D’Shaun drops the #4 iTunes charting album ‘CRWN’

Backed by only one single, ‘S’mores & Rumchata’, D’SHAUN comes crash landing at #4 onto the iTunes top 40 Hip-Hop album chart and right back into your music libraries with CRWN.

The highly anticipated project lived up to expectations on the first day of its release as it also entered yet another chart on iTunes. CRWN peaked at #88 on the top 100 albums in all genres chart, sitting comfortably and confidently above Elton John’s Diamonds. This incredible accomplishment doesn’t happen without D’Shaun and the RYLTY crew’s hard work and dedication to creating an album packed with 12 playable and enjoyable records that each bring a different sound and vibe when stimulating your brain.

D’Shaun continues to put Converse, Texas, on the map as he showcases not only his talent but the talents found within his circle. From Austria to Detroit to Houston, he credits the artists around him for helping provide the “spacey yet quintessential Hip-Hop but with a new school sort of feel” sound that he believes his latest body of work entails. This album not only incorporates Hip-Hop but it also throws some dashes of rap, pop and R&B, adding some more seasoning to the recipe we already knew D’Shaun brought to the table. He’s dabbled in those genres before but with CRWN he brings them altogether in a cohesive manner, letting each live and grow with one another as they flow beautifully the more and more you run the project back. For him, CRWN is set to “change the whole landscape, the city and the state, the lives of each of these young men in RYLTY”. Those changes begin with track number one titled ‘Nonstop’ which is fitting for the vibes that you continuously find yourself emerged in.

Between track one and twelve you’ll find up tempo hits meant for the radio in ‘Chalice’, ‘Notice’, ‘S’mores & Rumchata’ and ‘Alright’. You’ll also hear the artist slowing things down a bit with ‘4U’, ‘LoveSICK’, ‘Virgo Season Interlude’ and ‘My Way’. Pure raps are expressed within the previously mentioned ‘Nonstop’ along with ‘Gentlemen’s Club’, ‘Sprite Zero’ and ‘Waver’. If there was a sound that D’Shaun didn’t think was fun or didn’t fit the wave he was gearing towards then it simply didn’t make the cut, the artist says that CRWN “is more fun and shows what wearing the crown is like” when comparing the project to its predecessor KNG.

Four years separate both albums and in between those four years we’ve heard how highly D’Shaun has spoken about the trio of albums he had been planning on releasing with all being companions to one another. With two down and one to go the one man band artist has been growing and maturing within his sound and will only continue to do so. He showcases that behind each verse, chorus, ad-lib, snare, kick or high hat he decides to incorporate into this world where creativity never ends. We can call this world “RYL” and here we’ll find the king at his throne wearing a crown meant for only him, exuding royalty the only way he knows how.

Have a listen to D’Shaun’s chart-topping album below…

Must Listens: Nonstop, 4U, Notice, S’mores & Rumchata, Gentlemen’s Club, Sprite Zero

Texas rapper Pimpin Change releases new smooth hip hop EP, ‘Hidden Fees’

PIMPIN CHANGE, the rising star hailing from the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, has drop his highly anticipated EP titled ‘Hidden Fees’ last Thursday, 7th March. This release promises to be a captivating journey through the soundscape of modern hip-hop, showcasing Pimpin Change‘s unique style and lyrical prowess.

‘Hidden Fees’ features two electrifying singles that are already making waves in the music industry. The first single, ‘Step Ya Game Up,’ is a high-energy track that commands attention from the first beat. With infectious rhythms and clever wordplay, Pimpin Change delivers a message of empowerment and determination, urging listeners to elevate their hustle to the next level. The second single, ‘Being Gamed,’ delves into the complexities of navigating life’s challenges while staying true to oneself. Pimpin Change‘s raw honesty shines through in this introspective track, as he reflects on the struggles of overcoming obstacles and staying resilient in the face of adversity.

With Hidden Fees, Pimpin Change continues to push the boundaries of hip-hop, blending catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with audiences worldwide. His dynamic storytelling and charismatic delivery set him apart as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Fans can expect an immersive listening experience with Hidden Fees, as Pimpin Change invites them to explore the highs and lows of his journey through life and music. From infectious hooks to thought-provoking verses, this EP is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners of all backgrounds.

Here’s your chance to check out ‘Hidden Fees’ EP below…

Must Listens: Life An’t A Toy, Step Ya Game Up

A Quick Chat With…MusicByMercy

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.

Listen to ‘MichaelMyers’ EP right here

Song of the Day: L’s – Nemzzz

Lifted from his first mixtape ‘DO NOT DISTURB’, arriving on 15th March 2024, the new titan of UK Rap NEMZZZ gives the first taste from 11-track project with single ‘L’S’, produced by Zel & Aifo.

Over a relaxed drill beat shimmering with keys and smoky sax notes, Nemzzz reflects on his losses and how he holds his head above the noise of being a rising star in the industry. ‘L’S’ is the first glimpse of the ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ mixtape concept, an exploration of how the young artist is shaped by his upbringing and his fame. ‘L’s’ is accompanied with a slick video shot entirely on 16mm film by frequent collaborators DON Productions. The fresh visual splices footage of Nemzzz at home with friends in Manchester with shots of him in London roaming around the city.

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), ‘MONEY & VIBES’ (A list at 1Xtra, over +1M streams a week) 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 is one of the most exciting breakout rap talents of recent years, the rapper is characterised by his ear for leftfield beats and his unique flow. The rapper is shaped by his tough upbringing in Gorton, using his music to reflect on his experiences in Manchester and his mental health struggles.

Since bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 14, he has relentlessly chipped away at his craft – building steady buzz amongst the industry, media and fans alike. With over 180 million combined streams in 2023, mine 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. Check out the video for L’s below…

Song of the Day: Nude Pumps – Carmichael.

Introducing CARMICHAEL. – an artist originally from the UK but has firmly planted his roots in the DC and Maryland area for over 20 years. Carmichael., a past mainstay in the Emo/Post-hardcore scene in the 2000’s, was the frontman of numerous groups and touring alongside bands like (Downtown Singapore, Cutlery, The Receiving Ends of Sirens, All Time Low, etc.).

Carmichael. then took a lengthy hiatus and ended up in the corporate world but with the birth of his son back in 2018 he was inspired to pursue music again as mostly a solo artist yet he has been able to carve out a live band for shows and is looking forward to the his first EP and album to come out in 2024.

The diverse musician and songwriter delivers a silky, honest and gospel-touched conscious hip hop/ Nu-R&B offering on “Nude Pumps” ft Jonny Craig. Check out the video below…