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:

New Music Video: Stubborn – Ryan De La Cruz

RYAN DE LA CRUZ is back in full force following the success of his collaboration with Ghetts and S Wavey on ‘Player’ and critically acclaimed single ’Syko’ earlier this year – and with a forthcoming EP on the way (a 5-track testament to owning your inner craziness), ’Stubborn’ is the first teaser of what’s to come.
 
The lo-fi, gritty video gives you an authentic look into the unmatchable energy and confidence he carries with him, and his ease with dance and performance, giving likeness to his idols Chris Brown and D’Angelo.
 
Originally launched into the spotlight in 2017 for ‘Know About Me’ which was crowned ‘the best rap video of 2017′ by DJ SemtexRyan has been setting himself apart from the new generation of UK talent. He injects soulful, R&B feels into his fruitful plethora of inspiration, while making it an aim to sing about real-life, important issues. 

Check out the video below…

Song of the Day: Quavo – Deep Green

Smashing close to 200k views in a matter of weeks, 70k streams, plus huge support from the likes of DJ Target and BBC Sheffield, ‘Quavo’ is yet another consistent release from one of Steel City’s finest…

DEEP GREEN collabs with his fellow Sheffield comrade Coco for the production. The two have a long history in music, both emerging in the local scene at a similar time and rapidly taking hold of their city before majorly breaking through in their own lanes on a national and international scale.

Whilst ‘Quavo’ first made an appearance on the ‘6 Years Deep’ album, the track has now been released as a single along with the visuals and is an exceptional representation of the star. Clever punchlines, intricate flows, confidence in his delivery of melodic singing/rap alongside harder, weighty bars plus his ability to create records wrapped around relatable subject matters have made him a vehicle for UK Rap, in fact, such is the case that his ever-growing fanbase are even known as his ‘passengers’ rather than fans, as they join him on his journey.

Already a regular at tipping millions of streams and views, DEEP GREEN has paid his dues, successfully smashing the circuit with freestyles, including his notable ‘Fire In The Booth’ for Charlie Sloth, and the endless shows supporting artists including Skrapz, M Huncho & Yxng Bane. His inclusion for Toddla T’s BBC Radio 1Xtra Live Lounge with DJ Target and the endless radio support are mere indicators to his undeniably exciting future and whilst the ceremonious applause and limelight are of course welcomed, it’s the depth in lyrical ability and his captivating character that keeps more passengers jumping on board with the Deep Green journey.

Check out the video for the slamming track below:

Album Review: N2DEEP – BeKreative

Following his ten-track project ‘Insomnia’, BEKREATIVE bounces right back with his latest collection, ‘N2DEEP 2’.

With a rally of upcoming lineup, the Houston smooth spitter leads with placing all cards on the table, displaying emotions for his burning desire to be the best version of himself.

Leaning towards a more soulful theme, the latest project greets with a melodic execution of piano keys with the rhythmic bounce of the b-line through ‘Wolfcry’ and ‘Dreams’, where the rapper delivers a smooth yet a determined flow of his desires.

Offering a different dimension to 12-track collection, tracks ‘Mind The Heart’, ‘Dirty Diary Sessions’ and ‘News-Stand’ makes way for the alluring guitar plucks giving off a rich bluesy/soul sensation, with a catchy urban drive adding body to the productions.

With ‘Insomnia’ EP, BEKREATIVE injected a mainstream fusion of R&B/atmospheric pop music…but he switched it up a bit and opted for a prominently old-school sound that’s so authentic and honest which perfectly reflects on his – and his crew’s – raw storytelling. A massive thumbs up!

Check out ‘N2DEEP’ below…

Must Listens: Star, Mind The Heart, Pride

Song of the Day: Cruel World – Jasi (ft. Nelson Barros)

Award winning rapper JASI is more than just a musical artist but a creative in the truest form. His latest song is ‘Cruel World’, the title track from his new EP which was released last month, which followed two previous releases ‘FTS’ and ‘Okocha’.

Speaking of the release, JASI explains: “Cruel World was inspired by the passing of my grandmother. She was taken off life support following an accident, but somehow stayed alive for 10 days in the hospital without food, water”.

The reflective mood and lyrical content effortlessly align to the theme, with mellow undertones in the production, painting a picture of what JASI is describing. The rapper and songwriter enlists French-Creole battle rapper Nelson Barros on the feature verse, with production from Forgotten.

“In the song I talk about recurring personal demons and social injustices whilst contemplating out the existential hypocrisies of living in a “Cruel World”. Ultimately we all have to look out for ourselves.”

Jasi

Hailing from Bristol, JASI won a Royal Television Society award for his role writing and performing the lyrics in Mansa Musa Riddim that was part of Channel 4’s Random Acts series. More recently he’s worked on a film for the BBC called Dying 2 Live. He’s also a core member of Bristol based collective TΛΣ (consisting of RnB singers, Afroswing rappers, events and clothing).

Check out the heart-gripping track below…