FLVME Releases Single, ‘Prayers Up’, Second Offering From Forthcoming Album, Germander II

South African hip hop artist FLVME returns with second single, ‘Prayers Up’, following the major success of his first release ‘Let Me Down’.

From landing the top position on a coveted South African hip hop chart on 5FM’s 5 Nights, to a national press tour that included interviews on top local stations, features in all leading South African music publications as well as TV appearances, the release of ‘Let Me Down’ catapulted the South African rapper into a household name as he paves the way to the 9 September release of his full-length project Germander II.

‘Prayers Up’, a song that just exposes my faith, belief and relationship with God. Living in the world and how it is today, I just feel like it’s only right to stay prayed up. It’s also about embracing myself as a flawed human being and understanding that the future is never promised. So it’s just me trying to find balance between all the high and lows, staying ready for any outcome and more importantly, living in the moment,” he says.

Listen to the funk-fused single below…

Song of the Day: Excuse Me – Zara Sykes (ft. Xtof)

With a sound that looks to pay homage to the smooth and romantic sound of 80s era R&B, emerging artist ZARA SYKES has shared her latest heartfelt swoon ‘Excuse Me’, featuring producer XTOF.

Lifted from XTOF’s latest compilation album ‘Damian’, ‘Excuse Me’ perfectly encapsulates the warm and breezy textures, elevated by Skyes’ stellar vocal performance.

Speaking about the release, “This track is an ode to and paying homage to Zapp and Roger’s ‘Computer Love’. Both of us are children of the 80s who grew up listening to songs such as this along with the 90s R&B and hip-hop. We wanted to take a track like ‘Computer Love’ with all its technological prowess for its time, and to put a contemporary feel to it.”

Rapping/singing since the age of just ten, Zara has worked with Grammy nominated producer formerly  known as Ecks music and has worked with various artists including  KID the Artist, Raju, Cassie Rowe, Soundmasters, Redstarr and Superbamz. She also supported Jay Z & Kanye West’s Watch the Throne (Birmingham LG Arena) Tour in 2012.

In 2014 Zara Sykes received her first official award ‘Inspiring Entertainment & Achievement  Award’ by Be Inspired Youth Award in association with Somewhereto and  AJN’s Annual Gala.

After cutting demo tracks which were used by likes of R&B group Immature, Xtof – real name Christof Jennings – started his indie label SMOKINGSFORCOOLPEOPLE this year, where he released first single ‘Excuse Me’ and his first compilation album release, ‘Damian’ this summer. Have a listen to the epic track below…

Follow Zara Banks via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/zarasykes/

Follow Xtof via
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christofjennings/

Smooth Rapper High Nelson Drops Track, ‘Ribbon In The Sky’ + Video

HIGH NELSON continues his prodigious rise in 2022 with his third release ‘Ribbon In The Sky’, a contemporary and laid back summer heater which shows he aspose the same matter of fact and grown lyrics that he’s become well known for.

Talking on his influences, in his own words, Nelson explains, “My upbringing plays a part in the constant push and pull between right and wrong. There are many contradictions in the way I was raised by my family and the way I learned to survive outside of my household in the Bronx; these concepts live within my music.”

Being raised in the Bronx no doubt influenced High Nelson’s sound. His New York state of mind combined with rich Caribbean roots have organically fused together to create a perfect mesh of raw and authentic rap style, with a touch of easy going swagger.

‘Ribbon In The Sky’ shows High Nelson in his element, rapping effortlessly over an eclectic and beautifully produced instrumental. The artist provides a fresh viewpoint, rapping grown bars about making the correct decision in life, show Nelson as a man who has learnt from his past mistakes, matured from them and is intent on giving solid advice to a younger generation of listeners.

With ‘Ribbon In The Sky’’ follow up on his other impressive singles ‘Sunday’ and ‘Young Blood’. Check out the official video for single below…

Song of the Day: No Reason – DUUO

Chase and Nov, otherwise known as hip-hop act DUUO, have worked with Grammy winning and nominated producers like T-Minus, Boi 1da and Wondagurl.

Now the guys have hooked up with multi-platinum artist Rich Homie Quan (releasing music under Rich Homiez) for their third single of the year, ‘No Reason.’ Delivered through a bed of seriously infectious ‘trap-hop’ beats, ‘No Reason’ is about living in the moment and going through the motions.

DUUO explains their inspiration for the single: “One day we were in the studio recording ’til 9am with our mentor… Next, we were spending $100,000 in cash at the jewelry store. So lately, our motto has been “one life to live.” Do what makes you happy for “No Reason.”

Well, here’s your chance to check out ‘No Reason’ below…

Song of the Day: Flossed Up – MC Salum x Nova

Continuing his run of exceptional collaborations, MC Salum’s latest single ‘Flossed Up’ features Nova, the winner of Scottish Album of the Year in 2020, and DJ Mag’s Best of British ‘Breakthrough MC’ award. 2022 has seen MC Salum on a roll of versatile singles after his debut album ‘Crocodile DD’ in December, including Bambooz Me feat. Nayme and We Talkin’ feat. Jazz.

Flossed Up uses an edgy, experimental beat from producer Jack Dean, showcasing the two rapper’s ability to work with any rhythm, showing off their versatile nature.

Dundee born, MC Salum encapsulates all things that make a modern artist; MC, producer, rapper, collaborator, and visionary. His sound is laden with a variety of influences, the future of music which has learnt so much from the past. His infectious character draws people to him with each release, asserting a youthful presence in the Scottish scene. He collaborates closely with his good friends and his talent for scouting guest vocalists makes each track fresh and exciting. Together they have fused a sound of R&B with alternative hip hop, all under the umbrella of alternative pop.

Sitting amongst artists like Little Simz, Ghetts and ENNY, Nova won the award for Breakthrough MC/Vocalist in the DJ Mag Best of British Awards in December 2021.

Flirting with drill, rap and RnB sounds, Nova brings a high energy performance to every beat she steps on. Known for her feisty lyrics and stunning performances, she is a multi-award-winning rap artist and singer unafraid to challenge stereotypes as she experiments to create tracks with an independent sound.

Her hard rap debut album ‘Re-Up’ earned her the title of the youngest ever winner of the Scottish Album of the Year Award in 2020. Since then she has released the softer EP ‘WWND’ before turning her focus to writing and releasing singles.

Have a listen to ‘Flossed Up’ below…