Following from their debut appearance on the blog with track, ‘Necropole’ (which claimed the Song of the Week title earlier this month), MC Phylis and BeatMaker-rapper Max T – aka TERREUR NOCTURNE – bounces right back, teaming up with SquashComp.com for latest joint, ‘The Other Side’.
Featuring boisterous flaming trap vibes with pop sensibilities, ‘The Other Side’ is accompanied by a clip from Big Eyes Production, evoking the abysmal grandeur of Quebec landscapes….Check it out below…
With over a decade of experience in theatrical arts, Philly-born lyricist, AJ MAMBA aims to push the boundaries of hip-hop and R&B with creative wordplay and fearless honesty that’s entertaining.
His first single release on Estabrook Road Records, ‘Black People’, was actually written and produced prior to the current moments occurring in America. The single chronicles the historical and reflective view of the trials and tribulations of African Americans as a whole and is intentioned to make the audience think about different perceptions of reality.
Andrew Selkōw, who goes under the moniker, MIDDLE PART, shares his brand new single, ‘Busy’, inspired by early millennium alt pop artists like Michelle Branch and Natalie Imbruglia, with a modernised sonic twist to the likes of Clairo.
Speaking of his latest offering, Selkōw says: “A lot of this record is about ego, vulnerability, and dealing with loss. It’s also about finding a balance with your mental well being. Busy touches on that theme of letting go of your ego and being more vulnerable with the people around you. That’s the message I’m trying to get across, and I feel that ties in with the EP’s title, which is all about being more present rather than mentally checked out.”
‘Busy’ is the third single off Middle Part’s upcoming six-track EP, ‘I Wish I Was Alive’ which is heavily driven by his personal experiences, his shortcomings, his struggle with depression, dissociation and overall loss.
When you hear KANDLE‘s new single, ‘Lock & Load’, you’ll immediately associate it with a 1960s James Bond movie, with its undeniable classical tone and the Canadian singer’s Shirley Bassey-esque vocal performance.
The single came to light after Kandle and her ‘musical soulmate’, producer Michael Rendall, share a deep love of James Bond theme songs and decided to pen ‘Lock & Load, their first writing project together.
Directed by William Fletcher, the accompanied video also takes on the James Bond theme, adopting the intro sequence from 1960’s classic, Gold Finger.
Expect more from Kandle, as she plans to release her album next year…but for now watch the stunning visuals for ‘Lock and Load’…
It’s been a long 4-year stint since South London Hip-Hop artist, AKS, released his sophomore EP, ‘Train of Thought’, seeing the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Earmilk, HipHopDX, DJ Booth and the MOBO Awards among the tastemakers who added their plaudits for the seminal record. The offering went on to earn the rapper two nominations at the inaugural Unsigned Music Awards (Best Record, Best Urban Act) as well as giving him viral moments with his Chas Appeti directed visual efforts for singles ‘Stay with Me’ featuring Sincerely Wilson, and title track ‘Train of Thought’, both being picked up by UNILAD.
Now with the close of 2020 fast approaching and against the backdrop of the current world climate the “three-letter man” returns with his new soul infused single ‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’, an aspirational offering appealing to each of our underlying ambitions.
Merging unconventional organ phrases with lush and vibrant guitar licks throughout, the track plays as an ode to the jazz greats of yesteryear; fusing traditional musicianship with the off kilter syncopated bounce of contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul. Continuing his previous form as a genuine lyricist, AKS weaves together thought rich rhyme schemes whilst delivering a soulfully melodic vocal in a way that is easily becoming the calling card of the South London native.
Exploring themes of dogged determination and new found responsibility, the passion driven track displays AKS’ lyrical ability as he pens painfully frank verses professing his recent frustrations, the pressures of becoming a new father and questions surrounding legacy.
AKS
Speaking further about the inspiration behind ‘Up And Up (Heavens Above)’, AKS says, “Following the birth of my son, having taken some time away from music in the lead up to his arrival and in the time since, I found myself questioning my existence and contributions both from a parental and an artistic perspective. This song was born out of a desire to do better for my son’s sake and ascend irrespective of the obstacles I may face or how low I’ve felt at times. It’s my reminder to myself of my hopes and dreams, that my contributions are long lasting and impactful, at the very least, on my son”.
‘Up & Up (Heavens Above)’ is the first single taken from his forthcoming project ‘As Plane As Day: Departures & Arrivals’, which concludes the wordsmith’s three-part ‘Modes of Transport’ series, the record sees the rapper award himself production credits under the veiled moniker #3Letters, whilst enlisting the collaborative efforts of prominent musicians Adrian Remedy (Ed Sheeran) on guitars, Benjamin Muralt (Ledisi, Ill Camille, Pixie Lott) on bass, and AdeKeys (AfroB) on keyboards.