Fiery freestylist A1 is back, slamming down his sequel to his 2015 EP, ‘You’re Appreciated’, which continue to show his undeniable love for the ladies…
If you heard his previous EPs this year, then you know that this slick spitter is renowned for working his magic over some modern R&B classics – so for those who are massive fans of REAL R&B, you’ve come to the right place; you’re definitely in for a treat!
Check it out right here.
Must Listens: It’s A Vibe, So Sexy, Wild Thoughts
After a long spell away from the NEW LEASE MUSIC limelight, Finnish hip-hop figure VIEW has graced his presence, stealing today’s hotspot with latest single, ‘Do It Again,’ the first release from his brand new debut album, ‘Leave A Comment.’
Following on from the release of the hard-hitting, ‘Trippin’ Sober’, and softer, more intimate gems ‘Deeper (Bitch Leave a Comment)’ and ‘Say It Again’ VIEW’s debut LP demonstrates the multi-talented artist’s ability to switch up his sound to capture a spectrum of genre and mood – so expect some grime, hip-hop, ballads and dub-step.
Opening track ‘Do It Again’, sees View swaggering onto the album with a confidence that is unprecedented. Complemented by fellow hip-hop artist Binyam, the track sets the bar high for the record which is echoed by pensive and vulnerable tracks, ‘Pour Me Up’ and ‘Hindenburg’ – touching on themes of mental health and fame/money (issues fundamental to VIEW’s zeitgeist).
In conjunction with the release of ‘Leave A Comment’, a 3-part music video will be released promoting ‘Do It Again’, ‘Burn Slow’ and ‘Bad Habits’. Like most of his previously released videos, expect visually heavy, dark scenes mirrored by the track’s lyrical substance.
The hot upriser will embark on a 10-date tour across Germany, Australia and Switzerland in February, beginning at One of a Million Festival in Baden, completing dates at Milla in Munich and YUCA in Cologne, before finalizing the tour in Vienna.
With a powerful debut effort under his belt, 2018 looks set to be the year for the breakout Finnish rapper….
LION BABE – the New York based duo made up of singer-songwriter and performance artist Jillian Hervey and producer and instrumentalist Lucas Goodman aka Astro Raw – have released a set of must-listen, brand new remixes for their two latest tracks ‘Hit The Ceiling’ and ‘Rockets’ (feat Moe Moks).
Unveiling the addictive dance-funk Zikomo remix of ‘Hit The Ceiling’ last week to introduce the project, the band have released three further remixes. ‘Hit The Ceiling’ also gets the remix treatment from legendary dance producer and DJ Kenny Dope whilst ‘Rockets’ (feat Moe Moks) is given an urgent, Afrostep remix by mOma+Guy and a sultry and soulful update from collaborator and fellow New Yorker Simen Sez.
‘Hit The Ceiling’ is the latest song to be offered from LION BABE’s highly anticipated forthcoming project, which is set for release in the new year. Alongside their track ‘Jump Hi’ (feat Childish Gambino), ‘Hit The Ceiling’ featured on the second season of Issa Rae’s Golden Globe nominated HBO series ‘Insecure’ and also features on the show’s official soundtrack alongside tracks from artists such as SZA, Bryson Tiller and Goldlink.
Earlier this year, the band shared the first taste of the project via the sublime ‘Rockets’ feat. Moe Moks. The forthcoming project will be their first commercial release since the band’s critically celebrated debut studio album ‘Begin’, which was released last year and featured collaborations with the likes of Pharrell Williams and Childish Gambino and career-defining tracks such as ‘Treat Me Like Fire’ and ‘Jump Hi’.
Check out Zikomo’s treatment of their single, ‘Hit the Ceiling’. To hear the full playlist, head right here.
TONY BEYOND‘s latest mixtape, ‘Master Tone 2’ goes into the turbulent mind of the Ohio-based emcee following the break up of an old flame. The 11 track collection is the sequel to his previous mixtape, ‘Master Tone.’
His thoughts may be a rollercoaster ride but in contrast, this set sports an atmospheric/hazy -almost trip-hop – vibe in which the upriser’s flow just floats over the kickback arrangements.
There are a few bangers in there that deserve attention…check out ‘Master Tone 2’ below:
Must Listens: Bloody Money, We Good, XO Return
Following the release of their debut single, ‘Macadamian’, Norwegian soul-pop duo Jimmy Smash are set to drop their easygoing follow-up, ‘Fine Line’.
‘Fine Line’ was self-produced in vocalist Håvard Lyngstad’s childhood home and is a melting pot of organic instrumentation, analog synthesisers and rich 80s R&B melodies, carried by Lyngstad’s raspy tone and soft falsetto.
Depicting a tale of unrequited love, the song tackles “the dilemma of getting pulled deeper and deeper into someone, even though the person never returns the favour. Although lyrically melancholic, the juxtaposition of the tranquil production instils a sense of hopefulness throughout the carefree track, resulting in a nostalgic, halcyon aesthetic that is soon becoming their trademark.
Releasing their debut single in early October, the band saw exposure from Clash, The Burning Ear, Norwegian radio stations NRK P1 and P3, and rose to #3 in Norway’s Spotify Viral Top 50. Blending a soft R&B sound with pop rock elements, the duo conjure up a heavenly sound similar to the likes of Dornik, Matt Corby and James Bay.
Although fresh onto the scene, JIMMY SMASH are already starting to make their unique imprint on the music industry in challenging the pop music of today. With plenty of music to come, be sure to keep an eye on the soulful duo….
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