Song of the Day: Hurdy Gurdy – Eazyman

EAZYMAN teleports us back to the 90s with the nostalgic 8bit ringtone inspired, trapped out, 808 skanker ‘Hurdy Gurdy’.

To those who grew up on the classic Nokia mobiles of the 90ʼs, you may find this ‘tongue in cheekʼ hood anthem familiar to the ear. The sound of those 8bit ringtones bleeping away in your pockets were unforgettable and now EAZYMAN has reinvented the unusual classic, giving us an infectious melody and sub rich track that is set to give your system a serious workout. EAZYMAN delivers his catchy, witty, laid back, roadside bars that gel with the beat, creating a certified banger, built for the streets, clubs and all the Go Getters worldwide.

Renowned for his profound work rate, EAZYMAN’s commitment to music is unquestionable and has earned him support from DJ Target (BBC Radio One & 1Xtra), Morgan Keyz (Rinse FM), Toddla T (BBC Radio One), as well as huge online support. 2017 marked a monumental year for the Croydon native who released his weighty twelve track mixtape ‘Eazy Street’ making for a notable stamp on the scene, whilst his recent video for ‘They Donʼt Knowʼ premiered via Link Up TV. He kicked off this year by featuring on Komoʼs ‘Pull Up Remixʼ featuring Double S, Six4 and Klayz and has promised a stellar release schedule for his label Go Getter Music in 2018 and beyond. With Hurdy Gurdy being the first of those and delivering on his promises, EAZYMAN is ensuring his future success in the rap scene.

Song of the Day: Different League – Manu Crooks

Whilst still a relative newcomer for the UK circuit, the African-Australian rapper has a cult hip-hop following and has previously been highlighted by i-D, The Fader and Pigeons & Planes, all raving about his incredible potential as an artist. 2017 proved to be a whirlwind year, which included the release of his debut EP ‘Mood Forever’, Australian tours with both Stormzy and Tory Lanez, and Manu’s own headlining Australian tour sponsored by Noisey. His music has been spreading globally with the video for his breakthrough single ‘Everyday’ closing in on two 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 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 over 1.2 million streams respectively.

Earning a reputation for his “raw lyricism and seamless flow” (The Fader), Manu has been gaining fans stateside including ASAP Ferg who brought him on stage during a recent Sydney performance. With recent profiles from the likes of Highsnobiety and The Coveteur, and consistent support from Zane Lowe, who debuted ‘Assumptions’, ‘Buddy Buddy’ and supported ‘Blowin Up’ on Beats 1, MANU CROOKS  is bridging hip-hop hemispheres and proving that he “might just be our best hope for Aus hip hop to make a significant impact on the international scene.” (Complex)

For his new release ‘Different League’, MANU CROOKS is draped in a designer puffer jacket, teaming with accessories and raps about his ongoing success and the women he’s met along the way. His eyes are covered by gold-framed, designer sunglasses, reminiscent of Master P, as he cruises through the streets with a beautiful lady. The subtle special effects enhance the visual vibe and overall aesthetic, whilst the heavy bass line and rhythmic keys create an ominous feel as he spits bold lyrics with his foreign flair and trap-tinged sound, about lust, success and unclear intentions. French directors Aden Gauthier, Hitsu Film and Berko & Titan’s colour grading and keen editing sets the visual apart and stamps both class and business all over ‘Different League’, which amassed 50,000 views in its initial hours online.

The exploration of borders goes beyond just that of the record and the visual for ‘Different League’ as alongside his latest release, MANU CROOKS has also announced his debut ‘Mood Forever’ World Tour, which will see him perform dates throughout April to June, across Canada, the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and France, demonstrating why he is leading Australia’s hip-hop movement and “sees him separating himself from the lower divisions.” (Clash Magazine).

Time to check out ‘Different League’…

Song of the Day: 0300 (Human) – D.A.N

3AM is known to some as the witching hour; the time when our minds drift between consciousness and dream; our thoughts as running wild horses; our anxiety as shadows in the night. D.A.N knows this insomniac nature all too well, as he sits up late into the early hours, waiting for a message from a distant lover, one that will perhaps never arrive. Rising up through soothing piano and hushed production, D.A.N’s lyrics show an emotional honesty.

‘0300 (Human)’ is the long-awaited follow-up to the South London-based/Northern Irish independent artist’s debut ‘Clothes Off’, which garnered almost two million streams on Spotify. Produced by D.A.N and Dave Okumu (Jessie Ware, Jamie Woon, Rosie Lowe), the track also features mixing by Dan Parry (Adele, Loyle Carner).

After a busy year of studio time and shows, including Bestival 2017, graduating from Goldsmiths University in Popular Music (James Blake, Rosie Lowe), D.A.N presents this delicately crafted sophisti-pop work.

Have a listen…

Song of the Day: Nothing But Notes – JD Cliffe

Following his collaboration with Kai-A on record ‘Certi’- which saw support from COLORS Berlin – JD CLIFFE unveiled the video for ‘Nothing But Notes’.

The latest track has been produced by London-based producer OZZIE and channels JD CLIFFE’s ability to fuse R&B with elements of trap. The video – which was directed by Arian & Penelope – follows JD CLIFFE throughout, shot as a surveillance video, flitting between night and day vision.

The 22-year-old artist hailing from North London has already seen the support from the likes of BBC Radio 1xtra, GRM Daily & Tim Westwood – as well as performing with the likes of Section Boyz & Kojo Funds.

Check out the dope video…

Song of the Day: Love’s On The Way – RĀI

R&B Singer/Songwriter RĀI steals today’s hotspot with his smooth second single from his debut album ‘Love’s on the Way.’

When asked about the Tone Jonez – produced offering, the Harlem NYC resident/South Carolina native said: “That song is just a really good feel good record with a positive message. It’s a song that take elements from different times during the evolution of R&B music and produces what I hope is a timeless, uplifting R&B song. That was my goal with recording this song and the album altogether .”

The A1 Vision-directed visual doesn’t so much reflect the lyrics but stays true to the song – something simple, classic and cool that made you instantly like the song.

This smooth powerhouse is hell-bent on bringing back REAL R&B…so for those who missed the genre, go ahead and check out ‘Love’s on the Way’…and if you’re digging his track, look out for his album, on pre-order on all digital outlets and will be released June 8th.

When you have time, check out the video.