[Saturday Spotlight] SR TheMveMnt + Kalenci

What’s there to not love about rap music? It’s an expression of pain, love, joy, hardship, and accomplishment. Being a rap artist isn’t about collecting a check, it’s about showcasing your skill for a genre that only gives back. This year alone has been one of the most prolific, yet one of the most disastrous in terms of monumental loss. Though it’s the fastest adapting music genre, we can never get used to tragedy.

As we approach the end of 2020, we look back at the success the Saturday Spotlight series has achieved thus far, and it’s a moment to be proud of. The HHNM family is grateful for the humbling response to the resurrection of this series, and we will continue to serve the rap community with the utmost humility and integrity. Throughout the weeks of taking submissions, the plethora of talent always impresses and always spurs discussion on the major current influences on the emerging talent. It’s incredible, and it’s truly the spirit of rap music.

Last week we introduced A-Lex and Pharoah Santana to the Saturday Spotlight, two highly talented individuals who are taking current trends and influences, and turning them into a new wave that’ll eventually push the envelope artistically. Without further ado, let’s introduce the winners of Week 9 of Saturday Spotlight.

SR TheMveMnt

Listening to SR TheMveMnt’s “Suburbans” for the first time was akin to hearing Drake’s “Successful” for the first time. SR’s vocals hit a sweet spot, radiant in confidence that gleams throughout his verses. The hook on the track is one of the finest moments of celebration captured in song form, it’s almost impossible not to toast a victory to. SR’s strength comes from his versatility in singing as well as rap, his ability to switch between the two mediums seamlessly is a quality fitting for an upcoming superstar. SR’s music is gripping, with prominent room to grow and further establish the name we are happy to get you acquainted to. Check out his track, “Suburbans” below:

Kalenci

If JT and Young Miami from City Girls mashed together, with Megan the Stallion sprinkled on top, you’d get Kalenci — the Cleaveland, Ohio born rapper, now located in Greensboro, NC — that’s destroying heavy bass production with her thunderous energy. She’s fierce, with a delivery that’s as relentless as a tsunami. On “Wild (No Hook)” — which is recorded as a freestyle and released a week ago — is the prime introduction on meeting Kalenci. This year has been a strong performance from female emcees, and Kalenci is no exception to this. Willing to bet, we will be hearing from her in the imminent future. Check out her track “Wild (No Hook)” below:

– by Anthony Malone and Navjosh

Through our artist discovery platform Saturday Spotlight, we have discovered some amazing talent in the past including Russ, Ty Dolla Sign, Mez, IDK, Victoria Monét and Trap Beckham to name just a few. In most cases, coverage on HHNM was their first look among media outlets. Find the submission guidelines here.