UK artist JOKER STARR is very much inspired by London’s vast sub genres of music cultures, particularly hip-hop and dancehall.
He teams up with producer Dirty Feet and goes beyond the confines of rap and hi- hop in order to explore the vibrations of the deepest dub, and serve up the sweetest infusion in true reggae dancehall fashion. His latest single ‘Balance’ featuring AnyWay Tha God, is a reflection of carefree times growing up in the 90s. Check out the Honey JD – produced video for the slamming track below…
Trailblazing London-based, mixed heritage singer, rapper and producer MISCO EXTRA has today shared the final taste from her forthcoming MSG EP, ahead of its release on Friday (18th August) via Transgressive Records. With ’50/50′ she demonstrates a further foray into experimenting with wonky beats, restrained percussion and clever samples, all while singing/rapping in both Japanese and English. Talking about the single she says, “finding the balance in life is hard and I’m someone who is guilty of being stuck in drive. I wrote this song to remind me to not be too hard on myself and to try and enjoy the ride.”
The single is accompanied by an incredible animated video, directed by Taku Mikami, whom Miso discovered on Instagram through a Japan-based gallery she follows posting his work. In her words, “I fell in love with the moody color palettes and animation style. I took a chance and reached out to ask if he would be interested in working on a video. When they said yes and came back with a treatment it felt like a no brainer. Taku has beautifully managed to weave in so many different references to the lyrics into the visuals. I honestly think this video is amazing!”
New Jersey’s self-proclaimed misfit REG MASON, invites us in for a worshipful exploration centered around themes of slow growth and opposition to instant gratification with his debut album, ‘TESTDRIVE’.
Throughout the ten-track journey, we will gain a deep understanding of the 24-year-old rapper’s battles and what life’s test drive has looked like thus far. Drawing strength from not only within, but the roots of his family tree, Mason triumphantly diminishes the intrusive thoughts that try to lead him astray from fully stepping into his calling as an artist. The innovative hip-hop production by fellow New Jersey native CURT captures an essence of nostalgia, inspired by the soundtrack of Mason’s early teenage years which consisted of countless hours spent submerging himself into the underground east coast/Midwest hip hop scene, from EL-P, Das Racist, Danny Brown and Freddie Gibbs.
“TESTDRIVE’ is a spiritual callback to my early years, while also focusing on how much I’ve changed,” Mason explains. “It’s about learning to appreciate the slower road because heaven knows this is not for the charts. TESTDRIVE’ is a Delorean with a V12 engine under the hood. She might look old and dusty but, once you sit inside, it’s a weighted experience.”
‘TESTDRIVE’ is made of two parts, Side-A (CHECKERBOARD!) and Side-B (CHESSBOARD’), reflective of the idea that checkers and chess share the same board, yet require different strategies and approaches.
Side-A opens with ‘marah’,’ a spitfire offering that was the catalyst to the album’s creation. The charismatic “CHECKERBOARD!” follows, leaning into the coming-of-age theme as it feeds into Mason’s desire to continuously evolve. “pa’ (interlude)” is an old-school hip-hop inspired track featuring Mason’s father, who urges him to “let his confidence ooze off his spirit,” a motif throughout the album. Following is ‘VAUXHALL’, a call out to the neighborhood in Union, NJ where he grew up, a place that historically was home to black residents prior to integration. Fan-favorite ‘STÉ’ feat. JTT concludes Side-A, which sees the proud New Jerseyans’ unbridled flow answer his own question, “am I willing to sacrifice my artist dream for a lover who doesn’t support my vision?”
Side-B shows the complexity of the album with more personal subject matter and sample-blending, introducing a more nuanced view of Mason. Kicking off with ‘CHESSBOARD’, over soulful instrumentation, Mason croons, “Remember underground apartments with my Mom, dog, that’s low living.” “fearful’ / MA’,” the album’s focus track, sees him battle his intrusive thoughts, with questions like “Will my dad be around when I finally make it?” His highly praised single “HANDSHAKES’,” featuring fellow New Jersey native GINI, serves as a nostalgic walk down memory lane. Following is the title track ‘TESTDRIVE!,’ which proves Reg’s prowess as an innovator, as he effortlessly raps over a psychedelic beat. The album concludes with ‘SEQUEL’, encapsulating the overall coming-of-age theme, and ultimately accepting the unknown.
A proven visceral storyteller by nature, ‘TESTDRIVE’ is a testament to Mason’s ability to craft a sonic world uniquely his own, solidifying himself as one to watch with his debut full-length offering of self-reflective, experimental hip-hop. Check out his epic offering below…
R &B newcomer JAYDE RIANNIA‘s new single ‘Own It’ is an upbeat song about lust and ambitions, reminding an admirer to keep the fantasy alive. The aspiring singer-songwriter fuses R&B, Neo Soul, and Reggae to create her unique sound.
The dynamic production and assertive lyrics strikes a chord with listeners of both genders and can also be interpreted as a call to female empowerment. As the lyric reads:
“I’m the apple of your eye, no telling me that it’s a lie, you know it. You can’t resist me, one of a kind, just like fine wine, just own it.”
Jayde Riannia’s love of music began whilst growing up in a household of diverse personalities, where she was introduced to a wide range of music genres to which she would always sing along to. After many years of being complimented for her vocals, Jayde was motivated to start writing her own songs, fusing her passion of creative writing and singing.
Her debut single ‘Be Free’ remix, released in 2022, was supported and praised by many, including plays on BBC 1Xtra by DJ Target.
With her sound is described as a mix of Summer Walker and Steflon Don, Jayde is embarking on her music career with a collaborative and humble mindset, aiming to be recognised as a feel-good musician who is always true to herself. Have a listen to ‘Own It’ below…
JUNO Award-nominated artist SOLITAIR‘s single ‘Right Here’, featuring world renowned DJ Grouch, is the perfect tribute to the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop – it boasts his unique production style combined with gritty urban soundscapes. The high energy track also features a music video directed by London Rich.
“When was the last time you felt REFRESHED and INSPIRED by some new Hip Hop energy? That’s the FEELING I intend to inject back into the music culture of the city, country, and worldwide, beginning with the release of Right Here,” says the prolific producer and songwriter whose first taste of commercial notoriety came as a result of producing four tracks on JUNO-winning rapper Choclair’s gold-selling Ice Cold debut album, while being featured on a few other tracks. “Just as Batman reacts to the bat signal, my new single is a nod to all my hardcore fans to remind them that not only do I have a lot left in the creative tank, but I am ready to showcase new music to an even broader audience with this new project.” He adds: “I also wanted to highlight more of my producer and songwriter side, along with my obvious hip hop lyrical prowess!”
In the early aughts, Solitair toured the world with Choclair and Kardinal Offishall and spent five years moving between New York and Toronto while working with notable American and international artists including Nina Sky, Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Busta Rhymes, Estelle, Rick Ross, Elephant Man, and Jim Jones. Back home in Toronto, Solitair had also established an impressive track record of producing and co-producing songs for a laundry list of iconic award-winning Canadian rap and R&B icons including Jully Black, Melanie Fiona, Glenn Lewis, k-os, and The Rascalz. Likewise, in 2010, Solitair had already carved out his musical unicorn status by crafting the pop-influenced, alternative smash ‘Come True’ featuring Kardinal Offishall, that was nominated for a Juno Award for Best R&B/Soul recording of the year, an accomplishment that placed him in the rare company of artists who’ve been nominated for Juno Awards in more than one music genre.
‘Right Here’ is taken from his highly anticipated forthcoming album Dangerous Art. Check out the video for the single below…
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