A Quick Chat With…MusicByMercy

MUSICBYMERCY has earned a spot in the NLM interview seat for his latest EP, ‘MichaelMyers’, which is currently the blog’s album of the month. I probed the South Florida upcoming rapper about his inspiration for producing a horror-themed project plus his plans for 2024. So are you ready to find out more about this hot lyricist? Good, let’s get to it…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2024 is treating you so far?

MBM: So far, so good. The family good. My peoples are good. New music is coming. Just staying the course. Taking one day at a time. Life never slows down and time waits for no man. It’s about embracing every moment that’s presented. It’s all about creating new memories…doper ones.

NLM: You released your EP, ‘Michael Myers EP’ back in October. What is the public perception on the project so far?

MBM: Yes sir! The public perception was well received for what it’s worth. It was an appetizer or sampler for a special occasion. Keep the fans connected.

NLM: How would you describe the EP’s sound to potential fans?

MBM: The sound is a perfect Hip Hop playlist for Halloween. It’s very eerie, very moody, very hardcore for any horrorcore rap fan. If Christopher Nolan was to make a horror film, ‘Michael Myers EP’ would be the soundtrack.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP based around Halloween, in particular Michael Myers?

MBM: My boy also my A&R Jorge told me I should do a project based on Michael Myers, since I am currently working on projects that represent or have the moniker ‘Michael’ since it’s my first name. So, we wanted to carry on that tradition. Michael Myers, was a perfect outlet to present darker music during Halloween. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to provide some dope horror rap for the listeners.

NLM: What is/are your favorite single(s) from the EP and why?

MBM: My favorite song changes each time I play the EP. Haha, it can go from “The Shape”, “Scary Hours”, “Evil Vs Good”, “Death Note” or even the “The Boogeyman”. However, I keep playing “Evil Vs Good” or put it on repeat. It’s something about the beat and the transition of it from grimy to uplifting.

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your EP?

MBM: I just want them to have a great listening experience. Enjoy the beats, the skits, the bars, the storytelling. All of it. Be a hip hop fan, a rap junkie and just enjoy the music and not be a analyst about it.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the EP, who would it be and why?

MBM: It would have to ultimately be, Prodigy of Mobb Deep. Unfortunately, rest in peace, but P would’ve murdered every single rap song on there. He really help inspired the flow and energy on that project. However, Conway the Machine, Pusha T, and Stove God Cooks deserve honorable mentions.

NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2024?

MBM: Keep doing music. Keep pushing. I got a lot of incredible music in the works and looking forward to releasing throughout the year. I am just trying to leave my footprints in the game. Stay connected and make new connections.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

MBM: You can find me on most of the social medias under “MusicByMercy” altogether. I’m not hard to find and what you’ll find is a goldmine.

NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Michael Myers’?

MBM: Huge HUGE shoutout to my main man, SlimRock, who produced “The Shape”, “Myer’s Theme” and “Smith’s Grove Sanitarium”. He also help mixed and executive produced the project with me. I recorded the whole EP at his studio. We were on our Snoop and Dre shyt on this EP. Also shoutout to Homage, LIVIN’, KuBo, Flowers In Narnia and JQ for giving me the soundscape to scare the shit out of your stereo, haha. Yeah, it was a solid team effort across the board. Much love to my guy, Jug The iLLest for his insane featured verse.

Listen to ‘MichaelMyers’ EP right here

Song of the Day: Street Poet 4 (Broken Vows)- Natty Boi Zoe

The second Song of the Day comes from the proclaimed street poet NATTY BOI ZOE.

It’s been a while since he graced the blog, but it’s an absolute pleasure to have him back with his latest single, ‘Street Poet 4 (Broken Vows)’, taken from his upcoming project, ‘I Am Who, I Am’.

