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: Rap duo Little Brother drops singles, ‘Wish Me Well’ & ‘Glory Glory’

The seminal Rap duo LITTLE BROTHER have dropped new singles, ‘Wish Me Well’ and “Glory Glory’ today (19th September) across various music platforms. Produced by Pumah and Grammy-winning producer Conductor Williams, respectively, the new two-piece serves as the duo’s first new music release since their 2019 surprise comeback May The Lord Watch.

“We wanted to bless our fans with new music to show them we’re not leaning on nostalgia. After 20 years in the game, we’re still hungry and actively working to improve our craft.” – Phonte

“We hear and see the requests for new music. We felt it was time. Time to show our minds are still sharp and we’re only getting sharper.” – Rapper Big Pooh

Credited as one of the first buzzing rap acts in the pre-streaming era of online message boards, Little Brother emerged during the new millennium renaissance of alternative rap in the early 2000s. The group helped pioneer “grown man” or “every man” rap, relating to the working-class and everyday person. The group’s members– rappers Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh –formed as college students at North Carolina Central University in 1998.

Over the course of their illustrious careers, Little Brother has worked with some of the biggest names in music: Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Lil’ Wayne, and many more. Pooh currently manages Dreamville artist Lute, and DJ’s under the moniker RPM. Outside of his work under Grammy-nominated soul outfit The Foreign Exchange, Phonte has written music for Sesame Street, AMC’s Sherman’s Showcase, and VH1’s The Breaks. He also co-hosts the Questlove Supreme podcast alongside Questlove of The Roots.

‘Wish Me Well’ ane ‘Glory Glory’ are available on all major digital streaming platforms and stores.

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Song of the Day: Long Distance – Suave n Thick

Influenced by artists such as 50 Cent, Michael Jackson, Cardo, and Kaytranada up-and-coming American Hip-hop act SUAVE N THICK‘s latest single, ‘Long Distance’ is dripping with style and ease.

Featuring a delicious funk bass reminiscent of old school g-funk, the beat and flow give off a distinct Nate Dogg and Warren G vibe. The duo effortlessly combines elements of R&B and Hip-Hop to craft a delectable track with solid storytelling and lyricism, focusing on the feelings we all feel when falling for someone, and how that love grows stronger in their absence. It’s a song with a little bit of everything for anyone, combining elements of west-coast hip hop with pop for a dash of mainstream sensibility.

Suave n Thick’s shared passion for music developed into a deep desire to create their own sound. Growing up in Brooklyn, essentially one of the Hip Hop capitals of the world, the childhood friends knew they had to create something to contribute to the artistic landscape. What originally started as a hobby developed into a craft the duo have been honing for years, giving off vibes and sounds similar to Blxst, Larry June and G-Eazy.

‘Long Distance’ was released on the 25th of August via Suave n Thick LLC. Check it out below…

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Nia Chennai is not ‘Wasting Time’ on toxic love in brand new single.

  • Credit: Ayomide Oyeniyi (ayo_sama)

South London-born R&B talent NIA CHENNAI is making waves once again with her latest track, ‘Wasting Time,’ ahead of her upcoming EP ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper,’ set to drop later this year.

Love is a “losing game,” as late vocalist Amy Winehouse once said. Nia masterfully captures the essence of this, as each verse delves deep into the struggles of toxic relationships and explores themes of overthinking and self-doubt. Nia showcases evolving song-writing abilities in ‘Wasting Time,’ experimenting new flows and rhyming patterns. The first verse is captivating with smooth and, at times, breathy vocals, with a Hip-Hop-like flow – a combination that successfully juxtaposes charm with assertiveness in her lyrics. Nia then seamlessly glides through the second verse in traditional R&B-singer fashion, with catchy melodies and production from Mont Jake ensuring perfectly-layered backing vocals.

Commenting on the new single, Nia Chennai said: “When I wrote ‘Wasting Time’, understanding the idea of what love really is was heavily on my mind. Whilst on that journey, it made me realise that I can’t waste my time on someone displaying “love” with words. I’ve been there, I’ve done that and threw the t-shirt in the bin! If the actions aren’t matching, then I don’t want it!“

Nia’s melodies and introspective lyrics have garnered attention from esteemed publications, including Sterofox, Guap, It’s All Massive – and, of course, New Lease Music. Nia has also impressed many live audiences, opening at the Bristol and Manchester dates for Ojerime’s headline tour in February at Bristol Strange Brew and Canvas Manchester, respectively. Nia performed at Shoreditch’s Roundtrip & Workship in March for ‘Breaking Sounds’ and at Kindred for ‘Sonic Waves’ in May. Nia also played at the AnyWear release party with Nicce in October.

Now it’s time check out great talent…listen to ‘Wasting Time’ below…

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Song of the Day: No Rush – Rucci

Described as the UK’s best kept secret, London born RUCCI has been working with long-term producer Dr Vades to drop his highly anticipated debut single, ‘No Rush’. With his captivating harmonious baritone vocals, Rucci glides across the Ja Rule ft Ashanti ‘Wonderful’ sampled production creating an unforgettable listening moment.

Having started taking music seriously in 2016, Rucci has been perfecting his craft, teasing some of his records. Going viral on TikTok with the single, it has attracted interest from some of the UK’s hottest artists including Central Cee and Headie One.

The visuals give off the essence of a summer party vibe that seamlessly transitions between two iconic locations – the stunning island of Bermuda and the bustling streets of London, creating a visual journey that celebrates the fusion of cultures and music.

Everything Rucci does revolves around music, noting his sound as ‘unpredictable’, you never know what sound you will get from him. One thing that sticks though is his undeniable talent and determination to succeed. Check out the video for ‘No Rush’ below…

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Kellie Loder unveils her beautifully honest single, ‘When It Comes To You.’

During the pandemic, KELLIE LODER reconnected with an old lover and discovered that she felt the same things for her that she felt years ago.

The reconnection evoked the Juno Nominated singer/songwriter to pen her latest single, ‘When It Comes To You’. The imitate guitar-led piece, soothed over by Kellie’s featherly heartfelt vocals, reflects that certain connections never stop offering inspiration.

Kellie Loder says of her latest release: “I intentionally took a softer approach when delivering the vocal because I wanted it to feel like I was next to her singing it to her and only her. Sometimes it’s just a little louder than a whisper in the chorus.”

A first-runner-up on Canada’s Got Talent (2022), Kellie has co-written with household names such as Alan Doyle, Steven Page, The Good Lovelies, and Grammy award-winning musician and producer, Greg Wells to name a few. Her empowering anthem, ‘Fearless’ was used as the soundtrack behind the CBC’s Tokyo Olympics coverage.

Here’s your chance to check out the emotive ‘When It Comes To You’ below…

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