Tag: London

Song of the Day: Sosa – Dubz (ft. Oliver King)

DUBZ has a significant legacy within the UK Rap scene and whilst he may not be the obvious choice when drawing for Rap names, he certainly holds an indisputable position in the game.

With a slick feature from upcoming R&B singer Oliver King, ‘Sosa’ bears all the hallmarks of the genuine lyricism and unique tone that has always made DUBZ stand out. The video, released via GRM Daily, is garnering a wave of excitement from fans. Having recently collaborated with Ghetts, Rico Squeeze and Tiggs Da Author, as well as working towards his album, which is set to release in the first quarter of 2018, it looks like DUBZ is going to be a more prominent fixture in the Rap scene than ever before.

Native to South West London, DUBZ made his debut almost 10 years ago with his ‘Ard Doe’ mixtape release. The tape picked up significant support from the then bubbling scene, catching the attention of artists such as Giggs and Skepta, resulting in DUBZ and Giggs collaborating the following year on the infamous 2007 record ‘Pain is of the Essence’. DUBZ has since appeared on Giggs’ number 2, 2016 album release ‘Landlord’ and both Giggs and Skepta have publicly tipped him as their favourite UK Rapper via their social media accounts, helping to reignite the necessity for him to return to the game.

Having to face the realities and adversity of road life and family ties during a period when being a rapper was not providing an income, like many of the greats, DUBZ had to make a decision on where to focus his time and energy and unfortunately for the music, it took second place.

However, in a new era and with his peers calling for his comeback, DUBZ has started to release his arsenal to rapturous effect. In a succession of quick-fire, DUBZ has dropped 3 videos across GRM Daily and Link Up TV, gaining plaudits from fans new and old, but it is ‘SOSA’ that is the real wake up call that DUBZ is still fully certified when it comes to rapping.

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Song of the Day: Work Of Art – Iamu (ft. Rebecca James)

Production powerhouse IAMU offer up their new single ‘Work of Art’ featuring the vocals of Rebecca James – who’s currently on tour with music royalty, Janet Jackson.

The duo’s broad and in-depth understanding of music as an art form, and more notably as an emotion, plays a key role within their sound. IAMU’s music faces no border when it comes to genre, which is verified by their eclectic repertoire and the range of artists that they’ve previously worked with such as Wiley, Miss Dynamite, WSTRN and their recent infectious single with Bluey Robinson, ‘Falling Stars’.

Their ability to engage in territories that blend both spectrums of genre and philosophical concepts, in combination with their anonymous identities, has created a sense of mystery and intrigue into their musical moves. Whilst their next track may unpredictable, it is becoming apparent that IAMU consistently deliver an extension of their unique and versatile sound…this is too smooth to pass up…check out ‘Work of Art.’

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Song of the Day: Someone Like You – Marcello Spooks (ft. LOLÈ)

Only a few months after his last single ‘Replace U’, MARCELLO SPOOKS is back with more ear candy in the form of ‘Someone Like You’.

From the get-go, the smooth electric piano combined with lush vocals from LOLÈ immediately sets mood right before the 808’s drop and Marcello reflects on past midsummer nights with an old flame.

Earlier this year, the East London MC teamed up with producer Maschine Man Tim to deliver the EP ‘All Time High’, riding the wave of success created by his 2016 single ‘Boom’ which has racked up an impressive amount of views and enjoyed support from the likes of BBC 1xtra, Pyro Radio and Fubar Radio, UKHH and Blurred Culture.

The video, directed by Jay Sentrosi and Eric Myers, is a work of art in itself, and sees Marcello Spooks reminiscing by The Thames riverside, as he flips through the pages of his book of rhymes. These calming visuals are juxtaposed with a more sinister scene which references the poisoned apple from Snow White.

Well here’s your chance to watch the video for ‘Someone Like You.’

 

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EP Review: Perpendicular – Amani

She has been described as a ‘ unusual and creative individual that represents the new generation of songwriters, dabbling in captivating concepts and emotive industrial soundscapes.’

If I were to describe AMANI‘s debut EP ‘Perpendicular’ on a spot, to be honest, I would struggle –  miserably –  but I’ll do my damn best to give you an overall picture. Released earlier this month, the five-piece collection can be described as a melting pot of raw emotions that’s more than ready to overspill, represented by the full force of hauntingly dense bass that travels with the dramatically melancholic overtones.

With the dense drive easing up, ‘Perpendicular’ does on a smooth note, offering up infectious laid-back numbers sporting a smooth electronic groove.

This EP, particularly the first half, cannot be pinned down to a particular genre – which makes it instantly appealing. I love the fact that AMANI creates such a fascination and thirst, making me want to seek out her forthcoming material.

She’s definitely the one to watch – check it out.

Must Listens: Feathers Falling, Transform

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New Music Video: Survive – Hollie Cook

Hot off the heels of two sold out shows in London and L.A., West London native HOLLIE COOK  unveiled more from her forthcoming third LP by dropping the double-A single ‘Freefalling’ / ‘Survive’.

The tropical pop princess has already cemented her position as one to watch this year after signing to the American indie label Merge Records and releasing the lead single ‘Angel Fire’. The first taste from the album received rave reviews from international outlets ranging from Mass Appeal, Clash and Je Ne Sais Pop and was playlisted over the summer on BBC Radio. Her vibrant, spirited take on lovers rock radiates positivity, allowing her to transcend the confines of a genre.

‘Freefalling’ finds Hollie’s sultry vocals positioned against a skanking rocksteady beat, alluring synths and a crooning brass section. The result is a life-affirming feel good jam which exudes enough warmth to keep burning all autumn long. Despite singing of the intricacies of heartbreak an unwavering sense of bliss prevails throughout.

As well as touring the world for years with Ari Up in the pioneering female punk band The Slits, Cook previously collaborated with renowned dub producer Prince Fatty on her first two solo albums – the self-titled debut and the acclaimed follow-up ‘Twice’. Singles such as ‘Milk & Honey’ and ‘That Very Night’ saw Hollie gain critical exposure via BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, 1Xtra and Radio X, culminating in a hypnotic appearance on the prestigious “Later…With Jools Holland”. Having now enlisted the esteemed producer Martin “Youth” Glover to oversee her latest LP – whose credits include U2, Paul McCartney and Pink Floyd – she’s able to unlock maturity in her ever evolving sound.

With supporters rallying from every corner, including Fred Perry’s Subculture, Jocks & Nerds and Vanity Fair, HOLLIE COOK is gearing up for a triumphant year ahead with the ‘Vessel of Love’ album release on 26th January – so expect to see her on top of the tropical throne of pop in 2018.

If this is your first introduction to this carefree upriser, well here’s your chance to watch the video to ‘Survive.’

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