Published author, motivational speaker, business owner, and spoken word poet from North Carolina Robin “SH8KES” Williamson released his debut EP Chance 2 Change exclusively on Bandcamp back in March. Narrated by one of Southern rap’s most coveted voices Big Rube (of the Dungeon Family), the seven track project served as a personal testimony of healing and growth through love, life lessons, connection with family, and much more.
Sh8kes shared more of his personal testimony with his loose, Truss One-produced single ‘Regrets’, featuring a guest verse from New York emcee The Musalini. (of 9th Wonder’s Jamala Records).
“This poem came from a place of failure, pain and self awareness. I went through so many things during 2022, I began to question if what I was doing was the right thing. I never wanted to give up, but questioned if I needed to switch my focus to something else. I found myself reevaluating the people around me that have been in my life for 20 plus years. It seemed like I gave so much of me, but never got the same in return.” – Sh8kes
On the heels of his critically-acclaimed F65 album release, Maryland rapper IDK returns with the nostalgia-tinged music video for ‘Pinot Noir’ [feat. SAUCY SANTANA & JUCEE FROOT]. Directed by Khari Johnson & Jason ‘IDK’ Mills, the visual flaunts nineties appeal and emanates warm throwback energy.
Behind the track, IDK shares, “And also, I don’t have to be a gay rapper to put an openly gay rapper on my song… I heard the beat, and I heard a very talented artist by the name of Saucy Santana on that beat. I love him forever for taking that risk with me. Now we have a banger for the summer.”
Shot in black and white, the Golden Age of Hip-hop vibes are heavy throughout, offering fans a full view of IDK’s artistic versatility and storytelling. An uptempo, jazz-driven sample of Khia’s 2001 hit single ‘My Neck, My Back,’ it strikes a balance between carefree and confident, creating a unique kind of high art within the rap world. IDK delivers dynamic bars and instantly makes his presence known, assuring, “You know me, I don’t need no introduction in this.” From quick-hitting lyrical flexes to the unapologetic raunchiness of Saucy and Jucee Froot, ‘Pinot Noir’ makes for another standout ballad from the naturally gifted multihyphenate.
Elsewhere, IDK continues to make his claim as one of today’s most sought after collaborators in music, fashion, and beyond. Recently, he collaborated with Nike to unveil his limited-edition Nike Air Max Pro 97 “Free Coast” F&F sneaker. This fashion-forward feat follows IDK’s stellar performances at Coachella last month, where he donned a custom Lanvin race suit and helmet. But his commitment to style didn’t end there. Just last week, he created original content with the Jordan Brand for their new “Mini Hoops” series – a true testament to someone who’s in complete control of their creative output.
In addition to releasing his provocative new album, IDK is gearing up for his headlining “65 Tour” kicking off June 23rd in Paris, France. The 22-stop tour will make landfall in New York, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in Toronto, ON October 29th. The full list of dates can be found below — for more information please visit http://www.Thr33Dot.com.
It’s also important to note that IDK is using his influence to make a positive impact. With the fall return of his tuition-free music business seminar at Harvard University, No Label Academy, he’s merging industry with academia to help BIPOC students jumpstart their career in the music industry.
UK-based powerhouse RAPHAELTATE unveils the video for track, ‘ Share My Life’, premiered via Reggaeville.
The self-penned single is a reminder to love and cherish loved ones – and never take them for granted. Raphael robustly soulful vocals leads the jubilant bounce of a soul/reggae/Afrobeat fusion, produced by Terrence Chamberlin (Bluesteel Studio) and Jermaine Forde (Ajang Music). A multi-Grammy nominated producer and the son of the legendary Brinsley Forde from Aswad, Jermaine has worked with the likes of Julian Marley and Black Uhuru and also produced Raphael’s 2020 BBC London/BBC1xtra-approved single, ‘A Fool In Love.’
London’s very own artist/model, CHARLI FLETCHER drops brand new video for track ‘Every Ting Nice’, an uplifting anthem for those dreaming about better days, where one can enjoy the finer things in life, and salutes those already living in this way.
Apart from touching on living the high life, this song explores some of Charli’s culture and roots. No matter how far she elevates in life, she always stays true to her humble beginnings, and pays homage to those who helped her along the way.
‘Every Ting Nice’ is the second track from Charli’s first official EP ‘Dreaming Reality’ which explores love, sensuality, body empowerment, cryptocurrency, and her life as a model. The body of work conveys her versatility in music, and shows that Charli is consistent in her lyrical content, topics of interest and delivery.
Check out the video below, premiered on YouTube yesterday (1st May).
‘Placebo Effect’ is a surrealist and thought-provoking rap music video where BANGGZ delivers a poignant and introspective message about the arduous path of creatives within the music industry.
The two-minute production features evocative lyrics such as “I feel great already” interwoven with striking visual imagery of the Nigerian rapper’s blood-drenched body. Through the collaborative vision of Banggz and filmmaker Tani Olorunyomi, the video represents a remarkable response to the human condition and the industry’s insatiable thirst for exploiting artists for their commercial value. The song is part of a project titled ‘ttyl (an audio series)’ which was released last summer
Ottawa-based Banggz has gained recognition on various platforms such as CBC Canada, Ottawa Citizen, That Eric Alper, Tinnitist, Native Magazine, and Pulse Nigeria and has also opened for artists like WizKid, Pierre Kwenders, Asuquomo and KAR33M. Check out the video below…
New Lease Music 