Tag: songs about black community

Alt indie folk artist Yvonne Hercules shares stunning new single, ‘Narla’s Song ahead of EP

Rising alt indie-folk vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist YVONNE HERCULES makes a much anticipated return with the release of bittersweet new single ‘Narla’s Song’ today, a bluesy, melancholy sonic treasure of spinetingling vocals and poignant songwriting as it explores the notions of loss and grief.

‘Narla’s Song’ follows the release of Yvonne’s single ‘Phoenix’ which came out in April this year. The new track comes just ahead of the 9th June release of Yvonne’s 2nd EP ‘Olive’, which is centred on the narratives and experiences of Black women and Black femininity, with the title track inspired by Black British civil rights activist Olive Morris. Fuelled by her own experiences as a Black woman and creative, and inspired by Alternative Folk/Soul, Jazz and Rock, Yvonne has sought to showcase a body of work that she feels truly represents the nuances of her experiences and those of the Black women in her life and around her.

Produced by multi-instrumentalist/producer Malcolm McCarthy (Rita Ora, Jennifer Hudson, X Factor), the forthcoming five track EP ‘Olive’, follows up Yvonne’s critically acclaimed singles ‘Roving’ (2017), ‘Nene’ (2022) and five-track EP ‘Gladiolus’ (2018).

To coincide with the release of Olive, Yvonne is also about to embark on a five-date tour through June taking in Brighton (June 9th), London (June 10th), Bedford (June 15th), Peterborough (June 16th) and Cambridge (June 17th). Tickets for the tour are now on sale here. There will also be some workshops hosted by Yvonne on signwriting and lyrics on 11th June at The Place Bedford – https://www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/yvonne-hercules-lyrics-poetry-workshop/ and 4th June 2023 at The Metal, Peterborough on 12th June, more info at http://www.yvonnehercules.com .

Yvonne Hercules says of her latest offering “ ‘Narla’s Song’ is about loss, grief and all the complex emotions around losing a loved one. During my grieving process, I wrote the song as a way to eulogise but also to heal. I remember coming across Olive Morris by chance as I stumbled upon a piece about her work as an activist and her life. I felt disappointed and a sense of loss that as a young Black girl, who needed to hear stories about impactful Black British women like Morris, nobody had ever mentioned her name. That particular connection to Olive Morris was even stronger, because I remembered when I was young I used to be called ‘Olive’, so in that moment, I felt that the significance of her life and activism needed to be remembered.”

Have a listen to Narla’s Song’ below…

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Neak Reflects On The Black Experience In America Through Latest Album, ‘Die Wurzel’

Everything can be traced back to its roots. Sometimes, those roots are ignored, overlooked, unattended to, and uncared for. At the heart of American culture, the roots of African-American became nurtured through the historical beauty and ugliness of American society, and those cataclysmic experiences still resonate within the black culture, mindset, and way of life.

Conscious rapper and producer NEAK‘s latest album ‘Die Wurzel’, explores black life post 1619 to the present day. It is designed to make you pause, think, and reflect on the black experience in America with a level of compassion and sensitivity that has made way for perceived cultural black norms deriving from African-American’s trials and tribulations. Jammed back with black musical roots: gospel, soul, jazz, funk, and rap, ‘Die Wurzel’ is an intellectual, witty, and soul-driven musical journey that will hold a dear black in the heart of black urban society.

From the days of his childhood, Chicago-based Neak was bound to capture the same soulful essence of his father; Robert Kelly of the 60s R&B soul group, The Kelly Brothers. With soul and gospel music playing constantly throughout his household growing up, Neak soaked in stories from his father and uncles on their glory days of touring alongside legacy artists such as James Brown, Sam Cooke, Patti LaBelle, etc. It was only a matter of time before those stories became the backdrop for his inspiration to create music that reaches the inner-workings of humanity from the context of the black American cultural experience.

As time went on, Neak began building a foundation for himself as an MC, producer, event curator, and artist consultant. By collaborating with the likes of GLC, Add-2, Rashid Hadee, Rita J., Slot-A, etc., he developed an extensive discography that aesthetically reflected his soulful upbringing and love for golden era-esque style hip-hop–influences by hip-hop greats such as Nas, 2Pac, Common, MF Doom, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye West. This led him to begin touring the U.S. and Canada; performing in major cities such as New York, Vancouver (BC), Detroit, Seattle, Atlanta, Philadelphia, London (ON), Portland, St. Paul, Washington D.C., etc. He also was invited to and performed in major festivals such as A3C, Silver Room Block Party, and North Coast Music Festival. Sharing stages with music notables such as Pete Rock, Chance The Rapper, and Vic Mensa, his creativity continues to evolve and adapts to reflect the signs of the times.

Neak’s musical releases combined currently stand at over 450K streams, but his hunger to create beautiful music for the masses has just begun. Fresh off producing Rita J’s new album ‘The High Priestess,’ and joint effort with fellow crew members of NRFS (consisting of Neak himself, Rashid Hadee, F.A.B.L.E., and Since9ine6ix), as well as gearing up to release a collaborative album with singer/producer/director Cam Be entitled “a film called black”, his next solo effort ‘Die Wurzel’ is now available on all major streaming services. Check it out below plus the blog’s song recommendations…

Must Listens: Home, Famous, Black on Black Black on Blue, Memoirs of a Lost Nigga

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Franz Von Drops Five-Track EP, ‘People Di Powa’.

