“Locked N Loaded” by DJThriller: A Dorm-Room Hip-Hop with Sharp Vision

Multitalented artist DJThriller, aka Joshua Hurst, has hooked us on to his recent release, “Locked N Loaded.” Joshua is a rapper, producer, and artist promoter known for creating DIY tracks. Hailing from Ladera Heights, California, the artist is known for merging old-school lyricism with contemporary jazz and alternative hip-hop elements. His tracks aim at spreading mental awareness with a message of childhood love, hope, and self-care. Being a documentary production major at California State University, Northridge, I can sense that storytelling instinct in how he frames his lyrics. He seeks to revive the authentic storytelling vibe of early 2010s hip-hop while pushing a modern, genre-bending direction.

DJThriller

“DJThriller evokes that sense of awakening in you with his old-school lyricism and alt-hip-hop.”

The Kanye-inspired soulful production stands out as a track that takes you back in time and forward in motion. The best part about Locked N Loaded is the hook that sticks with you. The song feels like a warm praise to the passion and talent of young artists. There’s a sharp Nas-type lyrics focus with bars that actually pause and rewind. One interesting part about the track is that it was recorded in a dorm room, giving it that authentic and unfiltered vibe. The overall vibe blends classic hip-hop roots with a fresh, young hunger.

Test the melody down here:

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