Song of the Day: She Knows – Miranda Joan

‘She Knows’ from Canadian singer/songwriter MIRANDA JOAN, is a celebration of female friendship.

Miranda confides, “Being a woman comes with a complex set of stories that push and pull us in so many directions. The undercurrent is one of immense power, but often its surface is restless with questions of worth in a world that often challenges our value and undermines our personhood. I am increasingly in awe of and grateful for those who live in strength and self-knowing and remind me of our power. This song is in honor of the friends who can see through choppy waters and into the crystal clear hues of your humanity; those who truly see you, who love you, who know you.”

Miranda Joan has found success sharing the stage with high profile artists including Andy Grammar, Lorde, Shawn Mendes, The Killers and more. She has received acclaim from the likes of Consequence, NPR, BBC and LADYGUNN to name a few. Have a listen to the stunning ballad below…

Song of the Day: Shell – Marie-Clo

Singer/songwriter MARIE-CLO wrote single ‘Shell’ when she was incredibly sick with polycystic ovary syndrome…and just as her music career was taken off, she found a lump in  breast. As you can imagine, she felt defeated as well as petrified.

Possessing a soothing alt-pop drive, ‘Shell’ chronicles Marie-Clo’s above journey and her fears of death. Despite the uncertainly for the future, she pushed through her anxiety and trauma – along with a cocktail of emotions she was experiencing – and continued with her first love – music.

Taken from her brand new EP, ‘Shell(e) Pt II’, out now on all various download/streaming platforms, ‘Shell’ is a message for anyone – especially women – to keep on shining, no matter how great the battle appears to be.

Watch the video for the single below, directed by Aaron Desilva.

SPRTYK Reveals Visuals For Critically-Acclaimed Single, ‘Bad Temper’

When SPRTYK (pronounced Sporty K) pitched her latest single ‘Bad Temper’ for Spotify playlist consideration, it was selected for three editorial playlists (Spilled Ink, Mellow Bars, Alternative Hip Hop) and two algorithmic playlists including the coveted Discover Weekly. Those editorial and algorithmic playlists have driven the track to nearly a quarter million streams.

The accompanied visual – shot in her native Bronx – follows the emotional highs and lows of a top female draft pick / artist-in-bloom determined to win against all odds as she fights to escape the all too familiar “angry black female” stereotype, giving the two-finger gesture to the oversimplified characterisations of being hostile and overly aggressive.

Besides establishing herself as a formidable rapper, SPRTYK is also the CEO of STAR CLUB ENTERTAINMENT where she works as the creative director and stylist for other acts in New York’s eclectic scene including A$AP Ferg and Privilege New York.

‘Bad Temper’ forms part of her upcoming ‘Because I Feel Like It’ project, SPRTYK is set to continue being one of 2020’s favourite new music discoveries.

Check out the video for ‘Bad Temper’, directed by J. Chance + SPRTYK

Warren Wint Drops New Track, ‘The Whole 9’

With support from Billboard, Noisey, Hot 97, XXL, MTV, The Source, VH1, and BET, among others, fast-
rising hip hop artist and musician WARREN WINT is one of New York’s best kept secrets, although not for
much longer as he returns with his brand new single and first offering of 2020 titled ‘The Whole 9’. The
new single from Warren Wint picks up right where he left off last year, where he amassed nearly half a
million views on YouTube releasing visuals for singles from his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Quietaskept’ such as ‘One Of A Kind’, ‘Maybe’, ‘This Way’, and ‘Keep That Energy’.

Co-produced by Othellobeats, who has previously worked with PNB Rock, Yung Ro, and Pop Smoke, among others, and V-Notes (Joell Ortiz, Shontelle, Cocoa Sarai), ‘The Whole 9’ sees Warren Wint waxing lyrical and paying homage to the boss women who “got her own s**t, that the whole 9” as he raps on the song’s chorus. The track is not only driven by Warren’s infectious flow and lyrical dexterity, but also by the glorious drums-led musical backdrop, which is reminiscent of seminal ‘golden era’ New York hip hop music, while also drawing groove influences from 80’s R&B classics.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘The Whole 9’, Warren Wint says, “The song takes its cue from the classic phrase ‘the whole nine yards’, which typically means everything you could possible want or have or ‘the whole package’ as I would say. It’s a tribute to boss women, and on the flipside, boss men as well, because these days, we all want to be with people that can be more than just a fun night, and who can bring something to the table. Musically, I wanted to do something that showed you could still have fun with rap music, I wanted the track to feel familiar, while remaining uniquely me”.

Currently working on his highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Father’s Favorite’, which is set to be released this summer, Warren Wint first burst onto the scene in 2018 with his eclectic sound that’s firmly steeped in hip hop music, and infused with elements of R&B, pop, gospel, and poetry, and he has not looked back since. The New York native kickstarts his 2020 ready to come into his own as one of the best new artists coming out of The Big Apple this year, having already been backed by leading tastemakers such as Billboard, XXL, Hot 97, MTV, Noisey, The Source, BET, VH1, and Power 105.1

Have a listen to ‘The Whole 9’ below…

EP Review: Grizzly – Bby Ivy

After hearing tracks, ‘Rewind’ and ‘Sweet Like Honey’, released earlier this year, I was eager to see urban pop songstress BBY IVY‘s next move…and that next move comes in the shape of a six-track EP, ‘Grizzly’, which pretty much carries on the braggadocious presence presented in the aforementioned tracks.

A titillating mix of urban and electro pop introduces the EP through, ‘Sorry Doesn’t Cut it Today’. Whilst this joint offers an uplifting bounce, the lyrics adds contrast to the picture, where Bby tells the tale of heartbreak and betrayal.

Next offering, ‘Shame On Your Mama’ offers a more relaxed urban hip-hop/mainstream tone, where the Norwegian newcomer disses one’s actions that doesn’t reflect the grace and manners what their mother taught them.

‘Nkd Like That’ puts another spin on the mini collection, dishing out straight up trip-hop, ditching the mainstream sound featured in previous efforts. However that accessible sound does make a return in concluding piece, ‘Suck My’, an anthem for those who feel constantly criticized by others. A similar tone to ‘Nkd Like That’, the track carries a lighter trip-hop vibe with sugary over tones, making it appeasing to a wider audience.

In her short years on this earth, this teenager has experienced countless heartbreaks and betrayal…but it didn’t get her down. Instead, she turned a load of positives into negatives, through her quirky storytelling – and it’s all there in ‘Grizzly’.

Expect more from this kid with a very wise head on her shoulders…check out her EP below…

Must Listens: Shame On Ur Mama, Sweet Honey, Suck My