New Track: Gurl – 2U4U

Multi-instrumentalist hip-hop collective 2U4U release their second track ‘GURL’, mixed by acclaimed studio engineer Aaron Ahmad (Adele, Mark Ronson), ahead of their ‘Butter’ EP release on 6th July.

Upholding their distinctive sound by blending rap, jazz and RnB, 2U4U have created a relaxed texture-rich track with hints of old-school hip-hop. Reminiscing about respective love stories in the hazy summer months, ‘GURL’ sees rappers cal and My Rugema combining lyrical ambiguity with aspects of neo-soul to detail their previous love affairs. Newcomer Majella also contributes to the track, lending his mellifluous vocals to a hook peppered with astrological symbolism. Whilst fusing a Wurlitzer and an electric piano, the group’s producer Ranbir unifies pacifying bass riffs with crisp, evocative drum beats, enabling the mellow tune to create a warm, summery vibe.

2U4U

The three founding members, all hailing from Rugby and South London, met during their school years having bonded over a joint love of music. Citing various influences including Erykah Badu, Ty and Madlib, the group spent the summer of 2016 honing their craft of thematically-driven rap; it’s this dedicated nature that has gained them support by the likes of Dummy, The 405, Dazed as well as Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

Since releasing singles ‘Home’ and ‘Fall’, the group have found themselves on Spotify’s ‘Alternative Hip Hop’ and XL Recording’s ‘XL Play’ playlists, proving that 2U4U are transforming fame with their unflawed, soulful sounds.

EP Review: Minute Hour – Gemini Chris

GEMINI CHRIS is back with another body of work, this time taking in the shape of ‘Minute Hour’ which is far cry from his nostalgic EP, ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi?….’

In this five-track set, the London-based DJ exchanges the full-on techno house, heavily influenced from the late eighties and early nineties, for something bang up to date. From the beginning, you’re introduced to the vibrant presence of the overtones of tropical pop, which take centre stage, with a semi-breezy electronic bassline serving as a perfect backdrop.

Perfect for those summer days in the party land of Ibiza, ‘Minute Hour’ displays Chris as an multi-talented DJ who refuses to be pigeonholed to particular style of house music.

Looking forward to his next move…check him out below:

Must Listens: Minute Hours, Faze Me?, Baby 

Song of the Day: Gladiolus – Yvonne Hercules

Singer and self-taught musician YVONNE HERCULES drops her stunning cross-genre single entitled ‘Gladiolus’ into today’s hotspot.

Encompassing of old school blues with a little folk and alternative music, ‘Gladiolus’ explores the movement of Winter into Spring and how this metaphorically corresponds to a journey from a place of death into a place of life or hope. The thought-provoking lyrics are reinforced by Yvonne’s haunting and well-poised vocal.

‘Gladiolus’ is taken from her new EP of the same name and follows her single ‘Roving’, which  received support from Clash magazine, Line of Best Fit, Afropunk, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and others.

This is absolutely breathtaking…have a listen to ‘Gladiolus’

New Music Video: Good Life – Olaedo Ibe

MOBO-nominated singer/songwriter OLAEDO IDE has unveiled the video to her latest single, ‘Good Life’ on Friday.

The four-minute production encompasses the up-tempo vibes of Luke ‘GKID’ Grant-produced banger, where the London songbird’s smooth vocals, along with guest vocalists Leke and Becca Folkes, compels you to sing on top of your lungs!

Written by Olaedo and Luke ‘GKID’ Grant, ‘Good Life’ is taken from her LP ‘Grow To Glow’ set for release this summer.

Check her out below:

EP Review: Brown Eyed Soul Vol.1 – Cherri V

Since the release of single ‘Leave Me Be’ last year, I was eagerly waiting for CHERRI V to drop her EP, ‘Brown Eyed Soul Vol 1’…

…And finally it’s here! As featured in the aforementioned single, the eight-track set boasts the presence of reggae/dub heavy(ish) bass with lucid flow of modern R&B, before switching up to a 90s-inspired slow jam with a slight lick of gospel, through ‘Snapchat Mistress’.

The collection then filters to a faultless piano-led performance through, ‘Situationship’ where you experience and undoubtedly appreciate the true beauty and purity of this London songbird’s well-poised vocals.

Featuring guest vocalists, Sincerely Wilson – who duets with CHERRI V in ‘Situationship’ – and the legendary singer Terri Walker, ‘Brown Eyed Soul Vol 1’ is definitely worth the lengthy wait. Not the one to pass up; check it out below…

Must Listens: (it was REALLY hard to decide) Leave Me Be, Situationship, Swimming