Song of the Day: Control – Davido x Django23 x Big Narstie

Following on from becoming the first Nigerian Act to reach 100 Million views on Youtube for ‘Fall’, which is also the longest charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history, DAVIDO teams up with rap sensation DJANGO23 and the biggest Rap personality in the UK, BIG NARSTIE for the bouncing summer slam ‘Control’.

Snappy clicks, punching bass and percussive shakes are layered with sirens and ad-libs as producer mastermind Rymez, responsible for chart hits including Wiley ‘Heatwave’ and a string of Stefflon Don smashes including – Hurtin’ Me, Senseless and Don Walk, delivers a masterful creation that lives for this three-strike rapper combo.

As the sounds and worlds of global rap, entertainment and genre gaps rise and merge, ‘Control’ is the perfect example of how music is crossing more boundaries than ever before. Having become Nigeria’s biggest rapper to gain success in the United States and subsequently be the leader of Afrobeats in the Billboard charts, DAVIDO has been key in spreading Afrobeats globally. Meanwhile former UK promoter and Rap star DJANGO23 has blown up to become one of the most hotly tipped entertainment acts in recent months following releases ‘Suggardaddie’ featuring Tekno and ‘Give them Django’. His experience in delivering sell-out concerts and parties with A-Listers including Kanye West, Nas, The Game, Madonna, Damian Marley and more has made his transition between the worlds of entertainment business and music a seemless one. Finally, needing no introduction, Entertainer, Bafta nominated TV presenter and rap star BIG NARSTIE seals together what the all-star cast for this certified smash.

Check out the summer banger ‘Control’ below:

New Track: Broken Heart – Billions

BILLIONS comes with a Broken Heart through his fourth single off his critically acclaimed debut mixtape ‘Thirteen13’ which  reached #1 in the UK Rap charts.

‘Broken Heart’ is a smooth, saxophone-heavy banger, something very different to his previous singles on the tape, including the club track ‘Motive’ and the street classics ‘Make It Home’ and ’10 Toes’ – proving BILLIONS is one of the most versatile artists in the game right now.

The video, shot by London videography giant Suave, continues the Hackney spitter’s luxury rap narrative, with him dressed in the finest Gucci drip, rolling in a Range with a Rollie on his wrist; while candidly talking us through his struggles with heartbreak.

So help him mend his Broken Heart by checking out the video for the single below…

Song of the Day: Dawn – Mackenta

MACKENTA‘s latest single, ‘Dawn’ chronicles when you fall head over heels for someone HARD, knowing that the person isn’t in it for the long haul. Despite seeing the warning signs, you let the relationship go on. Come on, hands up, we’ve all been in that messy situation!

Speaking of the R&B/pop number, the Toronto singer/songwriter said: “I felt a lot of mixed emotions while writing “Dawn.” Nostalgia over the good memories and potential, resentment about not being something more, shame over allowing the situation to escalate so far. I’m telling it from my point of view, so there’s a sense of blame towards this person who is not mature enough to take things seriously; but also realizing that I’m equally to blame for not drawing the line or understanding my own intentions. Ultimately, it’s about two people who both need to heal before they could ever be together.”

Look out for MACKENTA‘s EP dropping later this year. For now, check out the video for the melodic ‘Dawn’ below:

Song of the Day: How I Stay – SS

One of the most ambitious and active music makers of the UK scene, SwanSounds aka SS is the next star you need to know about and the release of his single ‘How I Stay’ indicates why he is set for very big things.

Perhaps most widely known for working with artists such as Burna Boy, Samini and producing and co writing Dappy’s hit ‘All We Know’, as well as starring in the video too, it’s clear to recognize that SS is not only brimming with talent but sauce too. The young music boss captures everything about what it is right now to stand out and does it with defined clarity and confidence.

With an impressive slew of his own music discoverable online, including ‘03.07.17’, ‘Gasolina’ and ‘Yeah Yeah’ he has been championed by platforms such as HotNewHipHop for his international appeal, while he’s filtered his music through more American sounds, his UK roots are clear from the second he steps on the track, making for an interesting but very fluid fusion of sounds, indicating a cross-Atlantic appeal.

A master of the studio and song writing, ‘How I Stay’ defines Swan’s sound as classy simplistic piano based beats are cut and twisted around a melodic vocal delivery. Intimate moments and feelings occupy the melodic and lilting drum patterns of the record as emotion and truth are audible in the delivery.

‘How I Stay’ is the first record from collaborative mixtape set for release alongside Honey6. The music is deeply rooted in artistry and musicality from the past whilst his music covers the emotions of a young man finding his place in this ever-changing world.

Check out the video for ‘How I Stay’ below:

Song of the Day: Silence – Little Grace

Northern contemporary R&B three-piece, LITTLE GRACE,  has linked up with producers and songwriters  XamVolo, Tee Soulful and Danny Casio for their latest single, ‘Silence’, a delicate yet impactful track, that appreciates moments of silence in a society full of deafening distractions.

Based in North West England, LITTLE GRACE sits in a landscape where the R&B scene is growing slightly behind the South of the country. However, although still in their infancy, the trio have worked with some notable names, including Bristol-based drum & bass producer TC, German producer and DJ Robin Schulz and Liverpool based XamVolo, who is also currently making waves in the Northern R&B scene.

In each of their previous singles, LITTLE GRACE has presented an original nostalgic sound that takes elements from their influences in Motown, 80’s synth pop and post 2000’s electronic and R&B. Building a catalogue of music that captures everyday life, their lyrics are honest and unfiltered, storytelling through smooth vocals.

I’m telling you RIGHT NOW, you guys are in for a treat! So before you head out, have a listen to the stunning ‘Silence’ below: