‘Count Me Out’ is the latest release by Detroit hip hop artist MR.J (D-RIOT). The song is about self-reflection and overcoming self-doubt while giving a positive message to the youth.
“In a culture that’s dominated by violence, heavy drug use, and sex, I know that I am fighting a up hill battle,” Mr.J adds. “But it’s a battle that I know I can’t afford to lose, at least not with myself. Life in itself is a constant battle, but what side of the battle are you on? The winning side, or the losing side? Winner’s win and loser’s lose, I choose to win in life. If it’s one message that I hope people get from this song it’s to NEVER count yourself out.”
A great message to end 2022 with…why not check out the video for the track below…
After his lengthy hiatus away from the scene, BEKREATIVE kept his promise to deliver a stream of music.
Well here it is…his full-length album titled ‘King Of Time’ released last Monday (12th December) across all music platforms. Whilst most artists dish out tracks that are suited for the festive season, BeKreative went a different direction and slams down 16-tracks that are suited for a playlist of a house party.
Featuring previously released tracks, ‘Roadtrip’, ‘Fenin’ and ‘Slowjamz’, the electric project bounces between variations of hip-hop and afterhours R&B with pop and tropical afrobeat influences. Before disappearing from the music scene in his hometown (Houston), he was quickly becoming known for his straight-up R&B/Hip-hop cuts. Now experimenting with various styles, he’s hoping his name would reach a wider audience with his new album…Why not check it out and the song recommendations below…
FRANZ VON has shared his highly anticipated EP ‘People Di Powa’ alongside lead single ‘Asem’, featuring the unmistakeable flow of prolific Ghanaian vocalist, K.O.G.
Fusing tribal hip-hop with elements of jazz, dub and afrobeat, the EP blends powerful spoken word and rap with social commentary and explores the ongoing issue of systemic oppression. ‘People Di Powa’ is a reminder that we are powerful as individuals and even more so as autonomous communities.
Fittingly for an EP about community, Franz is joined by a talented cohort of special guests lending their vocal talents – Cortney Dixon, Nikisha in the Woods, Cynthia Bahy, and K.O.G. all feature whilst the production is a collaboration from Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist/Onipa), Lucian Oniell, Labo Klandestino, Mark Stoney, and Toni Smoke.
The EP opens with Franz Von’s trademark bouncing flow on ‘We All Rise’ – “Indulging in the depth of the riddim / The realest therapy the remedy / Medicated taking doses of melodies / Boost the energy sacred chakra replenishes so effortless the specialist” before Nikisha in the Woods adds her vibrant vocal hook.
Next up is ‘Power Be You’, the centrepiece of the EP’s message of empowerment that encourages listeners to engage and embrace their inner strength. Cynthia Bahy features on previous single ‘Her Frequency’ – a song of hope and gratitude focusing on renewing our inner strength and connection with the infinite power of the universe.
Standout track on the record ‘Asem’ – which means ‘problems’ in the Ashanti language ‘Twi’ spoken in Ghana – is an upbeat, genre-bending banger which infuses Boom Bap hip-hop and rock whilst long-term collaborator K.O.G. shares a fierce delivery.
Speaking about the single Franz says, “Asem is a bold and rebellious social commentary rap. The song touches on the effects of systemic oppression on marginalised communities. Asem has a message of the connection and togetherness that can be found in collaborations between different communities”.
The EP closes with ‘Slipstream’ featuring Cortney Dixon, a slick rap cruiser with a hazy hook that compliments Franz Von’s striking tone perfectly.
A project packed with substance and meaning, ‘PEOPLE DI POWA’ is a much-needed breath of fresh air in Black British music.
Previous support for Franz comes from BBC Introducing Sheffield and Amazing Radio who handed him a one-off show, as well as BBC Introducing at Radio 1 and DJ Target at BBC 1Xtra, Ministry of Sound, Naga Mag, Word Is Bond, Groovin’ Mood, and more.
Franz Von is a Jamaican-born, UK-based artist exploring traditional cultural lineage from Africa through to modern genres. After 8 years playing with K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade, Franz Von has collaborated with the likes of Tony Allen, Onipa, and Wiyaala.
Over the course of his distinguished and influential career, AZ has been nominated for Grammys, sold millions of albums, created hit singles, and lent his voice to some of Hip-Hop’s most timeless music.
It had been a decade since AZ graced fans with an album, but his long-teased sequel, ‘Doe Or Die II’, became one of 2021’s undeniable success stories and was a mainstay at the top of the DSP charts upon its release. ‘Doe Or Die II’ featured appearances and production from Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, T-Pain, The Alchemist, Conway The Machine, Dave East, Pete Rock, Statik Selektah, Idris Elba, Bink, Buckwild, Kaygee, Heatmakerz, Rockwilder, and Baby Paul.
“My last release was at the top of 2022 with the Doe Or Die 2 Deluxe. I feel really enthusiastic about releasing new music” AZ attests. “I wanted to drop a new single, “Respect Mines,” before year-end, to prepare listeners for my upcoming album that will be released in early 2023.”
AZ’s new video “Respect Mines” (produced by Buckwild & B Hawk) is now available for your inspection. Check it out below…
North London rapper ASHER KOSHER – founding member of the Hackney-based Root 73 studio and artist community – returns with the third single to be lifted from his forthcoming, as-yet-unannounced new project. ‘Mug’, a thoughtful, biting assessment of life in modern Britain, is out now on Root 73.
Following opening singles ‘On Our Street’ ft. Bel Cobain back in March and ‘Focus’ featuring long-term collaborator, Eerf Evil, ‘Mug’ turns the next page in Kosher’s dexterous lyric book. “We’re being taken for mugs”, explains Kosher. “I wrote this song ages ago but it’s more relevant today than ever before.. and globally too.”
Released alongside a tongue-in-cheek, self-directed official video shot across numerous concrete backdrops in London that also features three of the track’s producers (Outrageous Claims, Purple Cloud, Kunfucious), ‘Mug’ digs deeper into both Kosher’s psyche and personality.
Raised on a diet of A Tribe Called Quest, Tu-Pac, Eminem and later, UK rappers like Dizzee Rascal, Sway and Choong Family – as well as Benjamin Zephaniah’s 2004 book, ‘Gangsta Rap’ – Kosher’s love of lyricism runs deep.
After spending years honing his craft – including supporting hip-hop royalty in The Pharcyde and KRS1, as well as legendary UK rapper, K Koke during his early twenties – ‘Mug’ lands as another entry point to the reincarnation of Asher Kosher; rapper, thinker and pillar of his community.
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