New Music Video: For The Crime – Fusion

Catapulting into the scene with his incredible debut on the Lord Of The Mics 10th Anniversary compilation and following up with a succession of heavy hitting grime including ‘No’, ‘Rudeboy’, the ode to his neighbourhood, ‘Newham’ and self-produced ’24 Hours Riddim’, which garnered acclaim from iD, Complex & Mixmag, FUSION kicked off 2017 deservedly being named as one of Complex Magazine’s ‘Ones To Watch’ via their ‘13 British Emcees Destined For A Big 2017’

About to prove exactly why he was chosen for the list and pitched for success alongside the likes of Stefflon Don and Mist, FUSION releases ‘For The Crime’, which paves the way for the grit-laden E.P ‘Ready’, made up of 5 tracks packed with lyric laced dirt. Surpassing an impressive level of energy, FUSION opens up his arsenal, spitting over the instrumental, which is a stark reminder of what makes up grime’s sonic backbone. Entwining his slick yet punchy flow that hammers through the screeching, bouncy instrumental, this grime star marks himself out as one of the new generation worth a reload.

Check out the video…

New Track: 3 Times – Marged (ft. AOBeats & Jailo)

Following the success of her Billboard-approved single ‘Call From U’, Welsh electronic artist, MARGED, is back with the second release of the year – ‘3 Times’ – ahead of a show at Hackney’s Sebright Arms (London) on 30th September.

Sonically ambient and lyrically poignant, the latest release is “a reaction piece to the sexual expectations that women face.” Having illustrated how vulnerability can be sexy and acceptable for a feminist with her previous single, this particular track exposes the objectifying, negative sense of the word.

She explains: “Our bodies are so often seen as objects filled with stamina with no off button. My interest in the representation of women in porn really made me begin to question how we as females are perceived through the male gaze”. It is the artistic depiction of this subject that has helped MARGED amass support from Billboard, Clash, Indie Shuffle and Idolator, underlining the Cardiff-born artist’s reputation as one of the most exciting young London creatives this year.

Having previously worked with Sakima, MARGED now collaborates on the new release with two forward thinking and like-minded beatsmiths, Jailo and AObeats. Both are acclaimed by the likes of BBC Radio 1, Earmilk and Thump for their ability to seamlessly incorporate the mix of styles that MARGED suits so well – notably hip hop, wavy future R&B and electronic pop – and their collective portfolio includes collaborations with Son Lux, Louis The Child and Annabel Jones.

‘3 Times’ accentuates the feminist narrative of MARGED’s music, and with a vision and purpose for her art clearly demonstrated, the South-London based artist looks to stimulate and inspire at her upcoming live performance this month…have a listen.

Album Review: The Introduction – Zoe and Zara

Since appearing on NEW LEASE MUSIC with their single ‘Get Up Now’ last January, my mind would sometimes wonder on the whereabouts of twin sisters ZOE & ZARA. A few week ago, my curiosity was quashed when received an email from the duo.

After five years on London’s music scene, the pair decided to start a new chapter on their journey. So after much deliberation, long hours in the studio (which came with tears and near-breakdowns – their words, not mine!) ZOE & ZARA now present their debut album, ‘The Introduction.’

Recorded at The Blue Studio in Dalston (my hometown!), ‘The Introduction’  displays a delightful journey of Jazz (modern and from the golden era), old school soul and neo soul alternating between the down right funky and the ambient/easy listening.

The flood of tears and near breakdowns definitely paid off –  their neo-soul signature is more rich and refined (compared to their previous releases). The sisters’ venture into other genres by far didn’t disappoint. Their soothing vocals in fourth effort ‘Hey Sir’ were well suited to the golden jazz/big band/rat pack combo.

After reading the review, I think you guys know how I feel about this album. All there’s left say is – ZOE & ZARA, I salute you!

Check out the album and song recommendations below:

Must Listens: Weather Is Golden, Autumn Afternoon, Butterfly, Talk About It

Song of the Day: Let Me Be – Reppy Hustle

REPPY HUSTLE has been part of the huge influx of talented rappers the UK has seen within the last 18 months, each fighting for their own slice of the pie and notable success. With a clear determination, visible through his consistent video output across key influencer platforms including GRM Daily and Link Up TV, Reppy has proven himself to be one of the key newcomers and is now making his transition from the underground to the notable ‘one to watch’ stomping ground.

Latest release ‘Let Me Be’ is a well-rounded tune with all of the trimmings, giving a taster of what REPPY HUSTLE is really capable of in his music. A harmonious instrumental is satisfying on the ears, whilst the deep bass adds just the right kick of spice and movement to the mix. Reppy rides out with fluency as his bars and flow meander across the verses before hitting out a big song-a-long hook that is set to become a summer favourite.

Previous records include ‘You Were Acting’ and ‘Council Block Boy’, which shows a harder edge to the flourishing rapper yet, both hold his ability to create proper ‘records’, rather than throw away tunes, at their core. Check him out online and get tuned in and turned to REPPY HUSTLE

New Music Video: Runaway Devil – House Above The Sun

Hailing from South London, HOUSE ABOVE THE SUN have released a rather interesting production for their brand new single, ‘Runaway Devil’, released on Friday.

‘Runaway Devil’ – taken from their forthcoming debut album, ‘Five Hours North’ – is a guitar-drenched offering which heavily draws influence from gritty roots/blues, folk and Americana.

This four piece have drawn comparisons with acts as diverse as First Aid Kit, White Stripes, Black Keys and Stone Roses, building on core influences from rock artists including Dylan, The Doors and Tom Petty and alt-country like Gram Parsons and Uncle Tupelo.

Currently they are building-up a burgeoning following around the capital’s folk and roots underground, including a triumphant appearance at the recent Merge festival on London’s South Bank. Their ever-growing following has earned these guys back-to-back live performances in London for the remainder of the year.

Have a listen to ‘Runaway Devil’… if you like sound of this band, go and show your support at one of their shows:

Saturday, Sept 9 – The Pack and Carriage, 162 Eversholt St, Kings Cross, London NW1 1BL
Thursday, Sept 14 – Biddle Bros, 88 Lower Clapton Rd, London E5 0QR
Saturday, Oct 7 – The Finborough arms, 118 Finborough Rd, Kensington, London SW10 9ED
Wednesday, Oct 11 – Fiddler’s Elbow, 1 Malden Rd, Camden, London NW5 3HS
Wednesday Oct 25 – Chalk Farm Folk, The Monarch, Camden
Wednesday Nov 8 – Mark Beaumont Presents, The Monarch, Camden
Wednesday Nov 22 – Chalk Farm Folk, The Monarch, Camden ‘The Last Waltz’ night