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John Morrison
John Morrison is a writer, DJ, and sample-flipper from Philadelphia. As a writer, his work has appeared in NPR Music, Bandcamp Daily, Jazz Tokyo, Grammy.com, and more. He is also the host of Culture Cypher Radio, a hip-hop radio show on NPR member station WXPN.
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With myriad examples of American harm to Black people, Masta Ace sums up an ambient feeling perfectly — flatly concluding that it's like someone took "the welcome mat and put a torch to it."
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Over a bouncy, drum-heavy groove and dreamy keys, Moonchild lead singer Amber Navran tries to put things back in order after a relationship goes sour.
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Inspired by a viral explosion of her lone solo single, Shortie No Mass reintroduces herself to the world.
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Joell Ortiz shows us how environment and circumstance can dramatically change a person's life trajectory.
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The fiery nine-minute avant-garde epic ushers us past the limits of our comfort zone, taking us on a journey far beyond convention.
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Over a gorgeous, jazz-infused beat, Skyzoo runs down a vivid and loving detailing of life in the Brooklyn neighborhood that birthed him.
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Orion Sun possesses a particular gift for making songs that practically glow with warmth and intimacy.
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Inspired by Baltimore's Wyman Park neighborhood, "Wyman" is a clear standout from the singer-songwriter's latest album.
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Philadelphia-based music journalist John Morrison lists five of the best recent beat tapes by producers with deep ties to Philly's music scene.