Author: Tracey Dawkins

Owner of NEW LEASE MUSIC blog, which showcases the latest releases from indie and unsigned artists, and NEW LEASE MUSIC PROMOTIONS, which promotes indie/unsigned artists via blogs/magazines, radio, independent and Spotify playlists

OUT TODAY: K-Riz Shares Single, ‘Whatever U Like’; Announces New Album

Following a string of critically lauded releases, hip-hop artist K-RIZ returns with ‘Whatever U Like,’ the first single off his forthcoming album, One Way Ticket, arriving next spring on Mo Gravy Records.

The single finds K-Riz leaning into a newfound joy and another dimension to his multifaceted rap persona. Reuniting with JDats, the producer behind the blissful blend of jazz-infused samples heard on 2020’s The Room EP, ‘Whatever U Like’ hits with lashes of delirious dance-oriented beats, a reflection of Riz’s current state of contentment and openness to exploration.

One Way Ticket, which will also feature appearances by Toronto rapper Junia T, emcee/singer Ice tha One, and Calgary-based, Zimbabwe-born newcomer K the Chosen, represents the urge to move forward and embrace new experiences. The rapper permanently relocated from Edmonton to Calgary in 2021, and with that came new influences and a necessary shift in perspective.

K-Riz’s past efforts Peace & Love (2021) and The Room EP (2020) garnered rotation on CBC’s The Block with host Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe naming K-Riz as a Black Canadian artist you need to know. Those releases also landed him a nomination for Rap & Hip Hop Artist of the Year at the 2022 Western Canadian Music Awards. As part of the festivities

Look for more singles from K-Riz’s third full-length album, One Way Ticket, in the coming months. ‘Whatever U Like’ is now available on Bandcamp. If you like the track, purchase it on Friday 7th October for the next Bandcamp Friday when all sales go directly to artists. 

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Song of the Day: Brakes – Capo Corleone x Kuba Więcek

CAPO CORLEONE is an international recording artist and music executive based out of Los Angeles. As the CEO of the highly successful C2 Management and founder and former CEO of Tree4ort Records, his musical endeavors shine bright. The alternative hip-hop artist has solidly embossed himself in global success, honing his international collaboration and artist development like no other.

His latest single ‘Brakes’ in collaboration with notable Polish jazz musician and global producer KUBA WIĘCEK sees the unlikely pairing joining forces to create a hybrid between jazz and hypnotic hip-hop. Blending two worlds blissfully together, ‘Brakes’ showcases transit-inspired melodies, energetic vocal energy and electronic euphony. Initiating their recording ventures virtually, they finally took to the studio in Warsaw to record their latest release. They explain, “It was really magical how quickly we worked together and clicked – we were really inspired by each other and it showed.”

Raised on West Coast artists like Snoop Dogg, 2pac, E-40 and Nate Dogg, Corleone’s latest single ‘Brakes’ epitomizes that ‘on the go’ feeling that never seems to ease up, exploring the idea that you’re running without brakes or the ability to stop. Corleone explains, “The place and time definitely influenced the writing and attitude of my flow and performance. “Running with no brakes on” as I say in the song was exactly how I had been feeling moving from city to city.”

Igniting inspiration to live a life of your own accord, “Brakes” is just the first chapter of Corleone’s and Więceks’ upcoming EP Thank Myself, exploring unparalleled self-gratitude to one’s own accomplishments, remaining strong and succeeding despite life’s obstacles.

Check out the official video for ‘Brakes’ below…

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Rockness Monsta Teams Up With General Steele and Ruste Juxx For Track ‘Shark Tank’

Since making his mark in the ‘90s through the early aughts as a part of the legendary Boot Camp Clik and one half of rap duo Heltah Skeltah, Rock (also known as the ROCKNESS MONSTA) has been conservative with solo efforts– 2017’s Rockness AP remains his sole full-length solo album. But with a newly formed alliance between him and new label American B-Boy Records, the Brooklyn emcee has been gearing up for his sophomore project Ether Rocks for the better part of 2022.

Now, after releasing five album singles with accompanying visuals throughout the year, the late, great Sean Price’s former partner in rhyme taps General Steele and Ruste Juxx for the sixth Ether Rocks single ‘Shark Tank’, and finally announces the album’s official release date exclusively via Rock The Bells.

With guest appearances from Method Man, Steele of Smif-N-Wessun, Ruste Juxx, among others, Ether Rocks is produced entirely by Ron Browz (Nas’s “Ether,” Jim Jones’s “Pop Champagne”) and will release on all DSPs, CD and vinyl on 21st October via American B-Boy Records/Fat Beats. Check out the first taste of the album below

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Song of the Day: Good Love – Joey XL

East London R&B innovator JOEY XL‘s single ‘Good Love’, is a feel good, end of summer serenade to all those who feel like they can’t get by without love.

Produced by Rndm Beats, ‘Good Love’ is the lead up to his forthcoming six-track EP XL’s Room, coming out this Friday (30th September). The much anticipated project encompasses themes of love, finding yourself through music and forging your own path. The project features smooth recent single ‘Special’, the shimmering ‘Perfect Timing’ and the first release from the EP ‘To The Bank’ which arrived earlier this spring.

Speaking on the EP, Joey said:-

“The challenges that life throws your way, each designed to shape and advance your existence and purpose, are encapsulated in ‘XLs Room’. It centres on the concept of a bedroom, as well as the solitude of the mind, both private and safe spaces to feel and process lessons in love, navigating relationships, finding direction and understanding who and what you’re meant to be. This EP is a journey of self-discovery – each track speaks to my musical and mental evolution, crossing genre and themes, ending with passionate optimism that everything happens for a reason and the best is yet to come.”

Make sure you look out for the EP…but for now, have a listen to ‘Good Love’ below…

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UK Alt-R&B Princess Dior Ashe releases EP ‘Chill Pill’.

Singer/songwriter DIOR ASHE introduces an eclectic amalgamation of various styles, genres and moods, through EP ‘Chill Pill’, a body of work that is an undoubtedly enjoyable journey into the catalogue of one of West London’s most promising talents.

Dior’s warm vocals melded with infectious melodies and encapsulating lyrics make for a unique and memorable listening experience.

Hailing from Ladbroke Grove, West London, singer/songwriter Dior Ashe is undeniably a force to be reckoned with within the UK Alt R&B space.

Proudly tapping into her Antiguan & St Lucian roots, Dior draws much of her influence from her rich Caribbean heritage. R&B, Soul and Neo-Jazz also all play a key-part when it comes to her unique musical scope, with Dior also drawing inspiration from vocal powerhouses such as Amy Winehouse and Erykah Badu.

Notably, Dior Ashe has performed at Earth 0.2, QH Sound Live and RCRDSHOP at Boxpark Shoreditch, and has been supported by Reprezent, Voices Radio, Snapback FM and Love Da Beat radio stations with both interviews and radio play.

Must Listens: Homerun, Miss You.

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