Salvo (Anthony Salvo) and Norrin (Terrell McLeod Richardson) – aka Montreal group THE LYONZ – have dropped their highly anticipated new EP ‘2nd U, Pt.1’, last Friday (17th January), which showcases their trademark of minimal jazz-tinged unconventional hip hop.
Alongside the EP, the duo also unveiled a stunning video for lead single, ‘The Jump to Jupiter’, which delves into the life of a troubled man, obsessed with one day going to see the planet. Jupiter is essentially a metaphor for a destination of bliss and safety —jumping to Jupiter means escaping his troubled life of drug abuse.
Listed as one of The Independent’s ‘Ones To Watch’ for 2020, TIA CARYS fly kicks her way into the decade with her first offering of the season, ‘Figure Me Out’.
Making a mean statement of arrival, the record has been added straight onto Spotify playlists ‘New Music Friday’, ‘Rap UK’ and ‘We Move’ and follows on from her heavily supported and bold debut introduction ‘English x Ghana’, which dropped at the end of last year and awoke the UK music scene to her sound.
Evident from the outset on ‘Figure Me Out’, Tia Carys has an exceptionally refreshing aura and talent – at just 19-year-old! The production choice in itself breathes energy, intrigue and distinctiveness as the heady beat, skippy high hats and atenteben flute open this one woman show. Although a newcomer to the game, her confidence soars at level 100 as she delivers alternating flows that are something of a spectacle. Naturally switching between head spinning scattergun delivery and composed, deliberate punchline drops, her time spent dropping Instagram freestyles and building a loyal fanbase has all leant to her current arrival.
Growing her initial fanbase from Instagram by reworking tracks and freestyles from the worlds top artists including Drake, Fredo, Burna Boy, Nafe Smallz and Dave, it didn’t take long for the English/Ghanian rapper to catch the attention of Renowned, whose family she has now joined alongside Wretch 32 & Hamzaa.
Accompanied by sharp and polished visuals from collaborator Ray Fiasco, which see the rising star deliver a magnificently powerful performance, Tia says of the release: “English x Ghana was the introduction to who I am, now it’s time to Figure Me Out.”
Following the success of her highly acclaimed EP, ‘Half and Half’, DEANNA DEVORE is unveiling her new release ‘Lately’, featuring a mystery vocalist who cannot yet be announced.
Thematically the single narrates the insecurity and ups and downs of a relationship, detailing how love can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster until it finally comes to an end. Its mellow grooves and smooth lo-fi beats cook up a mouth-watering release, oozing with seductive melodies and velvety vocals, which highlight the featured singer’s impressive vocal range. Emitting a sensuous flowing cadence, delicately layered harmonies and a pulsating rhythm, ‘Lately’ provides an alluring neo-soul track, showcasing Devore’s unique and fresh production.
Deanna Devore
The Chicago and Toronto based multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer has seen success performing to sold-out venues and festivals across the map, such as Summerfest, CMJ, NXNE, and 80/35. She has also had the pleasure of opening for renowned artists including Jamie Cullum, Bonobo and SG Lewis, as well as Raveena, Mother Mother and Yoke Lore. The composer has recently explored more commercial work, where her work can be heard in podcasts, feature films and even a Starbucks ad.
Devore continues to be celebrated for her remarkable musicality and ‘Lately’ is another indication of what to expect in 2020…check it out below…
‘Naija-Ghana Tape Vol.1’ is the birth of the burgeoning relationship between two forerunners of African Music – Ghanaian native DJ BOAT and Nigeria-born singer KOBI JONZ.
Starting out his career in New York, Houston-based DJ Boat – who has clocked up over 20 million streams through his mixtapes – has previously collaborated with Kobi Jonz for his breakthrough single ‘Conscious’, which received heavy support from the likes of MTV Base, Spotify and Dezzer.
Now these hot properties are making new waves, coming in the form of four tracks which roars with such vibrancy and carries flawless fusions of both worlds – Ghana and Nigeria.
‘Naija-Ghana Tape Vol.1’ will undoubtedly keep up the vibes in the cold months, right through to those blazing hot days…check it out below…
After a phenomenal 2019, RICARDO WILLIAMS gives us the 3rd and final single from his critically acclaimed EP, ‘Intermission’ Vol 1 before and slew of new music and tour planned for 2020.
‘All I Need’ is a futuristic/cinematic take on R&B, which features the sensational vocals of R&B veteran Yummy Bingham.
Talking of the single, Ricardo said: “I just wanted to create an EPIC love song. I grew up on big ballads and really wanted to bring back some of that energy but also throw some twists and turns in there. Giving you something different from me but still familiar.”
With continued support from Capital Xtra, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, Reprezent Radio, and more,
2019 was a big year for Williams, which witnessed the release of his debut EP and two sold out headline shows (London & Birmingham).
New Lease Music 