Song of the Day: Champione – A!MS

Originally known as A.M. SNiPER, business mogul, producer, and successful artist, A!MS has drafted in two of South London’s hottest artists, Blanco and Ramz for their slick rap cruiser named, ‘Champione’. Already amassing over two million plays on TikTok with the original audio that featured Loski, fans have been revealing “champions” that have helped them in life or personal struggles they’ve overcome, by sharing their own visual snippets.

Unapologetic, authentic, and slick are the three words that come to mind when hitting play on this gripping rap behemoth. Infusing Blanco’s reputable grit and Ramz’s slick patios in with A!MS’ signature glossy style, ‘Champione’ is a rap record packed with emotion and soul, forged between the historical shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the iconic streets of London. Welcomed with a pulsing production courtesy of Punctual (Jason Derulo, Nathan Dawe), A!MS unravels an infectious hook and verse that boasts his melodic flare. Expressing his admiration and love for his woman that sticks by him daily and helps raise their daughter Melody, he takes accountability for his previous mistakes whilst handing over reassurance and the foundation for a strong future ahead.

Swiftly entering with a hard-hitting verse that instantly changes the feel of the track, Blanco’s gritty tone and accompanying bars add that extra edge before changing direction once more. Ramz, a father himself, brings his re-invented wave to the record with his self-proclaimed “samples” style. Using sounds and styles of where he originally came from, his glossy verse and patios punchlines add a Dancehall flavour to the song. ‘Champione’ is an anthem celebrating the worth of one’s true champion in life, be it yourself, a loved one, or a source of inspiration.

Heading overseas to Cyprus for the cinematic visual, both A!MS, Blanco and Ramzare joined by loved ones for dinner at an exclusive location. Adding to the luxurious feel of the track, it wouldn’t be an A!MS video if it wasn’t accompanied alongside a sleek whip and breath-taking scenery! Closing out the video joined alongside his partner and daughter against a city nightline further reiterates the wholesome feeling of championing his own.

Speaking on the release, A!MS commented, “I have been making music my whole life, I  have grown to understand that I will not let time dictate what I release as I am now so in tune with myself, and my emotions and I would rather give my supporters and loved ones my best! It’s cliche quality over quantity, I want each and every release to be an event that will defy time and places and reach the true value of what we all are, human…”.

Check out the video for ‘Champione’ below…

R&B Newcomer Leroybroughtflowers unveils nostalgic track, ‘Self Defence’

After his latest single claimed a spot in the Spotify editorial playlist ‘New Music Friday’, R&B/ Lo-fi newcomer LEROYBROUGHTFLOWERS makes a return with the first single off his debut EP ‘Self Defence’. Having received support from the likes of BBC, Acid Stag and an exclusive premiere of ‘Self Defence’ on NOTION magazine, the artist has been tipped off by industry experts as one to watch.

With a range of the octaves and a background on jazz music, the singer/songwriter is inspired by the sound of older decades giving them a modern interpretation of both singing, rapping and a signature subtle combination of both. Driven by interesting vocal melodies and subtle harmonies, ‘Self Defence’ is an homage to 90s/00s R&B and hip-hop music not stepping away from the lo-fi chillhop sound creating a unique combination.

The atmosphere of the relaxing lo-fi instrumental leaves space for complex rhythmic patterns and interesting lyrics as Leroybroughtflowers croons about trying to get over someone but somehow they manage to slip into your dreams. Although the dreams presents the happiest moments, sadness takes over when face with reality. The artist’s R&B approach on the song makes the tune fresh and weirdly energetic as the hook has a great catchy mid-tempo groove.

‘Self Defence’ is out now across various platforms…check it out below…

Revival Season share new single ‘Chop’ + Video

REVIVAL SEASON – comprised of rapper BEZ and Jonah Swilley, a founding member of Mattiel and also known for his production work with Moonwalks and Night Beats – share ‘Chop’, their latest single for Heavenly Recordings.

Claustrophobic as hell and crunching down in all the right places, ‘Chop’ is a close-quarters, rapid fire hip-hop track from the Atlanta based duo. Talking about the track they said: “This one came together naturally, and gives you a look into future lyrical and production themes coming from us The video happened the same way, just us walking through downtown Nashville making people uncomfortable.”

