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.

Mixtape Review: Master Tone 2 – Tony Beyond

TONY BEYOND‘s latest mixtape, ‘Master Tone 2’ goes into the turbulent mind of the Ohio-based emcee following the break up of an old flame. The 11 track collection is the sequel to his previous mixtape, ‘Master Tone.’

His thoughts may be a rollercoaster ride but in contrast, this set sports an atmospheric/hazy -almost trip-hop – vibe in which the upriser’s flow just floats over the kickback arrangements.

There are a few bangers in there that deserve attention…check out ‘Master Tone 2’ below:

Must Listens: Bloody Money, We Good, XO Return

Song of the Day: Role Models – Lady Sanity

Following her win at the recent GRM Daily Rated Awards, Birmingham MC LADY SANITY shares the lead track off her forthcoming EP ‘For Figures’. The track is unapologetically raw and is about “finding inspiration in the amazing people around you in your everyday life, opposed to this unrealistic, overpriced culture that’s thrown in our faces so often.”

She has already performed at Glastonbury Festival and is certainly one of the most exciting and passionate lyricists in the underground Birmingham hip hop scene at the moment.

Check out her work…have a listen to ‘Role Models.’

Song of the Day: Someone Like You – Marcello Spooks (ft. LOLÈ)

Only a few months after his last single ‘Replace U’, MARCELLO SPOOKS is back with more ear candy in the form of ‘Someone Like You’.

From the get-go, the smooth electric piano combined with lush vocals from LOLÈ immediately sets mood right before the 808’s drop and Marcello reflects on past midsummer nights with an old flame.

Earlier this year, the East London MC teamed up with producer Maschine Man Tim to deliver the EP ‘All Time High’, riding the wave of success created by his 2016 single ‘Boom’ which has racked up an impressive amount of views and enjoyed support from the likes of BBC 1xtra, Pyro Radio and Fubar Radio, UKHH and Blurred Culture.

The video, directed by Jay Sentrosi and Eric Myers, is a work of art in itself, and sees Marcello Spooks reminiscing by The Thames riverside, as he flips through the pages of his book of rhymes. These calming visuals are juxtaposed with a more sinister scene which references the poisoned apple from Snow White.

Well here’s your chance to watch the video for ‘Someone Like You.’