Song of the Day: P.L.L – Karen Nyame KG

One year on from her acclaimed 2022 heater ‘Taboo’ and 2021’s sun-soaked Sensei II EP, ‘Goddess of Rhythm’ KAREN NYAME KG shares single, ‘P.L.L’ (Pretty Little Liar) with the announcement of her new imprint, Rhythm In The City.

A lush and luxurious slice of deep Afro-house, drawing on her experiences with the darker side of romance, KG describes the track as, “a diary entry in music format”. Unafraid to dive deep with soul-baring productions, in her own words, ‘P.L.L’ is darker in mood, an electronic, low-end, Afro Percussive bounce. It is a tale of heartbreak, jealousy and unrequited love.”

Self-described as “a party for the grown and sexy”, Rhythm in the City began life as an event, carefully curated by Karen herself. Developing into a sell-out event series, the strong community around RITC is a testament to Karen’s bold creative vision and her much sought-after sonics. The evolution of the platform into a label, (Rhythm in the City / RITC Records), was a no-brainer – the label sonically is a reflection of Karen Nyame KG and the parties – it’s all about soul, percussive bounce, mood and melody. In her own words,”it will make you dance, seduce, but better yet, feel.”

Karen adds, “RITC is an extension of my own production signature that embodies a multitude of styles, UK Funky, Altè r&b, Afro Altè, Gqom, Amapiano, Highlife, Afro House. The RITC sound is unconventionally rhythmic, a hub for genre-bending, Afro-Electronic music. The label is all about breaking conventions and formulas in electronic dance music.” Due for release on her own imprint, the anticipated Red EP is a sentimental, candid insight to KG’s deepest musings on romance, passion and lust.

Returning in 2018 after a break from the music industry, KG has been in the scene for over a decade and has become an iconic name. Adored globally across diasporic and electronic spheres she stands out from the crowd with her sensual, melodic sonics, and penchant for groove-laden sounds that sit at the intersection of UK club music and the sounds of African diaspora.

2022 saw Karen mark the end of summer with her sizzling single ‘Taboo’, tipped by COMPLEX, DJ Mag and The Wire in their best tracks for 2022. This year, she flexed her A&R hands, enlisting the mighty Afrotech pioneer DJ IC, and Batido maestro, Vanyfox to create two huge remixes for ‘Taboo’.

In 2021, Karen stunned faithful followers and new fans alike with the glorious EP Sensei II (Black Acre Records), featuring the widely-celebrated sound of the summer, ‘Koko’ (reaching over 2 million streams) and with support from Resident Advisor, Mixmag, DJ Mag, Pan African Music and more, Sensei II truly reignited the flame for her. Truly dedicated to her craft, Karen Nyame KG continues to reach new heights as her creative and personal evolution continues.

‘P.L.L’ is the first offering from her forthcoming EP, Red, and marks another step in the British-Ghanaian polymath’s journey. Have a listen below…

Tilly Valentine releases witty breakup anthem ‘Yours Is Mine’.

Reminiscing on the promise of “what’s yours is mine”while discovering an ex’s forgotten belongings, TILLY VALENTINE takes the promise quite literally with her ode to post-relationship liberation.

‘Yours Is Mine’ is an audacious R&B anthem which effortlessly blends pop sensibilities with Valentine’s signature soulful vocals. She shares, “It’s a strange moment when you find traces of your ex’s life still lingering around. Finding their forgotten belongings and turning them into a silver lining is a light hearted way of taking back control.”

With BBC Radio 6 Music championing her “beautiful pop music”, rising independent artist Tilly
Valentine has already garnered multi million streams and broadcasts across BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra,
BBC 6 Music, The Hot List, Jazz FM and more. The BRIT School Alumna was born and raised in a small
Oxfordshire town and moved to London aged 16 where she has continued to soothe the ears of tastemakers ever since. The brand new single can be found on Spotify’s New Music Friday, as well as on BBC Introducing for its premiere.

The accompanying music video promises to be as petty and charming as the song itself. Having earned
BBC Radio 1’s “Tip of the Week” earlier this year, Valentine prepares for her highly anticipated headline
show at PizzaExpress Jazz Club this November.

Have a listen to ‘Yours Is Mine’ below…

Rée Celine is back with another R&B slow jam, ‘Einstein’

After the success of her previous singles, ‘Dopamine’ and ‘Close and Personal,’ R&B sensation REÉ CELINE is back with a classic feel-good R&B hit, ‘Einstein.’ Building upon the tremendous support she received on major Spotify playlists such as ‘Fresh Finds,’ ‘Just Dropped,’ ‘R&B UK,’ and ‘We Move,’ Rée Celine continues to captivate audiences with her soulful and dynamic sound.

