Otis Mensah Drops Track ‘No Record Store Day’ + Video

Acclaimed Hip-Hop artist and poet OTIS MENSAH announces the release of his new single ‘No Record Store Day’, written at the beginning of the global pandemic. The song delves into a feeling of cabin fever, using the cancellation of Record Store Day as a metaphor to explore a deeper sense of social disquietude. Over moody psychedelic instrumentation produced by The Intern, Otis paints the journey with frantic poetry, wrestling over ego and self-worth; finding the political in the personal.

Hailing from Sheffield, Otis Mensah combines vivid storytelling with atmospheric and experimental Hip-Hop sounds. Titled Sheffield’s first poet laureate in 2018, Otis has worked and toured with heavyweights such as Benjamin Zephaniah, KOTA the Friend, Open Mike Eagle, Mahalia and Blu & Exile. Otis has also received support from The Guardian, Earmilk, I Am Hip Hop Magazine, BBC: Introducing; CALM; Worldwide FM and The Noise Gate.

‘No Record Store Day’ is the third episode of #OtisMensahExists, a series of new music and animation art released every three weeks.

Check out the animated video for ‘No Record Store Day’ below…

J.Kas x Ruell Slams Down Summer-Ready track ‘BonBon’.

Rapper J.KAS calls upon long-time collaborator, upcoming R&B singer Ruell, to offer some much needed distraction away from the chaotic current events with latest single, ‘BonBon’.

Ruell takes the lead in the summer-charged joint, exchanging his smooth afterhours vocals for a melodic/rock steady-esque flow, which melts right into the vibrant fusion of tropical house and Dancehall. BBC Sheffield-approved J.Kas takes over and adds extra fire with his gutsy MC-delivery.

Previously featured on J. Kas’ soulful/R&B jams, ‘Snapchat (Ain’t No Killing My Vibe)’ and ‘Cali Dreaming’, Ruell has branched out and released his debut solo single, ‘Tiffany’, where J.Kas returns the favour and features on the R&B/trap production.

Besides being a seasoned wordsmith, who received firm support from BBC1’s Huw Stephens, BBC 1xtra’s Charlie Sloth and DJ Ace and BBC Sheffield’s Christian Carlisle, J.Kas is the founder of trendy streetwear, Tokyo Red, established in 2015.

Available now on SpotifyiTunesTidalDeezer and Google Play, ‘BonBon’ follow’s J.Kas’ Afrobeat/Dancehall number, ‘Amsterdam’.

Follow J.Kas on: Facebook // Twitter // Instagram
Follow Ruell on: Instagram

Otis Mensah Release Single, ‘Breath Of Life’

Hip-Hop artist and poet OTIS MENSAH‘s new single, ‘Breath of Life’, features a guest verse from Hemlock Ernst, (the rap alter ego of Samuel T. Herring from the critically acclaimed synth-pop Future Islands). Sporting a chilled, introspective soulful hip-hop vibe infused with a zestful flow, the Brelstaff-produced track explores anxiety, fear and claustrophobia.

Hailing from Sheffield, Otis Mensah combines vivid storytelling with atmospheric and experimental hip-hop sounds. Titled Sheffield’s poet laureate in 2018, Otis has worked and toured with heavyweights such as Benjamin Zephaniah, KOTA the Friend, Open Mike Eagle, Mahalia and Blu & Exile. Otis has also received praise and support from The Guardian, Earmilk and The Noise Gate among other outlets.

‘Breath of Life’ is part of Otis Mensah’s forthcoming project, #OtisMensahExists, a visual and audio compilation exploring the talented wordsmith’s relationships with isolation, technology and society.

Check out the video for single below…

J. Kas Pays Homage To His ‘#Hometown’ In Brand New Video

After travelling across Portugal, for over a year through his Dreamlife tour, collaborating with various upcoming artists including singer Catarina Lima (for single, ‘Lightwork’) and Breana Marin (for single, ‘Reckless’), rapper J. KAS returns home to Sheffield, for the brand new, Michael Krause-directed video for smooth R&B/hip-hop joint, ‘#Hometown’, featuring Chicago’s R&B singer June B.

Featuring the Sheffield spitter roaming around the town he calls home, the four-and-a-half minute video was produced from the demand of J. KAS‘ growing fanbase.

‘#Hometown’ forms part of his 2019 EP bearing the same name. The single is now available on:
iTunes // Spotify // TikTok  // Tidal // Deezer // Amazon  // Google Play

Follow J. Kas via:
Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube // SoundCloud 

Check out the video for ‘#Hometown’ below…

Otis Mensah Drops ‘Ted Talks’ Video

Following the release of video Grand Finale Funeral Show’, Sheffield’s hip-hop Poet Laureate OTIS MENSAH has released another set of visuals for ‘Ted Talks’ – the sophomore track from his EP ‘Rap Poetics’ which breaks down the white-washed elitism of the art world.

Valuing art as a fundamental form of activism, Otis is opening up an important dialogue between himself and the ruling establishment, positioning emotional vulnerability at its core. Last year,  Otis was appointed as the first hip-hop Poet Laureate of Sheffield by former Lord Mayor and current MEP Magid Magid – advocating for rap as an effective vehicle for emotional communication.

Check out Otis’ latest set of visuals below…