Canadian rapper and producer CLASSIFIED‘ single ‘Wonder,’ which features fellow Canadian native singer-songwriter Ian Janes, paints a picture of an individual grappling with personal loss, societal challenges, substance use, and questions about identity and existence. It’s a profound reflection on life, questioning the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of reality and trying to find meaning amidst struggles.
“I’ve had a lot of time to think over the years…really any time I’m not on the go my mind is usually racing. I think a lot of people are like that too…just wondering about things,” says Classified. “It’s like when you go to bed at night and all of your thoughts come at once, this is what that song reflects. Thinking about various personal what-ifs, questioning society, wondering why things are the way they are. The things we wonder can feel personal, but really, we aren’t that unique. This song connects my personal thoughts to what everyone else might wonder about too, giving a glimpse into both my life and our shared experiences.”
This track (penned, crafted, and captured by Classified) skillfully illustrates an individual wrestling with intimate sorrow and daily contemplations. It offers a deep introspection on life, inquisitive about the mysteries and mechanics of this world, while endeavoring to unearth significance amidst life’s trials.
‘Wonder’ is out now via HalfLife Records and Big Story Entertainment, why not check not the compelling video below…
Rising R&B superstar TAMERA follows her latest EP ‘L.I.T. (Lost In Translation)’ with an incredible acoustic version of the lead single ’40 Days’ featuring CKay. Recorded in Paris, this stripped back version lays it all on the line, with Tamera and CKay’s vulnerable vocals taking centre stage.
Laying her emotions bare across six tracks including recent singles ‘Poison’ and ‘Diversion’, L.I.T is a sonic trip into Tamera’s mind, heart, and soul as much as it is a testament to her powerful prowess as a lyricist. Diving deep into her own lived experiences and blending sounds including afro beats, r&b, and hip hop, she intimately traverses a range of topics from codependency, lack of self-worth, trauma, overcoming abusive relationships, spirituality and God. Sonically picking up where her 2021 debut EP ‘Afrodite’ left off, the six-track project is a shining example of UK R&B, taking sonic notes from her own heritage and musical upbringing.
2023 has been a pivotal year for Tamera. This EP comes hot off the back of her sensational COLORS Berlin debut, her All Points East performance for Stormzy’s “THIS IS WHAT I MEAN” day, and follows a slew of incredible collaborations cementing her as one one the most crucial and in demand names – from a feature on SPINALL’S ‘Honest’ feat. Tay Iwar, a collaboration on ‘I’m So High’ with P-rallel & Toddla and most recently ‘Options’ with Kamille and Bellah which saw her dip into her garage and pop sensibilities.
Born in Gravesend, a small town in Kent, Tamera was raised on a diet of James Brown, Whitney Houston, Mariah, Alicia Keys, and Missy Elliot whilst bred, supported and uplifted by powerful women – her mother and grandmother who she considers to be two of the most significant “anchors” in her life. She cut her vocal chops practising hymns at the piano Saturday night for Sunday service, alongside her grandmother who was a pastor. With grandparents each originating from different countries (St Lucia, Nigeria, England and Greece), Tamera’s touch points have always been a melting pot.
Following her smokey debut single ‘Romeo’ and her 2020 breakout breezy hit ‘Flipside’ (7.4M streams), in 2021 the sensational rising R&B star unveiled her highly anticipated debut EP ‘Afrodite’. An emotive exploration of love, life and her heritage, this powerful 5-track statement of her sonic self including the sultry West African influenced ‘Wickedest’ (12.5M streams) and ‘Good Love’ ft. Tay Iwar (8.6M streams) was produced entirely by cultural mainstay P2J (Wizkid, Beyonce, Snoh Aalegra). On Afrodite (the title nods to her Greek and African heritage), Tamera honed and expressed her boundless curiosity and empathy for stories of love and humanity.
