The King of Hip Hop gets Personal on Tidal Exclusive My first reaction / thoughts / impression after listening to the brand new JAY-Z / No ID collab project '4:44'. This is the first in a new series of 'first take' album reviews.

A The New Beatmaker Favourite Takes to Pledge Music: Offers Great Rewards to Donors Longtime favourite and The New Beatmaker family, soul singer-songwriter Tracy Cruz has announced a Pledge Music campaign which offers not only the chance for fans to help fund the creation of a musical trilogy; but also offers great rewards in return. For more info and to pledge, visit:  pledgemusic.com/projects/tracycruzmusic Youtube: Soul Superstar in the Making Tracy Cruz Announces Pledge Music Campaign Tracy is not only a superb singer-songwriter, being included in several of The New Beatmaker 'Soundcloud Sessions', but she has also been one of thenewbeatmaker.com's most dedicated supporters. Pledges start from as little as $8. Check out the video above and then head over to Pledge Music to help a very deserving artist realize their musical vision at: pledgemusic.com/projects/tracycruzmusic

An understated, haunting country rock track with plenty of replay value. This post is in association with pushpowerpromo.com. For more details see the bottom of the post. The melancholic instrumentation is understated but pleasing throughout; the introductions to both the first and second verses are especially nice.  The guitar melody is very catchy. There are plenty of evocative and quotable lyrics here and Ben's delivery is heartfelt and memorable.  I am not 100 per cent taken with the refrain ('all I know, know') although I am not entirely sure why. Also the ending feels a tad abrupt.  I would have loved to hear Ben and band let loose with a big, raucous climax. However, I can appreciate that doing so may have been too far removed from the understated feel of the rest of the track. Even with these slight quibbles I enjoyed Ben's words and performance.  I'll be sure to revisit this track and follow the band's progress with great interest. I very...

Producer IVN cooks up a dramatic trap inspired beat for lyrical beast SteveOG.  This post is in association with pushpowerpromo.com. For more details see the bottom of the post. Producer IVN cooks up a dramatic trap inspired beat for lyrical beast SteveOG; an MC who first came to my attention on the impressive 'Conscious', featured on 'Soundcloud Sessions' 19. On 'Fake', the drum claps are so tastefully designed and mixed that they never become overbearing even though they play such a sustained role; and the bassline is tuneful and fat enough to be enjoyed even on high street headphones which are usually not able to convey much in the way of low end info.  The bassline is even enjoyable on high street headphones... SteveOG’s lyrical prowess will excite fans of Eminem, Tech N9ne and Joey Bada$$ with his message of endurance; his multi-syllabic delivery and his gruff, animated voice. The abrupt ending is the only potential bump in the road. I woul...

From K15's house / techno epic 'Look (Beyond You)' to the LOX's heartfelt takeover of the 'Santorini Greece' beat by Bink (for Rick Ross); and from the joyous almost disco sounds of Pomo to the heavy rock-with-a-message of The Outside, Soundcloud Sessions 19 has you covered. Looking to showcase your music? Find out how via  'Contact' . Follow The New Beatmaker:  Facebook ,  youtube ,  Twitter ,  Soundcloud  and  Indaba .