Tag: hip-hop

Song of the Day: Coll – The Keys

Taken from his anticipated EP, ‘Blue Magic 2’ – out now on all download and streaming sites – Norwich-based rapper/producer COLL‘s latest slick soulful number, ‘The Keys’,  touches on the topics of self-love and motivation in a witty, assured and intelligent manner.

“’The Keys’ is all about self-resilience, believing in yourself and making the right decisions in life to ensure happiness for yourself and your family”, explains COLL.

Born in Zimbabawe, COLL and his family moved to the UK when he was eight years old, where soon after, he became obsessed with the music of hip hop godfathers, The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac, inspiring him to start his own musical journey. Since then, he’s released a plethora of well-received singles (including ‘Rockstar’ which is fast approaching 100,000 streams), performed at festivals such as Latitude & Sundown, and even set up his own label, True Music Records.

This Norwich-based imprint aims to offer a platform for local artists to kickstart their own careers. The label recently secured funding from the Arts Council England, and in collaboration with Pirate Studios, a studio and recording space based in Norwich, they’ve been able to provide free studio time to their roster as well as other local musicians.

Have a listen to COLL’s ‘The Keys’ below…

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Song of the Day: Moving – John Dole

Hailing from Newcastle, alternative hip hop and electronic artist JOHN DOLE‘s single, ‘Moving’, is a reflection of his own personal
battles.

The latest release opens to paranoia-drenched synth strings, lending a tense and uneasy feel that sets the
scene for the bars to come. Dole’s vocals enter alongside hard-hitting percussion which
immediately ups the intensity levels further with an itching, fervent energy.

With regional and national support from the likes of Nick Roberts (BBC Introducing North East),
Huw Stephens (Radio 1), John Kennedy (Radio X) and Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), ‘Moving’
follows in the footsteps of earlier releases, ‘Rolling’ and ‘Collective Thoughts’.

This one’s a true banger…have a go at ‘Moving’, out now via Snide Records

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EP Review: Summer ’98 – Zee

Hailing from Canada now based in L.A. artist/producer ZEE‘s new EP is definitely a throwback to the late 1990’s, paying homage to hip-hop and R&B of that era. Although this is a nostalgic collection – which evidently draws influences from 90’s R&B heavyweights including Usher, Destiny’s Child and Aaliyah – I couldn’t help but hear some influences of fellow Canadian artist/rapper Drake, particularly in introductory track, ‘Amazing’.

Further along the EP, Zee makes use of samples from some of the R&B classics, such as Kelly Rowland’s/Nelly’s hit ‘Dilemma’, putting a lick of a misty urban/hip-hop bass to the original through fourth effort, ‘All I Need’.

There’s also an air of the late 1980s included in the EP, when Zee put his stamp on Brenda Russell’s classic, ‘Piano In The Dark’ through concluding track, ‘Letting Go’, by dropping a modern R&B/pop version, giving off a summer hazy feel.

Documenting the events of his first summer love (presumably back in the late nineties), Zee encourages us to re-immerse into our most treasured memories – or create new ones – with his feel-good mini collection. Check out the song recommendations and EP below:

Must Listens: Amazing, Crazy Enough, Mean It  

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Tik-Tok Sensation Millie B Releases Viral Track ‘M To The B’ Via B1 Recordings/Sony Music

Top 10 Shazam hit and Tik Tok’s latest viral smash, ‘M to the B’ by MILLIE B, is making its official release via B1 Recordings/Sony Music.

With over 5.4 MILLION TikTok creations to its name, including the Bells Porch version becoming the most watched Tik Tok video ever and fast rising up the viral TikTok charts, ‘M to the B’ first came to light as a general user upload on the platform and quickly became one of the most popular vocal takes of Bordum Beats Shazam hit ’Skank’.

The catchy vocal smash has since blown up over recent weeks to become the latest track sensation, and one of the most hyped tracks across the platform, hitting the radars as one of the ‘most added’ tracks for Tik Tok users. Flocking in their millions to the record, rappers and
dancers have been creating their own videos, which has seen exclusive raps, dances and performances videos appear to accompany the stonking Bassline beat.

Millie B’s ‘M to the B’, has now taken on a life of its own, streaming over 4millions times in 10 days, hitting the number #1 spot on the Spotify UK Viral Chart, #5 on the Global Spotify Viral Chart, charting in nearly 30 counties on the Global Shazam chart and hitting the Top 10, the smash record is continuing its evolution in to one of the most talked about releases in modern day music.

Both ‘Skank’ & ‘M to the B’ are released via B1 Recordings/Sony Music with a further remix package also set to touch down imminently. Check out the official video for Millie B’s ‘M to the B’ below…

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Song of the Day: Rabbit Hole – Substance Abuse (ft. Eric Steuer)

Los Angeles hip-hop duo SUBSTANCE ABUSE‘s single, ‘Rabbit Hole’, sees Subz and Eso Tre drop verses that break down the surreality of the modern world. Built on a foundation of cinematic ’70s soul, the track was produced by longtime collaborator Waes One and features guest emcee Eric Steuer.

“Rabbit Hole is a song for the times we’re in,” Eso says. “It’s about having fortitude and perseverance when there are devilish functions trying to pull you down. Whether it’s a counterproductive ideology or a corrupt government or just your own self doubt, it’s about not being swayed by the favorable and unfavorable circumstances that we all find ourselves in, and not being influenced by immediate, short-term considerations of gain or loss. We’re honored to have our good friend Eric to rap on this track because he’s one of the dopest and most cerebral emcees out there, and he’s been with us since ground zero when we dropped our first underground tape many moons ago.

Former URB Next 100 picks, Substance Abuse’s 2006 album, ‘Overproof’ features MF DOOM, Saafir, P.E.A.C.E., Kool Keith, Motion Man, Kutmasta Kurt and Rasco. ‘Overproof’ is followed up by their 2012 project ‘Background Music’ which features Myka Nyne, Tash of Tha Alkaholiks, KRS-One, MC Eiht and Percee P.

Check out ‘Rabbit Hole’ below…

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