Upon releasing her brand new album, ‘Trust Takes Time’- where she collaborated with a medley of producers, THAIBEATS, Yonas-K Beatz, Syndrome, DJ Pain 1, Rob Kelly, Mantra, SPECDRXM, SHRN – Montreal-born alternative hip-hop artist SHADES LAWRENCE drops brand new single titled, ‘I Do’.
In the piano-led single, Shades expresses her gratitude to those who helped her during the challenging times. Watch ‘I Do’ music video below…
After courting a cult following with her underground EPs Drug Music, On My Way to the Listening Party, and subsequent singles, the ever-mysterious Canadian artist, MAGI MERLIN (pronounced MADGE-eye) is stepping into her moment with new single, ‘Free Grillz.’ The new track follows off earlier tips from CRACK Magazine and spots opening for the likes of Lido Pimienta and playing at Osheaga alongside ODIE, Jessie Reyez, etc. She will support the new single with SXSW dates and a debut headline show in Brooklyn at Purgatory on March 9.
Produced by longtime collaborator and beatsmith Funkywhat, ‘Free Grillz’ finds Magi’s vocals gliding over frostbitten hi-hats, tectonic snares, and a shattering bassline showing off the extent of her talents, marrying a sensuous and self-assured rapping style with a wistful hook. Changing tact from earlier releases, Merlin switches out some of those syrupy R&B flavors for the sounds of 90’s house, drum and bass and acid-flecked hip-hop. ‘Free Grillz’ is a track that playfully aspires to the tropes of rap fame while also frankly reflecting on the realities of day-to-day life (like having your name mispronounced, or having to kick out the clingy man who won’t leave your apartment).
Directed by Walid Jabri, the music video for ‘Free Grillz’ shows Magi in an intimidating, cold and yet utterly captivating light. Proudly flaunting her grillz, she embodies the daring attitude of the song and mesmerizes viewers in an array of red hues and fast-moving shots. From motorcycle rides to blowing off a boring guy and mosh pitting, Magi keeps us on our toes as she references the lifestyle in the lyrics.
Check out the fierce video to the equally fierce track below…
Canadian rapper PYANO‘s first release of the year, ‘Way I See It’ is driven by a vibrant and energetic groove, taking a peek into his journey of finding his sound as an artist.
“I’m always somewhere between the motivational, hardcore rap that I grew up on versus the more melodic stuff that I listen to today,” says Pyano. “On this track, specifically, I find a good balance between the two which as a result enables me to celebrate the milestones of success in my life in spite of this whole pandemic thing. Despite the challenges and obstacles over the last couple years, I’m exactly where I planned to be, and further, which is why this track is a good representation of all the lessons I learned through all that.”
Born in Amman, Jordan but currently living in Ottawa, Canada, Pyano has mastered the art of bringing charged vibes on records, ranging from lyrically conscious to catchy melodic anthems. His music transcends borders between hip hop subgenres using witty yet motivational lyrics and a bouncy cadence to give his smooth signature style over an infectious piano laced beat.
Pyano released three singles in 2021, ‘Closed Off’, ‘Pineapple Juice’ and ‘From the Beginning’, his biggest single so far, and continues to make his introduction to the rap game known with his latest single, ‘Way I See It’ while teasing his first EP which will be out later this year.
Check out the official video for Pyano’s ‘Way I See It’…
Ontario’s rapper BANGGZ‘s latest track, ‘Who’s Guessing Who?’ is a true testament that’s he’s a real GOAT in the rap game in his hometown.
With attention grabbing, tribal-esque bars, ‘Who’s Guessing Who?’ delves into the the 22-year-old’s state of mind, reflecting on the current times as well as his experiences in these times.
Why not check out the video for the track below, directed by Quest and the man himself…
With its effortless blend of an addictive compilation of synths and rhythms, JUSTINE TYRELL‘s brand new single, ‘Drive’ details the unfolding of a less-than-perfect relationship.
Timothonius and Matthew Zoeteman’s flawlessly modern production provide an immediately infectious smooth and sensual beat, a perfect platform for Tyrell’s spellbound vocal capabilities.
Speaking of her newest offering, Justin explains: “This song captures the moments of what is imminently the last drive taken with a flame, blaring with silences and the realization that the love has slipped away. The blurring of street lights and the tension of quiet gazes, fill the spaces of all of the words that are going unsaid. Intimately personal and inspired by the dark sonics of the production soundscape, Drive tells a story of how sometimes the loneliest places we go, are together.”
Justine Tyrell has earned nominations for Singer of the Year, Solo Artist of the Year, Media Personality of the Year (Obsidian Awards), and has gone on to be named one of Branded Magazine’s ‘Game Changers, in her City of Calgary, Alberta’. She has been featured on CBC Radio, received nods from Stingray Music, featured in Metro and went on to see exciting success with the release of her recently released singles, ‘Worthy’, ‘Radar’, and ‘My Name’.