SKOPE NEWS FOR MARCH 17, 2018 @ 8 AM EST

King Truth (aka Trae Tha Truth) Recruits Young Thug, T.I., and More

A respected rapper and a devoted humanitarian, Houston’s King Truth (aka Trae Tha Truth) uses his music to amplify issues important to his community. Embracing his status as an institution in his city, King Truth reflects on a turbulent time on Home Town Hero, his tenth studio album. Kicking the record off with “What About Us,” a poignant track with a video with a cameo from Beyoncé, King Truth shines a spotlight on the still-struggling city, noting that though the news cycle has moved on, there are many people who still need aid. The poignant intro lends heft to the rest of the album, in which King Truth returns to his impossibly self-assured self, recruiting Young Thug for the manic “Don’t Know Me,” which premiered earlier this week in XXL, trades bars with Mozzy on “No Pressure,” and shows off his smooth singing voice on the laid-back “I Got It On Me.”

The Shadowboxers Announce Debut EP ‘Apollo’ – Out March 23rd

“We have been preparing for this moment now for a few years and it is so exciting to finally be staring down the release of this first EP and to celebrate by hitting the road with JT,” the band says. “We poured over these recordings and didn’t cut a single corner. It feels really good to be releasing a body of work that truly represents who we are as a band and we can’t wait to play these songs every night on tour.”

GREEN DRUID: Ashen Blood Full-Length From Denver-Based Psychedelic Stoner Doom

Denver-based psychedelic stoner doom collective GREEN DRUID today drop the planet-rupturing fruits of their Ashen Blood full-length via Earache Records. Ashen Blood is brooding and atmospheric doused in gargantuan riffs summoning the Lovecraftian horrors of the cosmos.

Oklou ‘The Rite of May’ EP

‘The Rite of May’ is written and produced by Mayniel herself and is her most pop-orientated work to date. The tracks range from the beautiful intimacy of ‘Samuel’ to the expansive club-pop track ‘They Can’t Hear Me’, led throughout by her vocals. Additional input was provided from Bok Bok (Kelela, Night Slugs), Rodiah McDonald (The XX, Sampha), Sega Bodega and new Paris engineer Krampf.

Mamas Gun Share new single

Mamas Gun are today sharing their new single, ‘You Make My Life A Better Place’, which follows in the footsteps of the Lauren Laverne and R2-supported ‘London Girls’ and the Earmilk-approved ‘Strangers On A Street’. Taken from the band’s new album, Golden Days – due for release on May 18, 2018 via Candelion, ‘You Make My Life A Better Place’ can be listened to here. Alongside the likes of Charles Bradley, Curtis Harding and the Dap Kings – Mamas Gun have helped fuel the vanguard of 21st century soul – as well as spawning Top 10 hits on four continents.

DJ Muggs & Everlast celebrate 25 years of “Jump Around” with new remix feat. Damian Marley

“Jump Around,” one of the biggest songs in hip-hop history is 25 and in its 25th year DJ Muggs and Everlast from House of Pain are releasing a remix of the song featuring Damian Marley and special guest Meyhem Lauren. “Jump Around” is embedded in the DNA of pop culture and is still a global phenomenon heard everywhere from parties to sporting events to this day. The song was released in May of 1992, peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and spent 30 weeks on the chart.

ANNA LUNOE REVEALS NEW SINGLE “BLAZE OF GLORY”

LA-based producer, vocalist and DJ Anna Lunoe has revealed her latest single “Blaze Of Glory” HERE released via HYPERHOUSE, Lunoe’s own label & curation house. Tapping longtime friend, producer Salva, “Blaze of Glory” marks Anna Lunoe’s first release since she became a mother late last year and brings a new creative direction.

Salon Acapulco takes us into uncharted territory with ‘Rumba’

Press play on “Rumba” and take a good look around you. With each beat, Mexican producer and DJ Salon Acapulco takes you deeper and deeper into a lush tropical forest, a wilderness that blends the distinction between reality and imagination, memory and prophecy. In this verdant alien landscape, Latin rhythms take root and thundering drums herald the start of a new musical journey – one that beckons with the promise of profound vision in the form of marimbas, bongos, trumpets, and jaranas. Some call this unique sound “Coconut Synthwave.” We call it the sound of the future. Step into the jungle and let Salon Acapulco be your guide – the adventure begins with “Rumba.”

NOTD RELEASES “I WANNA KNOW” FT. BEA MILLER

Island Records releases the new single ‘I Wanna Know’ ft Bea Miller, from Stockholm production duo NOTD today. Having only met each other in the summer of 2016, the past couple of years have been wildly successful for this talented pair, aged just 19 and 17.

JACLYN KENYON Releases Official Music Video for “Daddy’s Got a Shotgun”

Country artist JACLYN KENYON has released the official music video for her single, “Daddy’s Got a Shotgun” Directed by Jordan Davies, the Mike Krompass produced track is the first single off of her upcoming, debut EP.

LEILA ABDUL-RAUF: Title Track To Third Solo Album

As Diminution, the third solo album by Bay Area-based multi-instrumentalist LEILA ABDUL-RAUF, of Vastum, Ionophore, Cardinal Wyrm, Hammers Of Misfortune, Fyrhtu, and more, nears release, the opening title track has been premiered through Decibel Magazine alongside an interview with the artist.

Q&A and Track Premiere: Leila Abdul-Rauf on “Diminution”

TONI ROMITI RELEASES TOMBOY EP VIA RCA RECORDS

Romiti releases TOMBOY on the heels of the video premiere of her latest single, “Never Thought” featuring artist and entertainer DC Young Fly. The EP, a combination of vibe-y RnB singles, hard hitting lyricism and infectious melodies is her first major label release since signing earlier this year. TOMBOY is available now to buy or stream across all music platforms!

Cherae LERI’ ft Choppa Zoe “Worth That Drama”

Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, this young vibrant song bird is hitting the music scene hard with her own flavor and style. Cherae Leri is a songwriter, dancer, actress and former model. She began her entertainment career at the age of 3 when she began modeling and acting.

Leri has never followed trends, so don’t expect to hear her trying to mimic any. The music is hers and it’s the kind of sound you want to take with you on a road trip, to the gym, and to the office.

Niko The Kid Channels the Golden Age of Disco and House on “Thinkin’ Bout You”

Niko The Kid throws it back to the golden age of disco and house on effervescent dance floor heater “Thinkin’ Bout You,” featuring vocals from Tia Simone. Deliciously melding instantly familiar horns with soulful instrumentation, this record expertly fuses modern sound design with retro sensibilities.

Famous Dex Releases New “Japan” Single

“Japan” follows Dex’s smash hit single, “Pick It Up” featuring rap superstar, A$AP Rocky. The record has been steadily climbing the Hot 100 Billboard Charts! Fans will be happy to hear more of the energetic music Famous Dex has built his career on. It’s clear that the animated rapper is on a roll with another show stopping record and head turning visuals.