We Speak Music
Silent Funk + 1 (Rhino Funk, Silent Someone + DJ-JS1) drop new video, announce LP
Hip-Hop Purists rejoice! Boom-Bap duo, Silent Funk (composed of emcee Rhinoceros Funk and beat-maker Silent Someone) have returned with a serious upgrade! Now re-christened Silent Funk Plus 1 the group have welcomed scratch-master/graff legend DJ JS-1 as a full member.
The first LP in this expanded configuration as a trio, Silent Funk 3: Silence B4 Da Funk will drop on 7/8 in both limited edition CD and digital formats. With this announcement comes the drop of two videos supporting tracks on the forthcoming album. “Broadcasting Live” and “Can’t Ignore Us” are potent slaps of deft sampling, turntable science and authentic NY lyricism.
Watch official video for “Broadcasting Live”: https://youtu.be/ntgHZ4mlIqk?si=kveg5s3tmysodHmx
Watch official video for “Can’t Ignore Us”: https://youtu.be/lYjD8ReWiFY?si=3-x_koxHmpCSAg0i
Lyrically Rhino touches upon the topics of class struggle, racism, exploitation and cultural appropriation by corporate greed but never by sacrificing his sense of humor or dope use of metaphors and inspirations (crediting Peter Griffin of Family Guy for the use of the term “Grind My Gears” several times through the album). Speaking on the addition of DJ JS-1, Silent Someone relayed “all three of us are New York natives so we have known each other or known of each other since the late 90’s / early 2000’s. Having another creative mind like his to bounce ideas off of really makes us feel complete as a group.”
In addition, Silent Funk 3 boasts guest features from Tone Spliff (adding cuts to one track) as well as emcees REKS and Mike Titan. With the chemistry on point, Silent Someone revealed that the trio will soon have enough material recorded for Silent Funk 4.
Silent Someone has laced tracks for such legends as Tame One (The Artifacts) , Sadat X , John Robinson (Scienz Of Life), Craig G and Breeze Brewin (The Juggaknots)to name a few. He also produced the majority of Rhinoceros Funk’s 2016 album, An Aesthetic Act Of Aggression.
Rhinoceros Funk has fifteen albums to his name. In addition to emceeing, he also produces and has been a radio host for over twenty-five years (co-helming the Guerrilla Grooves Radio with Fred Ones). He has conducted 3,000 plus interviews with hip-hop artists including many legends as well as up-and-coming artists in the scene.
DJ JS-1 (JERMS) has toured the globe, supporting Rahzel, KRS-ONE and MC Supernatural. He has released several solo albums, break records, 12” singles and mixtapes over the past 25 years. In addition to his work on the decks, he is a member of the legendary Rock Steady Crew and thrown up over 1,000 graff pieces.
More Info:
https://www.instagram.com/rhinocerosfunk
Seb Adams returns with Bittersweet Nostalgia, an album that feels like a heartfelt letter from the past, stitched together with the sonic threads of 90s pop-punk and modern alt-rock. Following his 2022 debut, Between Awake & Fast Asleep, Adams deepens his sound and emotional reach, blending infectious energy with introspective lyricism. This is an album made not just for nostalgia’s sake, but for catharsis and growth.
The opening track, “Rearview Mirror,” sets the tone with its propulsive guitars and anthemic chorus, immediately capturing Adams’ desire to leave behind negativity while celebrating life. It’s a spirited introduction to a record that balances upbeat melodies with sincere vulnerability. The title Bittersweet Nostalgia perfectly encapsulates this delicate dance between joy and melancholy that runs throughout the album.
Adams wears his influences proudly, with clear nods to Green Day’s punk urgency and the emotional honesty of Jimmy Eat World. But what truly distinguishes this record is the infusion of gaming and internet culture. Tracks like “Guitar Hero III” bring a wistful, almost cinematic quality that is both personal and relatable, conjuring memories of simpler times with an arcade-inspired rock pulse.
Lyrically, the album is rich with themes of mental health, self-reflection, and evolving relationships. “More Than You Know” stands out as a poignant tribute to friendship lost, layered with heartfelt vocals and thoughtful instrumentation. Meanwhile, “Man In The Mirror” pulls no punches, tackling addiction and heartbreak with raw honesty—a reminder that Adams isn’t afraid to confront the darker aspects of life head-on.
Musically, Bittersweet Nostalgia is a textured blend of guitars, pianos, ukuleles, and synths, lending the album an organic yet contemporary feel. This DIY approach to production brings an authenticity that resonates deeply, making every track feel like a personal conversation. The upbeat energy never feels superficial; it’s grounded in real emotional experience.
Closing with a stripped-down reprise of “Worth Waiting For,” Adams leaves listeners with a message of hope and resilience. This album isn’t just a collection of songs — it’s a journey through the complexities of growing up and looking back with both fondness and clarity. Bittersweet Nostalgia is a refreshing reminder of music’s power to heal and inspire.
For fans of alt-rock and pop-punk with heart, Seb Adams delivers a compelling sophomore effort that balances nostalgia with forward momentum. It’s an album that feels deeply personal yet universally accessible — a fitting soundtrack for anyone navigating the bittersweet path of life.
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