Songs of the Day: Level Up – Dualeh Oke

DUALEH OKE‘s first release of 2020,‘Level Up’, extracts inspiration from hip-hop’s most dynamic and creative artists such as Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West to Kid Cudi and Chance the Rapper, where the East London lyricist pays homage to his idols

The track stamps down Dualeh’s message and energy going into 2020. Rapping with his heart on his sleeve, he speaks from a place of empowerment and optimism. Dualeh’s verses switch from describing the experiences of his past and how they have helped define the person he is today, such as growing up in Newham and his childhood obsessions, namely Final Fantasy and Naruto. He effortlessly returns to a catchy chorus, befitting of a track that actively inspires his listeners to take pride in their own journeys.

Having closed 2019 with a sold-out headline show at The Glove That Fits, Somali rapper Dualeh Oke continues to ride the highs. Grabbing the attention of publications such as Clash Magazine, Complex, and GUAP Mag, then later featuring on The Pit LDN’s ‘Ones To Watch 2020’ cypher on Reprezent Radio, 2020 promises to be a fruitful year for the young lyricist.

‘Level Up’ is the lead single from Dualeh’s  EP ‘Breath, It’s Oke.’ Check him out below…

EP Review: Igbotic – Ike Chuks

One of UK’s hottest talents, IKE CHUKS‘ new EP, ‘Igbotic’ sees him slamming down a laid-back smooth flow delivered in English as well as Pidgin and Igbo.

The first half the collection delivers a gutsy warmth of Afro-Swing tribal-esque bass, featured in ‘What Happened To Kate’ and ‘Ego’. Influences of UK urban/hip-hop creeps in, creating a seamless fusion with the beats originated from the Motherland, as featured in the wavy joint, ‘Money’ and ‘Fire’

In this mini five-piece set, Ike has created really special here, that can be easily appeasing to the audiences beyond the UK urban circuit. Check out Ike’s EP below…

Must Listens: What Happened To Kate, Never Been 

Song of the Day: Don’t Know Why – Josh Kumra

Co-written with songwriter Raevennan Husbandes, who is known for her collaborations with artists including Kathryn Williams, Lisa Hannigan and Michele Stodard, JOSH KUMRA’s single, ‘Don’t Know Why’, showcases the melancholic piano contrasted by Raevennan’s fluid  guitar plucks. Josh’s thoughtful lyrics and intimate soulful vocals create another soaring cut to add to his collection of heart-wrench songs featured in new EP ‘Pull Me Back In’.

Talking about the songwriting process behind the song, Josh says: “I’ve always had a need to understand why things turn out the way they do. Always trying to figure out what went right, what went wrong, could I have done something different etc. I wrote ‘Don’t Know Why’ as a reminder that it’s ok not to have an explanation for everything”.

Have a listen to Josh’s stunning track below…

Song of the Day: Kill – Henny Knightz

HENNY KNIGHTZ makes his entry on the blog a blazing concept single, titled ‘Kill’.

The accompanied video features the Hackney Avant Garde Rapper and producer forcibly ridding himself of habitual destructive behaviours. The video portrays a more likeable, attractive Henny Knightz, cleansed of his superficial imperfections but thwarted by the anarchic ticks of a frustrated emotional hooligan.

Henny Knightz is one half of the seminal duo The Knighthood Society alongside rapper Nicki Knightz. This is his first solo release since ‘Track Red’ back in 2019.

Check him out below…

Toms One Drops Summer-Ready Track, ‘All I Need Is You’

Following his entry on NEW LEASE MUSIC with single, ‘Hey’ (Ft. Lauren May), which is currently the blog’s Song of the Month, DJ TOM ONE is back with his latest single, ‘All I Need Is You’, featuring Georgie Wells.

Boasting perky electro dance synths, perfect for the upcoming summer months, ‘All Need Is You’ is a song about appreciating the one you love – not necessarily a significant other – but close friends and/or family who were there through the toughest times. The three-and-a-half minute piece is further uplifted by Birmingham singer Georgie Wells’ perkily soul/pop vocals.

Inspired by artists such as Calvin Harris, Jess Glyne, Clean Bandit and Klingande, ‘All I Need Is You’ was originally conceived in 2014 whilst Tom was studying music at the University of Manchester. After the song went through many transformations, in summer 2018, Georgie Wells was enlisted to provide the vocals and the track was finally completed in late last year.

So here’s your chance to check out Tom One’s single, ‘All I Need Is You’, now available on your favourite download/streaming sites.