Revival Season released their debut single, ‘Iron Warrior’ for Heavenly in the summer of 2021 and most recently shared their Outernational mixtape to coincide with this year’s SXSW Festival. Assembled by Raf Rundell (O.M. Days, The 2 Bears), the 28-minute piece was a dub-infused fusion of riffs, rhymes and beats, equal parts King Tubby Prince Paul.

Check out the video for ‘Chop’ below…

Song of the Day: One of the Good Ones – Alex Ludovico

Back from nearly a year-long hiatus full of self-reflection, therapy and partial sobriety, ALEX LUDOVICO gives a scorching single entitled ‘One of the Good Ones,’ featuring Curly Castro. In this triumphant return to releasing new music, Alex laces this Jason Griff/Illmind-produced bouncy cut with socially conscious lyrics reflecting on the constant challenges of his being a black man in America and not conforming to media-driven stereotypes.

“’You’re one of the good ones’ is a phrase I heard all my life without ever really taking stock of what it meant,” explains Ludovico, “It’s a phrase used to separate people from their Blackness. When you grow up being told your interests are ‘white,’ there’s two paths you can take. You can let it make you sad or you can take a road of intellectual superiority. But both of those paths are wrong,” he continues. “Black is NWA and Black is Living Colour. Black is being loud and proud and Black is being quiet and reserved. White supremacy forces people into boxes in order for them to be defined. We will not be defined by our interests. This is a reminder to watch out for it.”

To further emphasize the point, Ludovico enlists the lyrical swords of the incomparable Curly Castro, whose rebellious wordplay has been well-documented throughout the years, most notably on his revolutionary 2021 LP, Little Robert Hutton on Backwoodz Studioz.

‘One of the Good Ones’ is the first in a series of singles Ludovico will be releasing over the next few months, leading up to his upcoming LP this Summer. This new single is available to download for free at insubordinaterecords.com and on all streaming platforms. Check it out below…

Watch IDK’s new video for track, ‘Pinot Noir’ ft. Saucy Santana & Jucee Froot

On the heels of his critically-acclaimed F65 album release, Maryland rapper IDK returns with the nostalgia-tinged music video for ‘Pinot Noir’ [feat. SAUCY SANTANA & JUCEE FROOT]. Directed by Khari Johnson & Jason ‘IDK’ Mills, the visual flaunts nineties appeal and emanates warm throwback energy.

Behind the track, IDK shares, “And also, I don’t have to be a gay rapper to put an openly gay rapper on my song… I heard the beat, and I heard a very talented artist by the name of Saucy Santana on that beat. I love him forever for taking that risk with me. Now we have a banger for the summer.”

Shot in black and white, the Golden Age of Hip-hop vibes are heavy throughout, offering fans a full view of IDK’s artistic versatility and storytelling. An uptempo, jazz-driven sample of Khia’s 2001 hit single ‘My Neck, My Back,’ it strikes a balance between carefree and confident, creating a unique kind of high art within the rap world. IDK delivers dynamic bars and instantly makes his presence known, assuring, “You know me, I don’t need no introduction in this.” From quick-hitting lyrical flexes to the unapologetic raunchiness of Saucy and Jucee Froot, ‘Pinot Noir’ makes for another standout ballad from the naturally gifted multihyphenate.

Elsewhere, IDK continues to make his claim as one of today’s most sought after collaborators in music, fashion, and beyond. Recently, he collaborated with Nike to unveil his limited-edition Nike Air Max Pro 97 “Free Coast” F&F sneaker. This fashion-forward feat follows IDK’s stellar performances at Coachella last month, where he donned a custom Lanvin race suit and helmet. But his commitment to style didn’t end there. Just last week, he created original content with the Jordan Brand for their new “Mini Hoops” series – a true testament to someone who’s in complete control of their creative output.

In addition to releasing his provocative new album, IDK is gearing up for his headlining “65 Tour” kicking off June 23rd in Paris, France. The 22-stop tour will make landfall in New York, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in Toronto, ON October 29th. The full list of dates can be found below — for more information please visit http://www.Thr33Dot.com.

It’s also important to note that IDK is using his influence to make a positive impact. With the fall return of his tuition-free music business seminar at Harvard University, No Label Academy, he’s merging industry with academia to help BIPOC students jumpstart their career in the music industry.

Check out the video for ‘Pinot Noir’ below…