K-Riz brings optimism into 2024 with video for latest track, ‘Come & Go’

K-RIZ returns with a new video for ‘Come & Go’ that illuminates the artist’s infectious optimism. The hip-hop and R&B-infused single, which appears on the Birthday Cake Records-released album, ‘One Way Ticket’, is an affirmation to overcome negative thoughts, move through hard times with ease, and embrace the lessons that can be learned from adversity.

On the track, the multi-talented Alberta artist expresses the liberating power of having grace and letting go of the past, while using forward movement as an encouragement to listeners. “Tough times are temporary; they’re teaching lessons,” says K-Riz. “Problems come and go as long as you’re always working towards moving forward. When you look at the storms from that perspective, you can see them for what they are – here today, gone tomorrow – and weather them with more resilience.”

Featuring many of K-Riz’s past collaborators (horns from Octavio N. Santos, violin from Tina Sol, and Deppisch on the flute), swirling arrangements complement producer Theo’s spacious beats. Emerging Calgary filmmaker Gbohunmi lends his directorial talents, taking viewers on a tour through elevated spaces and mindsets, moving from one transitory place to the next, from train stations to rooftops, culminating in K The Chosen rapping contemplative verses as he walks through Calgary at night. The video also features cameos from rappers Tea Fannie and La Tytan.

The release of ‘Come & Go’ follows praise for K-Riz’s latest album, One Way Ticket, from various outlets. RANGE Magazine included the album on its list of the Top 50 Canadian Albums of 2023, and Bandcamp featured the LP as a New & Notable album upon its release, while Complex Canada included singles ‘Middle Finger U’ and ‘Inside Your Love’ among its Best New Canadian Tracks. Look for more visuals from the album soon, and listen to One Way Ticket on all streaming platforms now.

Check out the video for ‘Come & Go’ below…

Milan Ring Releases New Single, ‘Quicksand’

Fresh from supporting Griff on her only Australian headline show at Sydney’s Metro Theatre earlier this month, celebrated and widely beloved Eora/Sydney R&B artist, musician, producer, engineer and music video director MILAN RING shares her latest single ‘Quicksand’, out now via Astral People Recordings.

Hallmarking her emergence into a playful and inquisitive new era, ‘Quicksand’ also acts as a tether to Milan’s previous incarnation, finding her addressing and reflecting on her younger self. With stacks of soulful, autotuned harmonies, shimmering, celestial-toned synth arps, a dusty beat and accents of Milan’s ever-nimble guitar work, she touches on past struggles of breaking through glass ceilings and imposter syndrome to presently wanting to be held in love by someone, “but also the polarity that ultimately you need to hold yourself,” she explains. ‘Quicksand’ is the sound of gracefully sinking into the compassion and the care that comes from accepting your own capacity to contain multitudes, sometimes harmonious, other times in contradiction, but always yourself.

Of the track, Milan elaborates: “Quicksand is about accepting yourself as you are and allowing love in. Having the safety and grounding of a love that allows you to take risks, go forward and break through the limitations and barriers that the world places on us, and that we internalise. The metaphor is that even when you appear to be climbing, the ladder is simultaneously sinking without that solid foundation”.

‘Quicksand’ follows up the previously released ‘Mangos’, a balmy and love-struck single that marked Milan’s return to new solo music since the release of her acclaimed 2021 debut LP I’m Feeling Hopeful. Co-produced by 18YOMAN, ‘Mangos’ landed as the fullest and most distilled expression of Milan Ring’s beguiling talents to date, seeing the multi-faceted artist weaving the Guzheng into her songwriting for the first time in a purposeful nod to her Chinese heritage. A homage to a summer love affair, crackling with humidity and longing, oozing a weightless, hazy giddiness, ‘Mangos’ earned praise and support from the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, COLORS, NME, ACCLAIM, Wonderland Magazine, Northern Transmissions and many more, alongside rotation adds in Australia from Double J, FBi Radio, 2SER and airplay across triple j and community radio stations around the country.

