British-born wordsmith, AKS (pronounced “Ay-Kay-Ess”), unveils the release of a captivating visualiser to accompany his latest single ‘Let Me Explain (Wordplay Freestyle)’. Following the positive reception since the track’s release, the three-letter man is ready to share a visually captivating experience with his growing audience.
Even before it’s official launch, ‘Let Me Explain’ had been making some waves, earning the lyricist praise from industry tastemakers like DJ Semtex (#5SongsYouNeedToKnow – Capital Xtra) and Jess Iszatt at BBC Radio London. Going on to see support from Wordplay Magazine, and catch the attention of publications such EARMILK, and Global Grind further solidifying AKS’ growing reputation both home and abroad as an artist to keep a firm eye on in the UK’s Hip-Hop scene.
Shot and directed by AKS himself, the visualiser for ‘Let Me Explain’ channels the rapper’s trademark Burgundy & Mustard aesthetic, whilst enhancing the song’s bold lyrics. Delivering a commanding performance whilst brandish a range of handwritten placards featuring supporting statements, the London rapper offers deeper insights into the song’s themes and messages. It’s a testament to AKS’ creative vision and multi-faceted talents as an artist.
In an era where independent artists are expected to go beyond just making music, AKS showcases his versatility with the self-produced visualiser. The video offers viewers a glimpse into AKS’ world, where soulful beats and thoughtful lyrics converge to create an immersive experience.
Taken from his forthcoming project ‘As Plane As Day: Departures & Arrivals’, ‘Let me Explain (Wordplay Freestyle)’ is available for streaming/download on major digital platforms and offers a welcome glimpse into the direction AKS is taking as he progresses towards the culmination of his Modes of Transport series. Why not check out the visualiser below…
Following the drop of latest EP ‘Papillion’, which recently claimed the blog’s Album of the Week title, LGBTQ artist NAYLA SAVANNAH bounces right back into the spotlight, ready to ignite dance floors everywhere with her latest release, ‘The Birthday Song’, released yesterday (30th April) across various music platforms.
Combining infectious west coast beats with clever lyricism, Nayla delivers a high-energy anthem that celebrates life, freedom, and self-expression. With a catchy hook that will have listeners singing along from the first note, ‘The Birthday Song’ is poised to become the must-have track for any outside activities. Nayla’s signature style shines through as she effortlessly blends party energy with sophisticated story telling, creating a sound that is uniquely her own.
‘The Birthday Song’ is more than just a party anthem; it’s a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and living life to the fullest. Nayla’s infectious energy and charisma shines through in every lyric, making it impossible not to dance along. Why not have a listen below…
Manchester rapper NEMZZZ unveils his much-anticipated debut mixtape ‘DO NOT DISTURB’. The 11-track tape is Nemzzz’s most expansive drop to date, an exploration of how the young artist is shaped by his upbringing and his fame. ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ is available in physical format on CD & cassette in a first for the Mancunion.
Marrying bars laced with Nemzzz’s wicked sense of humour, earworm hooks and a raw soulful-drill production – ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ is set to cement Nemzzz’s status as the new titan of UK Rap. Opening with late night confession ‘REFLECTION’, Nemzzz raps with real bite about the pitfalls of social media activism. New single ‘ETA’ sees Nemzzz unite with German rap heavyweight Luciano, trading bars over a siren-like beat. The new cut arrives with a video shot by DonProd in Frankfurt whilst Nemzzz was in town to appear at Luciano’s stadium show.
Recent single ‘PTSD’ (which is currently the blog’s Song of the Month) 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 cut landed last month to a co-sign from Central Cee. The shimmering, jazz inflected ‘L’S’ arrived in January to acclaim from the likes of The Observer, Fader, CRACK, NME spins across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and more.
Atmospheric, intense cut ‘DOOM’ gives way to the relaxed groove of playful love song ‘STAR SIGN’. On ‘NEED YOU’, Nemzzz rides out the ups and downs of a toxic relationship. ‘REASSURANCE’ melds ghostly vocal samples with a stripped back production as Nemzzz reassures his girl he’d drop her off for her ‘nails, hair, lash appointment too’. Nemzzz picks up the pace on ‘VENICE’ featuring rising rapper JayG. Title track ‘DND’ details how the run-up to the project was filled with hostile haters and the need to cut off day one friends. Rounding out the tape is ‘MONEY AND VIBES’, which sees Nemzzz bring a UK flavour to a flip of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Rock Your Body’. The single topped the A list at 1Xtra on release last year and continues to rack up over +1M streams a week. Nemzzz is one of the most exciting breakout rap talents of recent years. An old head on young shoulders, Nemzzz is relatable in a different way than a lot of his rap peers; driven less by punchlines about Birkin bags and more by the challenge of helping his young fans navigate their way through growing pains. The rapper is shaped by his tough upbringing in Gorton, using his music to reflect on his experiences including heartbreak, fake friends, financial literacy, finding your own path, and managing mental health amid social media addiction.
The DO NOT DISTURB tape follows a massive 2023 for the young star with a consistent slate of releases including his debut EP NEMZZZ TYPE BEAT (which was pulled together in just 17 days in a flex of his innate talents) alongside a string of singles including ‘Therapy’ (Spotify Rap UK Cover) and ‘8AM IN MANNY’ which landed to props from some of the biggest rappers in the world – Drake and Lil Yachty. Last year saw Nemzzz deliver his first sold-out headline tour alongside performances at festivals including Glastonbury, Ibiza Rocks and more.
