Tag: Calgary

K-Riz drops video for ‘Middle Finger U’, a track for naysayers

K-RIZ makes a quick return with a new video for track, ‘Middle Finger U,’ an ode to haters. Served over succulent beats, ‘Middle Finger U’ is one of many standouts from his highly-anticipated third full-length album, One Way Ticket, released last Friday (15th September) via Birthday Cake Records.

Directed by Sergei Subbotin and Jason WH, and featuring cameos from Edmonton hip-hop artist Moto and Mexican rapper La Tytan, the video radiates with optimism as an act of resistance, while highlighting various locations from K-Riz’s recently adopted city of Calgary.

“The video is a representation of joy and being carefree,” says K-Riz. “It’s that feeling that no matter what people say, or how they feel about it, we’ll be out here having fun in the world. It’s very unapologetic.”

Opening with the crackling of vinyl and cuts courtesy of scratch DJ Fatrok, ‘Middle Finger U’ nods to the golden era’s most rousing boom-bap rhythms. On the track, K-Riz offers a message to the naysayers who oppose the musical life path he’s chosen: “There’s no ceiling/Only space above me to occupy.” All the while, wishing cynics well in his eternal quest towards self-betterment (“Don’t Judge”), and lifting up the next generation of unsure artists (“Be Great”). Exposing the loneliness of making art when others don’t support you, he offers some words to live by to anyone aspiring for more: “They may tell you that you can’t be great/So tell them you already are great/You’re just on your way,” he raps on “Be Great.” Indeed, it’s a statement of true growth and gratitude for the gifts that life has given him, and his sense of obligation to give back to others like him.

Check out the video for ‘Middle Finger U’ Below…

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Song of the Day: Less Is More – K-Riz

‘Less is More,’ the latest single from Canadian hip-hop artist K-RIZ, was built out of collaboration, illuminating the effortless magic that can blossom when the right vibe is in the room. The track is the latest tune to be released from K-Riz’s upcoming collaboration-filled effort, One Way Ticket – out this Friday, 15th September on Birthday Cake Records

‘Less is More’ reveals the beautiful things that can come into focus when you’re fully present. Being mindful is a theme that One Way Ticket revels in, prompting us to find joy in every moment; expecting less and in doing so, appreciating more.

Produced over a one-day session in Junia-T’s Toronto studio, each part of the tune came together organically during a free-flowing songwriting session. K-Riz’s calming verses unfold over breathy hooks from Ice Tha One, and hypnotic production courtesy of Junia-T. It’s a head-bobbing jam where atmosphere takes precedence, striking a balance between melodic hip-hop and blissful R&B.

“This track came out so easily,” K-Riz says. “I love what other people can bring to a song; the melodies that people come up with that stretch the boundaries of what a song can be. That’s the magic part of collaborating. All of these voices just make each track what it needs to be. It lifts up the entire record.”

Check out ‘Less Is More’ below…

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K-Riz Shares Single, ‘Inside Your Love’ + Video

Calgary-based hip-hop artist K-RIZ celebrates his signing to Birthday Cake Records by unveiling a new single, ‘Inside Your Love,’ with an accompanying video directed by DaKidT, also known for his video work with fellow Alberta rapper Mouraine. The tune will appear on his forthcoming album, One Way Ticket, slated for release on September 15, 2023.

Having found his stride at the intersection of hip-hop and R&B, K-Riz packs his syllables and vocals with power. On ‘Inside Your Love,’ the dynamo welcomes listeners into his smooth and sensual world. Calling on producer Eddie Pe$o$ to set the vibe, it’s a track fitting for the boudoir, echoing the sultriest of ‘90s-era R&B slow jams by turning a snapshot of fantasy and desire into an understated gem.

“It’s that moment of yearning when you’re high off your lover’s energy, and you’re not shying away from telling them how you feel,” says K-Riz. “The intention was to make a slow and sexy jam with a heavy emphasis on sexy – and I think we got what we were after. I hope this song makes you hold your person a little closer.”

A rare, multifaceted artist who can rap and sing with equal aplomb, on his forthcoming third full-length album, One Way Ticket, K-Riz enters his self-described “Off the Wall era.” Much like Michael Jackson’s masterpiece of liberation, One Way Ticket pulls from an assortment of influences (hip-hop, funk, R&B, and dance) and showcases K-Riz at his apex, glowing with confidence, embracing new experiences, and living in the moment.

Two versions of ‘Inside Your Love,’ including a remix of the track featuring Tea Fannie and Kavali, are out now and can be streamed or purchased today right here…but before you go, why not check out the video for the sensuous single below…

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OUT TODAY: K-Riz Shares Single, ‘Whatever U Like’; Announces New Album

Following a string of critically lauded releases, hip-hop artist K-RIZ returns with ‘Whatever U Like,’ the first single off his forthcoming album, One Way Ticket, arriving next spring on Mo Gravy Records.

The single finds K-Riz leaning into a newfound joy and another dimension to his multifaceted rap persona. Reuniting with JDats, the producer behind the blissful blend of jazz-infused samples heard on 2020’s The Room EP, ‘Whatever U Like’ hits with lashes of delirious dance-oriented beats, a reflection of Riz’s current state of contentment and openness to exploration.

One Way Ticket, which will also feature appearances by Toronto rapper Junia T, emcee/singer Ice tha One, and Calgary-based, Zimbabwe-born newcomer K the Chosen, represents the urge to move forward and embrace new experiences. The rapper permanently relocated from Edmonton to Calgary in 2021, and with that came new influences and a necessary shift in perspective.

K-Riz’s past efforts Peace & Love (2021) and The Room EP (2020) garnered rotation on CBC’s The Block with host Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe naming K-Riz as a Black Canadian artist you need to know. Those releases also landed him a nomination for Rap & Hip Hop Artist of the Year at the 2022 Western Canadian Music Awards. As part of the festivities

Look for more singles from K-Riz’s third full-length album, One Way Ticket, in the coming months. ‘Whatever U Like’ is now available on Bandcamp. If you like the track, purchase it on Friday 7th October for the next Bandcamp Friday when all sales go directly to artists. 

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KODAE Returns With Vibrant Single, ‘Fractals’

Following their debut appearance on the blog with spine tingling Nu soul/jazz piece, ‘Awake With Crystal Eyes’, back in February 2021, five-piece group K O D A E has totally flip the script on their sound with brand new single, ‘Fractals’.

With featherly light tones and guitar licks injecting some groove into the production, ‘Fractals’ feels like a deep breath. The last couple of years reminded K O D A E of the importance of presence and community and as things have opened back up, many people have fallen into the busy trap of trying to make up for lost time. This song is a reminder of savoring the moment and regaining connection to the world.

Combining a mutual love of modern groove with personal connections to nature and mysticism, With their different backgrounds, each member from K O D A E brings a unique flavour to the table: Annie da Silva’s velvety voice and cutting lyrics, Owen Mcpherson’s gospel roots on the deep five, Seyoung Lee’s lush jazz textures on the keys, Curtis Sauer’s ambitious groove on the drums and Eric Osborne’s fluid harmonies on the guitar.

Have a listen to the uplifting single below…

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