Hailing from Chicago, rapper and beat maker RUDY G slips through his new EP, ‘Skywriting’, out now for your pleasure.
The project alternates between the smoothest boom bap beats and party-filling joints, with a guest feature from fellow chicago rapper GLC, who drops some fire verses with Rudy G in fourth track, ‘Rise’.
As a hip hop artist, Rudy G has released several independent projects including his debut album ‘High Society’ and his ‘Generally Speakin’ mixtape series. His music has been featured on several nationally distributed mixtapes, blogs, streaming services and radio stations. He has performed at several live venues in the Chicago-area including the historic Abbey Pub.
Rudy G was also the recipient of the ‘Art in Your Ear Award’ which recognizes local artists for their songwriting abilities. During his time, he has collaborated with several rappers (including former G.O.O.D Music artist GLC), various producers and other artists outside of the hip hop/rap genre. As a beat maker, he was featured on the new X102.3’s ‘Local Love Show’ and also on DJ Chuck T’s “Lyrical Exercise Volume 4′.
Global sensation and Gqom trailblazer DJ LAG, along with South African sensation Mr Nation Thingz, unveil a reimagined version of their chart-topping track ‘Hade Boss’.
The original ‘Hade Boss’ garnered immense success, with over six million streams and an astounding 500 million views across digital platforms. It also amassed 350K creations and 35M likes on TikTok, solidifying its status as both a viral sensation and an anthem.
Responding to the fervent demand for more, DJ Lag, Mr Nation Thingz, and K.C Driller revisited the studio to craft the second chapter of this ground-breaking hit. The Hade Boss Re-Up features a powerhouse ensemble of South African industry giants on vocals, including DJ Maphorisa, Kamo Mphela, Robot Boii, and 2woshort, with rising star Xduppy handling production duties. This revamped rendition stays true to the essence that captured hearts across South Africa and beyond while further paying homage to DJ Lag’s unique blend of Amapiano and Gqom.
Since its teaser release on TikTok last December, ‘Hade Boss’ has sparked a global dance frenzy, amassing a dedicated fan base even prior to its official launch. Its meteoric rise saw it ascend to #2 on the YouTube Music charts, setting the stage for a monumental year ahead. Accolades include the RISA Certified Gold Record, TikTok’s certified viral status, and noteworthy nominations, including the Metro Awards’ Best Kwaito/Gqom category, while chart-topping positions on various platforms solidify its widespread appeal.
From catapulting Gqom into the global spotlight to earning industry recognition, DJ Lag continues to be a cultural luminary and trailblazer. With ‘Hade Boss’ and a headline London date at Village Underground on 26th May- his largest headline show to date – he reaffirms his status as the undisputed Gqom King, showcasing his enduring influence on the music industry.
West Coast artist NAYLA SAVANNAH‘s brand new EP, titled ‘Papillon’ – which means Butterfly in French – – comprises of five mesmerizing tracks, promising to take listeners on a captivating journey through love, drugs, and heartbreak.
Drawing inspiration from the ethereal beauty of butterflies, ‘Papillon’ encapsulates the transformative essence of Nayla’s artistic vision. The EP opens with the enigmatic track ‘Papillion’, a raging head throbber to ‘Rooms,’ evoking the sensation of a surreal shroom trip, before transitioning into more grounded themes with tracks like ‘Koracick,’ a nod to Shondaland’s iconic series, Grey’s Anatomy.
Produced by ENYU member Zidiil, ‘Papillon’ is a sonic tapestry that seamlessly weaves together elements of romance and introspection. Tracks like ‘Hypnotyzd’ and ‘Sticky’ offer a romanticized exploration of desire and longing, underscored by Nayla’s commanding vocals and infectious energy.
Released on Saturday (30th March), Nayla Savannah’s EP ‘Papillon’ is set to captivate audiences with its raw authenticity and dynamic synth heavy soundscapes. Whether delving into the depths of human emotion or soaring on the wings of imagination, Nayla invites listeners to join her on a spellbinding odyssey through the highs and lows of existence. Check it out below…
NATTY BOI ZOE taps fellow Owl Life Entertainment bandmate Dice Cannon for his second drop of 2024, ‘Do Y’all’.
