South London-based rapper BOY NASH is back with a brand new single, ‘Gotham’ to kick-start the new year.
The new release samples a rather laid-back hip-hop sound by Mantis Media and thoughtfully tackles topics which strongly centre around the purpose of life and visions for the future.
‘Gotham’ follows his highly anticipated 2017 EP, ‘YMLK Pt. III Shacklesback’, which gained massive support from platforms such as LinkUp TV, GUAP and Explicit LDN.
Check him out below:
Hailing from Los Angeles, electro-pop artist ZHAO sets the blog’s limelight ablaze with ‘Feeling Today’, the infectious track featuring electronic soundscapes, which leads to a surprisingly funk-filled bassline and soulful vocals, evoking a sense of optimism and euphoria.
‘Feeling Good’ follows his string of 2018 releases, which earned spots on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Summer Heat playlists and back-to-back live performances at some of Los Angeles’ most prestigious venues, such as Resident LA, The Moroccan Lounge, The Satellite, and Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Festival.
This guy is definitely made of the REAL stuff; looking forward to his future releases.
Check him out below:
After dominating NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Singles of 2018 list, QUINCY bounces right back and starts the year on a smooth note with ‘Coming Off Strong’.
Check out the audio below:
A lot of serious music fans tend to dismiss reality competition shows. They can certainly seem very commercial, and there are indications that they’re ultimately more scripted than they look on TV. That said, the talent on display is real, and a lot of the artists who get the opportunity to perform on these shows don’t have fan bases, radio play, or studio connections to their names. The Four is the latest of these shows, and we just got word that Fox would be renewing the series after the conclusion of a successful first season. So does this mean it’s going to be the next great indie artist mine, a la American Idol or The Voice?
If you saw promos for this show and dismissed it as something less than serious, you could be forgiven. For one thing, it seemed more or less like a ripoff of The Voice at first glance. There were to be four celebrity judges, various stages of competition between contestants, and even the staging vaguely resembled that of The Voice. Naturally the competition works a little bit differently, but The Four looked like (and is) more of an imitation than an original concept. Plus, it sort of has a silly name.
You might also have thought the show looked like a sort of vanity project for P. Diddy (or Sean Combs, or Diddy, or whatever it is these days). The iconic hip-hop artist is known for tackling different pursuits and staying in the public eye. He’s guest starred with younger rappers, appeared in films, and even gained a name for himself on the poker circuit. In fact, Diddy was asked to place the first bet on brand new blackjack tables in Atlantic City once – perhaps the perfect example of how his mere presence can enhance a project. Thus, you might wonder if The Four is more or less a money-making win-win between Fox and the rapper.
I know at least that these are some of the reasons I didn’t initially take The Four seriously. But having actually tuned in to some of the later episodes, I was hit with that same realization: that as commercial and promotional as these shows can look, they still showcase some extraordinary talent. As every struggling musician well understands, there are just more artists than there are career opportunities in this business, and these shows tend to highlight that fact. Fielding competitors from countrywide auditions and competitions, they tend to find countless people who are every bit as talented as the artists topping the charts.
I’ll issue a slight spoiler alert here in case you haven’t seen the finale yet or you’re interested in watching the whole first season. But if you want an idea of the kind of performer The Four is uncovering, take a look at this piece on the finale, and the artist who won it all. Her final performance of “Ain’t No Sunshine” is about as impressive as anything you can hear on a radio these days, and it’s wonderful to see another previously unknown artist get her moment.
Here’s hoping The Four continues to be a helpful tool for discovering artists and bringing them the success they deserve.
Chase Kephart, otherwise known as BECALLI BRUH, made his entry on NEW LEASE MUSIC back in November with track, ‘Leanin’. As his offering was a big hit with you guys, I’ve invited the upcoming emcee from Nashville back into the hotseat…so sit back for a few minutes and read all about this new contender who’s ready to take underground hip-hop scene by the balls…
NLM: Hey how you doing? Thanks for agreeing to do an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC
BB: I am doing great thanks for asking, and no problem it’s my pleasure
NLM: First off, I have to ask you: what’s the reason behind the name Becalli Bruh?
BB: Ummm… that’ s a good question! My reason behind the name was to pick a state that best suits my reckless high-spirited personality, and the first thing that came to mind was California or Calli, as I call it. The Be part of the name is just saying be in the moment and be who you are and don’t change for anyone, so I came up with Becalli and it sounded pretty legit so I went with it.
NLM: You released your super slick single ‘Leanin’ last November. What’s the public’s reception since its release?
BB: ‘Leanin’ got some great reception. There were a lot of people who enjoyed the free-spirited lyrics and the uptempo beat.
NLM: You have a pretty dope discography! What’s your favourite track and why?
BB: My favorite track would be ‘Haven’t Had Enough Of It’ because it really tells my story and how I am maturing over the years and how people and music have really brought it all together for me.
NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?
BB: My sound is definitely unique and kinda has a raspy tone to it and I think can be really awesome with a lot of new and bright tunes
NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be and why?
No doubt, it would be G-Eazy. That man has inspired me to start doing my own stuff. I have been a fan of his since his early mixtape days. I have seen how he has really grown into the music he makes over the years, and how he really brings his fans together while doing something he loves. He is definitely someone who inspires me to be the best and most creative one out there.
NLM: So what other plans you have for 2017? Any upcoming gigs or album?
BB: I have a couple of new releases coming up around the summertime and will definitely be something different and new that I hope the fans enjoy.
NLM: How can potential fans reach you?
BB: Anyone that needs or wants to reach me can contact me by my instagram which is @becallibruh
NLM: If music didn’t exist, what would you do?
BB: Well damn I don’t even want to answer this question, but I would probably go with something that involves being creative and unique through a type of art
NLM: Finally, any shout outs?
BB: A shout out to Liveassmemphis, true friend of mine that has a song coming out on soundcloud february 10th, so go check that out!
Listen to Becalli Bruh’s latest track, ‘Misconceptions.’
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