Aaron May: Houston’s 17-Year-Old Hidden Gem Looking to Take the Game by Storm in 2019

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Aaron May is not your average high school student. While his classmates sit in class thinking up ways to cheat on their Pre-Calc test, Aaron sits in the back, formulating a plan to get his debut mixtape CHASE the exposure that he knows it deserves. May is from Houston, specifically Alief, the same neighborhood as fellow rising star Don Toliver. He is 17 years old, a senior in high school, and one of the most promising young rappers in the country. While May hails from H-town, his sound is far different than the codeine soaked trap the area has always been known for. Instead, Aaron’s music is sophisticated and rich with context. The young MC has even drawn numerous comparisons to J. Cole, and while the resemblance in his voice and style is undeniable, May is far more than a Cole wannabe.

The young rapper arrived nine months ago when he dropped a dope music video for a track called “Ride.” The song is groovy bop about bring his homies with him on his inevitable rise to fame. Throughout the three minute cut, Aaron hits numerous different flows and delivers with an infectious hook that keeps this song on repeat. The video does the song every bit of justice and shows him riding around with his homies, be it on bike or in a car. the visual perfectly showcases Aaron’s youth while flexing an unbelievable level of professionalism at the same time. This theme is what makes May so special to me in his young career. He knows exactly what he is. He knows he’s only 17. He knows he only has one mixtape out. With this being said he also knows how dope and special he is. He knows he’s posed to blow and he knows that he can be the leader of the next wave if he is patient and continues to create exceptional music.

CHASE, an album by Aaron May on Spotify

May dropped his debut mixtape CHASE two weeks ago and has already seen an enormous increase in following since. The tape is a jazzy and polished and dives deep into the specifics of chasing one’s dreams. The 26 minute mixtape is all killer and no filler as each song provides new context to who exactly the Aaron May is. The second cut on the album “Dreams” is already one of my favorite tracks of the year due to an exceptional vocal performance that showcases one of the most hypnotizing flows I’ve heard in awhile. “Let Go” is a fan favorite where Aaron raps from a place of pain about wanting something real from the girl he is addressing. Not only does he deliver on the vocals, but the track is self-produced, showcasing another of the talented MCs many gifts. “I’m Good Luv, Enjoy” is an upbeat cut about curving hoes that use to be “too good” for the young rapper. While the context of the song is familiar to rap fans, the guitar-driven beat and complex flow makes the song sound unique and different. The album commences with a poem Aaron wrote about chasing love, pleasure, wealth, and other desires.

It’s clear the young artist has an impeccable work ethic as he succeeded in crafting an excellent debut mixtape while managing to stay on track to graduate. It should then come as no surprise that May has big plans for the rest of 2019. In a recent interview with The Fader, Aaron gave the following quote:

2019 is the year I turn heads and make noise. I’ve put all of myself into my music all while going through personal struggles. I’ve stayed humble, patient, and focused which I’ll continue to do. This is the year the world will take notice and appreciate who I am and what I do. Expect a lot of moves.
— Aaron May

The young MC is beyond promising and we believe he is destined for greatness. As long as he keeps providing the context and soul that hip-hop has so long been desiring, his rise to stardom is inevitable. Make sure to keep your eyes out for Aaron May this year as it won’t be soon before long where you won’t be able to miss him.


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Songs of the Week: Mar 3rd

 
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Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:

A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.

New Songs of the Week:

“Dreams” by Aaron May

Dreams, a song by Aaron May on Spotify

This week Houston newcomer Aaron May dropped his debut project, Chase. The buzzing 18-year-old clearly has a lot to say and “Dreams” is the best track on the exciting new mixtape. Over the two minute and forty second duration May flexes his excellent lyricism and polished flows over a simple yet pulsing instrumental that tastefully takes a back seat to his bars. Tap into Chase and make sure Aaron May is on your radar.

I serve em like it’s nothin’ til I’m stuntin’ overseas
Bitch stop frontin, hoe you know you can’t put nothin’ over me
I’m the hottest fuckin youngin they been bumpin my releases
You gon see this,
Wavy flow gon’ make them seasick
— Aaron May "Dreams"

“Trap” by SAINt JHN (Feat. Lil Baby)

Trap (feat. Lil Baby), a song by SAINt JHN, Lil Baby on Spotify

SAINt JHN is one of the most intriguing artists in the game right now. It seems likely that “Trap” is the third and final single off his newest album and here at StereoVision we couldn’t be more excited. “Trap” is a dreamy cut which features a mesmerizing hook sung by JHN. Lil Baby comes through for the second verse and delivers with a refreshing feature that compliments JHN’s melodic style exceptionally well.

I ain’t never tellin’ lies, cross my heart and hope to die
If it’s real, it’s real forever, maybe never testify
Put the pedal to the floor, look the devil in the eye
If you tell me that you love me, promise not to change your mind
— SAINt JHN "Trap"

“i” by Lil Skies

i, a song by Lil Skies on Spotify

The intro to Lil Skies newest project Shelby is an emotional reflection on his negative experiences with love, drugs, and other struggles. While lyrically the song is average, Skie’s auto-tuned voice makes this looping hook extremely addicting. On “i” you can hear the pain in his voice making it a powerful listen about loss.

I ain’t never tellin’ lies, cross my heart and hope to die
If it’s real, it’s real forever, maybe never testify
Put the pedal to the floor, look the devil in the eye
If you tell me that you love me, promise not to change your mind
— Lil Skies "i"

Throwback Song of the Week:

“Blow My High (Members Only)” by Kendrick Lamar

Blow My High (Members Only), a song by Kendrick Lamar on Spotify

In this classic Section 80 cut Kendrick samples Pimp C’s iconic verse on big pimpin’ to create a fun and familiar hook. The verses are equally entertaining as Kendrick dances over the funky Tommy Black instrumental impressing us and seemly one-upping himself with every line. The song’s bounce is indisputable and the way Kendrick switches between a deep voice and his layered singing flow on the chorus is genius.

Wonder what’s behind them Ray Bans
Eyes of a coward, I understand
Niggas like the gossip, like bitches
Sip Don Perignon, when we finish
— Kendrick Lamar "Blow My High (Members Only)"

Check back in next week for three new hot songs and one new throwback! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get updated when we post:

 
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