New Music Video: Picture Me Rolling (Nipsey Hussle Remix) – A1

Stealing the blog’s Album of the Week title with latest EP, ‘You’re Appreciated 2’, A1 (pictured centre) is back in the spotlight, unveiling his new music video for track, ‘Picture Me Rollin’. The freestyle is from his series, #A1Mondays launched back in April – head to his Twitter account and check it out sometime.

For now, watch the video for ‘Picture Me Rollin’.

EP Review: You’re Appreciated 2 – A1

Fiery freestylist A1 is back, slamming down his sequel to his 2015 EP, ‘You’re Appreciated’, which continue to show his undeniable love for the ladies…

If you heard his previous EPs this year, then you know that this slick spitter is renowned for working his magic over some modern R&B classics – so for those who are massive fans of REAL R&B, you’ve come to the right place; you’re definitely in for a treat!

Check it out right here.

Must Listens: It’s A Vibe, So Sexy, Wild Thoughts

 

 

New Music Video: Lurks At Night – J Fresh (ft. Yus)

The latest record to drop from the well-received ‘Fruit Salad’ album, J FRESH calls in Yus for ‘Lurks At Night’.

With a sharp-looking visual, that dropped on JDZ Media, and a bassline heavy instrumental, Yus sends out a stream of rapid fire and reload bars. The J Fresh production is a shining example of his skills as he sparks off Dizzee’s ‘I Luv U’ mix with a quirky concoction of garage, bassline and a nod to Artful Dodger x Craig David classic, ‘Rewind’.

Making his producer debut in early 2017, J FRESH has shown commendable determination to solidify himself within the scene. The release of his two E.P’s and his album have proved for continuous growth and recognition, seeing his music premiered with the likes of DJ Target at BBC Radio 1Xtra, picked up for BBC Radio 1Xtra’s ‘Introducing’ list and heavily supported across Kiss FM and Capital Xtra.

His ‘Fruit Salad’ album features a host of collaborations and contributions from the likes of DJ Target, Charlie Sloth, DJ Olos, Godsgift, Monkstar, DJ Ironik, Lady Ice, Predz UK, ShaoDow and Serocee making it an action packed, 15 track combo of dynamic production skills and talent.

This upriser is SLAMMING; better check out ‘Lurks At Night.’

Song of the Day: Do it Again – View (ft. Binyam)

After a long spell away from the NEW LEASE MUSIC limelight, Finnish hip-hop figure VIEW has graced his presence, stealing today’s hotspot with latest single, ‘Do It Again,’ the first release from his brand new debut album, ‘Leave A Comment.’

Following on from the release of the hard-hitting, ‘Trippin’ Sober’, and softer, more intimate gems ‘Deeper (Bitch Leave a Comment)’ and ‘Say It Again’ VIEW’s debut LP demonstrates the multi-talented artist’s ability to switch up his sound to capture a spectrum of genre and mood – so expect  some grime, hip-hop, ballads and dub-step.

Opening track ‘Do It Again’, sees View swaggering onto the album with a confidence that is unprecedented. Complemented by fellow hip-hop artist Binyam, the track sets the bar high for the record which is echoed by pensive and vulnerable tracks, ‘Pour Me Up’ and ‘Hindenburg’ – touching on themes of mental health and fame/money (issues fundamental to VIEW’s zeitgeist).

In conjunction with the release of ‘Leave A Comment’, a 3-part music video will be released promoting ‘Do It Again’, ‘Burn Slow’ and ‘Bad Habits’. Like most of his previously released videos,  expect visually heavy, dark scenes mirrored by the track’s lyrical substance.

The hot upriser will embark on a 10-date tour across Germany, Australia and Switzerland in February, beginning at One of a Million Festival in Baden, completing dates at Milla in Munich and YUCA in Cologne, before finalizing the tour in Vienna.

With a powerful debut effort under his belt, 2018 looks set to be the year for the breakout Finnish rapper….

Song of the Day: Sosa – Dubz (ft. Oliver King)

DUBZ has a significant legacy within the UK Rap scene and whilst he may not be the obvious choice when drawing for Rap names, he certainly holds an indisputable position in the game.

With a slick feature from upcoming R&B singer Oliver King, ‘Sosa’ bears all the hallmarks of the genuine lyricism and unique tone that has always made DUBZ stand out. The video, released via GRM Daily, is garnering a wave of excitement from fans. Having recently collaborated with Ghetts, Rico Squeeze and Tiggs Da Author, as well as working towards his album, which is set to release in the first quarter of 2018, it looks like DUBZ is going to be a more prominent fixture in the Rap scene than ever before.

Native to South West London, DUBZ made his debut almost 10 years ago with his ‘Ard Doe’ mixtape release. The tape picked up significant support from the then bubbling scene, catching the attention of artists such as Giggs and Skepta, resulting in DUBZ and Giggs collaborating the following year on the infamous 2007 record ‘Pain is of the Essence’. DUBZ has since appeared on Giggs’ number 2, 2016 album release ‘Landlord’ and both Giggs and Skepta have publicly tipped him as their favourite UK Rapper via their social media accounts, helping to reignite the necessity for him to return to the game.

Having to face the realities and adversity of road life and family ties during a period when being a rapper was not providing an income, like many of the greats, DUBZ had to make a decision on where to focus his time and energy and unfortunately for the music, it took second place.

However, in a new era and with his peers calling for his comeback, DUBZ has started to release his arsenal to rapturous effect. In a succession of quick-fire, DUBZ has dropped 3 videos across GRM Daily and Link Up TV, gaining plaudits from fans new and old, but it is ‘SOSA’ that is the real wake up call that DUBZ is still fully certified when it comes to rapping.