Album Review: Primative Beats and Rhymes

Veteran producer REDDTUNE called upon a mammoth lineup, in a bid to keep golden hip-hop/boombap alive, through his latest album, ‘Primative Beats and Rhymes’.

The 11-track production kicks off on a smooth note, with elements of classical and rich sounds of retro soul met with feather-light boombap. Halfway through the album, the tempo does a full 180. Entering full on into the golden era of the eighties/nineties, the bassline becomes more prominently gusty in the latter tracks, giving them that added spice.

Have a listen to ‘Primative Beats and Rhymes’ at least a few times and you’ll discover some real gems shattered throughout the production…real hip-hop heads will get it straight off. Check it out here.

Must Listens: Last of the Classics, Act A Fool, My Waves, Hustler’s Theme, Primative Beats and Rhymes.

 

New Music Video: Dreams – Lánre

British Nigerian singer/songwriter LÁNRE is ready to start writing new music but before that, she has released an official music video for ‘Dreams’, taking from her ‘Human’ EP. The video directed by Alexandra MacEwan features contemporary artist Rebecca Sangster.

The visual centers around the constant push and pull, mostly internal that comes with living one’s dreams. LÁNRE hopes that this will encourage the dreamer in each and everyone to go for what’s theirs and to respond to the soul’s call to live one’s dreams.

In the last few months since the release of her ‘Human’ EP, this Yoruba songstress has been commissioned to write two songs for COAT, a sold out stage play at the Roundhouse by Yomi Sode and a song for the 80th Anniversary celebration of Cable Street. She was also one of the 14 artists selected by Brighter Sound for a 4-Day Residency Artist Director’s Series led by the Mercury Award Nominee Eska and Cardboard Citizens’ Artistic Director Adrian Jackson.

LÁNRE as well as touring Canada, France, NYC and Sweden, has taken her unique sound of Acoustic Soul, Folk and captivating storytelling influenced by her Yoruba heritage, to the Royal Albert Hall, Greenbelt Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, Bath Music Festival, Folkstock Festival, Musicport Festival and the Brighton Fringe among others.

She’s currently working on a new album that will be released in 2018. For now, what the video to latest single, ‘Dreams’.

 

New Track: Your Fool – Marlon Percy

In the run up to the release of his EP ‘ The Little Things, London-based singer/songwriter/producer, MARLON PERCY unveiled his latest single, ‘Your Fool’.

Boasting an eccentric and alluring mix of jazzy keys and soulful vocals, ‘Your Fool’ documents the power a woman has over a man, both sexually and psychologically, in today’s society.

Having gained support from BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Introducing, Marlon recently had one of his collaborative projects, ‘Leaving’, released and promoted by The Vibe Guide. He also features on the single ‘Pay Your Way’, by Fat Lion Hi-Fi, recorded at Red Bull Studios, which was supported by SBTV and DJ David Rodigan.

Marlon has played at venues across London, Brighton and Bristol, as well as at festivals including Boomtown and Farr Festival, showcasing his distinctive live set which blends keys and vocals with triggered beats and bass all going through his laptop for manipulation.

‘The Little Things EP’ explores human experience of love, loss, fear and purpose. Of the EP, Marlon says:”‘While all of the songs deal lyrically with potentially heavy issues, the melodies and the chilled electronic production style creates an uplifting atmosphere. To echo the fluctuating nature.”

So here’s your chance to check out the first installment of the EP…

 

Song of the Day: Call From U – Merged

Forward-thinking Welsh electronic artist MARGED cuts through the clamour with ‘Call From U’, her smooth return to the fold after adopting an updated moniker.

‘Call From U’ is a song exploring the very first sexual encounter with a new partner from a female gaze. Greeted by Rhodes- style chords, the track begins to carve out its sultry journey, offering an emotive layer of jazzy inflections to its already charming demeanour. The gently confident and rapturously seductive voice of MARGED then breaks through the dusty understated R&B atmosphere.

Having received praise from the likes of Idolator, Indie Shuffle and Clash with two previous singles as MRGD, the Cardiff born artist is re-emerging from her creative South London scene in 2017. Her new material takes influence from the honesty and emotional vulnerability present in the work of Sade and Princess Nokia, and as an active feminist, she uses her writing to challenge the notion of what it is to be a modern, empowered woman.

Here’s your chance to indulge into the world of MARGED.

New Music Video: Leave Me Be – Cherri V

Delivering an introspective insight into both her characteristics and personality, CHERRI V delves into a self-aware mindset in her new single ‘Leave Me Be’.

CHERRI V is at ease on the record as her voice explores her depth and soul as a songstress. Jazz elements fuse with psychedelic rifts giving the record a dreamlike warmth and enchantment. There is a rich tapestry of emotion and musical understanding that radiates from ‘Leave Me Be’, capturing frustration and the need to be free, an ongoing theme which is captured in both the music, and concept choices, behind her forthcoming album, ‘Brown Eyed Soul’.

Produced by Joey Stickz, CHERRI V has also enlisted the talents of Nolay for a spicy remix that is set to make its debut in the coming weeks.

The visuals for ‘Leave Me Be’ captures an intimate yet fierce side to CHERRI V as she sports an array of different looks within the video, ranging from the chic black and white opening to a more Afrocentric style, where she is draped in vibrant jewellery. Directed by Asylum 33, the video oozes a sense of liberation as Cherri is able to channel her creativity with an artistic direction to the video.