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

Song of the Day: Bloody Samaritan – Ayra Starr

Africa’s fastest-rising newcomer AYRA STARR‘s blazing and percussive single, ‘Bloody Samaritan’ is anthem of affirmation which is spearheading this new era in Ayra’s career as the lead single from her album ‘19 & Dangerous’ on dropping, out now.

This searing summer anthem bristles with self-confidence as the Gen Z rising star banishes negative energy. She boasts, “I see you watching my stories, I see you gauging my lifestyle, I see you watching my movement, this bad bitch bad every day.”

Since debuting in January, Ayra has amassed over 23 million global streams. Her self-titled debut EP was led by the single ‘Away’ which to date has clocked over 3.8 million views on YouTube. The single was featured on BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Africa 360 playlist and championed by Manny Norte who was first to spin it on UK radio via Capital Xtra. Jessie Reyez, Ray BLK and Love Island’s Yewande Biala are also fans

On the day of the EP’s release, Ayra simultaneously hit No.1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Song, Album and Video charts. The incredible buzz coming out of Lagos saw her chosen by Apple Music as their Africa Rising artist – an exclusive new talent development programme that previously earmarked Tems and Amaarae.

Why not check out the hype and watch the video for ‘Bloody Smartian below…

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R&B Girl Group BLK Release Single ‘Girls’ From EP + Video

BLK, the first R&B girl group from the city of Toronto in recent history, are solidifying themselves within the international music scene on their single ‘Girls’. Introducing melodic tempos paired with a lush range of R&B vocals and hip-hop flows, ‘Girls’ is a female empowerment anthem positioned to be the soundtrack for every woman dealing with a significant other who needs to get kicked to the curb.

Produced by Pops (Drake, Machine Gun Kelly) & Lowner, BLK sings unapologetically over rich guitar chords & rhythmic 808’s “lost yourself a bad b*tch, lost yourself a marriage, lost yourself a Queen.”

These three solo artists—each of whom write, produce, and perform—combine their initials and colourful styles. This universally-minded outfit is spreading some authentic BLK Girl Magic.

All three artists have Canadian roots. Bexk, a fashion design student from Toronto’s East End, is of Bajan heritage. “I’m the savage,” she admits—employing her nickname as something of an alter-ego, “I fight for our best interests at all times, and encourage others to speak up.” Korahjay is a self-described free spirit from Montreal who comes from a Jamaican family. Her moniker, combining words from scripture and a family name, means power. Lilac X, whose exponent represents self-empowerment, considers herself a citizen of the world.

Check out the official video for ‘Girls’ below…

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Album Interview: Da Street Poet – Natty Boi Zoe

I caught up with New Yorker NATTY BOI ZOE for the second time, to discuss his latest album ‘Da Street Poet’, out now for your pleasure, how he coped during the pandemic and his plans for the rest of 2021. Why not check him out below…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?

NBZ: 2021 been crazy in every direction but I’m good mentally and physically, just Learning to adapt to these new changes

NLM: You released your album, ‘Da Street Poet’ back in May. What is the public perception on the project so far?

NBZ: So I got good reviews, nothing negative but their always room for improvement…

NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

NBZ: It’s more on the Poetic and Hip-Pop side…

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

NBZ: Life is my biggest inspiration, I really love music it’s a part of my soul…

NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?

NBZ: We Litt , Get Right and Winners Circle – that’s the mind frame I’m on right now in every aspect…

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your album?

NBZ: Acceptance, growth, greatness, self confidence and self worth in ones own abilities…

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?

NBZ: Brent Faiyaz my Boi is killing it right now, very talented

NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?

NBZ: Yeah I’m working on my new EP amazing new sound coming up…

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

NBZ: Instagram NattyBoiZoe everything

NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Da Street Poet’?

NBZ: Shout out to my producer juice cannon, Dice Cannon, Smitty, Gerald.

Da Street Poet is out now

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Song of the Day: Let It Pop – Son Of Tony

After dropping his fire visuals for track ‘Energy’ earlier this year, veteran spitter, TONY OF TONY steals the blog’s Song of the Day limelight for the second time (after track ‘Comicon’ ft. Mickey Factz) with another hard-hitting joint, ‘Let It Pop’. Check it out below…

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Nija Unveils Debut Single, Ease My Mind (Come Over) + Video

Before she had even turned 21, NIJA had written scores of Billboard Hot 100 hits. Now 23, the three-time GRAMMY Award-winning contributor has reached a new milestone: the release of her self-penned, self-produced debut single, ‘Ease My Mind (Come Over)’ via Capitol Records. With her enticing, self-assured vocals, Nija delivers an irresistible invitation on the track, which is an inventive mixture of R&B and drill music.

Shot in Los Angeles, the official video for ‘Ease My Mind (Come Over)’ is a visually surreal exploration of inner space, traveling through Nija’s subconscious mind. Director Child (Big Sean, Janelle Monáe, H.E.R.) gives us a keyhole view into the vibrant worlds conjured by her imagination as she awaits the arrival of a lover.

Nija says, “This song is about those times when you’ve had a long day, maybe stressed out from work, and you just want to get your mind off things with that special person at the end of the day.”

Born in New Jersey and now based in Los Angeles, Nija has demonstrated a knack for translating her experiences into relatable, emotional songs for artists such as Beyoncé, Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Drake, H.E.R., Lady Gaga and Maroon 5. As she started working on her own music, she relished the freedom she had to fully express herself. Now Nija is writing songs that are more intensely personal and taking control of her music and narrative in a way she never has before.

‘Ease My Mind (Come Over)’ is the first single from her forthcoming debut project, slated for release later in the year. Check out the video for Nija’s debut below…

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