One of the UK’s most exciting and breath-taking talents, Tamera has been tipped by Amazon Music UK as a ‘Ones To Watch’, recognized by YouTube in their #YouTubeBlack Voices Artist Class of 2022 alongside the likes of Bree Runway, Kamille, Midwxst, NSG, Omah Lay and more. No stranger to the limelight her effortless ability to transcend genres from Afroswing, reggaeton and Hip Hop whilst feeling authentically R&B has swept up support from DJ Target, Giles Peterson, Annie Mac (New Name), Complex, Nylon, Highsnobiety, i-D, Billboard, Loud and Quiet, The Line of Best Fit and Pop Justice to name a few. In Summer 2022, fans have seen Tamera’s killer vocals everywhere from BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, The Great Escape and Strawberries and Creem on the mainstage and her own sold out headline show at COLORS. Most recently, she caught the attention of seminal hip hop producer Timbaland who reached out to work with Tamera after being blown away by her singing via TikTok on his infamous Timbo Idol.
Check out the acoustic version to ’40 Days’ below…
A fresh mix of electronic rock with a few drops of synth pop are the secret ingredients of the Vancouver-based band, OURGLASSZOO. In 2022, they released their album, ‘Aftermath’, which included the single ‘Free’ in collaboration with JUNO-award winning hip-hop artist Prevail (Swollen Members). The track was remixed by producer KutMasta Kurt (Linkin Park, Beastie Boys) and features hip-hop legend Moka Only.
This all-star team has come together again for ‘Free Remix’ with a catchy hook, a retro vibe and a powerful message about equality that encourages freeing yourself from stereotypes and moving forward as one.
Sing and dance along to “Free Remix” feat. (KutMasta Kurt, Moka Only & Prevail) below:
Wallace Rice originally from Essex is an alternative hip hop artist who has quickly become a compelling voice in the music scene. With a focus on witty and introspective lyricism, Wallace’s work seeks to capture the essence of our complex world. As a member of Monster Florence, he has experienced notable success in the industry and is now embarking on an exciting solo career.
His debut single ‘Wipe Your Feet’ offers a taste of the innovative storytelling and soulful beats that define his music. ‘Wipe Your Feet’ has received support from BBC 1Xtra radio DJ Casskidd and has been playlisted by Spotify, making a significant impact on the music scene.
Wallace Rice’s musical journey continues with a series of singles leading to the release of his debut solo project early next year. Check out the video for ‘Wipe Your Feet’ below…
Iaraeli-American rapper KOSHA DILLZ has penned a hard-hitting joint following the news of Hamas’ most recent attack on Israel. Within just a few days Kosha Dillz (aka Rami Even-Esh), had written ‘Bring the Family Home’ and recorded and a stunning video shot in old Jewish New York on the Lower East Side that includes shots of the famous Yonah Schimmel’s Knishery and the new Beastie Boys Square.
“(Saturday’s) attack will go down as one of the most horrible days in Jewish history in our lifetime,” Kosha Dillz told AllHipHop in a recent interview. “It’s a day when children and grandmothers were slaughtered, ripped from their homes and documented on social media for the world to see.”
Many of Dillz’ relatives and friends have died and/or been kidnapped, including those at the infamous Supernova festival where over 260 people perished. With over 150 people kidnapped, how can one artist think about releasing a song at a time like this? Kosha rhymes, “Bring the family home that’s what the world saying, cry to death or can’t sleep that’s the worst pain”When there is no point of return, the only option is to create any form of communication on our platform as an opportunity for education. When you hear Kosha Dillz on a Griselda-type beat, he does just that.
An advocate of peace, Kosha has been elevating the stories of survivors from October 7 via social media. “I already know that there are people with historical fact sheets, but even with footage of the horror, our current world doesn’t accept it as truth. My only option of not seeing it within my own eyes is getting videos from all my followers.” By sharing real messages from his fans followers and friends, it resonates more with how society wishes to feel the urge to chime in with proximity. “The world seems to want to feel close to a cause, so the only way to do that is to give a platform to survivors, just like the Holocaust Museums did. This one is ours. Never again is now.”
Speaking out for causes he believes in is not new to Kosha. Last year he dissed Kanye West on Death Con 3 when he made Nazi sympathizer statements that canceled him. The world was against anti-semitism for a moment but then came back to its normal acceptance. Not even one year later, Jewish life and the world as we know it as a whole have been changed for eternity with over 1200+ Israelis being killed; the equivalent of 33,000+ Americans in population.
Kosha is a New Jersey native who was born to Israeli parents. He is a successful independent artist who has toured the globe with everyone from SZA to Matisyahu and is known widely from his recent appearance on VH1’s Wild ‘N Out.
Check out the video for ‘Bring The Family Home’ below…
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