Folded Waffle is back with another Waffle Radar dispatch, spotlighting new voices with heavy bars, bold vision, and vibes that carry weight. Whether it’s a gritty story of ascension, soul-baring lyrical work, or sonic innovation that cuts through the noise, these artists aren’t just releasing tracks—they’re building legacies. Let’s dive into three of the latest heaters you need to keep on rotation.
🧇 Jay Rilez x Justo The MC – “Rich Man”
Brooklyn meets Malta on “Rich Man,” the debut single from UK-born, Malta-based producer Jay Rilez and seasoned Brooklyn lyricist Justo The MC. Released June 22 via The Visionary & The Arts, this soulful boom-bap cut is drenched in 90s-era sample chops and purposeful lyricism, channeling the golden era while staying fresh for modern ears. Produced by Rilez himself, “Rich Man” blends warmth and bounce with a catchy hook and sharp verses that reflect on ambition, gratitude, and the meaning of real wealth.
This transatlantic duo sets the tone for their upcoming collaborative project, which promises a new single every month. “Rich Man” is more than a throwback—it’s a reminder that hip-hop built on substance and soul still thrives. With its feel-good energy and tight execution, this opener makes it clear: Jay Rilez and Justo The MC have something powerful on the way.
🧇 MrZnote – “Swell”
Dropping back in March 2024, “Swell” by MrZnote still packs relevance a year later with its fusion of jazz textures, lo-fi drums, and stream-of-consciousness bars. The Connecticut-based emcee delivers meditative lines layered with personal philosophy and social commentary. Its blend of conscious hip-hop and alternative flair makes this track feel both timeless and experimental. The mix is intentionally raw, embracing a DIY aesthetic that supports MrZnote’s identity as an unfiltered thinker and creator. With three past approvals on Folded Waffle, MrZnote continues to embody that offbeat, underground spirit we look for in our Radar selections.
🧇 Pablo J. Garmon x Jackson Reese – “Go Mode (Everything Comes Back)”
Out just hours ago, “Go Mode” by Pablo J. Garmon and Jackson Reese comes through with a blend of layered synths, indie bounce, and lyrical optimism. The beat balances retro grooves with modern polish while the verses lean into concepts of karma, energy, and creative resurgence. Garmon’s flow is fluid, and Jackson Reese complements with a melodic, near-spoken cadence that feels cinematic and reflective. The duo tap into the cycles of action and consequence, making this track not only catchy but conceptually rich. It’s one of those sleeper tracks that builds on you—a clean fit for any conscious or alt-hip-hop playlist.
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This week’s Waffle Radar proves that innovation isn’t a genre—it’s a mindset. Whether you’re into soulful introspection, poetic abstraction, or grounded reflection, these artists have carved lanes of their own. Support the ones building their vision, bar by bar, beat by beat.
