The new titan of UK Rap NEMZZZ drops ‘PTSD’ yesterday ( 22nd February), the next taste of his forthcoming debut mixtape DO NOT DISTURB arriving on 15th March 2024.
The raw new single splices a haunting vocal flip with a laid-back production from frequent collaborator Zel, as Nemzzz turns teacher once more – speaking on how he uses his music as catharsis to process his feelings. The accompanying video was shot entirely on 16mm film by DonProd and features a series of lo-fi shots of Nemzzz in Manchester in his most textured visual to date. Building on the song’s theme of coping with anxiety and finding your own path, the visual splices footage of Nemzzz alone at home with shots of him surrounded by friends.
Laid over 11 tracks, DO NOT DISTURB is set to be Nemzzz’s most expansive drop to date, an exploration of how the young artist is shaped by his upbringing and his fame. ‘PTSD’ will be joined on the tape by recent drop ‘L’S’(recently named Song of the Day on the blog). The shimmering, jazz inflected single arrived last month to acclaim from the likes of The Observer, Fader, CRACK, NME spins across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and more. Last year’s massive single ‘MONEY & VIBES’ will also appear on the tape, the cut topped the A list at 1Xtra and racked up over +1 million streams a week. DO NOT DISTURB will be available in physical format on CD & cassette in a first for the Mancunion.
MUSICBYMERCY has earned a spot in the NLM interview seat for his latest EP, ‘MichaelMyers’, which is currently the blog’s album of the month. I probed the South Florida upcoming rapper about his inspiration for producing a horror-themed project plus his plans for 2024. So are you ready to find out more about this hot lyricist? Good, let’s get to it…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2024 is treating you so far?
MBM: So far, so good. The family good. My peoples are good. New music is coming. Just staying the course. Taking one day at a time. Life never slows down and time waits for no man. It’s about embracing every moment that’s presented. It’s all about creating new memories…doper ones.
NLM: You released your EP, ‘Michael Myers EP’ back in October. What is the public perception on the project so far?
MBM: Yes sir! The public perception was well received for what it’s worth. It was an appetizer or sampler for a special occasion. Keep the fans connected.
NLM: How would you describe the EP’s sound to potential fans?
MBM: The sound is a perfect Hip Hop playlist for Halloween. It’s very eerie, very moody, very hardcore for any horrorcore rap fan. If Christopher Nolan was to make a horror film, ‘Michael Myers EP’ would be the soundtrack.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP based around Halloween, in particular Michael Myers?
MBM: My boy also my A&R Jorge told me I should do a project based on Michael Myers, since I am currently working on projects that represent or have the moniker ‘Michael’ since it’s my first name. So, we wanted to carry on that tradition. Michael Myers, was a perfect outlet to present darker music during Halloween. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to provide some dope horror rap for the listeners.
NLM: What is/are your favorite single(s) from the EP and why? MBM: My favorite song changes each time I play the EP. Haha, it can go from “The Shape”, “Scary Hours”, “Evil Vs Good”, “Death Note” or even the “The Boogeyman”. However, I keep playing “Evil Vs Good” or put it on repeat. It’s something about the beat and the transition of it from grimy to uplifting.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your EP?
MBM: I just want them to have a great listening experience. Enjoy the beats, the skits, the bars, the storytelling. All of it. Be a hip hop fan, a rap junkie and just enjoy the music and not be a analyst about it.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the EP, who would it be and why?
MBM: It would have to ultimately be, Prodigy of Mobb Deep. Unfortunately, rest in peace, but P would’ve murdered every single rap song on there. He really help inspired the flow and energy on that project. However, Conway the Machine, Pusha T, and Stove God Cooks deserve honorable mentions.
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2024?
MBM: Keep doing music. Keep pushing. I got a lot of incredible music in the works and looking forward to releasing throughout the year. I am just trying to leave my footprints in the game. Stay connected and make new connections.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
MBM: You can find me on most of the social medias under “MusicByMercy” altogether. I’m not hard to find and what you’ll find is a goldmine.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Michael Myers’?
MBM: Huge HUGE shoutout to my main man, SlimRock, who produced “The Shape”, “Myer’s Theme” and “Smith’s Grove Sanitarium”. He also help mixed and executive produced the project with me. I recorded the whole EP at his studio. We were on our Snoop and Dre shyt on this EP. Also shoutout to Homage, LIVIN’, KuBo, Flowers In Narnia and JQ for giving me the soundscape to scare the shit out of your stereo, haha. Yeah, it was a solid team effort across the board. Much love to my guy, Jug The iLLest for his insane featured verse.
The second Song of the Day comes from the proclaimed street poet NATTY BOI ZOE.
It’s been a while since he graced the blog, but it’s an absolute pleasure to have him back with his latest single, ‘Street Poet 4 (Broken Vows)’, taken from his upcoming project, ‘I Am Who, I Am’.
Over an drum-led, atmospheric backdrop, the New York spoken word rapper ponders the ramifications of not keeping a promise. Why not check it out below…
Canadian R&B singer MYLES LLOYD returns to the Song of the Day top spot with single, ‘Thinking Out Loud’. The Montreal crooner first graced the blog’s top spot with single ‘Come Around’ back in October.
The smooth slow jam showcases his outstanding vocal range, filled with emotion that can be defined as vulnerable and honest. Myles takes us on a journey through the intricacies of love, weaving a narrative that transcends time and resonates with profound experiences of human connection. The lyrics serve as a poetic testament to the enduring nature of true love and commitment, providing listeners with a space for thoughtful reflection on their own relationships.
Racking up millions of streams for his previous releases and garnering acclaim from the likes of Complex, Teen Vogue Wonderland Magazine, Rolling Stone, Paper Live Nations’ Ones To Watch, Exclaim, Source Revolt Sniffers and Hip Hop DX to name a few, Myles Lloyd is tipped to be one of the hottest artists for 2024 and beyond. So sit back and relax and have a listen to ‘Thinking Out Loud’ below…
EMANI TALITHA‘s exciting debut EP, Loving My 20s (‘LM20’), beautifully captures the delicate balance between Old School and New School R&B, offering a soulful, tranquil, vulnerable, and relatable sound.
An audio soundscape, ‘LM20’ mirrors Emani’s embrace of the third decade of her life. The project features a wholesome and melodically calming sound, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in an enjoyable, feel-good atmosphere with high vibrational frequencies.
‘LM20’ is a reflective and affirmational journey through the diverse facets of life in one’s twenties. By evoking a sense of shared experience, Emani Talitha reassures her audience that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences. “The story behind this project is expressing the love in my 20s – the love life, the love for my dreams and goals, and the love I have for my loved ones, affirming myself through it all.” She further adds –“It’s about different facets of my 20s that many have experienced and can relate to. The message revolves around navigating through uncertainties, facing insecurities, and celebrating the highs and lows, the good and the bad.”
‘Loving My 20s’ has already garnered support on Westside Radio, Global Soul Radio and The Beat and is now available to stream in its entirety with special guest appearances on the project coming from Shayne Brown and Big Jest. Why not have a listen below…
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