Song of the Day: Therapy Session (Remix) – Natty Boi Zoe x Dice Cannon

Just before the drop of his upcoming project, slated for release later in the year, rapper/spoken poet NATTY BOI ZOE taps fellow rapper and long-time collaborator DICE CANNON for track, ‘Therapy Session (Remix)’.

‘Therapy Session (Remix)’ is now out for your pleasure…why not press play on that banger below…

Song of the Day: Only God – Deanna Ransom

Born on New Jersey and now residing in Delaware and Georgia, award winning singer/songwriter DEANNA RANSOM’s new single, ‘Only God’ is a smooth soulful anthem for anyone that has faced or is facing life’s unpredictable circumstances, knowing God is on their side and with Him, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  

Out now on various music platforms, ‘Only God’ reflects Deanna’s personal lived experience of how she did not always understand what God is orchestrating during the challenging times she encountered. Her faith in him and the process has helped her overcome the obstacles and brought her to a place of peace and victory.

“It’s one thing to speak the word, but another to experience, live and be an epistle of the word.  This dark and painful experience that Only God could bring me out of, is my why of where this song comes from and man, it’s a celebration!”, says Deanna Ransom. 

Produced by award winning artist and producer, Franklin “Bubby” Fann, ‘Only God’ follows Deanna Ransom ’s impressive discography  which includes albums, ‘I Hear You’, ‘Never Say Never…Again’, EP ‘The Real Me’ and powerful singles, ‘Never Say Never’ and ‘You Reign’ which reached the Billboard Top 50.

Deanna’s vocal agility and compelling live performances has earned her a string of US awards which includes Rhythm of Gospel Artist of the Year, the EN SOUND Music Award for Best Female Urban Artist of the Year, 2011 Rhythm of Gospel Award for Song of the Year.  Deanna continues to make her mark in 2024 as she was nominated for the 2024 Gospel Music Choice Awards Female Vocalist/Artist of the Year. 

Deanna has also appeared on BET, The 700 Club, TBN Praise the Lord, Cornerstone Television Network and has had the privilege of sharing stages with Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Gerald Veasley, J-Moss, Michael Manson, Paul Jackson, Jr., Richard Smallwood and many more. 

Outside the music industry, Deanna Ransom is a true force to be reckoned with. An ordained Elder, certified speaker, coach, trainer and mentor, Deanna has served as the President and Executive Director of a global non-profit women organisation of over 7,000 members, where she won the Female Executive of the Year in the non-profit sector 2022. Deanna now serves as the Co-CEO of a technology professional services organisation RevSymphony.

Deanna may lead a multifaceted life, but she never too busy to uplift others through times of trouble with her latest single, ‘Only God’ released 23rd August via all good music platforms.

Follow Deanna Ransom via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DeannaRansom1
X: https://x.com/Ransom1Deanna
IG: https://www.instagram.com/deannaransom/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deannaransom
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deannae19804
Website: https://www.deannaransom.com/

OUT TODAY: Hibachi & Image join forces to release their first EP single ‘Hurt Me’.

Visionary artist/producer HIBACHI is proud to announce the release of his debut EP single, ‘Hurt Me’, featuring the multifaceted American rapper and actor Image, recognized for his role in the popular Netflix series Sex Education. This collaboration marks a significant moment in the careers of both artists as they prepare to introduce a fresh sound to the international music scene.

Born and raised in Baltimore, US, Image discovered his passion for music at a young age while attending the Baltimore School for the Arts, the same school that Tupac once attended. In a city with a higher crime rate than a graduation rate, Image embodies Tupac’s proverbial “rose that grew from concrete” as he finds himself on the other side of the world, making music and captivating listeners with poetic lyrics.

Hibachi, originally from Germany and Congo, has been making waves in the UK music scene with his distinctive fusion of House, R&B, and Hip-Hop. By blending those elements, Hibachi has carved out a unique sonic identity that has caught the attention of industry giants like AWAL Core. The collaboration between these two London-based artists has culminated in the release of ‘HURT ME,’ a track that sets the stage for their upcoming EP, slated for release in January 2025. With ‘HURT ME,’ Hibachi and Image channel their experiences, inviting listeners to connect with their story and join them on their musical journey.

‘HURT ME’ is a masterful blend of sad but suave, playful yet salacious tones, delivering the emotional complexity of being the “side-piece” in a toxic romantic relationship. Image’s deep, resonant voice, reminiscent of Channel Tres, effortlessly rides the beat, delivering smooth, playful lyricism. Hibachi complements this with delicate vocals on the hook, crafting a memorable melody that adds a lighthearted flirtation to the otherwise serious subject matter.

Sonically, the track draws inspiration from a Kaytranada-esque R&B/House blend, enveloping listeners in an upbeat yet moody atmosphere. It’s a track that is as lyrically captivating as it is musically compelling, making it perfect for both club settings and laid-back listening.

Thematically, ‘HURT ME’ delves into the complexities of a relationship where one person seeks deeper intimacy while the other is content living their best life. The song poignantly captures the heartbreak that arises from unrequited love, all delivered in a poetic and emotionally resonant fashion.

‘HURT ME’ is out today (11th September) on various music platforms. Why not have a listen below…

Connect with Hibachi via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hibachibachi/

Song of the Day: Different Now – Pauline Andres

Born in France to a coal miner’s family, PAULINE ANDRES has captivated audiences with her sweet and smoky voice that “perfectly conveys the thoughts and observations of an old soul walking home at closing time.” Growing up near the Franco-German border in a multicultural household of Hungarian and Balkan descent, Andres was immersed in a vibrant mix of languages and traditions.

