New Music Video: Fuego – Manu Crook$ (ft. Anfa Rose)

Polishing off a world tour, African-Australian artist MANU CROOK$ has blessed us with the visuals to match his sultry single ‘Fuego’ (produced by DOPAMINE),

Filmed through cognac-tinted lenses and dripping in Parisian luxury, CROOK$, alongside model Jelena Markovic, is as enviously smooth in his presence as he is in his melodies in this Jaen Collective directed masterpiece.

Frequent collaborator Anfa Rose, whose vocals are responsible for the crescendoing hook, also finds his renaissance in the clip. This release is an easy reminder that CROOK$ makes no waste of his ability to make fire from left field, teasing a possible successor to the ‘Mood Forever’ EP.

Continuing his elevation to new heights, ‘Fuego’ made its UK radio premiere via DJ Target on BBC Radio 1Xtra and has since received over 1 million streams on Spotify alone. He has received an accolade of praise from tastemaker sites such as i-D, The Fader and Pigeons & Planes, as well as his contemporaries including Big Boi and ASAP Ferg who brought him on stage during a recent Sydney performance.This momentum has MANU CROOK$ touted as one of the most exciting emerging artists of 2018.

He released his debut EP last year and consequently toured his home country with both Stormzy and Tory Lanez before headlining his own Australian tour sponsored by Noisey. His global reach was extended upon the release of breakthrough single ‘Everyday’ which is closing in on 2 million views on YouTube and the video for ‘Day Ones’ also passing the 1.5 million mark, whilst Spotify streams for both records soar beyond 1.5 million each. Manu Crooks then closed out 2017 by teaming up with close friend and collaborator Anfa Rose for the double drop of ‘Presence’ and ‘All I Need’, which have since amassed 2 million streams respectively.

Hit the play button to the visuals for ‘Fuego’ below and follow CROOK$’ epic journey here.

Song of the Day: Medicine – Ragers (ft. Lou Phelps)

Canadian alt hip-hop collective RAGERS enlisted fellow native rapper/songwriter Lou Phelps for their latest track ‘Medicine. The 80-inspired -ish soulful funk number is taking from their brand new LP ‘Raw Footage’, which embodies modern pop and hip hop, musical proficiency, on point flow – and the guys’ knack in creating catchy hooks and melodies.

Get the first taste of their LP and check out ‘Medicine’ below:

Song of the Day: My Soulful Baby – Rachel Marie

‘My Soulful Baby’ is the latest in a series of R&B song releases produced, written and performed by DC singer Yona Marie AKA RACHEL MARIE.

The 27-year-old smooth songbird was previously featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC with tracks, ‘New Habit’, ‘King Status’ and ‘High’, which garnered over 100,000 listeners and 20,000 downloads.

This latest release is a real sultry affair; check it out below and get your copy for FREE via SoundCloud.

New Track: Gurl – 2U4U

Multi-instrumentalist hip-hop collective 2U4U release their second track ‘GURL’, mixed by acclaimed studio engineer Aaron Ahmad (Adele, Mark Ronson), ahead of their ‘Butter’ EP release on 6th July.

Upholding their distinctive sound by blending rap, jazz and RnB, 2U4U have created a relaxed texture-rich track with hints of old-school hip-hop. Reminiscing about respective love stories in the hazy summer months, ‘GURL’ sees rappers cal and My Rugema combining lyrical ambiguity with aspects of neo-soul to detail their previous love affairs. Newcomer Majella also contributes to the track, lending his mellifluous vocals to a hook peppered with astrological symbolism. Whilst fusing a Wurlitzer and an electric piano, the group’s producer Ranbir unifies pacifying bass riffs with crisp, evocative drum beats, enabling the mellow tune to create a warm, summery vibe.

2U4U

The three founding members, all hailing from Rugby and South London, met during their school years having bonded over a joint love of music. Citing various influences including Erykah Badu, Ty and Madlib, the group spent the summer of 2016 honing their craft of thematically-driven rap; it’s this dedicated nature that has gained them support by the likes of Dummy, The 405, Dazed as well as Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

Since releasing singles ‘Home’ and ‘Fall’, the group have found themselves on Spotify’s ‘Alternative Hip Hop’ and XL Recording’s ‘XL Play’ playlists, proving that 2U4U are transforming fame with their unflawed, soulful sounds.

Song of the Day: You’re Crazy I’m Fine – Quincy

As promised, here’s QUINCY‘s second drop of the month, ‘You’re Crazy I’m Fine’.

A slightly slower affair to track ‘Snuggle Up’ – featured yesterday on NEW LEASE MUSIC – QUINCY switches it up and delivers a seamless flow which cruises over an atmospheric and an almost afterhours effort.

‘You’re Crazy I’m Fine’ is now available on all major download/streaming sites. Check out the single below: