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.’
MONIE LOVE has been a pioneer for British Hip Hop in the late eighties and nineties who uses the hip-hop platform to drive the message of love, unity and equality. She joined forces with fellow females emcees such as Queen Latifah, for pro-feminist song ‘Ladies First’, proving that women (who were mainly invisible in Hip Hop at that time) can rap just as well as men can.
After impressive guest performances on songs by De La Soul, The Jungle Brothers and Adeva, Monie was given a recording contract with Warner Bros, an impressive achievement for a British female rapper. Her debut album ‘Down to Earth’ featured two hit singles that were Grammy nominated – ‘Monie in the Middle’ and ‘It’s a Shame (My Sister)’.
With all the achievements she made over the years, there’s no dispute that Monie Love is one of the rap artists who paved the way for female rappers of today. Now almost 30 years later, she returns, still spreading the message of love, unity and equality in latest single ‘1NE People.’
Sporting a unique blend of reggae, hip-hop and R&B, ‘1NE Peope’ sees Monie Love dig deep into her West Indian roots and performs a melodic, reggae chant in Jamaican patois, inspired by the heartfelt mantra by Marcus Garvey – “Out of Many, One People”.
For this single – produced by up and coming music producer/engineer Roctimus Prime and legendary Grammy Nominated hip-hop producer, Baby Paul/BpZy (formerly of Da Beatminerz) – Monie enlists upcoming Ghanaian singer/songwriter Nana Fofie, who just recently signed to Nicki Minage’s new record label. Currently residing in Rotterdam, Nona Fofie drops an infectious verse, delivered in English and French, making it the perfect addition to Monie’s vocals offering a substantial and inspirational tone.
Monie Love recently guest appeared at the curated De la Soul career catalog launch and Plug 2 Tribute event which was held at Webster Hall in NYC. She performed an impromptu segment of the classic song ‘Ladies First’ with Queen Latifah, along with sharing her exuberant energy while on the stage with De La Soul as they ran through a few of their classic songs.
She’s now working on her new music project, #LoveStruck which is executively produced by Baby Paul/BpZy formerly of “Da Beatminerz” with pending collaborations from a few legends and new talent to watch out for. Look for’ Monie project, but for now, listen to ‘1NE People’, which is out now available across various music platforms
Here’s the blog’s top ten songs, which completes the top releases of 2022.
Some of the songs on the list were staples on the NEW LEASE MUSIC weekly charts in 2022, whereas others quietly clocked up heavy amount of streams and views via the blog.
So are you ready to explore the list? Good!
Just in case you missed it, you can view the Top Ten Music video here and Top Ten Albums here.
BEKREATIVE continues his run of releases with summer ready joint ‘Pan Mi (On Me)’.
The American artist/producer promises to dish out a string of singles throughout the year, covering an assortment of genres – anything from rock, pop fusions and country music.
He certainly didn’t disappoint with his latest release as he produces a tropical fusion of reggae and Afrobeats, which evoke the feeling of disappearing on a holiday to one of the caribbean islands.
Keep your eyes peeled on this guy as he has a lot more coming your way…but for now, have a listen to ‘Pan Mi (On Me)’
Reggae/Dancehall duo SONZ OF THUNDER UK (SOTUK) are back, offering more words of wisdom and encouragement, with new single ‘Eagles Wings.’
Dropping one tough classic reggae riddim, ‘Eagles Wings’ reminds us, although they were some hard and dark times during the Pandemic, if we put our trust in the Most High, we will always rise above obstacles – just like an eagle gliding high above the mountains.
For over a decade, SOTUK – consisting of brothers Shane and Dean Brown – has been spreading the words of inspiration across the UK which earned them a steady following in the gospel and mainstream communities as well as receiving continuous support by the likes of Capital Xtra’s Ras Kwame, BBC London, Pluse88 Radio, The Beat 1036 plus many more.
The North-West Londoners also have built strong connections in Ghana, working alongside with Ghanaian producer Quansty K who produced their previous single, ‘House Party’, supported by Jeremiah Asiamah on BBC Radio One and BBC 1xtra.
Although it has been a quiet year for SOTUK, the guys scooped the best reggae act in the TMMP awards in 2021. Their first official release since the pandemic, ‘Eagles Wings’, marks a new and exciting chapter of great things to come from SOTUK.
New Lease Music 