New Track: Gurl – 2U4U

Multi-instrumentalist hip-hop collective 2U4U release their second track ‘GURL’, mixed by acclaimed studio engineer Aaron Ahmad (Adele, Mark Ronson), ahead of their ‘Butter’ EP release on 6th July.

Upholding their distinctive sound by blending rap, jazz and RnB, 2U4U have created a relaxed texture-rich track with hints of old-school hip-hop. Reminiscing about respective love stories in the hazy summer months, ‘GURL’ sees rappers cal and My Rugema combining lyrical ambiguity with aspects of neo-soul to detail their previous love affairs. Newcomer Majella also contributes to the track, lending his mellifluous vocals to a hook peppered with astrological symbolism. Whilst fusing a Wurlitzer and an electric piano, the group’s producer Ranbir unifies pacifying bass riffs with crisp, evocative drum beats, enabling the mellow tune to create a warm, summery vibe.

2U4U

The three founding members, all hailing from Rugby and South London, met during their school years having bonded over a joint love of music. Citing various influences including Erykah Badu, Ty and Madlib, the group spent the summer of 2016 honing their craft of thematically-driven rap; it’s this dedicated nature that has gained them support by the likes of Dummy, The 405, Dazed as well as Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

Since releasing singles ‘Home’ and ‘Fall’, the group have found themselves on Spotify’s ‘Alternative Hip Hop’ and XL Recording’s ‘XL Play’ playlists, proving that 2U4U are transforming fame with their unflawed, soulful sounds.

New Track: If I Could – Kreative

KREATIVE returns with his first string of releases of the year, which includes the piano-led track ‘If I Could’. The heart-tugging production see the rapper and producer reflecting on a past relationship, wondering if he could do more…absolutely stunning; have a listen.

If you’re feeling this number, make sure you keep an eye out for more of his releases on NEW LEASE MUSIC.

EP Review: Minute Hour – Gemini Chris

GEMINI CHRIS is back with another body of work, this time taking in the shape of ‘Minute Hour’ which is far cry from his nostalgic EP, ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi?….’

In this five-track set, the London-based DJ exchanges the full-on techno house, heavily influenced from the late eighties and early nineties, for something bang up to date. From the beginning, you’re introduced to the vibrant presence of the overtones of tropical pop, which take centre stage, with a semi-breezy electronic bassline serving as a perfect backdrop.

Perfect for those summer days in the party land of Ibiza, ‘Minute Hour’ displays Chris as an multi-talented DJ who refuses to be pigeonholed to particular style of house music.

Looking forward to his next move…check him out below:

Must Listens: Minute Hours, Faze Me?, Baby 

EP Review: The MissTape – DeanKelly

I don’t usually don’t do reviews on Mondays, but I had to drop this set entitled ‘The MissTape’, coming all the way from Nigeria through newcomer, DEANKELLY.

In a nutshell, ‘The MissTape’ is a love note where the singer/songwriter and producer declare his love for a special lady he had an eye on for a while, desperately hoping that she responds favourably to his declaration.

From the get-go, the EP presents infectious and vivacious hooks, that’s inspired by his Nigerian heritage, with a subtle backdrop which (to me) gives off a R&B pop vibe, taking influence from his idol, Chris Brown.

DEANKELLY strategically uses a smooth and seductive rhythms of the Motherland to achieve   that across the broad appeal.

Check out the EP and my songs recommendations below:

Must Listen: Parole, MonaLisa, Gbam!