One of Hackney’s most intriguing rappers, HENNY KNIGHTZ dives into a weird colorful story through boastful visuals for track, ‘Pontiac Black’, lifted from his critically acclaimed EP, ‘Random House Of Evil’.
Set in Hackney, the three-minute production shows Henny having the best day ever, roaming through his neighborhood on a hot summer’s day…however, throughout the story, there are signs that the day is seeming too good to be true….
Henny makes one half of duo The Knighthood Society, featuring fellow rapper Nicki Knightz. Henny executively produced Nicki’s 2020 ‘For The Uninformed EP’ to critical acclaim, and has been covered by Trench Magazine, Earmilk, RWD Magazine, GUAP Mag and GRM Daily
Hit that play button on Henny’s eccentric video for ‘Pontiac Black’…
When you hear KANDLE‘s new single, ‘Lock & Load’, you’ll immediately associate it with a 1960s James Bond movie, with its undeniable classical tone and the Canadian singer’s Shirley Bassey-esque vocal performance.
The single came to light after Kandle and her ‘musical soulmate’, producer Michael Rendall, share a deep love of James Bond theme songs and decided to pen ‘Lock & Load, their first writing project together.
Directed by William Fletcher, the accompanied video also takes on the James Bond theme, adopting the intro sequence from 1960’s classic, Gold Finger.
Expect more from Kandle, as she plans to release her album next year…but for now watch the stunning visuals for ‘Lock and Load’…
North London’s Blues singer GEORGIA BLACK‘s single, ‘Invisible Enemy’ was written at the very start of the lockdown and was inspired by a conversation Georgia had with a colleague of hers, Roberta – Georgia works as a Learning Support Assistant in a college for her day job.
Roberta said, “Don’t you think it’s crazy that whenever we’re usually unwell, we feel we have to be the hero and push ourselves to go to work, but right now, to be the hero is the other way round?”
This really resonated with Georgia and built up an image in her head of super heroes saving lives by staying at home, which laid the foundation for the song. Sonically ‘Invisible Enemy’ is very theatrical in nature, showcasing cinematic soundscapes reminiscent of something from a Bond movie. Her soulful, sultry vocals bring to mind the likes of Lana Del Rey, whilst the seductive synths emit a mesmerising release.
Have a listen for yourself…hit play on ‘Invisible Enemy’ below…
Tackling the issue of male mental health, NTHN presents his latest album titled ‘Delta’. Written, produced and recorded by the Runcorn producer/artist himself, NTHN takes us through various stages of his own rollercoaster journey with mental health…
Barely audible airy soundscapes coupled with loops of daunting voices starts the turmoil journey with ‘Aware’ which leads on to feather light bed of electronica/pop backdrop which is almost overshadowed by a jarring bass through efforts, ‘Denial’ and ‘Falling’.
The sole presence of the woeful piano (in ‘Wasting Time’) replaces the alarming drive, before the album ventures into the realms of bluesy hip-hop/emo rap and grunge/metal (think along the lines of Nirvana). ‘Delta’ concludes with tranquil layers of feathery light electronica through ’03:35′, which reflects NTHN’s road to recovery to self acceptance and love.
It’s great to see such issues – such as male mental health – becoming less of a social taboo. Although this album is NTHN’s personal journey, it’s also a sign of encouragement for others to break down the wall of shame and loneliness (two most common feelings that are associated with this issue) and reach out for help.
Have a listen to ‘Delta’ below and view the song recommendations below…
It’s been a long 4-year stint since South London Hip-Hop artist, AKS, released his sophomore EP, ‘Train of Thought’, seeing the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Earmilk, HipHopDX, DJ Booth and the MOBO Awards among the tastemakers who added their plaudits for the seminal record. The offering went on to earn the rapper two nominations at the inaugural Unsigned Music Awards (Best Record, Best Urban Act) as well as giving him viral moments with his Chas Appeti directed visual efforts for singles ‘Stay with Me’ featuring Sincerely Wilson, and title track ‘Train of Thought’, both being picked up by UNILAD.
Now with the close of 2020 fast approaching and against the backdrop of the current world climate the “three-letter man” returns with his new soul infused single ‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’, an aspirational offering appealing to each of our underlying ambitions.
Merging unconventional organ phrases with lush and vibrant guitar licks throughout, the track plays as an ode to the jazz greats of yesteryear; fusing traditional musicianship with the off kilter syncopated bounce of contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul. Continuing his previous form as a genuine lyricist, AKS weaves together thought rich rhyme schemes whilst delivering a soulfully melodic vocal in a way that is easily becoming the calling card of the South London native.
Exploring themes of dogged determination and new found responsibility, the passion driven track displays AKS’ lyrical ability as he pens painfully frank verses professing his recent frustrations, the pressures of becoming a new father and questions surrounding legacy.
AKS
Speaking further about the inspiration behind ‘Up And Up (Heavens Above)’, AKS says, “Following the birth of my son, having taken some time away from music in the lead up to his arrival and in the time since, I found myself questioning my existence and contributions both from a parental and an artistic perspective. This song was born out of a desire to do better for my son’s sake and ascend irrespective of the obstacles I may face or how low I’ve felt at times. It’s my reminder to myself of my hopes and dreams, that my contributions are long lasting and impactful, at the very least, on my son”.
‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’ is the first single taken from his forthcoming project ‘As Plane As Day: Departures & Arrivals’, which concludes the wordsmith’s three-part ‘Modes of Transport’ series, the record sees the rapper award himself production credits under the veiled moniker #3Letters, whilst enlisting the collaborative efforts of prominent musicians Adrian Remedy (Ed Sheeran) on guitars, Benjamin Muralt (Ledisi, Ill Camille, Pixie Lott) on bass, and AdeKeys (AfroB) on keyboards.
New Lease Music 