EP Review: 07946 – Nick Blackos

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ONV Records recruit NICK BLACKOS has dropped a seven-track project, entitled ‘07946’ released last month.

Your speakers will sure get a good workout through the introductory track, boasting a dub-style bass which seamlessly reverberates and rips through the grittiest fusion of grime and hip-hop. ‘07946’ will also take you by complete surprise by taking a detour into the contrasting arrangements of bar-lounging, Slum Village-esque hip-hop.

The old speakers will (as Jane Fonda would say) ‘feel the burn’ one more time as East London spitter’s latest set concludes with the return of that hefty drive.

This one’s a cheeky number – why not check it out!

Must Listens: Our Family (Blue Hills), Moon Rock, The Pain

New Track: I Can’t Wait – Blaise Pascal

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London-based future-soul artist BLAISE PASCAL unveiled single ‘I Can’t Wait’ last Friday, taken from his debut EP, set for release later in the year. The track samples the melodic hook from Billy Cobham’s ‘Heather’, famously used in hip-hop classic 93 ’til Infinity’ by Souls of Mischief.

Speaking of his latest release, Blaise says: “It’s about a long distance relationship I was in and the feelings of excitement I had knowing I would see her after much time apart. We are no longer together but still very close and she’ll always be a special person in my life”

Born in Pembury and raised in London, Blaise’s career began with a scholarship to Sylvia Young. He began to focus on singing and dancing and his talent was recognised and rewarded by yet another full scholarship to the esteemed Rambert School of Contemporary Dance & Ballet. This led to a career as a professional dancer, taking him around the world and giving him the opportunity of working with some of the UK’s best known establishments including The Royal Opera House and The English National Opera.

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At the age of 17, his uncle Martin Rex (engineer & producer of artists such as Alison Moyet, Neneh Cherry and The Shamen), saw potential and gave him a guitar, igniting a passion for playing and writing that would soon surpass all else.

The result of this was Blaise’s debut album ‘Wild Life’ released through his own label SJH Music. He then spent the next few years gigging around the country and building a reputation working as an accomplished musician and has recently taken time out from this to begin writing his second album. As well as following his pursuits to be an accomplished songwriter and musician, Blaise has a strong sense and belief in the spirit of community and in particular amongst fellow musicians. With that in mind he founded the company Acoustic Roots, a ‘featured artist/open mic’ nights offering a platform for up and coming artists.

‘I Can’t Wait’ is now available for purchase via iTunes. For now, have a sample of the single.

 

 

New Track: Lyrical Skengs – Stogey x DANNY DORITO

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The newly founded E.B Records is kicking 2017 off to a flying start, slamming down their second release only 3 weeks into the year. Showcasing an exciting roster that is nurturing a mix of regional UK talent, Nottingham’s DANNY DORITO and Eastbourne’s STOGEY go bar for bar in Grime banger ‘Lyrical Skengs’, produced by label mates Audio Slugs.

Launched on the airwaves by DJ Target on his last ever destination ‘Homegrown’ show on BBC Radio 1Xtra, the record pulsates with raw energy and hunger from the two upcoming emcees.

The track is the second in as many weeks that features STOGEY but is the first to introduce D Power’s newest discovery, DANNY DORITO. Having built a legacy within the scene that has seen D Power play crucial roles in the birth of the most influential Grime crews such as Boy Better Know, Nasty Crew, Roll Deep and More Fire Crew, as well as being the man behind the mighty Deja Vu FM, he is a master at picking out talent from a crowd and shining light on them.

An impressive record from the E.B Records team packed with vibes, bars and Lyrical Skengs.

Album Review: Fiero – Population 7

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Hailing all the way from the West Midlands, nine piece hip-hop/neo-soul act POPULATION 7 have dropped their brand new album entitled ‘Fiero’, earlier this week.

A real sultry soulful/jazz fusion takes centre stage and swagger throughout the nine-track production, with smooth Erykah Badu-esque vocals and the occasional, laid-back freestyling giving the slick combo that extra kick.

I’ve found a real treasure here – so don’t disappoint me now and CHECK IT OUT!!!

Must Listens: Blindspot, Slugums, Wi – Fi, Fiero, Paz6 & FoxP2.

 

 

 

 

 

New Track: 100 (Remix) – Ricardo Williams (ft. ShezAr)

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After an amazing year with his last R&B smash hit ‘Deeper’ – which was track of the week on BBC’s 1Xtra and also hailed, ‘A soulful R&B banger’ by EarMilk – Birmingham’s powerhouse, RICARDO WILLIAMS has teamed up with fellow powerhouse ShezAr (sister of Singer/producer Labrinth) to deliver a truly sultry R&B classic.

The pair play out these age-old conversations and scenarios on the three-and-a-half-minute smoothie, weaved in with luscious harmonies, sultry vocals and passion.

If you miss that old-style R&B, you better check this one out!