‘Einstein’ is the newest addition to Rée’s impressive repertoire, delivering a classic R&B vibe that’s
reminiscent of timeless hits. Filled with amazing vocal moments, the track is a testament to Rée Celine’s remarkable artistry and her ability to evoke emotion through her music.

In ‘Einstein,’ Rée Celine once again showcases her unique mix of R&B bangers and heartfelt vocals. The song offers a captivating journey through the essence of her sound, appealing to both new and existing fans. Just as ‘Dopamine’ and ‘Close and Personal’ set a high bar, ‘Einstein’ maintains the same energy, originality, and undeniable talent that has quickly made Rée Celine a standout in the R&B scene.

When asked about her latest creation, Rée shared, “I wanted to create a classic R&B track that would make people feel good and connect with the music. ‘Einstein’ is all about those memorable moments that make us appreciate the magic of love.”

With ‘Einstein,’ Rée Celine continues to solidify her position as a groundbreaking artist in the R&B world. Each release adds to her growing reputation as a versatile talent who consistently pushes boundaries and inspires audiences. Check out the video for her latest after hours joint below…

Song of the Day: True (Live) – Ryan Hylton

As part of Platoon’s new EP, ‘A UK Gospel Celebration,’ rising star RYAN HYLTON exclusively shares his single ‘True,’ a musical creation that delves deep into the human experience. The song’s powerful message resonates with the challenges individuals face when chasing success, compelling listeners to question their relationship with fame and materialistic desires.

Hailing from London, UK, Ryan Hylton made a dynamic entrance onto the music scene with the release of his EP, ‘Journey, in May 2020.’ These heartfelt songs deeply resonated with audiences, showcasing Ryan’s exceptional talent and conveying profound messages.

Later in 2020, Ryan Hylton unveiled his highly anticipated debut studio album, ‘Legacy.’ This remarkable album achieved notable success, reaching the 13th position on the UK Apple Charts for Gospel music. It was a testament to Ryan’s ability to connect with his listeners and deliver music that strikes a chord.
Influenced by renowned artists like Jonathan McReynolds, Justin Bieber, Tauren Wells, H.E.R., and homegrown talents Ernie Toppin and Nathan Palmer, Ryan has crafted his own unique musical style. He draws inspiration from their exceptional talent, infusing his songs with powerful messages of faith and hope.

‘True’ serves as a compelling invitation to navigate life’s journey and discover what genuinely matters. Drawing inspiration from the evolving sounds of Justin Bieber, Ryan infuses his music with a refreshing summer vibe, expertly blending funky grooves and infectious choruses. Through his captivating melodies, Ryan instils a sense of hope and embarks on a quest for personal truth and authenticity.
In the words of Ryan himself, “You’re my strength when life’s tough, my identity in you is worth more than fame.”

‘True’ weaves a fresh and crisp pop-woven vibe throughout, with Ryan’s melodies and lyricism providing a harmonious and relatable cause for his audience and beyond. His soft and luscious vocals provide the perfect platform for Ryan to shine, and he does so in spades in ‘True,’ further showcasing his talent and affirming his potential as one of the most influential Christian artists of our time.

Have a listen to Ryan’s stunning single below…

Song of the Day: Ghetto Love Story – D Double E

The trailblazing 2022 MOBO Award winner D DOUBLE E returns to the mic with his new solo single ‘Ghetto Love Story’. Produced by the phenomenal TenBillion Dreams, the track marks the start of a new sonic journey Double is set to take his fans on over the coming months. Leaning into his downtempo sensibilities, his clever and cheeky lyrics take us on a journey of love and lust over a dark, atmospheric instrumental lush with strings and thudding basslines.

Alongside release of the single, D Double E announces his biggest London headline show to date at KOKO on the 24th November. An incredibly special performance at one of the city’s most iconic venues, Double’s incomparable stage presence and crowd melting adlibs will be backed by the Steam Down.

As visually enticing as he is sonically, the video directed by Femi Oyeniran & Nicky Slim Ting Walker is set at a grand country home where the ghetto love story unfolds. A dapper Double and the main female character are seen in exquisite surroundings as Double unfolds his tale of the ups and downs of love. Check out the video below…