Playlist: Beantown Beats: Unearthed Underground
Image courtesy of Ashley Meanings.
ntown Beats: Unearthed Underground
In the heart of Boston's vibrant underground music scene lies a wealth of talent waiting to be discovered. This playlist, "Beantown Beats: Unearthed Underground," showcases a diverse array of artists who embody the spirit and energy of the city. From raw lyricism to soulful melodies, these underground Boston artists are making waves with their unique soundscapes and powerful storytelling.
The playlist opens with “Jeanine!” by Aviad and Kwame Adu. In 2021, the duo dropped this single weaving a tale of love, regret, and hope. Adu's poignant lyrics combined seamlessly with Aviad's masterful production to tell the story in their own unique styles. With a string of meaningful words and nostalgic instrumentals, they crafted an emotive narrative that resonated deeply with listeners. In December of 2023, I had the chance to sit down with Aviad to play his music and talk about his journey so far. He shared some unreleased tracks that left me eagerly anticipating what's to come from his creative endeavors. He also expressed his admiration for working with Kwame, highlighting the special energy they have in the studio which undoubtedly contributes to the magic of their collaborations. From Aviad and Kwame Adu's emotional narrative, we shift to Cousin Stizz's rap journey.
Hailing from the streets of Boston, Cousin Stizz has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the rap game. His journey from freestyling as a teenager to signing with RCA Records is a testament to his dedication and talent. Tracks like those from his 2019 album, "Trying To Find My Next Thrill," offer a glimpse into his personal and professional growth, capturing the highs and lows of life with raw authenticity.
With roots in Lowell, Massachusetts, DeevoDaGenius brings a refreshing perspective to the underground scene. His 2023 album, "Deevo Type Beat," is a masterclass in sampling, showcasing his ability to blend diverse sounds into mesmerizing compositions that defy genre boundaries.
Next up, the playlist explores the world of “Token’s flow”. Token, famed for his rapid-fire flow and sharp lyricism, rose to prominence with viral hits like "No Sucka MCs." His independent debut album "Eraser Shavings" in 2016 solidified his status as a rising star. In 2022, Token released his third album, Pink Is Better, which featured collaborations with JID, Lil Skies, and more.
Moving onto a personal favorite of mine is a collective redefining collaboration in the rap scene. Hailing from Brockton, Massachusetts, Van Buren Records is a rap collective that pushes the boundaries of creativity and collaboration. Their 2021 debut album, "Bad for Press," is a testament to their collective talent, blending diverse influences into a cohesive experience. I attended their live performance in September of 2022, right here in Boston. It was an electrifying showcase of their boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm. “Medic”, the song featured in this playlist, is my favorite track from them.
Saucy Lady began her DJ residencies in the Boston area in 2009, and continuously shares her love for disco, funk, boogie, and house music as a DJ/singer/producer globally. As the "Sorceress of Synth Funk," Saucy Lady brings a unique flavor to the Boston music scene. Since her debut album "Diversify" in 2011, she's been on a cosmic journey with her sophomore album "Supanova" in 2019 and the EP "Delirious" in 2021, which topped Bandcamp's charts. Renowned DJs like DJ Spinna and Dr. Packer have remixed her tracks, and her music can be found on Netflix and in Tiffany & Co.'s campaigns.
Featured on Spotify's "R&B Rising Artists to Watch," Khamari is an upcoming star in the Boston music scene. His smooth vocals and introspective lyrics resonate with audiences, offering a glimpse into his journey as an artist and individual. Speaking of upcoming stars in Boston, I could not make this playlist without including Nay $peaks.
At just 19 years old, Nay $peaks is already making waves in the Boston music scene as she won the 2023 Boston Music Award, “New Artist of the Year”. Her latest project, "Nayborhood Healer," is a soulful exploration of love, growth, and self-discovery, offering a safe haven for listeners seeking validation and security in an ever-changing world. The first song I ever played by her was “Just Be You” and I was instantly hooked by her inspirational lyricism. Her recent performance at a Celtics game solidified her status as the "princess" of the scene, drawing praise from established artists like Boston’s hip-hop veteran Avenue, who is featured next.
Founder of Boston label "Words Speak Life," AvenueBLVD is not only a talented rapper but also a champion for artists around him. His music, with its unique soundscapes and Northside vibes, captures the essence of the city while paving the way for the next generation of Boston talent.
These are just a few of the underground Boston artists featured in this playlist who represent the heartbeat of a city teeming with creativity, passion, and innovation. Through their music, they offer a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of experiences that define the Boston underground scene, leaving listeners inspired, energized, and eager for more.