Soundclouds of the Underground: Fresh On The Runway Edition

ABOVE: TOWKIO

With an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses, music truly lives online. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute music around the world. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.

It’s that time of year again when fashion fans and influencers flock to places like Lincoln Center and Milk Studios to see the work of their favorite designers in action (and to enjoy what we hope is a plentiful open bar). Surely the cool front row fixtures, luxurious set design and, of course, the clothing put the F in NYFW, but season after season music plays an essential role in how we see the runway. Below are three tracks that should be soundtracking this week’s catwalks.

Towkio: “Involved Ft. Vic Mensa” (Prod. Kaytranada)

Who: Much like the calculated emergence of A$AP Mob members aside from the original breakout Rocky (A$AP Ferg, A$AP Nast), Chicago rap collective SaveMoney has gradually unveiled a roster with plenty to offer beyond Chance The Rapper, whose meteoric rise to fame put the crew on the map. First the talented Vic Mensa took the limelight, touring festivals with Disclosure and even scoring hit records of his own with “Feel That” and “Down On My Luck,” but now it’s Towkio’s turn. The vibrant rapper keeps up with the best of them, his flows ever-engaging and content overflowing with depth.

The Song: Towkio steps out in a big way with “Involved,” a track all the more impactful with the help of crewmate Mensa and Soundcloud royalty Kaytranada, who gives the guys a funk-filled beat to build from. The result is a feel-good, melodic cut that only hints at the promise of Towkio’s debut Wav Theory. 

Current Project: Keep up with Towkio on Facebook.

DJ Paypal: “You Got Me”



Who: Despite his name being a painfully accurate reflection of the times, masked producer DJ Paypal isn’t playing games. His tracks can make you laugh with their comedic originality (see: the hyper edit of Drake’s “Marvin’s Room) while at the same time impress you with their innovative approach—comedy and quality. 

The Song: “I can’t understand but it’s magic,” one commenter fawns over “You Got Me,” a track off Paypal’s LMW004 release with artist collective LuckyMe (Hudson Mohawke, Cashmere Cat, and Machinedrum are just some of the artists the fast-emerging label lists as “Family”). The producer brings the disco-inclined dancefloor vibes into hyper speed, resulting with a fun, feverish track worthy of any designer runway.

Current Project: Get all the Paypal you could ever want on his Facebook page.

Snappy Jit: “Hot Foot” (feat. Jammin Joe)

Who: We don’t know much about Mad Decent signee Snappy Jit, but we’re guessing we will soon. The Miami-based talent calls on a bevy of influences—from dancehall to juke to Miami bass—to create an electrified sound entirely his own.

The Song: “Hot Foot” employs sexy guitar strums, commanding vocals, and a Fred Flintstone sample to form a wild dance track that’s sure to tear the floor up in 2015. “Kill that thang!” the track commands, and kill it we shall.

Current Project: Snappy Jit just joined Facebook. Get into him now. 

Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.