Rapper/spoken word artist NATTY BOI ZOE is ready to open up his world with album, ‘I Am Who I Am 2’, out now across various music platforms.
The New Yorker tells of his trials and tribulations of being a black man in today’s world, finding his place as an underground rapper and entrepreneur, the betrayal he has experience from co-called close friends and the painful loss of a close friend and his mother.
The 14 track project includes previously released track, ‘Do Y’all’ which features fellow rapper and long-time collaborator, Dice Cannon. The 90’s inspired track was once named the blog’s Song of the Week over on Instagram back in April.
‘I Am Who I Am’ is now available across various music platforms. Why not check it out below…
A sombre, bed of airy soundscapes introduces JOZEM‘s new EP, ‘Summerhaze’, through track, ‘Foolish Heart’, where the tranquility of Rwanda-born, Toronto-based artist’s vocals offer a place of escapism, introspection and even retrospection during a season that’s associated with having pure unadulterated fun.
Although the EP is described as a body of work that displays ‘a moody side of summer’, which peeks into Jozem’s many life experiences and those who are close to him, personally the five-track project could also be described as a transitional EP from Summer to Autumn – a season that prepare us for hibernation and a period of some serious self-discovery and perhaps reflecting on loss of friendships, relationships strains and heartache of losing a love interest, releasing all those pent up issues and coming out the other end renewed and healed. As these themes of self-discovery and introspection runs potent throughout the EP, ‘Summerhaze’ is also a gentle reminder of recognising the real cheerleaders in your life when times get a little rough.
The perfect example of this is through title track, ‘Summerhaze’, which reflects on an experience with one of Jozem’s close friends, who was going through a rough patch and, like most of us, that person would put on a brave face to mask the pain – even though Jozem could see right through the mask and feel his friend’s pain. He may have felt helpless at the time, but Jozem has learnt a valuable lesson from the experience that ring loud in the track – and that lesson is that it’s not a sign of weakness to reach out and confide in someone who you truly trust.
Soft layers of electronic soundscapes begins to make its presence known in ‘Test’ and ‘Waiting, Soft’ concluding the EP perfectly which, personally, radiates some sense of hope and optimism through the muddy maze, that’s unfortunately called life.
‘Summerhaze’ EP is now out today (29th August), via various music platforms. Why not enter into Jozem’s world below…
Christian rapper MIKE BODY makes a quick return on the blog with second video of 2024 for latest track, ‘For The Widows’, out now.
Melancholy beautiful, ‘For The Widows’ provides strength as well as comfort for those who experienced losing a spouse and lifelong companion.
‘For the Widows’ quickly follows Mike’s reinvigorating track ‘Who’s The Greatest’, which recently claimed the blog’s Music Video of the Week title twice for its striking visuals.
Why not check out the video for ‘For The Widows’ below…
EARTHQUAKE LIGHTS is a four-piece rock outfit from NYC. Having all met during their time at college, the band quickly saw success with their very first EP, earning placements in a national NBA/Tissot ad campaign and an Alex Gibney documentary. Their music has received critical acclaim alongside multiple Spotify editorial playlists and a placement in Isabel Sandoval’s award-winning film Lingua Franca, as well as a feature on Vulfpeck’s album The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate.
Earthquake Lights kick off 2024 with the release of their new single, ‘Heartbeat.’ Inspired by the loss of a vulnerable family member, the poignant track is a reminder to cherish our loved ones in the face of looming troubles. The band dig into the unpredictability and fear of loss, particularly with losing people sooner than you think. Lead singer Myles Rodenhouse shares, “It’s about that moment before the end – when you know it will end but do not know when exactly.”
The introspective song features a programmatic element to the arrangement, where the kick-drum and bass mimic the sound of a heart murmur. Taking inspiration from Japanese classical composers, Rodenhouse confides, “Melody takes a lot of reflection for me. Being on my own allows me to find something more personal.” ‘Heartbeat’ is dedicated to the Mikel Sisters. Listen to the stunning single below…
After a short hiatus ‘Ghosts’ is the fitting title of Vancouver-based R&B artist GOLDSTEPZ‘s return. ‘Ghosts’ is about loss and gain. It’s about losing friends and relationships through death, drifting apart, and life circumstances, while facing this loss head-on with our ability to grow and change. ‘Ghosts’ intricately weaves this story of give and take with a nostalgic sound that makes us all feel that although loss is inevitable, change is always possible. Check it out below…
New Lease Music 