TrueMendous Drops Her Debut Album, ‘Misdiagnosis of Chyvonne Johnson’

A run of exceptional and critically acclaimed singles climaxes with the release of the debut album ‘Misdiagnosis of Chyvonne Johnson’ from TRUEMENDOUS. Marking the release with a fresh, new visual for one of the albums finest cuts, ‘Mood Ring’ is a skippy track that details unpredictability and emotional instability in a relationship. The track has been heavily supported by the likes of Shortee Blitz & MK, DJ Target and fellow Brum native Lady Leshurr, and it is the perfect dedication to mark the occasion.

As one of the UK’s most dynamic and exhilarating rappers, TrueMendous is incomparable. Her music is packed with statements, a point to prove and a refreshingly undiluted determination to deliver her music, her way. Executing a weighty 17 tracks in its entirety, the album is a complete representation of TrueMendous and without a doubt, her most accomplished body of work to date.

Releasing on the ground-breaking, Brighton based hip-hop label High Focus Records, the album features production from Dirty Dike, Illinformed, Chemo, Wundrop, Mark Fear and more as well as guest vocals from the legendary Masta Ace, Kofi Stone and Rozzz. A selection of tracks has floodlit the way to the album release, starting with the aptly named ‘Cause A Scene’ – a torrent of vigour, razor sharp flows and powerful lyricism that was received by thunderous applause. Sophomore release ‘Worst Child’, a conscious Hip-Hop number demonstrating an introspective side to the Birmingham rapper, followed soon after, premiering with Jack Saunders on BBC Radio 1. Produced by Illinformed, the record was teamed with a visual that captured the heart of London Town, from the iconic venue Chip Shop in Brixton, to outside shots filmed in Camden, TrueMendous showcased the spirit of the city through the transcending backdrops of her enthralling music video.

Continuing to set the standard at stellar levels TrueMendous reached new heights with the double hit of intricately lyrical ‘You Don’t Wanna’, which teased the sleek and soulful ‘Y’ that was released in its entirety a week later.

Marking a prodigious milestone in her accelerating career, TrueMendous displays a new depth to her artistry with the ‘Misdiagnosis of Chyvonne Johnson’. Leaning on the connotations of the title, that also acts as homage to Lauryn Hills’ ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, the musicality demonstrates the many dimensions to TrueMendous as an artist, which allows her significance as one of the modern-day hip-hop figures to be appreciated in all of its glory.

Preserving a strong presence within the world of Hip Hop over the last seven years and hailed as ‘one to watch out for’ by Akil The MC from the legendary Hip Hop crew Jurassic 5, making her TV debut in the 2020 Christmas Pepsi Max and McVities adverts and landing singles on the Adidas ‘COLD.RDY’ campaign, as well as the FIFA 21 Soundtrack, the career of TrueMendous had already been pinpointed for an exciting year. Shattering the confines of genres, incorporating Hip Hop with Neo-soul, Jazz and Pop, the new 17-track opus delivers on every expectation and more.

With the release adding to an expansive portfolio that spans six independent projects and an EP with High Focus Records, her work rate is equally impressive outside of the studio too. In 2019 she secured an impressive 11 festivals slots, including Glastonbury, Leeds and Reading where she opened up on the BBC 1Xtra stage. Through the course of her career, she has also performed at 10 venues across Atlanta and North Carolina, which includes opening up the UK stage at A3C Festival in Atlanta. She has also graced the Lovebox lineup and performed at the likes of Gloucester’s ‘King’s Jam’ festival, Chip Shop in Brixton and both Exit and Sea Dance Festival, which took place in Novi Sad, Serbia and Montenegro. She was also one of the leading artists on the ‘Queens of Art’ tour and it was the first ever UK all female hip hop tour, which was later covered by the BBC.

Presenting a truly unique body of work, TrueMendous lends her distinctive flow and a sound layered with precision, to an amalgamation of fiery, raw, soulful and weighted bars that are seasoned immaculately with powerful lyricism and unrelenting production. The result is a celebration of hip-hop culture with contemporary understanding applied and an album that will be filed alongside the greats for years to come.

Song of the Day: Child Of The Stars – Alba

After making waves around the world with her single ‘Sister’, supported by BBC Radio London, ALBA presents ‘Child of the Stars’, a hypnotically organic track that tips its hat to her Spanish roots.

Written and produced by ALBA and mastered by John Webber (Nina Simone, David Bowie) at AIR Studios, ‘Child of the Stars’ is about a little girl who is starting to lose her faith in the world after seeing all the damage and hatred that humanity is capable of. The lyrics touch on climate change, war, and self-destructive nature, but it also touches on the ability to love, feel empathy and be a driver of positive change in the world.

A passionate environmental campaigner who uses music to make a difference and speak up about social and climate issues, ALBA’s previous releases has been aired on radios around the globe, and has received coverage from well-known publications, blogs and tastemakers such as Guitar magazine, BBC Radio London and Amazing Radio.

Why not check out the accompanied video created by Italian visual artist Sara Soncini.

Song of the Day: Angel – Ashleigh Bankx

London-based artist ASHLEIGH BANKX is the latest singer to emerge from the UK’s resurgent soul/R&B scene, and she’s making a huge statement with debut single ‘Angel’, an impassioned love song that arrives with accompanying Lutch Media-directed visuals to set the mood.

Inspired by the likes of Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone and Rihanna, as well as music from her Zimbabwean roots, Ashleigh brings a much-revered throwback neo-soul sound of yesteryear, with a unique, modern twist. ‘Angel’ begins with an empowering voiceover sample from Nina Simone that leads perfectly into the rest of the song. Ashleigh says: “‘Angel’ is about self-liberation, understanding and valuing yourself through past experiences with relationships and society. The song is about black love and centres around the concept of self-love, self-confidence, self-pride and the unity of and journey between two lovers. I want the listener to determine what mood and emotion they feel when they listen to the song.”

‘Angel’ set the tone for her work-in-progress EP…be sure to look out for that…but for now check out the official music video for the single below…

Song of the Day: Close – Jasmine Khan

Hailing from Sydney, Australia JASMINE KHAN’s warm yet sultry second single, ‘Close’  integrates elements of trap production within an R&B focus, exploring the depths of heartbreak and love, whilst navigating life and the complications that can arise.

Signed by Venture Artists, the R&B artist is shaping up to become an Australian music icon. Jasmine Khan was a finalist on The Voice, and Winner of the Colours TV Singing Competition, where Khan represented Australia in Mumbai. Among many other achievements, Jasmine Khan is at her best when she can use her real-life experiences to create sonic masterpieces.

Why not check out the official music video for ‘Close’ below…

Song of the Day: How Did You Get In My Bed – Entity

Natalie Diaz, the brainchild behind ENTITY, has entered onto today’s hot spot with the soft and rather sensual single ‘How Did You Get In My Bed’.

An ode to the familiar feeling of waking up somewhere you wish you hadn’t, the New York native explores the fickle complexities of reuniting with an ex whose emotions are still prevalent. Using punchy synths and commanding percussion, the indie pop track emulates the confusion that she is feeling with ease, with the dreamy melody perfectly aligning with the heartfelt lyrics about her first love and how it was a moment of realisation for her personally. Knowing she has fallen for another woman, this was Natalie’s breakthrough, finding out about her sexual orientation and that she can love both men and women.

Check out the enchanting video for the single below…