by John Kueppers, Natalia Toledo, Nikhil Kumaran and Julian Green
October 01, 2024
Every 1st of the month, we’re creating a roundup of our favorite tracks, projects, and music videos that were released by Minnesota artists from that previous month.
Keep our favorite tracks in one place with “Carbon Sound’s 1st of the Month” Spotify playlist. Expect an updated 1st of the Month Playlist on……every 1st of the Month. Mark your calendars accordingly.
Singles
KelsTheGawd - Motion Man
Northside Minneapolis hip-hop artist KelsTheGawd shakes our brains with “Motion Man” – his latest single that came out in early September. Kels’ melodic cadence is hypnotizing and the buttery instrumental on this track smoothly bounces around his vocals – it’s fun, it’s easy to listen to, it’s just so dope. - Nikhil Kumaran
Obi Original, The Black Atlantics - Egwu Amala
Obi Original’s newest track “Egwu Amala” drives home a fundamental idea within his artistry: culture is the center of one’s identity. Whether through the bassline at the very beginning of the song, the beautiful arpeggiated guitar riffs throughout, or the percussive elements that quite literally tickle your ear, Obi pays homage to Nigerian greats like Osita Osadebe all while creating his own path within Igbo highlife music. - John Kueppers
Marz Love - Do You Know )
"Do You Know )" doesn't waste any time. You're floating effortlessly, surrounded by wispy colors right after pressing play. RIYL: yearning, dreamy vocals, the ether. - Julian Green
$aiku - Sailboat (we Groovin)
Minneapolis rapper and member of the collective Basement Gang $aiku recently released his latest track “Sailboat (we Groovin)”, which comes after his most recent release “Southside in 95” last month. Backed by a mellow beat reminiscent of the 90’s (produced by Quasi Uno), “Sailboat” takes you on a journey through his city, through deep self-reflection and highlights $aiku’s powerful storytelling. - Natalia Toledo