FRANZ VON has shared his highly anticipated EP ‘People Di Powa’ alongside lead single ‘Asem’, featuring the unmistakeable flow of prolific Ghanaian vocalist, K.O.G.

Fusing tribal hip-hop with elements of jazz, dub and afrobeat, the EP blends powerful spoken word and rap with social commentary and explores the ongoing issue of systemic oppression. ‘People Di Powa’ is a reminder that we are powerful as individuals and even more so as autonomous communities. 

Fittingly for an EP about community, Franz is joined by a talented cohort of special guests lending their vocal talents – Cortney Dixon, Nikisha in the Woods, Cynthia Bahy, and K.O.G. all feature whilst the production is a collaboration from Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist/Onipa), Lucian Oniell, Labo Klandestino, Mark Stoney, and Toni Smoke.

The EP opens with Franz Von’s trademark bouncing flow on ‘We All Rise’ – “Indulging in the depth of the riddim / The realest therapy the remedy / Medicated taking doses of melodies / Boost the energy sacred chakra replenishes so effortless the specialist” before Nikisha in the Woods adds her vibrant vocal hook.

Next up is ‘Power Be You’, the centrepiece of the EP’s message of empowerment that encourages listeners to engage and embrace their inner strength. Cynthia Bahy features on previous single ‘Her Frequency’ – a song of hope and gratitude focusing on renewing our inner strength and connection with the infinite power of the universe.

Standout track on the record ‘Asem’ – which means ‘problems’ in the Ashanti language ‘Twi’ spoken in Ghana – is an upbeat, genre-bending banger which infuses Boom Bap hip-hop and rock whilst long-term collaborator K.O.G. shares a fierce delivery.

Speaking about the single Franz says, “Asem is a bold and rebellious social commentary rap. The song touches on the effects of systemic oppression on marginalised communities. Asem has a message of the connection and togetherness that can be found in collaborations between different communities”.

The EP closes with ‘Slipstream’ featuring Cortney Dixon, a slick rap cruiser with a hazy hook that compliments Franz Von’s striking tone perfectly.

A project packed with substance and meaning, ‘PEOPLE DI POWA’ is a much-needed breath of fresh air in Black British music.

Previous support for Franz comes from BBC Introducing Sheffield and Amazing Radio who handed him a one-off show, as well as BBC Introducing at Radio 1 and DJ Target at BBC 1Xtra, Ministry of Sound, Naga Mag, Word Is Bond, Groovin’ Mood, and more.

Franz Von is a Jamaican-born, UK-based artist exploring traditional cultural lineage from Africa through to modern genres. After 8 years playing with K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade, Franz Von has collaborated with the likes of Tony Allen, Onipa, and Wiyaala. 

Check out the EP below…

Must Listen: Asem

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Kutee Lee Drops New Track For The Community, ‘Southside’

KUTEE LEE‘s brand new single, ‘Southside’ epitomizes his experience in the city of Port Harcourt (Nigeria) and how he relates with his peers and accomplice in the burgeoning creative scene.  It serves as a healing balm and a stretched-out arm of camaraderie to his people, highlighting things they have in common but mainly the fact that they’re from the same area – Southside. 

Kutee Lee puts up a stellar performance on the intensely melodic rap record, alternating between singing and rapping about his city experiences. Have a listen below…

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D Power Diesle Drops Epic Track, ‘The March’, Featuring Frisco, Shorty & Lay Z

Continuing to demonstrate why his name is synonymous with the grime scene, D POWER DIESLE unveils his latest masterpiece ‘The March’ with the assistance of Boy Better Know MCs Frisco, Shorty and Lay-Z.

As the Grime scene pioneer teases his long awaited follow up project ‘Graphene 2’, he plans to keep the same high calibre that he delivered in the first project. With Graphene 1’s stand out single ‘Sniper’, featuring Skepta, amassing over 5.2 million collective views as well tracks with guest verses from Wiley, Footsie, Jammz and Grim Sickers, the talented grime MC refuses to miss his shot!

Diesle knows exactly what it takes to make an instant grime classic and uses his proven formula to make sure this track is a head banging anthem. Teaming up with the world-renowned producers The HeavyTrackerz, the MCs are set up with a sinister, vibrant instrumental which is filled to the brim with bouncing percussion and intricate production work. Detailing his extensive career, Diesle sets the tone of the track by referring to his roots as a DJ at Déjà Vu. Embodying the raw energy of this era, he effortlessly attacks the beat with an intense yet inciteful delivery. This momentum is carried on throughout the track by the featuring Boy Better Know artists. As a group at the cornerstone of the evolution of the UK music scene, they are well equipped to match the passionate vocals that Diesle brings to the table.

D Power Diesle has created a legacy that stretches back to the origins of grime and continues to unfold. From his pioneering days at Rinse FM and Déjà Vu and his inclusion on Lord of the Mics 3 clashing Wariko, through to touring with Skepta, Wiley, Jammer and Modestep, D Power Diesle is in the elite of grime scene veterans whilst also remaining a prominent fixture of today’s thriving British Black Music scene. He also continues to offer a platform to new and upcoming talent, via his own label ‘EB Records’, stating “It’s important for vets to guide and show love to the youth, to keep them committed, it motivates them to know that people who have been there before can do it.” After partnering with Deezer and Relentless, the label continues to grow from strength to strength!

‘The March’ signifies the start of what is set to be an eventful year for D Power Diesle. As his fans eagerly anticipate the release of Graphene 2, we get to see exactly why the London based MC continues to build up so much momentum. Have a listen below…

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