We Speak Indie Artist
J. Hoard Shares Captivating New Track “Devil Is A Liar”
J. Hoard, the multitalented artist hailing from New York City, has once again graced us with his eclectic musicality in his latest single, “Devil Is A Liar”. With a remarkable ability to seamlessly blend genres and convey vivid songwriting, J. Hoard has solidified himself as a sought-after collaborator, working with esteemed artists like Black Coffee, Chance the Rapper and Brasstracks.
In “Devil Is A Liar”, J. Hoard sheds light on the struggles faced by artists within the industry. The track immediately demands attention as his phenomenal voice takes center stage, showcasing his masterful vocal production skills. Despite its minimal production, J. Hoard captivates listeners through a dynamic vocal arrangement, enveloping them in lush harmonies that leave a lasting impression.
Reflecting on the creation of the track, J. Hoard shares that it stemmed from conversations he had with fellow musicians in May 2020. These discussions revolved around the challenges of speaking up as artists in an ever-changing and bewildering industry. It was from these exchanges that he concluded, “the devil is a liar”. In this context, the term “devil” represents anything that diminishes one’s sense of place, belonging, and self.
As we eagerly await more music from J. Hoard in the coming months, it is evident that he will continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be an artist in today’s music industry. His extraordinary vocal prowess, relentless dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to delivering powerful messages through his music solidify his position as a force to be reckoned with.
North London’s 4t9 isn’t just stepping into the UK rap scene – he’s kicking the door wide open with his debut single, “Freedom”. Blending hard-hitting drill beats with motivational lyricism, 4t9’s arrival feels bold, intentional, and impossible to ignore. While drill music often leans on themes of street life and bravado, “Freedom” carves out its own lane, focusing on self-belief, focus, and determination.
From the opening bars, 4t9’s delivery is sharp and direct. His tone carries a hunger that feels authentic, as he weaves between gritty observations and personal affirmations. The hook – “It’s been about freedom, it’s been about racks” – becomes a powerful mantra, embodying 4t9’s belief in chasing success on his own terms. There’s no reliance on empty bravado here; instead, 4t9 taps into the mindset of someone who’s faced challenges but refuses to let them define his path.
His verses showcase a knack for clever wordplay. Lines like “In Paris riding the metro / I’ve been wavy from the get-go / I still compete and I get gold / That’s the 9 on me like Crespo” highlight his ability to blend cultural references with sharp storytelling. He paints pictures of grind and grit, but it’s always laced with a forward-thinking attitude.
The track’s production matches this energy, with a brooding instrumental that balances dark, rolling basslines with crisp percussion. It’s the kind of beat that demands attention, creating the perfect backdrop for 4t9’s powerful delivery. Meanwhile, the track’s structure keeps momentum high, with the hook acting as a grounding point that ties the themes together.
Adding to the track’s impact is its visually striking music video, directed by ODXC. The visuals mirror the song’s intensity, capturing 4t9’s commanding presence as he delivers each bar with conviction. The sleek visuals, combined with the track’s unrelenting energy, make “Freedom” feel like a real statement piece.
With this debut release, 4t9 shows he’s not here to follow trends – he’s here to create his own lane. His blend of raw authenticity, sharp lyricism, and motivational energy makes this debut impossible to overlook. If “Freedom” is just the starting point, there’s no telling how far 4t9’s ambition will take him.
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