Nemzzz will be heading out on his second headline tour this Spring with dates across the UK and Ireland. He will be kicking off in Dublin on 30th April and culminating in a homecoming show on 7th May in Manchester. With three dates already sold out – the tour is set to be another huge smash for the young star.
Since bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 14, Nemzzz has relentlessly chipped away at his craft – building steady buzz amongst the industry, media and fans alike. With over 180M combined streams in 2023, 9 Million TikTok views, tips including BBC Radio 1xtra’s Hot For 2023, Amazon Music x Hunger Magazine Ones To Watch, No Signal Class of ’23, Best Newcomer Nominee MOBO Awards 2022, plaudits from Pitchfork, The Face, DAZED, The Guardian, HYPEBEAST, CLASH, Complex UK and NME – Nemzzz is making serious moves.
D POWER DIESLE is back with a bang, dropping the sizzling second single from his upcoming EP project ‘Graphene 4’. Featuring renowned Nottingham emcee, Wariko and produced by Audio Slugs, this grime banger calls back to the notorious LOTM3 clash carrying the same electrifying energy.
After crossing paths on the mighty clash series ‘Lord Of The Mics’ Volume 3 back in 2011, the pair were pinned up against eachother producing one the most memorable clashes in the UK Grime scene. Lauded by top artists, industry giants, and global music lovers alike, this dynamic duo reunite in ‘Start This’, recapturing the raw energy of their legendary basement clash.
Produced by Grime heavy hitters Audio Slugs, Diesle and Wariko ride the 140bpm beat going back to back, while gifting us with references from the famous battle. The chorus and verse integrate seamlessly, with the London and Nottingham accents playing off each other harmoniously.
Gearing up to release ‘Graphene 4’ this Spring, its prior three volumes were a masterstroke in Grime, garnering millions of streams, widespread acclaim across UK’s radio and press, and powerhouse collaborations with Grime’s biggest stars, including Skepta, D Double E, Manga St Hilare, and Big Narstie. Mark your calendars for D Power’s headline show at ‘The Hackney Social’ on Friday 3rd May, where he will be delivering a curated performance of tracks from the Graphene series.
A pioneer and veteran that many within Black British music praise, D Power Diesle is best known for his impact in the early grime days via Déjà vu, Rinse FM, and clashing with Wariko on Lord of the Mics 3. But it doesn’t stop there. Not only housing an impressive catalogue of music, Diesle has also toured with UK heavy-weight Skepta, Wiley, Jammer, and Modestep before outlining a reputation of his own. Flash forward to today, it’s a common discussion amongst UK rap about grime’s positioning in our current landscape, a topic of which not everyone agrees on. However, it’s artists like D Power Diesle that are still holding it up for those gritty, raw, and lively tracks that encapsulate the roots of London’s inner city. Taking his knowledge of the industry and putting it to good use, Diesle formed his own label EB Records that’s committed to guiding the up-and-coming artists of today down the right path. Check out the video below…
TONE LEVELS is a self-made entrepreneur who has forged a unique route in life by fusing his interests and skills to reinforce a genuinely influential and motivating profession. His path to success has been paved with tenacity, diligence, and a strong desire to help others.
Using his skills as a rapper, he spreads messages about the power of healing, self-love, and happiness. He now has about 200k followers across his social media platforms, making him a popular speaker, advocate for holistic health and wellbeing, and thought leader in the community. He’s now aware that his voice is more than him, thanks to encouraging comments from people who could identify with his music.
Tone Levels returns with his brand-new hip-hop album, ‘God Is Here’. The 15-track compilation documents his spiritual awakening where he states that he is ‘coming into the knowingness of self’. As soon as he realised that his actions, words, and thoughts shape his world, he began to adjust to this realisation. Around this time he also delved into journaling to explore shadow work. He began to heal the inner child within himself, knowing himself better, and dive into deeper depths of his soul and entire being.
Tone Levels’ musical journey reflects a deep passion for storytelling. Instrumentally rich and evocative, ‘God Is Here’, showcases his beautifully arranged flows. The vulnerability throughout the album serves as a metaphor for his growth and resilience both as a person and as an artist.
The seamlessly R&B and hip-hop infused tracks showcase Tone Levels’ masterful music abilities and talents creating a compelling collection of songs. He effortlessly channels his positive energy through the flows that he keeps present throughout this stunning album. He embraces the complexity and depth providing listeners with a captivating musical experience on, God Is Here.
The album’s focus track ‘The Original Woman’ is a highly vibrational and inspirational offering. Tone Levels sent the beat to Londrelle who stated that he felt in his spirit to speak to the women on, God Is Here. He tapped into his heart chakra and spoke about how he feels toward black women and his love for them.
On the song, Tone Levels says, “It is about uplifting the black woman. Speaking life and power into the black woman. Killing off the sex war (women vs men) and stepping up as men to let the black women know how much they mean to us men and how proud we are. Growing up around nothing but women allowed me to grow a different type of love and appreciation for black women. We love you, we see you, we appreciate you, we value you, we honor you, we cherish you.”
Listen to ‘God Is Here’ below…
Must Listens: God Is Here, The Original Woman, To Sit With The Kings, Anybody Out There, No Holster Freestyle
New Lease Music 