Check out the video for ‘Quicksand’ below…

OUT TODAY: check out Kalada’s track Feasting ft. UK rap royalty Ashley Walters

Taken from his debut project ‘Thinking Out Loud’, KALADA joins forces with UK rap, TV and film royalty ASHLEY WALTERS on new single, ‘Feasting’. With its catchy instrumental and contagious energy, ‘Feasting’ is guaranteed to get you popping bottles with your friends. This track combines elements of UK rap/hip-hop to create a unique sound that will have you hooked from the chorus.

Released alongside the single, ‘Thinking Out Loud’ is Kalada’s first full body of work, and boasts productions from Fumez the Engineer, Victizzle and Ro, as well as collaborations with Namesbliss, Bookez and a second record with Ashley Walters.

Kalada is a British rapper, songwriter, lyricist & performer from North West London born to Nigerian parents. With music from rap legends such as 2Pac ,DMX, The Notorious B.I.G., JAY-Z & Nas shaping his early years, Kalada officially kicked off his career in 2014 with a song titled ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’. Since then, he has remained active in the UK rap scene with singles such as ‘Summertime Fine’, ‘Jasmine’ (which got added to Rap UK official playlist). Kalada has shown his versatility by exploring genres such as Rap, Trap, Afroswing and Rndrill, and has collaborated with artists and producers such as G Maffiah, namesbliss, Lexi Banks, Beats By Mantra, JRD’N. and more. Some major highlights of his career include performing at ILUVELIVE; getting featured on radio stations such as KISS FM & BBC 1Xtra; an article feature in the Voice Newspaper, and getting verified on Instagram. Despite all his achievements, Kalada intends to continue challenging himself and showing off his intentionality and talent. It is evident he will remain prominent in the scene for a long time.   Have a listen to ‘Feasting’ below…

Daemon tackles sobriety in single, ‘Three Years Sober’ + video

DAEMON‘s new single, ‘3 Years Sober’ details his bouts with addiction from more than just one perspective, with his video acting out the stages of his emotional odyssey. The result is a powerful piece of art, dynamically representing a deep life experience.

The conscious wordsmith represents St. Louis with tremendous life bars & world class lyricism and has rocked stages along with the likes of Killer Mike, DJ Shadow, & Trackstar The DJ (Run The Jewels). His music has been featured in an array of shows on Netflix, FOX, TBS, & Starz, including Power, The Last O.G., Inventing Anna, & Ghosted, and in XBox’s racing game Forza Horizon 5. Check out the video for ‘Three Years Sober below…

Song of the Day: NDA – Persius

Rapper PERSIUS shares his single hip hop/rap track ‘NDA’. Please check it out below and drop a like or comment to let us know what you think about it.

Persius, formerly known as Jay Smoove, is a talented rapper hailing from the vibrant city of Chicago. Born and raised in the Windy City, Persius has carved out a distinctive place for himself in the music industry.

His journey in the world of music has been marked by dedication and a relentless pursuit of his artistic vision. With a unique blend of lyrical prowess and a captivating stage presence, Persius quickly gained recognition in the music scene.

One of his significant accomplishments lies in the digital realm, where he has achieved remarkable success. Persius boasts an impressive track record, having garnered over 500,000 streams on Spotify and a strong presence on various other top streaming platforms. This achievement is a testament to his ability to connect with a diverse and widespread audience.

Persius‘s music is a reflection of his experiences growing up in Chicago, a city known for its rich musical history and vibrant culture. He uses his lyrics to tell stories, share insights, and provide a glimpse into the complexities of urban life, making him a relatable and resonant artist for many.

As he continues to evolve as an artist, Persius remains committed to pushing the boundaries of his craft. His dedication to his artistry and his connection with his listeners promise a bright future for this Chicago-born rapper, as he continues to make his mark on the world of music. Have a listen to ‘NDA’ below…