Now based in Nashville, TN, Andres initially garnered attention as an Americana singer-songwriter. However, during the lockdown, she reinvented herself as an engineer and producer, venturing into retropop and synthwave. Her first electronic release, ‘Til the End of the World’, dropped in the Fall of 2020, followed by the experimental ‘Medicine Woman’, earning her vocal comparisons to legends like Stevie Nicks and Nikki Lane.

Andres’ latest single, ‘Different Now’, marks yet another evolution in her distinctive musical journey. This upbeat and fresh pop track, infused with disco sensibilities, showcases Andres’ ability to command a song with a danceable and carefree spirit, perfectly capturing the essence of a summer anthem.

The funky and electric chorus highlights Andres’ knack for weaving pop melodies into dynamic productions. Originally penned by Andres, the track’s beat was later reshaped by her UK-based co-producer George Harris, resulting in the birth of ‘Different Now’.

She shares “‘Different Now’ is a song about reconciliation and growth. It’s a love song to begin with but is about much more than romantic relationships. It’s about emerging on the other side. It’s about seeing things differently and healing.”

Reminiscent of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, this cool 90s-tinged electro-pop anthem is luscious and catchy, yet lyrically profound and shows depth. In the vein of artists such as Caroline Rose and Angel Olsen, ‘Different Now’ stands out as the perfect pop-infused remedy from Pauline Andres.

Accompanied by an official video co-directed by Corey Simpson, ‘Different Now’ heralds a new direction for Andres in this intoxicating disco-pop track. Fans can look forward to her ambitious Fall release, ‘Final Girl’ – a tribute to classic slasher movies, co-produced by Sinclair, a fellow producer with whom Andres has collaborated on multiple Nashville Film Festival projects.

With her unique ability to blend genres and create evocative, heartfelt music, Pauline Andres continues to prove herself as an artist who defies expectations and pushes creative boundaries. ‘Different Now’ is a testament to her ever-evolving artistry and an artist with the world at her feet.

‘Different Now’ is now out across various music platforms…why not check out the official video for the single below…

Connect with Pauline Andres via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulineandresdidit/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0CHV7SrZP8o2nVtg8GCaOk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEGmc8K8eQFcTCrSb_AlRPA
Website: https://www.paulineandres.com/

Isco Cruz shares genre-bending EP ‘Heartbreak’s Paradox’

Rising artist ISCO CRUZ charges up his recent project ‘IC Flows: Before Heartbreak’ with a new EP titled ‘Heartbreak’s Paradox’. This new EP features five additional tracks, expanding on the emotional and narrative journey that began with ‘IC Flows: Before Heartbreak’.

The release includes ‘Double Standards,’ which received support on OkayAfrica and landed on several Spotify Editorial playlists, including New Music Friday, R&Beats, and Fresh Finds Africa. ‘Double Standards’ was followed by ‘Life I Chose’ on 27th August, just two days before the full EP dropped. Created live on TikTok, ‘Life I Chose’ quickly went viral on the platform, with fans urging for the release of the single. The EP also includes tracks, including the previously released ‘Another Good One Gone’ and ‘S.A.D Freestyle’.

‘Heartbreak’s Paradox’ builds on the momentum of Isco’s previous work, offering deeper insights into his versatile style and emotional depth. The EP promises to deliver powerful performances, blending genres seamlessly to explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth.

The roll-out of ‘Heartbreak’s Paradox’ is thoughtfully designed to balance anticipation and engagement, particularly given Isco’s status as a rising artist. Releasing singles ahead of the full EP in August 2024 serves a strategic purpose: it acknowledges the reality that listeners may be hesitant to dive into a full-length project from a relatively unknown artist, while also recognising the deep connection that can be formed through a cohesive body of work.

Isco explains, “I became a fan of my favorite artists through their bodies of work. Releasing ‘Heartbreak’s Paradox’ in this way is not just for the listeners who are tuned in now, but for those who will discover my music in the future. This project is a crucial piece of the puzzle, offering a glimpse into my journey and setting the stage for what’s to come.”

Isco Cruz is more than just a musician; he’s a storyteller whose songs resonate with the pulse of contemporary life. Born in Cape Town to Angolan parents, Isco’s music is as diverse as his heritage, blending elements of R&B, Pop/Afro Pop, and Hip-Hop to create a sound uniquely his own.

From his early days, Isco’s passion for music was evident. He began with poetry, which later evolved into a profound talent for rap and singing. His influences range from the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, to modern-day icons like Kanye West, Drake, and The Weeknd. These varied influences come together in Isco’s music, creating a rich tapestry of sound that speaks to listeners across the globe.

Isco’s artistry lies in his ability to weave intricate narratives with his music, telling stories that speak to the heart of the human experience. His lyrics are introspective and honest, exploring themes of love, loss, and the quest for identity in a complex world. This depth of content, combined with his melodic sensibilities, makes Isco’s music not just enjoyable but emotionally impactful. Each release is a chapter in his ongoing story, inviting listeners to journey with him through the highs and lows of life.

He is not just an artist; he’s a musical chameleon, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music. Isco Cruz is an artist to watch as he continues to carve out his path in the music industry.

Isco Cruz’s EP ‘Heartbreak Paradox’ was released last Thursday (29th August) across various music platforms. Check it out below…

Connect with Isco Cruz via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iiscocruz/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SUjoT9mCuAOBjAYVtzB9b
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iscocruz
Website: https://www.iscocruz.com/

Must Listens: You Should Know, Slow Down, Double Standards