Tag: review

Song of the Day: Girlfriend (London Girls Mix) – Äyanna

East London’s singer and songwriter ÄYANNA (pictured left) makes a bold return to her hit 2023 single ‘Girlfriend’ and enlists some of London’s finest ladies Mnelia (pictured right) and Tamera for a fresh new remix. The London Girls Mix sees the girls exchange lyrics and soaring vocals, riffing back and forth between each other about love and crushing. This latest release comes off the back of the In A Perfect World (Complete Set) that was released at the end of January, including all live and acapella versions and full visuals.

Speaking on the single, she shares: “Working with Tamera and Mnelia for the Girlfriend remix felt like such a no-brainer, because they are two ultra talented rnb artists in the uk who are fellow lover girls like myself. Our chemistry was perfect and the energy flowed in the studio. They both brought a different energy to the song which you can hear when you listen. I love how they added their own essence to the track whilst continuing the energy of vulnerability that the original version had.”

This remix follows Äyanna’s ground-breaking debut In A Perfect World EP released in Autumn 2023 via LVRN. The striking body of work arrived amidst a slew of early co-signs for the young artist from celebrated artists such Stormzy, Summer Walker, SPINALL to name a few. The towering body of work centred around her signature mosaic of pop, infused with R&B, soul and beyond quickly earned her large acclaim and established her own uncharted lane in music with support from Complex, The Independent, Crack, The Line of Best Fit, Teen Vogue, +44 Amazon, Spotify RADAR UK and more.

Äyanna first captured the attention of the internet and industry tastemakers, through her now viral home videos that showcased her vocal prowess. She now joins the ranks of celebrated LVRN artists such as 6LACK, Summer Walker, DVSN, Davido, SPINALL, Baby Tate and more. With the support of the groundbreaking label and collective, it’s undeniable that Äyanna will establish herself even further as a force in music and beyond. Why not check out ‘Girlfriend (London Girls Mix) below…

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Kaitlyn Eve transports us to the early days of romance with stunning ballad, ‘Before Goodbyes’

New York City-based singer-songwriter KAITLYN EVE‘s new single, ‘Before Goodbyes’ brings to life wanting to live in the moment between early romance and falling in love.

The acoustic guitar driven, the indie-pop ballad weaves a bittersweet tale with ethereal piano, romantic cello, and intimate harmonies. The track’s stunning arrangements and emotive lyrics take on a dreamlike state, transporting listeners to the intoxicating early days of romance and inviting us to cherish those fleeting moments of pure, unguarded connection.

Kaitlyn Eve is inspired by artists from all eras, from Carole King and Billy Joel to Sarah Bareilles, Alessia Cara, and Billie Eilish. This mix of pop, rock and soul has influenced her own music. She is especially inspired by the storytelling songwriters craft into their songs and how music has the magic that transports to a specific place and moment in time. When the pandemic shut the world and live music down, she took advantage of the time to develop her sound and purpose as an artist, telling stories of love and heartbreak. Kaitlyn believes there is nothing that can connect and bring people together the way music can.

‘Before Goodbyes’ was released yesterday (19th January) across multiple music platforms. Have a listen to the stunning ballad below…

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Album Review: Audiocity – Rayne Storm

Harlem NYC’s own RAYNE STORM is back with his latest eclectic rap album ‘Audiocity’. Within a month of its release the album has gained over 60,000 Spotify streams, over 100,000 across all platforms with the momentum rising. AudioCity also reached #4 in Hip-Hop/Rap and #21 in All Genres on iTunes in the country of Bahrain off the strength of the single “Revenge” ft. Jarren Benton & Kony Brooks, a major milestone for the indie artist.

As with each of his albums, Rayne has released each song as a single with stand outs including the solo track “On My Own”, the party banger “Doin’ A Lot”, “La La La”, “Dogecoin” and myriad of other songs. Each track transitions smoothly into the next and takes you on a ride through the “Audiocity” soundscape Rayne has created. The album touches a multitude of corners in hip-hop with everything from the drill inspired song “Chill”, to lyrical story telling with songs like “Hip Hop Love”, “Dive Bar” and “Dirty 30”.

This project has something for everyone. The range of the music has a multi-generational, multi-stylistic approach and appeal. Its safe to say this is Rayne Storm’s best project to date, a well produced independent Rap/Hip-Hop album that could be a game changer for an artist who has been determined to change the game. Check it out below…

Must Listens:, Revenge, Dogecoin (Run it Up), Hip-Hop Love, La La La, Alone, Dirty 30

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Album Review: Pinky’s Boy – DeShaunJay

Coming all the way from San Antonio, rapper DESHAUNJAY delivers his highly anticipated album, ‘Pinky’s Boy.’ Weighing in at a solid 16 tracks, the project saw no previous single releases as DeShaunJay gives fans the entire album in one drop.

Jay delivers solid rhymes and clever lyrics throughout the entire album over trap-esque arrangements that are often sinisterly dark coupled with chant-like overtones. The 29 year old artist shows that he could hold his own, as he takes on each beat with confidence and ease, flourishing from the first track to the one with different flows and topics, keeping the prospective listener engaged at all times.

All in all, DeShaunJay offers up dope rhymes mixed with dope beats creating the perfect feast for those who well and truly appreciate hip-hop. Have a Listen to ‘Pinky’s Boy below…

Must Listens: Reunion, Calvin Ellis, Acrobatics, Pray For Me, On The Line, Schemin

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EP Review: Lost Talent 3 – IamDJStaxx

New York’s emcee IamDJSTAXX continues to capitalise on the momentum he has built as he is primed to release the third and final chapter of the Lost Talent Series, ‘Lost Talent 3’.

After releasing the first chapter in 2018 and the second one in 2019, he is now all set to offer the new fully-loaded EP. Released via UpNexx Digital LLC, This six-track project sees IamDJStaxx joining forces with new talents, Rah Dior and WaveGodTj.

A perfect combo of smooth after-hours tones along with a heavy bass introduces the EP with the track, ‘Ina Minute,’ which is topped off by the fiery bounce of IamDJStaxx’s and WaveGodTj’s delivery.

Some slick guitar plucks lead the way in the second effort, ‘It Is What It Is’ blossoming into a mid-tempo, cursing-in-the-summer noughties-inspired R&B (which is kind of reminiscent of a Ja Rule/Ashanti collaboration), where IamDJStaxx and WaveGodTj continues to light up the feel-good joint with some fiery bars.

In the second half of ‘Lost Talent 3’, IamDJStaxx calls on fellow NY rapper Rah Dior to inject a heavy dose of trip-hop that runs deep in tracks ‘Like Me,’ ‘Bandz,’ and ‘Flingz,’ where the two take turns in dropping some melodic bars that melt right into the arrangements.

IamDJStaxx’s final installment, ‘Lost Talent 3, ’ encompasses the past and the present, which can potentially be a worthy collection of generations who enjoyed the 90s/00s R&B and trap and even drill music. Check out the EP below and the blog’s song recommendations:

Must Listens: InA Minute, It Is What It Is, Flingz

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