KUTEE LEE‘s brand new single, ‘Southside’ epitomizes his experience in the city of Port Harcourt (Nigeria) and how he relates with his peers and accomplice in the burgeoning creative scene. It serves as a healing balm and a stretched-out arm of camaraderie to his people, highlighting things they have in common but mainly the fact that they’re from the same area – Southside.
Kutee Lee puts up a stellar performance on the intensely melodic rap record, alternating between singing and rapping about his city experiences. Have a listen below…
Tommy B is the charismatic emcee from Essex that holds the title as one of Complex’s coveted ‘Ones To Watch’ and is one of the most exciting prospects to come out of the UK right now. Having appeared on line-ups that include ‘Radio 1’s Big Weekend’ and collaborated with a string of famed artists, a new wave of music makes its debut with the contemplative single ‘I Don’t Mind’.
Produced by Mr Garrett, a melancholy hue plays out with string led loop and stripped back bass that is accentuated with a dusting of slow tempo keys that tinker into the mix. The production creates the perfect foundation for Tommy B to lay down some vulnerable thoughts as his introspective lyricism picks apart the demise of a relationship. The emcee lyrically unravels the feelings of loss, frustration, regret and acceptance in a spectacular display of lyricism and skill as his wordplay takes charge alongside his use of perfectly painted metaphors and rhymes.
Collaborating with Nathan Smoker, who delivers an outstanding, soulful hook, ‘I Don’t Mind’ builds into a collection of emotionally fuelled moments that make this record a standout track for Tommy B. Having made a huge impact on the thundering grime scene as a teen, his growth in to a skilled and experienced emcee has never been as evident as it is on this latest offering. Whilst a departure from the faster paced beats and scattergun delivery that we’ve seen him play out over his blossoming career, he sits equally at ease offering the vulnerability and emotional connection, which he conveys so eloquently on ‘I Don’t Mind’. In his own words, he goes on to explain, “‘I Don’t Mind’ is a track I wrote when I was going through a break-up, it’s totally raw and vulnerable. Nathan Smoker’s vocals on the hook & Joe Garrett’s production brought the song to life & I believe this is probably the best song I have written”
With a highly anticipated debut album, entitled ‘Spiritual Hooligan’ set for release in 2023, the evolution of Tommy B as an artist is one that is happening before our eyes and ears! Having worked with some of his idols on his come-up, including the likes of Devlin and JME, the forthcoming album is set to be an exploration of styles, sounds and skill from a host of exciting musical contributors. Opening the door on a new moment in time for Tommy B, ‘I Don’t Mind’ certainly paves the way for a continuation of his successes so far.
Written and recorded on the spur of the moment after discovering the beat online, JUNIOR NRB‘s single ‘Draco Malfoy Freestyle’, showcases the rapper’s prowess in dominating any beat with his signature witty lyricism and fast flow. The track samples children singing in another language, which is pitch-shifted to give an eerie feel before Junior and the bass come in hard.
Junior makes his intentions clear that he’s “Tryna be the greatest there has been / I ain’t tryna end up a has-been”. Describing the process, Junior says “it was about having fun, I wanted to get things out my system before my next project drops which will be more serious”.
The music video for ‘Draco Malfoy Freestyle’ was shot in Sheffield, soon after the Coventry-based rapper moved there to study Fashion. Director GM, who worked with Junior previously, creates a DIY-feel as, like the track, the video was made quickly, being shot in Junior’s home and neighbourhood. When writing the song Junior saw its visuals and brought them to life in the music video, with rapid, energetic shots that match his lyrics. Junior makes his mark on his new hometown in the video, with the final shots being him rapping whilst overlooking Sheffield.
Check out the video for Junior NRB’s ‘Draco Malfoy Freestyle’ below…
Embodying all that is Hip Hop, Bristolian based artist, producer, radio host and hip hop event director BLACKSMITH, releases long awaited new music in the shape of ‘Price of Love’ featuring UK legend Skinnyman (pictured left) and production by New York’s Statik Selektah.
Already a constant within the depths of UK Hip Hop, Blacksmith’s CV reads as a rundown of some of the biggest accolades an artist can boast of. From performances at Glastonbury to Fusion Festival in Germany, he has also supported the likes of Lupe Fiasco, Common, Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, Evidence, Brother Ali and many more. As an MC and producer, he can also include Jeff Wooton (The Gorillaz), Hodgy (Odd Future), Dilated Peoples, Carasel, Stamina MC and Dynamite MC, as fellow artists he has worked with and produced music for, and his love for hip hop doesn’t stop there. A self-made events promoter and radio host, Blacksmith is a key component to UK hip hop, giving both established and upcoming artists a platform through his regular hip-hop events and radio shows.
SLEDGE DIBIASE comes through with a dope joint with the grown and sexy, story telling vibes on ‘Growth.’ This heater is produced by DJ Ronny Ron and the artsy video is directed by NY Vids.
Look out for Sledge Dibiase’s new album, Fly And Wonderful 2, which is set for release Winter 2022…for now, check out the video below…
New Lease Music 