Tag: BBC 1Xtra

Song of the Day: No Regrets – Hayley Cassidy

Following on from the success of her debut album ‘Stripped’ in 2013 (featured three singles on BET International’s playlist) and a 5-year hiatus, HAYLEY CASSIDY released ‘Used to Be’ in January 2018, which instantly gained credibility as DJ Ace’s (BBC 1xtra) ‘Everything R&B Record of the Week’.

Fast-forward to 2019, the smooth songstress has been insanely busy working on a two-part EP entitled ‘The Low Key Effect,’ as well as recording a brand new album.

This year, the Londoner jumped into the lab with rising UK producer XVR BLCK to pen and create a melodically, heartfelt record with a heavy bass line, entitled ‘No Regrets.’

Hayley’s, caramel-like vocals relay a common situation of a past relationship being amazing while it lasted, but all good things come to an end. Life can’t be lived in reverse, however the good moments will always be cherished, with no hard feelings or no regrets.

Check out the video for Hayley’s ‘No Regrets’ below…

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SOTD: Harleighblu AND Bluestaeb Drops The Ultimate Female Empowerment Anthem

UK R&B singer HARLEIGHBLU and neo-soul & hip-hop producer BLUESTAEB come through with beat-heavy empowerment anthem ‘Queeen Dem’, the third single off upcoming joint album ‘She’, due for release October 11th 2019

The song is inspired by popular poem “This is for the women who don’t give a fuck” by American writer Janne Robinson. HARLEIGHBLU took the fierce manifesto of the feminist activist and interpreted it her very own way: “I tried to capture the strength of the poem, with a nod to Janne, and then elaborate with my own take on completely owning your own womanhood. Within writing the first few lines, I entitled the piece Queeen Dem. Queeen gets 3 E’s to accentuate the fact you are a queen.”

The empowering lyrics are driven by BLUESTAEB‘s impeccable production, which gives a nod to the 90’s era of boom-bap hip-hop. Following on from previous singles ‘Cake’ and ‘Present’, both picking up critical acclaim from the likes of Wonderland, Clash, The Line Of Best Fit, Dummy, as well as support from BBC 1Xtra and BBC 6, this new release continues the pair’s steady trajectory and keeps with the impressive musical standard they set for themselves.

Check out the video for ‘Queen Dem’ below:

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Benny Bizzie Gets ‘Lucky’ In His Latest Video

Following his feature with single ‘More’, which stole the blog’s Song of the Day hot spot, BENNY BIZZIE returns, teaming up with UK producer Cee Figures (Afro B, Tion Wayne, Chip) on producing the synth-driven record, ‘Lucky’

The latest single is a gratitude song for those people who show up daily for us and the strangers we encounter who smother us with love and affection. In the accompanied production, Benny hooks up with a mysterious lady with promise of love and playfulness.

The UK R&B singer has previously collaborated with likes of Ghetts and Wretch 32. Bizzie has also received air play from DJ Ace (BBC 1xtra), Ras Kwame and Charlie Sloth. His previous second single, ‘More’ received over 11,000 streams on Spotify and over 50,000 views on YouTube.

Check out the video to Benny’s smooth sizzler below…

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Song of the Day: Quavo – Deep Green

Smashing close to 200k views in a matter of weeks, 70k streams, plus huge support from the likes of DJ Target and BBC Sheffield, ‘Quavo’ is yet another consistent release from one of Steel City’s finest…

DEEP GREEN collabs with his fellow Sheffield comrade Coco for the production. The two have a long history in music, both emerging in the local scene at a similar time and rapidly taking hold of their city before majorly breaking through in their own lanes on a national and international scale.

Whilst ‘Quavo’ first made an appearance on the ‘6 Years Deep’ album, the track has now been released as a single along with the visuals and is an exceptional representation of the star. Clever punchlines, intricate flows, confidence in his delivery of melodic singing/rap alongside harder, weighty bars plus his ability to create records wrapped around relatable subject matters have made him a vehicle for UK Rap, in fact, such is the case that his ever-growing fanbase are even known as his ‘passengers’ rather than fans, as they join him on his journey.

Already a regular at tipping millions of streams and views, DEEP GREEN has paid his dues, successfully smashing the circuit with freestyles, including his notable ‘Fire In The Booth’ for Charlie Sloth, and the endless shows supporting artists including Skrapz, M Huncho & Yxng Bane. His inclusion for Toddla T’s BBC Radio 1Xtra Live Lounge with DJ Target and the endless radio support are mere indicators to his undeniably exciting future and whilst the ceremonious applause and limelight are of course welcomed, it’s the depth in lyrical ability and his captivating character that keeps more passengers jumping on board with the Deep Green journey.

Check out the video for the slamming track below:

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New Music Video: SIR – Akheim Allen

Following on from last year’s explosive reintroduction with ‘Wavs Dnt Die’ and ‘Memo’, which garnered support from BBC 1Xtra, Clash Magazine, Highsnobiety, Trench Magazine, and Spindle Magazine, among others, Edmonton rapper, songwriter and producer AKHEIM ALLEN, formerly known as the artist PW, is back with his brand new single titled ‘SIR’ and its accompanying music video, as premiered via The FADER – this is the first of two offerings to be released between now and the end of the year, leading up to a brand new EP in 2020.

Produced by O12, who has previously worked with the likes of Octavian, Stormzy, Ebenezer, Melii and Koder, and accompanied by a gripping music video, shot and directed by exciting newcomers B2 Creative, ‘SIR’ is a hard-hitting offering led by ominous synth keyboard arrangements and infectious wobbly drum patterns, over which AKHEIM ALLEN waxes lyrical on hustling back to back, and doing whatever is necessary to achieve your goals, while showcasing his captivating flow, writing skills and commanding presence, all traits that make him one to watch right now.

Possessing the lyricism and wordplay of Wretch 32, Avelino or Jay Prince, AKHEIM ALLEN comes championed by the likes of BBC Radio 1, The FADER, Complex, RWD Magazine, Capital Xtra, DAZED, GRM Daily, Link Up TV, and MTV Base, to mention a few. The Edmonton native is fast-emerging as one of the best rappers coming out of North London, while his skills as a producer (Wretch 32, Yxng Bane, WSTRN) makes him a definite cut above his peers.

Check out the slamming video for ‘SIR’ below…

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