, but come with some roots as well.

Be sure to follow Kyee the social media platforms linked below, and check out her video, "L.M.S.M" (Love Me, Show Me) below and on Youtube.

www.kyeemusic.com