Otis Mensah Release Single, ‘Breath Of Life’

Hip-Hop artist and poet OTIS MENSAH‘s new single, ‘Breath of Life’, features a guest verse from Hemlock Ernst, (the rap alter ego of Samuel T. Herring from the critically acclaimed synth-pop Future Islands). Sporting a chilled, introspective soulful hip-hop vibe infused with a zestful flow, the Brelstaff-produced track explores anxiety, fear and claustrophobia.

Hailing from Sheffield, Otis Mensah combines vivid storytelling with atmospheric and experimental hip-hop sounds. Titled Sheffield’s poet laureate in 2018, Otis has worked and toured with heavyweights such as Benjamin Zephaniah, KOTA the Friend, Open Mike Eagle, Mahalia and Blu & Exile. Otis has also received praise and support from The Guardian, Earmilk and The Noise Gate among other outlets.

‘Breath of Life’ is part of Otis Mensah’s forthcoming project, #OtisMensahExists, a visual and audio compilation exploring the talented wordsmith’s relationships with isolation, technology and society.

Check out the video for single below…

Song of the Day: Tease – Ronnie Scott

Originally from Texas, RONNIE LOTT moved to New York City where he was surrounded by classic East Coast Hip-Hop. Submerging himself into the city’s music scene, Ronnie draws influence from the likes of Biggie, LL Cool J and Mase. Blending these old-school sounds with smooth R&B melodies, Ronnie has set himself in a league of his own.

Having achieved huge success with his previous releases ‘Chanel’ and ‘Kris Kross’, Ronnie has accumulated over one million streams on Spotify alone and build a hugely loyal online following. Now returning with ‘Tease’, the rapper takes a more melodic approach to hip-hop. Delivered with a smooth flow, the track is another great inclusion to the summer playlist.

‘Tease’ tells a story of infidelity involved in a complicated relationship Ronnie was previously involved in. Speaking more on the track, Ronnie explained: “The meaning behind the lyrics is pretty simple, it’s about me chasing this girl who has a boyfriend, but the girl still shows signs of interest in me, so I tell her all these good things in hopes to make her mine, but she just plays games which leads to me calling her a tease.”

‘Tease’ is now out on various download/streaming sites…check it out below…

Album Review: FlyMix Vol.1 – Fly Von

After his lenghty hiatus, FLY VON made a blazing return with his remake of Migos’ GNF and Roddy Ricch’s Boom Boom Room, both taken from his latest project, ‘FlyMix Vol.1’.

The 13-track set sees this DMV spitter takes on the hits of hip-hop heavyweights such as Drake, Da Baby and Young Thug and guide us through variations of trap-hop tones which, at times, work in perfect unison with chilled, laid-back 90s hip-hop/R&B influences. The rumble of the catchy b-line serves as the main attraction throughout the set which occasionally gives that extra Timbaland-esque spice.

Previously known for producing pure tranquil chill-hop numbers, this guy has reinvented himself into a super fierce wordsmith, armed with a razor-sharp delivery which thunders straight through the braggadocious bars.

All I have left to say is Sir Fly Von, welcome back to the limelight…check him out below…

Must Listens: GNF, Drip Too Hard, Flip The Switch, Whats Poppin, Dior

SPRTYK Reveals Visuals For Critically-Acclaimed Single, ‘Bad Temper’

When SPRTYK (pronounced Sporty K) pitched her latest single ‘Bad Temper’ for Spotify playlist consideration, it was selected for three editorial playlists (Spilled Ink, Mellow Bars, Alternative Hip Hop) and two algorithmic playlists including the coveted Discover Weekly. Those editorial and algorithmic playlists have driven the track to nearly a quarter million streams.

The accompanied visual – shot in her native Bronx – follows the emotional highs and lows of a top female draft pick / artist-in-bloom determined to win against all odds as she fights to escape the all too familiar “angry black female” stereotype, giving the two-finger gesture to the oversimplified characterisations of being hostile and overly aggressive.

Besides establishing herself as a formidable rapper, SPRTYK is also the CEO of STAR CLUB ENTERTAINMENT where she works as the creative director and stylist for other acts in New York’s eclectic scene including A$AP Ferg and Privilege New York.

‘Bad Temper’ forms part of her upcoming ‘Because I Feel Like It’ project, SPRTYK is set to continue being one of 2020’s favourite new music discoveries.

Check out the video for ‘Bad Temper’, directed by J. Chance + SPRTYK

Isaac B Returns With Single, ‘Love Yourz’, Off Upcoming EP ‘Chances Ocean’

Following his appearance on the blog with the video for single ‘SNE HNE’ – which bagged the Music Video of the Month title back in December –  transatlantic MC, ISAAC B returns with single, ‘Love Yourz’, a thoughtful and inspiring number which reflects on life’s struggles and growth in self-love and perseverance.

Isaac B says “I wrote ‘Love Yourz’ in a sunken place, without direction I battled myself, but found hope in my fellow artistic comrades and collective communities. The track title intends to pay homage to ourselves, “Love Yourz” – It’s a celebration for everyone, everywhere. This time here, is just the beginning of our journeys, while we manifest the fruits of our labour to come.”

Cutting his teeth in the Florida rap cypher scene, Isaac B developed a knack for his spontaneous freestyle wizardry, often venting frustration at humanities systematic behaviours. Influenced by Xxxtentacion, YBN Cordae and Kojey Radical, the dual-heritage artist moved to the UK in 2013 where he now fronts the biggest Underground Hip-Hop nights in South London with his collective And What? Ldn.

Unpretentious and poetic in its delivery, ‘Love Yourz’ sets the tone, with its lyrically charged hooks and melodic instrumentation, for his upcoming EP,‘Chances Ocean’, due for release this summer. Have a listen below…