Now I’m going to be real honest here…when I first clapped my eyes on the album cover, I did a massive internal eye roll, thinking it’s just another rapper wanting some sweet booty and all the cars and gold in the world. But it was my duty, as an independent music writer, to give it a trial…
…So I pressed play and I had to shut my month. As I listen to the mixtape, I quickly realise KWAME KATANA is just a young guy who is going through some personal struggles as well as finding his way to be a successful rapper.
The lyrics of hurt, love and sheer determination, is perfectly complemented by out-of-this world bassline that make you sit up and take note (I mean REALLY take note). The 20-track production gets better with on-point samples from mainly 90s R&B class acts such as SWV, JOHNNY GILL, LAURYN HILL and JADE.
Well after listening to I Just Wanna Be Heard, I (re)learned a valuable lesson…never judge a book (or in this case a mixtape) by its cover.
Listen to I Just Wanna Be Hard Vol.2 mixtape right here.
#TheMustListens: 5th Gear, from track 7 (The World is Waiting for You)
This time it’s R&B singer/songwriter/producer NINO WES‘s turn to be in the interview seat. The co-founder of the now-defunct hip-hop group, The Breakfast Club, has been making waves here on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his super slick song, You & Only You (the third most popular track on this blog). Now it’s time to read about the man behind that sweet, sweet music.
NLM: First of all, I would like to say congratulations on new partnership with Ingroove Music Group. So tell us what to expect from this beautiful relationship ?
NW: Thank you. It’s a new opportunity to distribute my music digitally worldwide. The group breakfast club is now an independent record label. “Breakfast Club entertainment”
NLM: So what other projects do you have in the pipeline?
NW: I have the breakfast club album consisting with original members and I’m planning a solo EP as well.
NLM: Let’s go waaaayyyy back to the beginning: at what point did you say: ‘Yep I wanna be a R&B artist?’
NW: I’ve always known I wanted to do R&B, so I can’t really say there was a day I decided to pursue it. I’ve been singing since I was a child.
NLM: What’s the reception been like on your music so far?
NW: I’ve been getting good feedback from what I can see. I’m in California and I reside in the San Fernando Valley. Last year the city put on an award show “the 818 awards(area code for my city) and I was fortunate enough to receive the “best male” R&B” award. That was cool because receiving the local acknowledgement lets me know that I’m on the right track.
NLM: You have a real slick discography. Tell me, what’s your proudest work and why?
NW: So far…ummm I have this song that me and my guys from breakfast club did. It’s called “Bite me”. I’ve been talking and ranting about this song for a while now lol but I’d have to say that one.
NLM: How would you describe your music? Would you compare yourself to any of your music influences?
NW: My music is honest. At the end of the day I want to give you a feeling to remember. I can’t compare myself to my musical influences just yet cause I haven’t put in half of the work they have put in. I’m barely getting started.
NLM: You co-founded and also a member of the group, The Breakfast Club which is completely different to your sound as a solo artist. How did this venture came about?
NW: I started the group with my partner Kid Soul. And at the time the whole dance craze called “jerkin” was happening in Los Angeles (still world wide too) he was working with the new boys at the time(hit single “you’re a jerk”) once we met, at first he was going to help me as far as pursuing my solo career but he presented me with the idea for the group because the demand for that type of music(jerkin) was high at the time.
NLM: You also produced out-of -sight tracks for a string of artists. Who are they?
NW: I’ve worked with “Mann”(buzzin ft 50 cent) hip hop duo “Kids in the Hall”. Me and breakfast club producer “Vegas Blake” produced a record for Ciara ft rick Ross last year “Boy Outta Here”. I’ve had a chance to work with LA-based artists: Eatbeeff, The Fly Guys, Khleo Thomas, Shawn Chrystopher, and many others out of Los Angeles
NLM: If you had a chance to collaborate with a mainstream artist, who would it be and why?
NW: There’s so many but one person I’d collab with now? I like BJ the Chicago kid. His stuff is dope, he keepin’ that soulful r&b alive and he does hip hop. Soul of a Woman is the album.
NLM: How can potential fans make contact with you?
NW: You can connect with me on Twitter IG FB @ninowes everything. Check my site out on ninowes.bandcamp.com
NLM: finally, if you were given three wishes, what would they be?
NW: First wish: is to wish member of breakfast club “skoo boii” and his family peace.
Wish two: is to one day be in a position to help people.
West London-based singer/songwriter KYRA recently released the video to the feel-good funk/soul Ell Oh Vee Eeh. The track coming from her 4-track debut EP, Bandages.
It may be fast approaching winter, but UK hip-hop artist K*NERS kept it sizzling hot with his album, The Voice of the City.
Released late last month, the Bristol-based hot property collaborated with a string of heavyweights including SAWY, CHARLIE SLOTH and ROOT MANUVA for explosive tracks that will sit quite neatly in your collection.
The #Mustlistens: Watch You, Opposites Attract, My Life
I came across this little treasure which comes in the form of a four-track EP, Childhood Home, by London – based panoramic rockers THE HEALING.
Why is this EP a real treasure? It’s just good wholesome music, nothing less. Consisting of Jim Moreton (vocals, guitar), Nicolas Py (drums), Sam Thiery (bass) and Ariel Moreton (harmony vocals), the band pull together a perfect mix of melodic guitars and drums with groovy rock undertones and dreamy vocals that reflect on the years of a rollercoaster childhood.
Their stamp on soft rock have been widely compared to heavyweights, NEIL YOUNG, WILCO, LED ZEPPELIN KURT VILE, LUCINDA WILLIAMS and THE BEATLES – but after listening to this EP, I can’t help but think there’s a slight feel of 1970’s FLEETWOOD MAC.
Have a listen and see if you agree.
The #Mustlistens: No Virtue, Losing My Way, Childhood Home
New Lease Music 