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Alex Forte Illuminates Identity and Rhythm on “Morena” EP

thisaktmusic

26 Jun, 2025

Cleveland hip-hop craftsman Alex Forte returns with “Morena,” a five-track EP that merges jazzy soul beats, golden-era boom-bap swing, and a warm splash of Brazilian MPB. Inspired by City of God and the raspy croon of Seu Jorge, Forte frames his African-American experience against Afro-Brazilian imagery, creating a bright, cross-cultural celebration of resilience and self-acceptance.

Opener “Favela Skies” glides on breezy guitar loops and horn stabs, setting the EP’s sun-lit tone before Forte’s agile flow dives into stories of neighborhood dreams and systemic chokeholds. On “Morena,” the title track, dusty drums melt into nylon-string riffs while he toasts women of deeper hues with tender respect.

Alex Forte · Morena

The jazzy “Carnaval” nods to the Tribe classic with lush Rhodes chords and a hook that sticks like summer heat. “Bizarre Ride” slows the tempo, pairing Portuguese refrains with confessional bars about Black joy, while closer “Amazonas” erupts in layered percussion and triumphant horns, leaving listeners lifted.

Forte’s lyricism is sharp yet inviting; his production handled alongside a cadre of underground beat-smiths is both head-nodding and globally aware. The result is an EP that radiates peace, pride, and unshakeable groove.

Follow Alex Forte to get more incredible updates:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexfortemusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamalexforte/

Twitter(X): https://twitter.com/iamalexforte

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