Over a slick 90’s-style hip-hop/funk, Natty gives an insight how he fought tooth and nail to become the man he is today, despite the black sheep member of society.
‘Do Y’all’ is taken from Natty’s EP, ‘I Am Who I Am (Unspoken Words), coming out later this year…but for now, get the taste of the single below…
Manchester rapper NEMZZZ unveils his much-anticipated debut mixtape ‘DO NOT DISTURB’. The 11-track tape is Nemzzz’s most expansive drop to date, an exploration of how the young artist is shaped by his upbringing and his fame. ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ is available in physical format on CD & cassette in a first for the Mancunion.
Marrying bars laced with Nemzzz’s wicked sense of humour, earworm hooks and a raw soulful-drill production – ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ is set to cement Nemzzz’s status as the new titan of UK Rap. Opening with late night confession ‘REFLECTION’, Nemzzz raps with real bite about the pitfalls of social media activism. New single ‘ETA’ sees Nemzzz unite with German rap heavyweight Luciano, trading bars over a siren-like beat. The new cut arrives with a video shot by DonProd in Frankfurt whilst Nemzzz was in town to appear at Luciano’s stadium show.
Recent single ‘PTSD’ (which is currently the blog’s Song of the Month) splices a haunting vocal flip with a laid-back production from frequent collaborator Zel, as Nemzzz turns teacher once more – speaking on how he uses his music as catharsis to process his feelings. The cut landed last month to a co-sign from Central Cee. The shimmering, jazz inflected ‘L’S’ arrived in January to acclaim from the likes of The Observer, Fader, CRACK, NME spins across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and more.
Atmospheric, intense cut ‘DOOM’ gives way to the relaxed groove of playful love song ‘STAR SIGN’. On ‘NEED YOU’, Nemzzz rides out the ups and downs of a toxic relationship. ‘REASSURANCE’ melds ghostly vocal samples with a stripped back production as Nemzzz reassures his girl he’d drop her off for her ‘nails, hair, lash appointment too’. Nemzzz picks up the pace on ‘VENICE’ featuring rising rapper JayG. Title track ‘DND’ details how the run-up to the project was filled with hostile haters and the need to cut off day one friends. Rounding out the tape is ‘MONEY AND VIBES’, which sees Nemzzz bring a UK flavour to a flip of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Rock Your Body’. The single topped the A list at 1Xtra on release last year and continues to rack up over +1M streams a week. Nemzzz is one of the most exciting breakout rap talents of recent years. An old head on young shoulders, Nemzzz is relatable in a different way than a lot of his rap peers; driven less by punchlines about Birkin bags and more by the challenge of helping his young fans navigate their way through growing pains. The rapper is shaped by his tough upbringing in Gorton, using his music to reflect on his experiences including heartbreak, fake friends, financial literacy, finding your own path, and managing mental health amid social media addiction.
The DO NOT DISTURB tape follows a massive 2023 for the young star with a consistent slate of releases including his debut EP NEMZZZ TYPE BEAT (which was pulled together in just 17 days in a flex of his innate talents) alongside a string of singles including ‘Therapy’ (Spotify Rap UK Cover) and ‘8AM IN MANNY’ which landed to props from some of the biggest rappers in the world – Drake and Lil Yachty. Last year saw Nemzzz deliver his first sold-out headline tour alongside performances at festivals including Glastonbury, Ibiza Rocks and more.
Nemzzz will be heading out on his second headline tour this Spring with dates across the UK and Ireland. He will be kicking off in Dublin on 30th April and culminating in a homecoming show on 7th May in Manchester. With three dates already sold out – the tour is set to be another huge smash for the young star.
Since bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 14, Nemzzz has relentlessly chipped away at his craft – building steady buzz amongst the industry, media and fans alike. With over 180M combined streams in 2023, 9 Million TikTok views, tips including BBC Radio 1xtra’s Hot For 2023, Amazon Music x Hunger Magazine Ones To Watch, No Signal Class of ’23, Best Newcomer Nominee MOBO Awards 2022, plaudits from Pitchfork, The Face, DAZED, The Guardian, HYPEBEAST, CLASH, Complex UK and NME – Nemzzz is making serious moves.