Song of the Day: Less Is More – K-Riz

‘Less is More,’ the latest single from Canadian hip-hop artist K-RIZ, was built out of collaboration, illuminating the effortless magic that can blossom when the right vibe is in the room. The track is the latest tune to be released from K-Riz’s upcoming collaboration-filled effort, One Way Ticket – out this Friday, 15th September on Birthday Cake Records

‘Less is More’ reveals the beautiful things that can come into focus when you’re fully present. Being mindful is a theme that One Way Ticket revels in, prompting us to find joy in every moment; expecting less and in doing so, appreciating more.

Produced over a one-day session in Junia-T’s Toronto studio, each part of the tune came together organically during a free-flowing songwriting session. K-Riz’s calming verses unfold over breathy hooks from Ice Tha One, and hypnotic production courtesy of Junia-T. It’s a head-bobbing jam where atmosphere takes precedence, striking a balance between melodic hip-hop and blissful R&B.

“This track came out so easily,” K-Riz says. “I love what other people can bring to a song; the melodies that people come up with that stretch the boundaries of what a song can be. That’s the magic part of collaborating. All of these voices just make each track what it needs to be. It lifts up the entire record.”

Check out ‘Less Is More’ below…

OUT TODAY: Check out Ez Mil’s video for track, ‘Podium’

Philippines-born, Las Vegas-based multi-faceted musician, EZ MIL, who both raps and sings, shares the official music video for track ‘Podium’ out today. The tenacious, versatile deluxe version of his second album, DU4LI7Y: REDUX, out everywhere now following his recent signing to Eminem and Dr. Dre’s Shady Records/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records. Mil joins the likes of 50 Cent as only a few of the artists signed directly to all three labels.

Ez Mil’s latest music video for ‘Podium,’ directed by Alexey Figurov, is an ominous, dark visual shot in black and white that accompanies his relentless, haunting flow. On the track, Ez Mil begins to process his new role as a rising rapper–someone others might look up to–and the mix of fear and excitement that comes with it. Though Ez is used to directing and editing his videos, he enjoyed letting Figurov help create his vision. Ez Mil says the video, to him, is raw, adding, “It is an unfiltered reflection and a glimpse into my artistry.” Figurov says the video aims to, “recreate the complexity and versatility of the human personality. To explore our negative sides and a person’s craving for self-destruction.” The video’s black-and-white color scheme complete with red accents was a creative suggestion from Eminem himself.

Ez Mil shares the song is, “dedicated to the powers that be. It sheds light on how rappers or writers sometimes feel like politicians with the truth behind what they say and the fear they feel of what might happen as someone in a position of influence.” Aware of his role as someone with a platform and a microphone, Ez Mil hopes to make friends and family proud as he propels into the next phase of his flourishing career. Check out the video for ‘Podium’ below…

Song of the Day: Better Day (Wax Roar Remix) – 5 Weeks

Hailing from Brighton, 5 WEEKS has released an EP titled ‘My Psalms’, out now across various music platforms.

Covering themes of love, breakups, female empowerment and community unity, paired with a warm glow of nostalgic 90s-esque soul that runs fluent throughout the collection, The EP includes the previously released single, ‘Believe It’, which was well received from radio stations across the UK.

Alongside the release of the EP, 5 Weeks has also unveiled the remix of the fourth soulful offering from the EP, ‘Better Day’. 5 weeks has teamed up with Brighton’s producer Wax Roar to turn the single into an immediately infectious old-school dance banger. “Wax Roar was an absolute vibe,” Alexandria said about her time working with the producer. 

5 Weeks started out as a duo, consisting of DJ Outbreak and soul singer Alexandria, who shared a mutual respect for Reggae, Hip-Hop and rare groove. After DJ Outbreak left the group to concentrate on some personal challenges, Alexandria took time out to deliberate the future of the band which also allowed her time to complete the first year of her PHD in Criminological Social Work/ Policy.

Alexandria decided to front 5 Weeks, completing the EP alone. Recorded at Audio Mango, where Alexandria said she had the time of her life recording the project with Wax Roar, ‘My Psalms’ EP kept in line of the act’s modern twist on 90’s – esque soul, where she takes inspiration from the likes of Karen Wheeler, Lisa Stansfield and  Mica Paris, Moonchild, VanJess or Allen Stone, Tom Misch and Anita Baker.

Being brought up in a musical family, many influences came from her mum being in a reggae sound system in the seventies and eighties, Alexandria has been singing and songwriting from a young age and later picked by Sony for a publishing deal.Alexandria’s undeniable passion for music is makes up a fraction of her multifaceted life. Now a PHD graduate in Criminological Social Work/ Policy, she is a lecturer in health and social care, and an advocate for young people specifically in harmful sexual behaviour. As a prominent member of the community in her hometown in Brighton, Alexandria took part in Brighton’s half marathon to raise money for Sickle Cell. Alexandria is also donating 30% of the proceeds from My Psalms EP to BARCO, a Brighton-based charity that fights against anti-racism.‘Better Day’ (Wax Roar Remix) and ‘My Psalms’ EP are out now on various music outlets.

 Check out ‘Better Day’ (Wax Roar Remix) below…

Connect with 5 Weeks via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/5_week_s/

Illerstate come through with rampant joint ‘Mirroring’

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With the heavy, grime-esque bass running riot from the start of Manchester’s hip-hop collective ILLERSTATE‘s new banger, ‘Mirroring’, it’s hard not the take notice. The rampant bass is immediately topped off by the raw, razor sharp flow, which makes it so satisfyingly good.

Illerstate’s distinctive mixture of aggressive melodies, heavy bass and metal guitar has hailed them as legends in the Manchester’s hip-hop scene. They’ve also gained a solid fan base throughout the UK, receiving support from notable music makers such as DJ Semtex.

‘Mirroring’ was released yesterday (8th September) via Mr. Jone’s label, Manchester Music Group. Mr. Jones was previous featured on the blog with tracks, ‘You’, ‘Brand New’ and more recently, ‘Laid-back.’

Check out ‘Mirroring’ below…

Song of the Day: Lock It Down – Jamie-Lee Sexton

x5 time award nominated certified pop-star JAMIE-LEE SEXTON‘s single, ‘Lock It Down’ possesses a real sensual fusion of Pop and Afropop, which invites the listener to be part of a dance between two lovers. Led by smooth vocals, a killer hook that is undeniably catchy and an alluring sound that flows into the pop genre where Jamie-Lee feels at home in her sonic shoes.

“Besides singing, my second most favorite thing in life is to dance. I wanted to make a song that I’d love to dance to. A sexy song for lovers all around the world. Lock it down. Get down.” Jamie-Lee says.

‘Lock It Down’, is the fourth single from the South African pop songstress in 2023. And with number one radio hits and topping the iTunes charts, this is the beginning for Jamie-Lee who has her eyes on some interesting collabs and future sights…have a listen to ‘Lock It Down’ below…