SEYBLU‘s latest offering, ‘Honest’ was initially directed at someone that couldn’t be honest with themselves, even while alone in their thoughts… but as she progresses in writing the single, Seyblu realised that it was a message to herself.
‘Honest’ features Seyblu’s cousin, Eve Parker Finley, who adds the emotive violin strings to the soulful backdrop and the brooding electronic bass, which perfectly adds that level of visceral tension that’s needed to drive the message of the song.
‘Honest’ was released last Friday (23rd June) across various music platforms…why not check it out below…
Toronto’s THEO TAMS released his take on the R.E.M. single, ‘Losing My Religion,’ on June 1st to coincide with Pride Month.
The artist’s moody and intense rendition of the song has a personal resonance, given his queer identity and the toxic role that religion played in his upbringing. Beginning as a piano ballad, the song develops a darkly electronic tone as it unfurls.
“There are so many members of the LGBTQIA community that have been burned by religion and the hate that is often disguised as ‘Christian love.’” says Tams.
“I was raised in a really strict reformed Christian household where I felt from the get go that who I was at my core was ‘wrong’ and needed to be ‘cured.’ So many lyrics of this song resonated with me; I often felt like I had to choose being my authentic self or push it all down and choose God. It’s such a dangerous and sickening way of growing up.”
The song’s themes extend to Tams’ design choices for the single cover, which he describes as having a ‘Jesus-esque’ look about it.’ The rainbow sunbeam serves as an accent to this religious imagery.
“I’ve always held on to the light of authenticity and truth throughout these moments of darkness and judgement,” Tams adds. Have a listen to Theo’s take on ‘Losing My Religion’ below…
‘Madeira’, describes a trip that UK rapper QUAD ZERIMAR took to Madeira. Introduced by angelic strings, the hip-hop/trap joint is based on the climate, culture, gastronomy and history of the Portuguese island. The cover art is created outside the museum of the island’s most iconic creation – Cristiano Ronaldo.
Quad Zerimar takes a big step in his musical development with many double entendres, clever lyrics, and a powerful, memorable vocal performance.
Quad Zerimar has gained over 10,000 streams in his debut year (2018). His music has been recognised by other upcoming and established artists, including Fetty Wap. His latest offering, ‘Madeira’ has been recognised by Madeira tourist websites and shared to accompany videos of the island.
‘Madeira’ was released last Friday (23rd June) across various music platforms…why not check it out below…
Canadian singer Bryan Adams released his hit single ‘Summer of ’69’ on 17th June 1985. On the heels of the Rock anthem’s 38th anniversary, the viral rap sensations known as THE HOODIES share their take on the original song’s concept. Released to all major digital streaming platforms on this year’s summer solstice (21st June), the new single finds brothers E-Class and Young Poppa claiming dominance ahead of the season with braggadocious raps over producer A2’s chopped sample of the original melody and famous guitar riff.
Hailing from New York, The Hoodies are brothers Eben “E-Class” Nettles and Umar “Young Poppa” Abrams. The duo’s name serves as a tribute to the unjust government-sanctioned killings of young Black men, reclaiming the often demonized symbol of a Black man in a hoodie. Together, older brother E-Class (25) and younger brother Young Poppa (17) embody the fusion of two disparate generations and, consequently, imbue Hip-Hop’s throwback era as well as its promising future.
Best known for their viral social media freestyle series ‘In The Whip’, the two young emcees have been honing their craft since the ages of nine and four respectively. With impressive wordplay matched by sharp flows and an unrivalled ferocity in their delivery, The Hoodies first became internet sensations in 2016 when a video recording of the two trading bars over Jadakiss and Styles P’s “One More Step” in the front seats of their mother’s car racked up over three million views on Facebook within a month. The clip eventually caught the attention of famous fans like D.L. Hughley, and even landed the two brothers on The Ellen Show.
Since then The Hoodies have gone on to release a full-length album (Blood Thicker) in 2019 and an EP (Where Should We Land) in 2020. They’ve also gone on to deliver electrifying performances for just about every online freestyle platform, including Hot97’s Funk Flex, Sway’s OVERTIME, Bars On I-95, and many more. Rap legends such as Black Thought, Fat Joe, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Redman, Jadakiss, and Styles P have all vehemently co-signed the duo. With rightful comparisons to The Notorious B.I.G, Young Poppa’s talents extend beyond Rap and onto the small screen with supporting acting roles in shows like NBC’s The Last OG and Law & Order, Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga, and more.
Check out the video below, directed by Corey Hallam and Tiffany Abrams…