Tag: hip-hop

Lyrique Shares New Video For Single ‘Smoke Break’

Philippines-born, Calgary-based hip hop act LYRIQUE‘s video for single, ‘Smoke Break’ is a narcotic-infused reflection on love and cannabis that swirls to a chill rap beat.

“When creating lyrics, I sometimes like to use objects as metaphors to dig into other topics,” says Lyrique. “In this case, I’m comparing the sensation of a drug-induced daze to the feelings of being in love.”

Shot in the Forest Lawn and Bridgeland neighbourhoods of Calgary, the hypnotic video features various area landmarks that serve as a shout out to the rapper’s adopted city. The video follows the release of a series of singles and mixtapes from the artist since 2016, which have drawn attention from COMPLEX, CBC’s Q, MTV Philippines, and more.

Arriving in Canada in 2014 to work as a live-in nanny, Lyrique’s rhymes often draw from his personal struggles as a temporary migrant worker. Now a permanent resident striving to fulfill his dreams, Lyrique’s story is one of many within Canada’s Filipino diaspora.

Lyrique’s debut full-length album will be announced later this summer…but for now, check out the video for ‘Smoke Break’ below…

 

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French Producer J-Zen Taps Kid Abstrakt For Uplifting Summer Vibes In ‘Vibrations’ Video

French producer J-ZEN recently tapped West Coast MC KID ADSTRAKT for his single “Vibrations” (or “Vibrações” in Portuguese), which comes from his new album, ‘Standa Lone’.

Originally titled ‘Summer,’ the instrumental took on a whole new meaning once Kid Abstrakt wrote to it. The song was only partially done when Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash in January. The deaths had a profound impact on the Los Angeles native, but also taught him a valuable lesson.

“When I heard J-Zen’s beat, I imagined having açaí on a hot summer day in Los Angeles. We wanted to capture a feel good vibe but also share a message about appreciating everything you have while it’s still right in front of you. After Kobe & Gigi passed, I knew I had to live life to the fullest every single day.” – Kid Abstrakt

The William Andrade-directed music video reflects the song’s warmth and poignant message in the most fitting way possible. Hit play on the video below…

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Check out Ember Phoenix’s Banger, ‘Milli On The Low’

Rapper and entrepreneur EMBER PHOENIX drops the release of his new single and visuals for ‘Milli On The Low’, premiering on Link Up TV. Produced by RagoArt, who has made hits for the likes of Aitch, B Young, Rapman and Ramz, ‘Milli On The Low’ is a summer anthem for the hustlers, inspiring everyone to get their money game on point with an infectious hook.

One of London’s most exciting rap artists, Ember has caught the attention of industry heavyweights such as DJ Charlie Sloth who invited him on BBC Radio 1 Xtra’s Fire In The Booth segment, as well as an appearance on MTV’s The Wrap Up Show. Making waves internationally, Ember flexed his songwriting prowess, achieving a Number 1 single in India writing for blockbuster composer A.R Rahman, best known for his work on the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack.

Ember’s passion for creating music is only matched for his love for entrepreneurship. Putting his business acumen acquired on the streets in legitimate ways, Ember launched his own independent record label The Cold City as well as a successful clothing line Cold City Clothing.

‘Milli On The Low’ is out now and available on all streaming platforms…check out the video below…

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Otis Mensah Drops Track ‘No Record Store Day’ + Video

Acclaimed Hip-Hop artist and poet OTIS MENSAH announces the release of his new single ‘No Record Store Day’, written at the beginning of the global pandemic. The song delves into a feeling of cabin fever, using the cancellation of Record Store Day as a metaphor to explore a deeper sense of social disquietude. Over moody psychedelic instrumentation produced by The Intern, Otis paints the journey with frantic poetry, wrestling over ego and self-worth; finding the political in the personal.

Hailing from Sheffield, Otis Mensah combines vivid storytelling with atmospheric and experimental Hip-Hop sounds. Titled Sheffield’s first poet laureate in 2018, Otis has worked and toured with heavyweights such as Benjamin Zephaniah, KOTA the Friend, Open Mike Eagle, Mahalia and Blu & Exile. Otis has also received support from The Guardian, Earmilk, I Am Hip Hop Magazine, BBC: Introducing; CALM; Worldwide FM and The Noise Gate.

‘No Record Store Day’ is the third episode of #OtisMensahExists, a series of new music and animation art released every three weeks.

Check out the animated video for ‘No Record Store Day’ below…

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Check Out Jeru The Damaja’s Video For Compelling Single, ‘Power’

After a year long hiatus, Brooklyn’s rapper JERU THE DAMAJA jumps right back to it with brand new track entitled ‘Power’. The accompanied video features the conscious contender addressing the unjust social system that plagues society and suggests that unity is the answer to overcome the difficulties we face as humanity enters into another inevitable phase of unavoidable change.

Jeru first performed the track live on NPR Tiny Desk home concert back in April way before all of the civil unrest and worldwide protest.

Check it out below…

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