Following the release of his all-star underground hip-hop debut album, ‘Son On A Sunday’ earlier this year, New York’s SON OF TONY drops some heavy visuals for leading track, ‘Energy’ and also ‘Energy B Side’.
Met with raving reviews from the likes of Underground Hip-Hop, ‘Son on a Sunday’ features fellow New York’s underground hip-hop heavyweights, Micky Factz, Skyzoo, Tish Hyman and Ren Thomas.
Check out the razor-sharp production below, as it is sure to top-up the hype of the album.
To read NLM’s review on ‘Son on a Sunday’ head right here.
Unlike his pervious set, ‘Fly Von Mix Vo.1’ FLY VON‘s latest album, ‘Rawest 2’ features mellowed out backdrops, melodic chants all brought together by the intermittent presence of the b-line – in fact it’s a complete opposite of the name of the album…
However, I might have spoken too soon as further along the album, the melodic chants becomes more sporadic, the semi-tranquil bassline becomes more infectiously HARD and Fly Von’s trance-like flow turns all RAW. Ninth effort, ‘Fast Life’, totally interrupts the album’s tranquility with its bold energy and Fly’s fiery flow which gives such an unbelieve head rush.
All in all, I did expect a little more punch from ‘Rawest 2’ – that ‘I don’t give a f**k energy presented in his previous releases – however what this album has showed me is that this Virginia rapper can do it as smooth as they come and it can be still soul-satisfying. Check out ‘Rawest 2’ below and songs recommendations.
Must Listens: Pina Loca Smoke, Stay Patient, Tokyo Tees, No Limit
Untamed and brimming with raw rap energy, MARINA MASSANOVA‘s latest smash track takes us on an adrenaline-drenched thrill ride through a furious flurry of genres. From the hard-hitting hip-hop bars to the drastic flip into hardbass, here’s one song that’s bold, daring and impossible to ignore.
When she pitched the idea to her beatmaker he thought she was crazy to mix together such a whimsical selection of genres. Marina persevered though and they are both elated with the end result. It all started when she conjured up an idea for a song that questions what “normal” really is. She called up her rapper friend Chris Jenkins straight away and they wrote the song together over video call. The duo really dug deep into the darker side of themselves to pull together something that really bares her soul for all the world to see.
The Ukrainian singer-songwriter also directed the video. Dripped in cool, calm charisma, it shows her with her two friends from first grade getting into all kinds of mischief. From visuals of intercourse with an imaginary guy, to the slapping of buttocks, it really grabs your attention and stops you dead in your tracks.
So if you can handle it, why not press play on ‘Normality’ below…
Virginia’s RAWEST rapper, FLY VON makes a quick return to the blog’s interview hot seat to discuss his latest album, ‘RAWEST 2’, out now for your pleasure.
‘RAWEST 2’ serves as the build-up to his project, ‘FlyMix Vol.1’, which claimed the blog’s Album of the Week title for three consecutive weeks.
To read his previous interview on the album, head right here.
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. Any New Year’s resolutions?
FV: The pleasure is all mine, I love these interviews lol. Thank you for having me again. And hmm if I had to make one, it would be to drop at least three albums this year.
NLM: You released your album ‘Rawst 2’ late last year. What is the public perception on the project so far?
FV: So far the people are loving it! I’m over 1,200 streams in just under 3 weeks. I’ve developed a major fan base overseas in Belgium, Australia and Spain as well which is really amazing!! Also so far ‘Pina Loca Smoke’ is the fan favorite right now.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
FV: After the success of FlyMix Vol. 1, I went back and started listening to the 1st RAWEST album. I started wondering “maybe I should get back in that zone and that mode.” The RAWEST series is about breaking rules, barriers, genres and simply creating music that fully expresses who I am.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
FV: ‘Tokyo Tees’, the energy from this song is so strong! Makes me feel like a ninja in an action movie lol perfect night time vibes. 2nd would be Pina Loca Smoke, I’m pretty sure this is the most beautiful song I’ve written to date. I play it every morning and every night. Perfect song for a smoke session or just to escape and get away.
NLM: So how would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
FV: The Sound of RAWEST 2 can be described as me and my personality put to music. Confident and strong deliveries mixed with glimpses of me being vulnerable on melodies. The album is fun! It gets you let go, escape and enjoy the moment.
NLM: How does the sound of ‘Rawest 2’ compare to your earlier albums?
FV: In comparison, I would say RAWEST 2 has elements of all my previous projects mixed into one. Increasing my melodies was drawn from RAWEST 1.5, Using unorthodox flows on heavy trap beats comes from Lone Wolf. Slowing down tempos, adding alternative sounds came from the original RAWEST album. This one brings it all together.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
FV: Wiz Khalifa or Kid Cudi would have been great on the album lol! Both of those guys embody the same vision I have with music. They don’t let people box them in or give them rules. Cudi and his harmonies on “Pina Loca Smoke” would have been AMAZING. Wiz would have definitely brought “Stars in My Eyes” to a whole new level. One day, it’s gonna happen lol. Chris brown would be great on “Do The Math” too lol
NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?
FV: Deluxe version of RAWEST 2 is coming next.
I have a collab album with JDC Beats after that and then a secret surprise third album that you will have to stay tuned for lol.
NLM: How can potential fan find you?
FV: I’m on all Streaming platforms under Fly Von
Twitter: @ SirBasstoven
IG: @ flyvon_
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Rawest 2’?
FV: Oh yes!! JDC Beats, i.d Beats, Everything Hectic, Deon (@firstclassdeon on IG), and myself lol. Big shoutout and much love to them. Also new lease music for the continued love and support. Thank you all as well.
Head right HERE to check out Fly Von’s RAWEST 2 album.
JOSHUA LUKE SMITH delivers a hopeful mantra for 2021 in new single, ‘Mosaics’. 2020 was a difficult year for many but Joshua Luke Smith encourages us to embrace it all as part of the human experience; the good and the bad, as together they make a beautiful, bigger picture. As he explains:
“This is a song for those we’ve lost and for those who were left behind. I wrote it in the midst of grief, struggling to come to terms with life in the absence of someone who meant so much and filled up so much space. I’ve come to learn our lives are like mosaics, made up of many parts, all as meaningful as each other. Sometimes it’s not until we take a step back seeing the bigger picture, brought together with suffering and joy, loss and nearness, that we can truly see its beauty.”
The uplifting cut features the stunning, soulful tones of Bianca Rose which make the song all the more beautiful.
‘Mosaics’ is now available across all digital platforms and serves as a taster for his album, due for release this Spring. Check out the official music video for the single below…
