Song of the Day: Part Ways – Morgan Swann

Hailing from Ipswich, Suffolk, MORGAN SWANN emerges as a captivating musical force, skillfully intertwining his passions for Rap and R&B to create a distinctive sonic tapestry. His journey into the spotlight has garnered recognition from respected platforms such as BBC Introducing, BBC Look East, Complex, Mixtape Madness, and Grime Originals.

Despite stepping onto the music scene via Soundcloud in November 2017, Swann has shown unwavering dedication and an impressive consistency in his output. Demonstrating an impressive range, he takes pride in his ability to seamlessly transition between infectious melodies and his charismatic rap stylings.

Some of Swann’s most resonant tracks include gems like ‘When You Told Me’, ‘Wannabe’, ‘Accusations’, and ‘Stand The Rain’. These offerings have effortlessly captivated listeners, becoming hallmarks of his artistic prowess.

In his latest release, ‘Part Ways’, Swann delves into the world of past love. This standout track, in contrast to his previous “love song” releases, exudes a distinct vibe that sets it apart. With ‘Part Ways’, Swann aims to make his mark in the UK music industry, hoping that this single will be the catalyst to solidify his presence as a notable artist. Through his innovative blend of sounds and unwavering dedication, Morgan Swann paves his own path in the realm of music. Have a listen to ‘Part Ways’ below…

LA genre-bender Asha Imuno unveils single, ‘DID I CALL AT A BAD TIME?’

LA-based genre-defying newcomer ASHA IMUNO unveils his newest single ‘DID I CALL AT A BAD TIME,’ released via Guin Records. The celebratory offering reminds listeners of Imuno’s place in the landscape of hip-hop while championing his unwavering ambition, painting a vivid picture of a feel good, summer night vignette. The combination of sharp, textured co-production by Asha and Zach Ezzy and the feature by Atlanta native Rizz Capolotti (co-signed by Monte Booker, Metro Boomin) sees the creative collision of hip-hop’s most exciting new faces. ‘DID I CALL AT A BAD TIME’ can’t help but lock you into a bouncy groove, as Asha and Rizz exchange verses from their respective sides of a long night out.

“This single captures me feeling confident and ready to pop out and celebrate. It’s about the feeling you get after seemingly getting to the other side of all the bullsht, and finally being able to feel yourself and flex on it all. We was just having fun with this one – people haven’t heard be talk my sht like this in a while, so I’m pretty geeked.” – Asha Imuno on ‘DID I CALL AT A BAD TIME’.

‘DID I CALL AT A BAD TIME’ is the second single from Asha’s forthcoming debut album Pins & Needles. It follows his introspective hip-hop/r&b single ‘PUSHING BUTTONS,’ which according to Asha, serves as the “inception point” for the album, born from a period of profound introspection as he reckons with the impermanence of life.

Asha is an absolute self-starter, having built his music career from the ground up. Boasting an impressive 552k+ monthly listeners on Spotify, his cult following continues to expand upon each new release. Asha’s innovative spirit has led to recent career milestone moments, including performances at both the 2023 Culture Creators Brunch and A Toast To Black Hollywood during this year’s BET Awards, as well as being asked to create his own rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s GRAMMY-winning hit “i” for GRAMMY’s Hip-Hop Re:Defined. He is a member of the POC-led artist community KOGO (home to CONNIE, Alé Araya, Curtis Waters, KOAD & more), and has earned co-signs from the likes of Jordan Ward, Diddy, and Hitboy alongside collaborating with buzzing upcomers like Aaron May and AG Club. At this rate, 2023 is sure to be the year Asha makes the jump from fan favorite to commanding superstar, as he continues his run of self-reflective art. Check out ‘DID I CALL AT A BAD TIME’ below…

K-Riz drops video for ‘Middle Finger U’, a track for naysayers

K-RIZ makes a quick return with a new video for track, ‘Middle Finger U,’ an ode to haters. Served over succulent beats, ‘Middle Finger U’ is one of many standouts from his highly-anticipated third full-length album, One Way Ticket, released last Friday (15th September) via Birthday Cake Records.

Directed by Sergei Subbotin and Jason WH, and featuring cameos from Edmonton hip-hop artist Moto and Mexican rapper La Tytan, the video radiates with optimism as an act of resistance, while highlighting various locations from K-Riz’s recently adopted city of Calgary.

“The video is a representation of joy and being carefree,” says K-Riz. “It’s that feeling that no matter what people say, or how they feel about it, we’ll be out here having fun in the world. It’s very unapologetic.”

Opening with the crackling of vinyl and cuts courtesy of scratch DJ Fatrok, ‘Middle Finger U’ nods to the golden era’s most rousing boom-bap rhythms. On the track, K-Riz offers a message to the naysayers who oppose the musical life path he’s chosen: “There’s no ceiling/Only space above me to occupy.” All the while, wishing cynics well in his eternal quest towards self-betterment (“Don’t Judge”), and lifting up the next generation of unsure artists (“Be Great”). Exposing the loneliness of making art when others don’t support you, he offers some words to live by to anyone aspiring for more: “They may tell you that you can’t be great/So tell them you already are great/You’re just on your way,” he raps on “Be Great.” Indeed, it’s a statement of true growth and gratitude for the gifts that life has given him, and his sense of obligation to give back to others like him.

Check out the video for ‘Middle Finger U’ Below…

Watch Illaman x Pitch 92 brand new video for track, ‘Absolutely Tidy’ ft. PAV4N

Following their appearance with music video for track, ‘Sometimes Relax’ which claimed the blog’s Music Video of the Week over on Instagram, rapper ILLAMAN and producer PITCH 92 returns with another video for banger, ‘Absolutely Tidy,’ featuring Foreign Beggars’ own PAV4N. This is the fourth video lifted from ILLAMAN and Pitch 92’s joint album, Sometimes Relax.

Check out the video below, directed by Honey JD…

OUT TODAY: Rap duo Little Brother drops singles, ‘Wish Me Well’ & ‘Glory Glory’

The seminal Rap duo LITTLE BROTHER have dropped new singles, ‘Wish Me Well’ and “Glory Glory’ today (19th September) across various music platforms. Produced by Pumah and Grammy-winning producer Conductor Williams, respectively, the new two-piece serves as the duo’s first new music release since their 2019 surprise comeback May The Lord Watch.

“We wanted to bless our fans with new music to show them we’re not leaning on nostalgia. After 20 years in the game, we’re still hungry and actively working to improve our craft.” – Phonte

“We hear and see the requests for new music. We felt it was time. Time to show our minds are still sharp and we’re only getting sharper.” – Rapper Big Pooh

Credited as one of the first buzzing rap acts in the pre-streaming era of online message boards, Little Brother emerged during the new millennium renaissance of alternative rap in the early 2000s. The group helped pioneer “grown man” or “every man” rap, relating to the working-class and everyday person. The group’s members– rappers Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh –formed as college students at North Carolina Central University in 1998.

Over the course of their illustrious careers, Little Brother has worked with some of the biggest names in music: Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Lil’ Wayne, and many more. Pooh currently manages Dreamville artist Lute, and DJ’s under the moniker RPM. Outside of his work under Grammy-nominated soul outfit The Foreign Exchange, Phonte has written music for Sesame Street, AMC’s Sherman’s Showcase, and VH1’s The Breaks. He also co-hosts the Questlove Supreme podcast alongside Questlove of The Roots.

‘Wish Me Well’ ane ‘Glory Glory’ are available on all major digital streaming platforms and stores.