Franz Von Drops Five-Track EP, ‘People Di Powa’.

FRANZ VON has shared his highly anticipated EP ‘People Di Powa’ alongside lead single ‘Asem’, featuring the unmistakeable flow of prolific Ghanaian vocalist, K.O.G.

Fusing tribal hip-hop with elements of jazz, dub and afrobeat, the EP blends powerful spoken word and rap with social commentary and explores the ongoing issue of systemic oppression. ‘People Di Powa’ is a reminder that we are powerful as individuals and even more so as autonomous communities. 

Fittingly for an EP about community, Franz is joined by a talented cohort of special guests lending their vocal talents – Cortney Dixon, Nikisha in the Woods, Cynthia Bahy, and K.O.G. all feature whilst the production is a collaboration from Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist/Onipa), Lucian Oniell, Labo Klandestino, Mark Stoney, and Toni Smoke.

The EP opens with Franz Von’s trademark bouncing flow on ‘We All Rise’ – “Indulging in the depth of the riddim / The realest therapy the remedy / Medicated taking doses of melodies / Boost the energy sacred chakra replenishes so effortless the specialist” before Nikisha in the Woods adds her vibrant vocal hook.

Next up is ‘Power Be You’, the centrepiece of the EP’s message of empowerment that encourages listeners to engage and embrace their inner strength. Cynthia Bahy features on previous single ‘Her Frequency’ – a song of hope and gratitude focusing on renewing our inner strength and connection with the infinite power of the universe.

Standout track on the record ‘Asem’ – which means ‘problems’ in the Ashanti language ‘Twi’ spoken in Ghana – is an upbeat, genre-bending banger which infuses Boom Bap hip-hop and rock whilst long-term collaborator K.O.G. shares a fierce delivery.

Speaking about the single Franz says, “Asem is a bold and rebellious social commentary rap. The song touches on the effects of systemic oppression on marginalised communities. Asem has a message of the connection and togetherness that can be found in collaborations between different communities”.

The EP closes with ‘Slipstream’ featuring Cortney Dixon, a slick rap cruiser with a hazy hook that compliments Franz Von’s striking tone perfectly.

A project packed with substance and meaning, ‘PEOPLE DI POWA’ is a much-needed breath of fresh air in Black British music.

Previous support for Franz comes from BBC Introducing Sheffield and Amazing Radio who handed him a one-off show, as well as BBC Introducing at Radio 1 and DJ Target at BBC 1Xtra, Ministry of Sound, Naga Mag, Word Is Bond, Groovin’ Mood, and more.

Franz Von is a Jamaican-born, UK-based artist exploring traditional cultural lineage from Africa through to modern genres. After 8 years playing with K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade, Franz Von has collaborated with the likes of Tony Allen, Onipa, and Wiyaala. 

Check out the EP below…

Must Listen: Asem

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Rising Electronica Duo Belau Teams Up With Massive Attack’s Vocalist For Single, ‘Unimaginable.’

Peter Kedves and Krisztian Buzas – aka BELAU – is one of the most promising electronica newcomers around the European music scene. In four years, they had more than 200 live performances in 25 countries. The debut LP, ‘The Odyssey’ won the Hungarian Grammy in best electronic music album category. Their long-awaited sophomore album, titled ‘Colourwave’, made their name on international level, now they release ‘Unimaginable’ featuring Sarah Jay Hawley, who was the vocalist of legendary Massive Attack album, Mezzanine.The vocal was recorded by Martin Smith who also worked with Bombay Bicycle Club, Bob Sinclar, Jarvis Cocker, Groove Armada.

The electronica duo shed some light on their new dreamy soulful effort.“As long as we give it to ourselves, there comes a point when we realize how much more difficult it is to sustain the unsustainable illusion around us than to simply become ourselves. Beyond this point we simply no longer wish to be other than what lies within us. From the starting perspective of this process – as the title of the song states – the end result is unimaginable, but the path of the anxious person can be purification itself, and there is certainly a way out of the infinitely hopeless.

The music video sets a fine example of this process. For us it was a huge honour that Sarah said yes to our request and we could have a really special underwater video for it. We feel that the song, the lyrics, the music video and the creators are now in a wonderful harmony”

The duo had many international successes. In the last years they played more than 200 shows in 25 countries and impressed audiences at renowned festivals like Primavera, Eurosonic, Electric Castle, Sziget, SXSW – to name just a few. Belau was supported by radios like BBC Radio 1, Triple J or KEXP and mediums like Clash Music, Billboard, The Line of Best Fit, or Rolling Stone. Their debut album won the Hungarian Grammy Award, the second one streamed by millions and had massive radio successes.

Belau who’re currently working on their third LP. Hungary’s No.1 musical export good, Belau will continue their European tour in 2023 included some clubs shows and summer festivals.

Check out the official video for ‘Unimaginable’ below…

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Song of the Day: Twin Flame – Moniah

Melodic, bold and forthcoming, MONIAH‘s latest single ‘Twin Flame’ pulls the listener into a deep-water experiential love. The song’s dark tone is coupled with her airy and soft vocals as the synth bass will no doubt takes the prospective listener to a vulnerable place.

Written and co-produced by Moniah with Rob Wilks and Oli Middleton, the release of ‘Twin Flame’ follows on from single ‘Spaceman’, which featured on BBC 1Xtra for several weeks. Moniah landed a gig at AllBright’s Mayfair in August 2022, confirmed as the rising star performance of the night. Listen to ‘Twin Flame’

Moniah says of her single:“This song was written in my truest and honest self. It used to be scary being so vulnerable
but it’s getting easier. I hope it resonates with al open hearts.”

Have a listen to ‘Twin Flame’ below…

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Watch 3Komma’s Video For Hot Joint, ‘No Hook.’

After releasing his project 3DAEP earlier this summer, 3KOMMA is back with ‘No Hook,’ a visual freestyle he shot in the middle of his hood in Georgia.

This freestyle has been garnering thousands of views on the teaser and video, one of many releases this rapper intends to drop over the next few months.

Check out ‘No Hook’ above and let us know your thoughts.

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Watch Rapper AZ’s Video For Track ‘Respect Mines’.

Over the course of his distinguished and influential career, AZ has been nominated for Grammys, sold millions of albums, created hit singles, and lent his voice to some of Hip-Hop’s most timeless music.

It had been a decade since AZ graced fans with an album, but his long-teased sequel, ‘Doe Or Die II’, became one of 2021’s undeniable success stories and was a mainstay at the top of the DSP charts upon its release. ‘Doe Or Die II’ featured appearances and production from Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, T-Pain, The Alchemist, Conway The Machine, Dave East, Pete Rock, Statik Selektah, Idris Elba, Bink, Buckwild, Kaygee, Heatmakerz, Rockwilder, and Baby Paul.

“My last release was at the top of 2022 with the Doe Or Die 2 Deluxe. I feel really enthusiastic about releasing new music” AZ attests. “I wanted to drop a new single, “Respect Mines,” before year-end, to prepare listeners for my upcoming album that will be released in early 2023.”

AZ’s new video “Respect Mines” (produced by Buckwild & B Hawk) is now available for your inspection. Check it out below…

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