Rising Star SVMI Drops Single, ‘P.O.P (Hold It Down)

Following the breakaway success of his viral hit song ‘Bait Lies’ that has amassed over three million plays and tracks under his belt like ‘Old Friends’ and ‘Timeout’ nearing a million plays, which have seen him garner strong support from BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, GRM Daily, Link Up TV, Mixtape Madness and BBC Introducing, fast-rising Manchester artist SVMI circles back to unveil his latest single, ‘P.O.P (Hold It Down)’, having also just signed to Northern music and entertainment powerhouse NQ Records (Aitch, WhyJay).

Produced by LiTek (Rag’n’Bone Man, Bugzy Malone, Central Cee), ‘P.O.P (Hold It Down)’ is an infectious melodic rap track with smooth R&B leanings underpinned by a bouncy bassline and lush synths, over which SVMI showcases his catchy flow, rap skills, smmoth vocals that have made him one of the most exciting young prospects coming out of Manchester this year.

Sampling the viral Donna Goudeau ‘I’m legally blind’ meme, which also informed the title of the track, SVMI confesses that the inspiration for ‘P.O.P (Hold Me Down)’ comes from wanting to go on a spontaneous ‘baecation’ with someone new. The accompanying music video, directed by SVMI himself and Archie Erskine, brings the track further to life and captures a day in the life of a young creative enjoying the process and taking it all in his stride.

So here it is…check out the video for ‘P.O.P (Hold Me Down)’ below…

‘Reflect’ With Jessie Lee’s Brand New Single

JESSIE LEE eases us into the beginning of the week with her brand new soft pop ballad titled ‘Reflect’. Greeted with magical strings and harmonies, ‘Reflect’ is all about trying to process what’s happening internally while going through difficult times.

The latest offering is designed to release any life’s troubles, encouraging all of us to transport to a happy place.

“For me that means being submerged in nature, ” says Jessie of her single. “A safe space to be reflecting on my thoughts and feelings. Whether that’s through journaling, meditation or anything you do to ease your mind, I hope it inspires you to reflect.”

So have a listen to ‘Reflect’ and delve deep into your thoughts…

Listen To Lokoy’s And Nils Bech’s Single, ‘Relay’, Ahead Of Debut Album

Norwegian artist, producer and creative maverick LOKOY‘s new single, ‘Relay’ (with Nils Bech) is a dazzling polyrhythmic pop cut incorporating African-inspired percussion and sampled Icelandic church choirs.

Lyrically the track addresses the complicated emotions and insecurities surrounding self-confidence. Speaking on the meaning behind ‘Relay’, Lokoy said: “The lyrics place me in the centre of a huge stadium surrounded by spectators. It’s just before I’m going to run a relay race and I’m regretting signing up for it. I wanted that imagery to mirror the insecurity I sometimes feel for my own appearance and the constant comparison/competition I have towards myself and others around me. I believe this feeling is quite common, and something many people experience. I want to appear as good as the others in the room, and when I can’t, it feels like a loss. “I went the wrong way, you went the runway” shows this constant comparison and the feeling that you are never quite good enough compared to others.”

‘Relay’ serves as the final taster from Lokoy’s debut album ‘badminton’, coming out this Friday, 22nd January, via Lokoy (under exclusive license to Propeller Recordings).

Have a listen below…

 

Benny Bizzie Drops Video For Latest Single, ‘Pressure’

Following his appearance on the blog with his latest single, ‘Pressure’ BENNY BIZZIE circles back with the official video for the hard-hitting trap/R&B joint.

‘Pressure’ depicts a grounded relationship coming under serious strain during the pandemic – check it out below.

‘Pressure’ is now out on all DSPs.

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…