Connected by mutual acquaintance Zilla Rocca and further strengthened by a love of basketball, JASON GRIFF and STAN IPCUS have released a new, three-song EP entitled ‘Trifecta’.
The EP features cuts from Marcus Pinn on ‘Stand Back’ and ‘Kiyan’ plus a back-and-forth collaboration with Zilla Rocca on ‘Pick and Roll’. Though only three songs running just over six minutes, the EP cuts right to the chase; Griff’s hard-hitting drums and sample chops are laced impeccably by Ipcus’ clever wordplay and boastful lyrics. The sound harkens back to classic boom-bap tracks without feeling dated or overly nostalgic.
All three songs have been featured in frequent rotation on Real Late with Rosenberg on Hot97, Rap is Outta Control on Shade45 Sirius XM, and more. Now it’s time for you to check out the mini fire set below…
MIKE BODY has been a regular feature on NEW LEASE MUSIC pretty much since the blog’s inception, almost 13 years ago! He has also been a regular on NLM charts over on Instagram, claiming the Music Video, Album and Song of the Week AND month title multiple times.
So it’s an absolutely pleasure to finally get the christian rapper from Baltimore in the interview seat to discuss his latest album ‘It Is Finished’, which is currently the blog’s Album of the Month. So sit back, relax and get to know this conscious rapper…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?
MB: 2025 has been good so far and thankfully God is always good even when I’m not.
NLM: You released your album, ‘It Is Finished’ back in January. What is the public perception on the project so far?
MB: ‘It Is Finished’ has received mostly positive reviews so far. The UK has given favorable feedback about the project via different blogs. I have grown to really appreciate the support from the UK over the last 6 – 7 yrs and look forward to that appreciation continuing to grow. Also, salute to the die hards and day ones back home in the states that continue to rock with me and support me along with my latest project (It is Finished). Most of them appreciate the album’s overall theme and sound.
NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
MB: I would say the sound of the album has a conscious vibe to it, accompanied by my background as a christian. It’s about an end of an era, accepting an era is over and beginning a new chapter.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
MB: Events in my personal life sparked the template for the album. Also I thought about making this my last project but I still have a little more to say as an artist. I’m not done just yet.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
MB: Hmmmm…. I would say ‘Land of the Lost’ is a favorite because it’s very lyrically sound and I believe the emotion behind the song was captured correctly. Also the production is dope. I love the song ‘Outgrowth’ as well because of the message about growing apart from someone or even some place. Sometimes as believers we can grow apart from God and not even realize it until it’s too late.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘It Is Finished?
MB: I hope it points people to God in a sincere way but not in a man in the sky type of way, but in a realistic way. The teachings of Jesus are mentioned a lot on the project but they are depicted in a sincere way. The album is about growth, change and acceptance. Accepting things you cannot change but moving on while not being afraid to change for the right reasons.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
MB: It would be Kendrick Lamar, but not solely because he’s hot right now but because of his earlier releases like ‘Hi Power’; that song made me a fan. He always brings a message with him more times than not. Also he has a lot of spiritual undertones in his music. I can hear him on a ‘Land of the Lost’ remix for sure.
Honorable mention J.Cole, Jasmine Sullivan
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2025?
MB: I have a podcast in development and a new EP coming out soon.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
MB: Fans can find me on the major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). My music is located on all major DSP’s like Apple, Spotify and Tidal etc.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those in the production of ‘It Is Finished’?
MB: I want to give a big S/O to Let That Boy Cook. He produced the entire ‘It is Finished’ project. He’s been my main producer over the last few years and it’s been a great ride! I know I’m bias but I consider him a really good producer from the states. I’m looking forward to doing another project with his production. Also, S/O to Jaitay who mixed and mastered the project and a big S/O to my guy Andres from Highland Records who engineered the album.
I’ll be back in the studio soon! I’m not done yet…
With a deep passion for spreading the gospel, JB DAMESENJAH is carving out his place in the Christian hip-hop scene. His music blends powerful lyrics with raw energy, creating a sound that’s both bold and authentic. Every beat and verse reflects his steadfast commitment to Christ, as he uses his platform to inspire, convict, and uplift. JB’s mission is clear: to transform lives through faith-driven music that speaks to the heart, challenges the spirit, and encourages listeners to walk confidently in their faith.
Whether he’s delivering fiery verses full of street consciousness or soulful melodies inspired by biblical truths, JB has created a sound that bridges the gap between authentic hip-hop culture and spiritual awakening. His music resonates with both the struggles of the streets and the powerful hope found in Christ, offering a message that is both relatable and inspiring.
JB Damesenjah’s latest project, ‘Last Dayz’, is more than just an album—it’s a call to action. Released on February 14, 2025, this hard-hitting collection of 10 tracks carries a powerful, timely message about the urgency of faith in the final days before Christ’s return. With a mix of raw lyricism, biblical prophecy, and street-conscious storytelling, JB doesn’t hold back. He calls on listeners to stand firm in their faith, to wake up, and to prepare for the times ahead.
The track ‘Hold On’, which features the soulful vocals of Serenity, has been buzzing on underground radio stations, showing just how much JB’s music resonates with listeners. It’s a track that blends JB’s delivery with Serenity’s uplifting voice, delivering a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Why check out ‘Last Dayz’ below…
Must Listens: Hope Dealer, Hold On, The Game, Sequel
After closing off 2024 with track, ‘Champagne Problems’, rapper NATTY BOI ZOE starts off 2025 with a profound video for thought- provoking track, ‘Black Renaissance’. Why not take a peep below…
Rising music producer & artist 705 shares the release of his highly anticipated EP, ‘Quarter Past 7ven’, a dynamic Afro fusion project that seamlessly merges the rich sounds of West African music with contemporary Western influences. Featuring collaborations with talented artists CBlvck, Tradge, and Habeeb Samba, this EP is a celebration of cultural diversity, energy, and innovation.
‘Quarter Past 7ven, is a bold exploration of rhythm and melody, offering listeners a fresh twist on Afrobeat, Afro-pop, and hip-hop. Each track is infused with vibrant percussion, infectious grooves, and soulful vocals, creating an electrifying listening experience that transcends borders. From the high-energy bangers to the introspective moments, the EP showcases 705’s versatility as a producer and their ability to craft a cohesive yet diverse body of work.
‘Quarter Past 7ven’ is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through sound and culture. The title reflects the idea of being at a unique moment in time—a quarter past seven—symbolising a fresh perspective and a new direction in music. The EP is a testament to 705’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating music that resonates with a global audience.
“This EP is a love letter to my roots and the sounds that have shaped me as an artist. I wanted to create something that feels both familiar and entirely new, and I’m so grateful to have worked with incredible talents like CBlvck, Tradge, and Habeeb Samba to bring this vision to life.” – 705
‘Quarter Past 7ven’ is now out across various music platforms. Have a listen below:
New Lease Music 