Song of the Day: Sundown – Juice Menace

Following on from the success of underground hits ‘Bounterfeit’ and ‘Money Dance’, the latter of which led her to be named as Triller’s UK creator of the month, Cardiff hailing rapper JUICE MENACE strikes back with a banger titled, ‘Sundown’ which sees her take on a jumpy, garage influenced instrumental that, lyrically, explores her level-headed sense of ambition and drive.

In an already solid start to 2020, Juice has received props from early champions Gal-Dem, who named her a Ones to Watch 2020 artist, and Spotify, who profiled her in prominent playlist “Rap UK”. She’s also attracting support from UK Rap royalty – taking on Aitch’s 101 Barz Freestyle instrumental, Juice was praised by Aitch himself. Pre-lockdown, Juice had been travelling back and forth from Cardiff to London to collaborate with some of the biggest producers in the game – Flyo, Michelin Shin, SOS and Elevated.

Juice brings a wealth of promise to the scene – with a background in photography, dance and music technology, she is poised for polymath-level success. Taking inspiration from some of the US West Coast’s most formidable figures, such as Mac Dre, YG and Vince Staples, who effortlessly dominate many creative paths from music, to fashion and film, she is bringing this energy to the West Coast of the UK. The video for ‘Sundown’ embraces this multi-faceted ambition. Conceptualised by Juice herself, the video combines her vibrant performance style with a classic summer image of the Cardiff coastline.

Continuing to solidify her place in the scene as one of the most determined rappers in the UK right now, 2020 is looking to be a breakout year for Juice as she experiments with new genres and proves to be an undeniable force to reckoned with. Check out the video for Juice’s ‘Sundown’ below…

 

 

Jesse Jax Presents Hard-Hitting Visuals For Track, ‘Black & Proud’

As an Afro-German, rapper JESSE JAXX has encountered and witnessed a sting of racism in his lifetime and was inspired to speak out about these experiences, through his most personal work to date, ‘Black & Proud’.

Although the message in the song is loud and clear – for black people to stand proud, no matter what prejudices they face – the video shows people of different ethnic backgrounds, standing in unity as the answer to end racism.

Check out Jesse Jaxx’s epic video below…

Song of the Day: Groovy – Millie Wong (ft. Rayne Storm)

Brooklyn’s upcoming rapper, MILLIE WONG drops off his infectiously braggadocios single ‘Groovy’ into today’s hot spot, proving he has what it takes to make an undeniable hit. The track features producer/rapper Rayne Storm, who jumps on the smooth wavy production, finishing off the third verse with style.

‘Groovy’ is rapidly gaining notoriety across the internet. The song reached #1 on RecordBreakazRadio and has been featured on each of its initial broadcasts. Millie is currently preparing the release of a ton of new singles with the indie artist conglomerate, Monopolyhouse. Check out this lit joint below…

EP Review: Bad – Ricco Barrino

When I came across RICCO BARRINO‘s EP, ‘Bad’, I had to sit up, take note and give it a trial. If the surname brings a bell, well this R&B powerhouse is the older brother of Americana Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino and although he appeared on her single, ‘Bore Me (Yawn)’, he’s definitely a star on his own right.

Ricco has consistently been in and out of the spotlight since the early 2000s, lending his vocals to T.I.’s chart-topping single, ‘Whatever You Like’ and Colonel Loud’s hit ‘California’. A former signee of T.I.’s Grand Hustle label, Ricco has been hard at work on new music since his peak in 2015, landing records with Blacc Zacc, Da Baby, and other A-listers.

Ricco has now released a collection of these records, including those that were previously unreleased, across a series of new EPs via Common Cents/EMPIRE. Serving as a follow-up to ‘Good’ EP, released earlier this month, ‘Bad’ EP, the second installment in the series, which contains the new catchy single ‘Quavo’ as well as other previously unreleased music.

Roaring guitar riffs introduces the five piece set with track, ‘Give It To You’, leading to an uptempo summery drive, working in perfect harmony with Ricco’s robustly soulful vocals…and that vocal performance is turned up a notch or two through second funked-up, soulful effort ‘Fire’.

Changing the tone of the project, comes ‘Nothing I Would Not Do’, which brings in an intimate setting of vibrantly airy vibes later joined by rhythmic claps…and of course that vocals provided by Ricco, where he delicately shows off his falsetto range.

Flaring up to an emotional state, Ricco’s voice takes centre stage in the final atmospheric track, ‘Pray For Me’, which is guaranteed to leave any prospective listener quenching for more…

It’s a good job there’s more as BAD EP, will be quickly followed by Ricco’s third and final installment – Ugly EP – coming out 3rd September – now, that’s going to be pure FIRE! Pre-save your copy here:

Must Listens: Nothing I Would Not Do, Pray For Me

Song of the Day: Vibration – DJ Paleface (ft. Kai Gama)

Poet/MC KAI GAMA, one half of the electro hip-hop group, The Insonmiax delivers a powerful poetic performance on an Ahmed Jamal/ De-La Soul inspired future bass/ UKG instrumental courtesy of DJ PALEFACE.

Over the years DJ Paleface has released singles such as ‘Fall Outta Love’ and ‘Stormy Weather’ and earned producer/songwriting credits for the likes of Kyla, Drake, Crazy Cousinz, Sweetie Irie, Wiley, Maxwell D and Major Ace. His most recent release ‘785 Girl’ featuring Marvin Ambrosius, kicked off the summer season and garnered huge support from MistaJam on BBC Radio 1 Dance Anthems, Billy Da Kid and Shortee Blitz on KISS FM and Rampage at BBC 1Xtra. Quickly following up with ‘Vibration’, DJ Paleface’s latest productions showcase his wealth of experience as a bass production master.

Vibration is out now via Northern Line Records on all platforms. Check it out below…