Song of the Day: Leïti Sene – T-Rex

Spain’s leading emerging artists in the rap scene LEÏTI SÈNE‘s sleek and poignant single ‘T-Rex’ explores his music journey so far.

Supported by Vogue, i-D, VICE, El Pais and more, Leïti has been bubbling up since 2017 – first garnering attention in his hometown Barcelona with his early music as trap duo SamxSen (with his cousin Sam Davies). Over the last five years, Leïti has truly ascended as an artist in his own right. Garnering global attention, he stands out from the crowd with his heady fusion of rap and hip-hop – performed in Catalan, Spanish and English and informed by his Senegalese roots – a sound that’s seen him shut down stages at esteemed festivals and venues including Primavera Sound, Loom Festival, Chacha Club, Razzmatazz and more. A multifaceted rising talent, Leïti is also an established actor, best known for his role in the hugely popular international Netflix series Elite, and a sought after style tastemaker (Napapjiri x NTS, Nike and more).

Passionate about creative collaborations, Leïti is also a key player in BCN’s burgeoning underground scene. With a discerning eye and ear for detail and his heart in his community, he founded CuteMobb – a leading collective of Spain’s brightest new-gen artists and creatives – and released the collective’s first album CuteTapes last year.

Check out the official music video for ‘T-Rex’, directed by Miguel Morillo.

Song of the Day: Cruel – Jessica Wilde

The third single taken from Wilde’s debut album, out later this year, ‘Cruel’ signals her delving back into her first love, a toxic relationship that inspired a harnessing of her bisexual identity but also led her to addiction – a subject she’s tackling on her debut album.

Co-produced with producer Jay Nebular and Grammy award winning producer Kiris Houston who have worked heavily with the likes of The Disciples and Little Mix, ‘Cruel’ has a nice lazy summer haze 90’s classic hip-hop and R&B vibe where Jessica is at her most cutesy, sultry but equally dangerous as her lyrics offer a little sting in the tail. The official visual tracks Jess wandering South London, paying homage to a nostalgic look & flava, shot on disposable cameras and VHS, it gives an authentic feel, themed throughout the album. Check it out below

Song of the Day: Confusion – M.anifest

award-winning Ghanaian rap veteran and UNICEF ambassador M.ANIFEST‘s latest single, ‘Confusion’ is rich in musicality from the very start. The lush guitar licks and percussion drums are the central elements of the alluring sonic bed of hip-hop and afrobeats which blends seamlessly together.

‘Confusion’ is driven by M.anifest’s captivating wordplay, assured cadence, and infectious melodic rap flow, as he weaves an enthralling tale about the beautiful chaos of living in a modern African city like his hometown Accra. According to M.anifest, “such is the paradox of life in our cities, that there is always a constant tension between the feeling of ‘hurry hurry’ and ‘ok wait’”.

A rap music veteran of over a decade, with six acclaimed projects spanning that time, countless awards over his career and over three million fans on social media, M.anifest is one of the most revered figures in the African music scene. Described as the foremost rapper on the continent by The Guardian UK, with further acclaim from BBC, CNN and Revolt, his musical reach extends beyond Africa, with collaborations that range from Damon Albarn and Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Flea, to Erykah Badu and Tigga Da Author, to Kojey Radical and Burna Boy.

Have a listen to ‘Confusion’, produced by MOBO Award nominated artist and producer JULS (GoldLink, Kojey Radical, Pa Salieu, Ms. Banks)…

Song of the Day: Think – The Optical Illusion

Following up on the releases of ‘Shine so Bright’ and ‘Travesty of Justice’, THE OPTICAL ILLUSION returns, once again, to the blog’s Song of the Day top spot with latest single, ‘Think’, a thought provoking, David Bowie-esque piece which offers much optimism following horrific events of 2020.

Check it out below and let us know what you think – no pun intended!

Song of the Day: Drown – Jordyn Simone

Due to a summer romance last July, JORDYN SIMONE was drawn to detailing the emotions that come with vulnerable self-expression and female empowerment. The result is Drown: a sonic masterpiece that can’t be described as anything but silky-smooth. With a beat reminiscent of summer warmth and sultry lyrics that ooze with self-confidence, ‘Drown’ doesn’t just make you fall in love with Jordyn but reminds you to love yourself along the way.

“While I was in this relationship, I felt extremely empowered by my femininity, so much so that I felt as though I needed to write about it.” – Jordyn Simone

Based in LA and blessed with music in her blood, Jordyn Simone is a self-proclaimed “genre-less” artist who redefines the grind to success. From singing gospel music with her parents to fiercely competing as a finalist on both the Voice and American Idol, the 21-year old singer/songwriter has grown up alongside her music evolution, devoted to sharing her unique sound with the world. ‘Drown’ , is a testament to this, speaking to her step into womanhood and the sensuality that comes with growing into your true self. Have a listen below…