Over an drum-led, atmospheric backdrop, the New York spoken word rapper ponders the ramifications of not keeping a promise. Why not check it out below…

J Lyles bounces back into the game with track, ‘Here I Am’

J LYLES makes his return to the world of hip-hop, in a big way, with his new single titled ‘Here I am’, released on Monday (19th February) various music platforms.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything new from the talented artist but, those days are over with this new single as Lyles continues to prep a new album that is slated to release this year. Being lyrically relatable has never been a problem for the New Jersey native, and that continues to be true with ‘Here I am’. Life sometimes takes a toll on us, as we all go through ups and downs mentally and physically, but those who stay true to themselves while staying afloat through the rough times are the ones that seem to come out the smoke when those bad days disappear.

In his own words Lyles describes the song by saying “I discuss various points of my life and the effects of incarceration, family trauma and struggles to get through college and life after college. This song is a testament of wins and losses, pain, and perseverance that led to this version of myself. “Here I Am”.”

J Lyles is that exact person that comes out of the smoke battle scarred and tired but wiser and battle tested. He’s always ready to give it his all when those tough times roll back around with rhymes like “Made it to 27 I must be here for a reason/applying pressure smothering all you turkeys that’s under seasoned/they telling me to keep going/my music the voice of reason.” Staying ten toes down with the current version of himself is what the artist is striving for now a days, staying away from those who may not prove to be worthy of being within his circle. “I’m a legend to the game/but I never wanted fame/cause everybody knows your name and unfamiliar with your pain” spits Lyles at the beginning of the second verse, further cementing his true to self rhymes being provided by the man behind the mic.

With his debut album titled ‘The Execution’ still being perfected behind closed doors, J Lyles opens up one door to give new and older listeners a sample of what is to come until the timing is right for the project. Check out ‘Here I Am’…

Marnz Malone drops video for track ‘Ball 4 U’, dedicated to his friend who passed away

Infamous Birmingham rapper MARNZ MALONE, who is currently incarcerated, has shared the official video for ‘Ball 4 U’ lifted from his previous project ‘Maktub’.

This track is a heartfelt one dedicated to his friend who passed away before turning 18, letting him know that even though he’s no longer with us, he will still be there for him and his family. It shows a deep side to Marnz Malone and how he can bring sentiment to his unique UK rap tracks.

The rising rapper is recognised for his laid-back style of flowing words into intricately pieced together verses that make up his tracks.

Alongside the release of the video, Marnz Malone has also dropped his new project ‘Tina’s Boy’, earlier this month (9th February). The 14-track collection is his third full release, which invites you into his world with tracks such as ‘Tina’s Son’ which talks about him growing up, ‘Went To War’ ft. Potter Payper gives you a snippet of both of their lives, and more tracks full of storytelling and life lessons.

Why not check out the the project at some point…but before you head off, catch the ‘Ball 4 U’ visualiser below…

Nayla Savannah drops single ‘Brown Sugar Boba,’ ahead of debut EP, ‘SavyNThaBuilding’

Taken from her highly anticipated debut album, ‘SavyNThaBuilding’,West Coast artist NAYLA SAVANNAH‘s latest single, ‘Brown Sugar Boba,’ is a groovy love bop is guaranteed to ignite the passion and excitement of having a new crush.

‘Brown Sugar Boba’ is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a celebration of love and the thrill of having a crush. Inspired by Nayla’s own love for Boba and her desire to catch the attention of a special someone, the song captures the exhilarating rush of emotions that come with budding romance.

Nayla’s debut single sets the tone for what’s to come in her upcoming album, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to create music that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Whether you’re singing along with your boo or lighting up the dance floor, ‘SavyNThaBuilding’ offers something for everyone to vibe to. So expect to be swept away by Nayla’s smooth vocals and infectious energy as she she goes on a journey of childhood memories and personal experiences.

Produced exclusively by ReddNThaBuilding, ‘SavyNThaBuilding’ promises to deliver a diverse range of tracks, from soulful ballads to upbeat anthems. Listen to ‘Brown Sugar Boba’ below and let Nayla’s sultry vocals serenade you and your love interest…