Tag: hip-hop

Harleighblu & Bluestaeb Take A Stand On Cat Calling In ‘Call’

After appearing on the blog’s SOTD hot spot last week, UK R&B singer HARLEIGHBLU  and neo-soul & hip-hop producer BLUESTAEB circle back with anti-harassment empowerment anthem ‘Call’, the forth single off upcoming joint album ‘She’, out on October 11th 2019.

On a funk infused production courtesy of BLUESTAEB, HARLEIGHBLU takes a stand against cat calling: “We as women constantly have to deal with unwanted attention and aggressive pursuit when we do our thing and this song is a cheerful ‘talk to the hand’, a reminder that we don’t have to entertain such behaviour. Ladies, our journey is a long walk so let this song be the soundtrack to your stride, nothing can stop you especially not the unwanted advances from Mr.Basic”

After HARLEIGHBLU heard BLUESTAEB‘s music at Camden’s Jazz Café in 2016, the multinational duo decided to search for new ways to express their common love for uncompromised hip-hop and R&B. BLUESTAEB’s soulful approach to beat making complemented Harleighblu’s vocals perfectly as she staked her claim on the neo soul and hip-hop territory she always identified with. Hailed as an up and coming ‘queen of soul’ with references to Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, HARLEIGHBLU’s signature sound has matured into a frank, self-possessed voice, bringing us honest, feminine, yet unrepentant lyrical touches.

Additionally, the Paris and Berlin based producer BLUESTAEB made his name through his releases via German tastemaker label Jakarta Records, where he released alongside Kaytranada, Ta-Ku and Mura Masa. Both his solo and collaboration projects have been internationally praised for their warm characteristic sound, receiving airplays on Soulection, BBC 1, Rinse.FM and many more.

With a full collaboration album set to drop in this month, HARLEIGHBLU and BLUESTAEB continue to impress with their seamless musical chemistry and mutual passion for classic R&B and hip hop. ‘Call’ provides a taste for what’s to come from the 13-track stoke of genius, ‘She’.

Check it out below…

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SOTD: Harleighblu AND Bluestaeb Drops The Ultimate Female Empowerment Anthem

UK R&B singer HARLEIGHBLU and neo-soul & hip-hop producer BLUESTAEB come through with beat-heavy empowerment anthem ‘Queeen Dem’, the third single off upcoming joint album ‘She’, due for release October 11th 2019

The song is inspired by popular poem “This is for the women who don’t give a fuck” by American writer Janne Robinson. HARLEIGHBLU took the fierce manifesto of the feminist activist and interpreted it her very own way: “I tried to capture the strength of the poem, with a nod to Janne, and then elaborate with my own take on completely owning your own womanhood. Within writing the first few lines, I entitled the piece Queeen Dem. Queeen gets 3 E’s to accentuate the fact you are a queen.”

The empowering lyrics are driven by BLUESTAEB‘s impeccable production, which gives a nod to the 90’s era of boom-bap hip-hop. Following on from previous singles ‘Cake’ and ‘Present’, both picking up critical acclaim from the likes of Wonderland, Clash, The Line Of Best Fit, Dummy, as well as support from BBC 1Xtra and BBC 6, this new release continues the pair’s steady trajectory and keeps with the impressive musical standard they set for themselves.

Check out the video for ‘Queen Dem’ below:

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Hayreezy Drops The Last Of The ‘Summer Vibrations’ In Latest Video

 HAYREEZY steps out of East London and is putting his own twist on alternative rap with his latest drop ‘Summer Vibrations’ taken from his ‘Inspired’ EP.  The video for the single recently dropped over on GRM Daily.

The track features beautiful hazy vocals from Jody Clayton and a feature from frequent collaborator Touri$t, who HAYREEZY previously teamed up with for the former’s ‘Doing Bits’ record. .

For the eagle eyed amongst us, HAYREEZY may well have a familiar face having started his creative journey as an actor, securing roles in ‘Les Miserables’ and the smash hit film ‘Inbetweeners 2’. He then went and lived in Long Beach for a year, calling this his ‘epiphany year’. Having released his debut single ‘2AM’ via GRM Daily in January 2018, he has been on his musical grind since, performing across London venues, and releasing further singles ‘W.I.W.T, Life is What You Make It, Teen Titan & Walking In The Air’.

Taken from his 6-track alternative rap EP ‘Inspired’, ’Summer Vibrations’ features a rap style that draws inspiration from the roots of funk, jazz and soul, it compliments the chorus which is reminiscent of the 1950’s style with the hushed and crackly tones. Part of a ‘Woke and Wavy Gxng’ who practise living life to the fullest, whilst doing what they can to help other unlock that ability within themselves too. HAYREEZY conforms to this with a woke and wavy sound; he is the epitome of alternative rap that cannot be boxed in.

Check out the perfect soundtrack for the last days of summer below…

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Song of the Day: Times Like This – Since94

Toronto rapper, SINCE94 grew up in a world full of hip hop, R&B, jazz music and art which helped him shape up and hone in with his creativity.

His latest single, ‘Times Like This’  has everything to do with documenting accomplishments.

The moral of the story in this slamming banger is never give up on yourself… even if others doubt your journey…check it out below…

 

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SOTD: Craze 24 Pays Tribute To Victims Of Knife And Gun Crime in ‘Everybody’s Got 2 Learn’

‘Everybody’s Got 2 Learn’ is the latest rap offering from CRAZE 24 featuring Davinah. Featuring a sample of The Korgis’ 1980 classic ‘Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometimes’, the track not only heralds a touching feeling of nostalgia, but also serves as a hard-hitting tribute to the victims of knife and gun crime. In response to recently increasing spikes of violence in and around London, CRAZE 24 aims to shine a light on the darker sides of street life. In doing so, he also hopes to incite a much-needed change.

With the song’s music video telling the heartbreakingly honest story of a little boy growing up without any positive role models in his life and the negative impacts this has, ‘Everybody’s Got 2 Learn’ strips away the glorification of weaponry that has become so prevalent within rap music.

Speaking on the issue, CRAZE 24, otherwise known as Jay Miller, said:
‘I think the UK music industry should be standing together in solidarity and addressing the many factors that are helping to create this epidemic. Artists, platforms and labels have the power of influence which, by default, makes them either a positive or negative role model.
If we keep turning a blind eye, pointing the finger and ignoring our responsibility when releasing music, we’re also contributing to the problem.’

Alongside expressing his feelings on this topic through his music, CRAZE 24 and his ‘We Run the Roads’ collaborator, Big Ven, are launching a youth divisionary programme to help the most vulnerable and susceptible victims of knife and gun crime.

‘Everybody’s Got 2 Learn’ is also the title track on Craze’s upcoming album. Featuring the vocal talents of P Money, D Double E, Stylo G and many more, the album travels through different musical genres, freestyles and spoken word to tell a larger tale of positive progression on a personal, social and cultural level.

With the track, music video and youth divisionary programme all being rolled out this summer, GX Records, Phoenix Music International and, at the heart of it all, CRAZE 24 hope that this will be the start of a new, positive revolution in rap culture.

Check out the heart-felt production below:

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