Song of the Day: Outside The Cave – Otish Mensah

Continuing the streaming hazy productions, NEW LEASE MUSIC regular OTIS MENSAH released track ‘Outside The Cave’, which also boasts a mellow sound of old-school soul.

Although the Sheffield alt-emcee expresses his feelings of entrapment, he holds on to the hope of a brighter future.

‘Outside the Cave’ sets the tone of his latest EP ‘Colours of it all’ out now  – his first release as Poet Laureate

Check out the video below:

Album Review: Sketch (Abstract) – Mission

MISSION comes at you with full force with his latest album entitled album ‘Sketch (Abstract)’, released earlier this month.

The South African rapper teams up with long-term collaborator, producer and NEW LEASE MUSIC regular Jayd Soliar – aka JAS – to create abstracted sounds and overtones that’s rough around the edges, accompanied with a bed of scenic soundscapes offering some lightness. His rap delivery to the contracting combo gives that extra rawness to the nine-track project, whereas the female vocalist soothes over the (respectfully) jarring production.

‘Sketch (Abstract)’ is born from a strong partnership, aiming to push out pieces that becomes progressively dark and avant-garde. Rather than making a project that’s autobiographical, the pair deliberately left it open for the listeners to interpret the album through their personal experiences.

So the ball is in your court; check out ‘Sketch (Abstract)’…and don’t be afraid to leave your comments below about your experience of the album.

Must Listens: La Di Da Di, P*ssy, Questions, Ghost Phase

New Track: A Song For Kanye – J French

J FRENCH returns, hitting back on Kanye West’s infamous comments on slavery through a track appropriately entitled ‘A Song For Kanye.’

The boombap-style slammer is taken from his latest album, ‘OGB 1.5’, which is a remixed version of his original album, ‘OGB’ – check it out sometime.

For now, check out this bad boy production below…

Song of the Day: Stop Me – Franko Fraize (ft. Alex Joseph)

Added straight on to the Spotify ‘Grime Shutdown’ playlist, FRANKO FRAIZE released stunning new single ‘Stop Me’, alongside his highly anticipated ‘Lights & Colour’ EP.

Proving to be quite the musical enigma, FRANKO FRAIZE takes influence from Hip-Hop and Indie, which is expressed through his heartfelt and moving rap delivery. Always distinguishable by his archetypically British accent, his voice is undeniably recognisable. His charismatic charm reached into the soul with bold disposition for his latest records as FRANKO FRAIZE begins the project with his thought evoking track ‘Side By Side’ ft Alex Joseph. Connecting listeners through the engaging message of growth, perspective, empathy and understanding, it was the first gem to be released from his EP and was paired with heartwarmingly nostalgic visuals. A one to watch, this track caught the attention of DJ Mistajam who said: “I’ve been keeping my eye on him for a while but this is possibly his best track to date!”.

‘Stop Me’ is a real strong contender for being the top track on the EP. Bound in energy and no-nonsense determination, the record is an instant mood booster that gives a solid kick up the arse in terms of both sound and lyricism.

Check out the video below:

 

 

New Track: Like Me – J Lndn

Californian born producer and hip-hop artist J LNDN dropped his debut single ‘Like Me’ drawing influence from Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar and Jaden Smith.

The young emcee began his musical career as a teenager when he was living in London saying: “I slowly started attempting to rap/ freestyle from 15 years old. My friends and I would always link up after school just to spit some bars. Nobody was taking it seriously, but it was fun.” After being brought an electronic drum pad, J began making beats and started learning how to mix and master tracks. Over the years he had established himself as a producer for other artists.

Having grown up in a middle-class household and lived in cities across the world, J states how his inspiration doesn’t come from a place of hate or criminal behaviour like a lot of hip-hop artists. Instead, he wants to help people think outside the box. When explaining ‘Like Me’ and his motivation, J said: “I make my music for real people. Music that people can party to, can chill out to, and can use it as therapy to deal with their inner issues.”

With tracks addressing race, mental health issues and drug abuse in the music industry in the pipeline, J LNDN is certainly the one to keep an eye on…check him out below…