Listen To Diamond D’s Latest Album, ‘The Rear Window’

“Wow, this guy [Diamond D] is one of the all time greats,” Chris Rock professes on the opening track of D DIAMOND‘s latest album, ‘The Rear View’. That statement isn’t so much of a stretch when considering a legacy that helped architect a sound, bridge regions in Hip-Hop and launch the careers of other all time greats like Fat Joe,  Big L, Big Pun and DJ Khaled. Released on all digital streaming platforms via Dymond Mine Records/EMPIRE, The album Diamond D’s ode to both his own legacy and resilience.

Considered the best producer on the mic by his contemporaries and critics, the hip-hop legend explains the meaning behind the 15-track release: “Whatever you did in the past, honor and respect it, but always move forward. I don’t want to [harp on] what I did twenty years ago. It doesn’t mean I don’t respect or acknowledge it, because it’s all made me who I am today. The title of the album ‘The Rear View’ means to always look back, but focus on where you’re going… What’s in the rear view should stay there. Going into recording this album, I wanted to show why I’m considered one of the best producers on the mic who rhymes with his own pen. I also want listeners to appreciate my growth as a producer and artist who came on the scene in the early ’90s, and is still here consistently producing and putting out new music today.”

Arriving a month short of the 30th anniversary of Diamond D’s 1992 classic debut Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop, ‘The Rear View’ serves as Diamond D’s sixth full-length solo album and follows his 2021 collaborative album Gotham with Talib Kweli. Guest features include De La Soul’s Posdnuos, Westside Gunn, among others, while heavyweights such as Nottz, Aftermath’s Focus…, and more assist with the album’s production.

So it’s time to check out the album below…(hint, not to be missed!)

Must Listens: Live Your Life, The Rear View

K-Riz Shares R&B Throwback, ‘What A Shame’

Toronto hip hop artist K-RIZ‘s afterhours single, ‘What A Shame’, documents the depths of accountability and his own part in the dissolution of a past relationship.

“Sometimes I think as men we don’t take enough responsibility for our part in relationships failing,” K-Riz says. “I have made my share of mistakes, and sometimes loving someone is not enough. I’m in a very honest place in my life right now, and this EP is an expression of that.”

‘What a Shame’ forms part of his new  EP, ‘The Room’, released last Friday (18th December). The EP was written by K-Riz while recovering from injuries sustained in a June 2020 car accident. The title signifies the room in which the album was conceived and the mental space and time he was given to reflect and create.

The five-track set includes track, ‘A Place Where Love Is’ which offers up a brightness to the unrelenting events of 2020. Built around jazzy piano loops and whip smart verses, the track features the honeyed notes of Calgary songstress Yolanda Sargeant (of Sargeant X Comrade).

Have a listen to K-Riz’s ‘What A Shame’ below…

BBC Introducing Artist Jude The Obscure Drops A Dreamy Anthem Of Perseverance

Upcoming singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist,  JUDE THE OBSCURE returns to offer out his latest dreamy jazz-fusion single, ‘Moments’.

The release follows on from previous hits, the smooth neo jazz-rap sounds of ‘Chapter 8’ and the pared back, guitar-led number, ‘Waiting’, both unveiled earlier this year to a welcomed response. The 24-year-old has also had an incredible impact at streaming platforms so far, with spots on New Music Friday UK, Jazz UK and Fresh Finds at Spotify and On The Corner and Jazz Scene: UK at Apple, as well as support on Deezer and Amazon.

Speaking of his latest release the South Mancunian says: “‘Moments’ is about hard work; about overcoming the hurdles that life throws at you; about coming out on top in light of the hardships we face in our day to day lives. It’s an anthem of resilience and perseverance – surviving your early twenties with ambition, aspiration and sanity intact is no easy feat. One way or another, we all find ways to cope with what’s going on around us, now more than ever.”

Check out the official video for ‘Moments’ below…

Ana Shine Shares Touching Ballad, ‘Goodbye’

London-based singer/songwriter/composer ANA SHINE rounds up the year with new heartfelt single, ‘Goodbye’.

Piano-led ‘Goodbye’ documents a tearful farewell to a close one, where Russian-born Ana delivers a well poise emotive performance, working in perfect unison with the woeful violins.

‘Goodbye’ follows Ana’s sensual pop single, ‘Lights Outs’, which received firm support from radio stations across the UK including North Manchester FM, Radio Ashford, Nova Radio, Assess North West, Nevis Radio, Vibe 1076FM and The Island Radio in the Isle of Wright. ‘Lights Out’ also earned Ana over 69,000 streams since its release back in August.

2020 sees the former model for Gucci, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana firmly secure her place on the on-to-watch radar with smooth urban/pop single ‘Cover Me’ which generated over one million views on YouTube and almost 54,000 streams on Spotify since its release back in March.

‘Goodbye’ is certainly not the end of Ana Shine as the single showcases her as a creditable, multifaceted artist.

‘Goodbye’ is available on various download and streaming sites. Watch the video for the single below…

Connect with Ana Shine via:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ana.shine.9828
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anashineofficial/
Website: https://anashine.com/

Rainfredrick’s New Single ‘Alessa’ Is A Fusion of Two Languages

As RAINFREDRICK continues to tease out tracks from his upcoming album, the rapper, singer/songwriter, and entrepreneur is holding over his global fanbase with a smooth new Spanglish song, ‘Alessa.’ Monalisa Stephens based in Lagos, Nigeria features on the track and debuts her dulcet tones with a fresh vibe.

Based in Guadalajara, Mexico, Rainfredrick has a talent for seamlessly weaving English and Spanish lyrics together. Perhaps it comes from his cultural background; raised on Afrobeats in Nigeria, Rainfredrick left Africa at an early age to study and see the world. He picked up new music influences while visiting over 20 Latin American countries and learning fluent Spanish in less than two years. His music falls between two worlds that are different. The sounds of his youth have found a way into the music he makes — an intoxicating blend of hip-hop, R&B, and Latin Pop.

Rainfredrick burst onto the music scene in March of 2020 with his debut track, ‘Put Me On The Map’. The follow up leading singles, ‘Sydney,’ and ‘Portia’ also defined his Spanglish sound. Rainfredrick’s music brings an endless passion for lyricism, cultures, and life…have a listen to ‘Alessa’ below…