Song of the Day: Essence – Coops

Produced by Greatness Jones, ‘Essence’ is an inspiring cut of positivity from the talented North London rapper, COOPS, ruminating about life across trademark boom-bap drums and a rolling bass line. Essence is taken from Coops’ new album, ‘Lost Soul 2’ – released last Friday (23rd September) via Lost Soul Records.

‘Lost Soul 2’, the seventh full length release from the prodigious talent, was recorded at Coops’ studio in Hackney and serves as the sequel to his seminal Lost Soul mixtape, which still commands huge admiration nearly a decade since its release and is widely seen as a cult UK hip-hip classic. The new album sees a welcome return to the creative partnership with producer Talos that flourished on ‘Lost Soul’.

In support of the new album, Coops has announced details of his debut UK headline tour. The ‘Lost Soul’ tour will see Coops on the road in October and November with a special hometown show at London’s XOYO on Friday 4th November. Full dates can be found below while tickets are on sale now here: https://diplomatsofsound.org/coops-lost-soul-tour-2022/.

While the original reflected the uncertainty in his teenage years, ‘Lost Soul 2’ explores the navigation of adult life against the backdrop of the precariousness of the world in 2022. It’s a tale of progression and growth: Coops’ emotional capacity has matured, as has the soulful melodies he is crafting. It demonstrates evolution without compromising the important message in his music. 

‘Lost Soul 2’ is Coops at his truest, purest, and most effortless and, having flown under the radar for far too long, is set to cement his status as one of the UK’s foremost lyricists. Check out the video for ‘Essence’ below…

Song of the Day: Hero – Klaudia Keziah

Upcoming songstress KLAUDIA KEZIAH confronts the difficulties of modern-day dating, in her latest unapologetic-yet-sultry single named, ‘Hero’.

With the aim to inspire and empower many women around the world, Klaudia Keziah has delivered a slice of sensual heaven that enables women to feel confident in themselves. Underpinned with a pop and R&B infused production courtesy of Jojo F (ArrDee, Deno, Tion Wayne, Sarkodie, Unknown T), the single is paired with a set of old-school visuals that contrast against the displeasures of modern-day dating; the black-and-white-washed shots don’t distract from the message laying beneath the upbeat production.

Speaking on the meaning behind the track Klaudia commented, “For me, ‘Hero’ was inspired by a conversation I had with my girlfriends about how some guys slide into the DM’s or even cat call us women in the street. They’re “flexy” approach from the jump about how much money they have or what car they drive is not impressive because I can get those things for myself. A lot of the lyrics are things men have said to me or my friends from experience and through the song I almost get to answer these situations from my point of view.”

Gaining previous support from Wonderland, Raydar Magazine, Industry Me, DJ Ace at BBC Radio 1Xtra, Radio 2’s ‘Funky Playlist’, Voice FM, Wordplay Magazine, We Are Beyond Noise, BBC Introducing, The Hype Magazine and more, ‘Hero’ follows up from the 2021 release ‘Dedicated’ that swiftly caught the attention of various tastemakers and publications. Growing up between England and Lithuania, Klaudia from a young age sprouted a love for music when picking up both the cello and piano. Now a self-taught producer, songwriter and singer, the budding talent has built a growing fan base that are eager for her next move. With more music on the way, Klaudia Keziah is ready to showcase the world her music!

Check her out below….

Song of the Day: Super Soldier – State Of Nation (ft. Ghost Killah & Killah Priest)

London based artist and producer STATE OF NATION has teamed up with the Legendary Wu-Tang Clan for the rambunctious track, ‘Super Soldier’ taken from State of Nation’s debut album ‘Dark to Light’, to be released at the end of 2022.

​​Ghostface Killah comes through and rocks a super cosmic opening with galactic level articulation and hype delivery to kick off the journey into the Super Soldier story! In true, unique, Ironman style, Ghost takes us interstellar before the breathtaking chorus locks in the catchy and emotional hook. The depth of the second verse dropped by the ever philosophical Killah Priest is a testament to his expansive knowledge of the universe. The storytelling of Priest captures your imagination in ways that no other rapper can come even close to on this rollercoaster rhyme.

​Check out the bad boy production below…

Song of the Day: Acapulco – The Sometimes Island

THE SOMETIMES ISLAND are a synth-forward pop band based in Los Angeles and Albuquerque. The exciting and highly visual live band is comprised of charismatic frontman Matt Blankenship Jr and anchored by drummer Nick Lopiano.

Their single, ‘Acapulco’ explores the excitement of beginning a new chapter of life, yet the contrasting sentiment that comes with it. Blankenship Jr states, “I wrote the song Acapulco to capture that listless ennui I was trapped under in Los Angeles, framing it with a fantasy of an ignored lover reaching their breaking point, leaving and abruptly buying a plane ticket.” The narrative almost ironically pairs with a dream-pop backing, harmonic rhythms, John Mayer inspired guitar riff and a truly contagious chemistry.

The accompanying cinematic music video for ‘Acapulco’ mirrors the song’s story, as we witness the demise of a relationship, where one party decides to flee and head for a better, more wholesome life.

Their forms of expression and musical ingenuity make The Sometimes Island ones to watch this year. With their previous EP Beverly & Barbara peaking at #2 internationally on Apple’s Alternative chart, rocketing past even the likes of Billie Eilish, the duo have also amounted over 800,000 monthly listeners, with streaming numbers in the millions. The Sometimes Island are becoming true pioneers of pop as we know it.

Have a peep at the official video below…

Song of the Day: Queen St – Jayd Ink

Toronto based, accomplished R&B songstress JAYD INK makes a welcome return with her smooth, meditative and self-reflective new single ‘Queen St’. Marking her first release since 2021’s ‘Way to Long’ with Snowk and following on from the huge success of ‘LowKey’ with fellow artist Full Crate, Jayd links up now with none other than SZA’s ‘Good Days’ producer Los Hendrix, to deliver a sentimental track enveloped in class, oozing with flair and dripping in complete and utter finesse.

Demonstrating yet again that she is an exciting contender in the realms of R&B royalty, ‘Queen St’ is quietly confident, intuitive and gorgeously understated. Reminiscent of the unmistakable sounds from the classic 90’s R&B era, Jayd manages to capture the essence of the greats all whilst weaving her own unique threads into the rich, vibrant tapestry of her music.

With more to it than initially meets the eye ‘Queen St’ was penned during the pandemic and became an outlet for Jayd to contemplate her internal, introspective narrative. The single found its name later on in the writing process and if you’re familiar with Toronto you may be well attuned to the place in which it pertains to, as Jayd explains:

“To clear my head, I like to go for a ride, play some music or just drive in silence. This record is about sitting with yourself and going for that late drive to unwind from the day. Queen Street is a popular street in Toronto, it’s where the majority of people do most of their shopping and hang out. During lockdown, it was deserted, so it was a perfect drive and I’d never seen it so empty. Whilst I was going for these rides I found myself exploring my city with fresh eyes, connecting with it in new ways and just learning to appreciate the memories that I’d had here and this particular street struck a chord and really stood out to me, like never before.”

With this newest offering it’s crystal clear that Jayd Ink has nothing to prove, carrying herself with the well earned knowledge that she has carved out her own exclusive path in the industry, in which she continues to bloom, flourish and grow at a pace defined by her. Prepare for a Summer of splendour as Jayd gets set to reveal her upcoming EP ‘Catching Red Lights’.

Check out the official video for Jayd Ink’s video below…