OUT TODAY: Listen to LT’s EP, ‘Out the Trenches’

Port Harcourt bred singer/songwriter, LT‘s his first body of work ‘Out The Trenches’ documents the past three years of his life. A seven track, soulful, groovy, synth-heavy, rhythmic project, intentionally put together to showcase the outer-worldly range and drive he possesses as an artist.

Creating the majority of the project from a headspace of gloom, self reflection, and hunger, LT had to channel all these emotions, igniting light out of a place of darkness, hence the title Out The Trenches. LT’s scintillating range in songwriting, performance and cadence shines through on every track, affirming a thematic expression that characterizes a phase personally and artistically. Alongside creating a delicate sonic world that incorporates elements of R&B/Soul, Afrobeats, Trap & Reggaeton, owed to an impressive list of production collaborators, from Killer Producer, Abel Lead Us, Mazi Spice, Trizzy Beatx to other session vocalists and instrumentalists who added to the depth of the project.

Released today (2nd June), LT’s debut ‘Out The Trenches’ is a strong first impression by an artist tipped to go the distance. Have a listen to his collection below…

Must Listens: In Due Time, A Million Lies, My Ana

Samuel Vincent Releases ‘Rivalry’, An EP About Battling the World (And Yourself)

It took a while for SAMUEL VINCENT to finally release his music to the world, but once he started, he had no plans of stopping. His newest release, ‘Rivalry’, manages to cover a multitude of internal conflicts while maintaining his integrity in an industry that has drastically changed its priorities.

‘Rivalry’ consists of a brief introduction followed by five hard-hitting tracks. The EP is a manifestation of Samuel’s thoughts on his upbringing, the culture, and his competition, all blended into straight up bars. The never-ending mental struggle of a man battling himself is perhaps only overshadowed by entertaining and approachable yet complex bars.

There’s a universality to most of his music, but what makes these tracks unique is his self-taught journey. This is his approach, his voice. Coming from a broken home, without the time to second-guess himself, the soul of Samuel lies in knowing what makes a comedian’s life so tragic.

Samuel started out with nothing but a pencil, a pad, a keyboard, and his father’s tape recorder inside a small condo smack dab in the centre of New Jersey. Spending countless evenings trying to transcribe lyrics from influential artists like Cassidy, DMX, Biggie, Ludacris, Jadakiss, Petey Pablo, and a slew of other legends in the game, he’s had several decades of writing experience and linguistic interpretation under his belt.

So here’s your chance to witness a spitter on-the-rise; check out Samuel’s EP below, released last Friday (27th January) across various music platforms.

Must Listen: Deadlock, Trouble, Finale

Watch Neek Bucks’ Brand New Video For Track, ‘Red Light’.

New York rapper NEEK BUCKS released a visual yesterday for his new single ‘Red Light,’ available now on all streaming platforms via MNRK Music Group. Produced by Hitmaka and Smatt, Neek’s storytelling is fully displayed with this latest offering. His infectious hooks speak about different scenarios on how stopping at the red light can be dangerous for himself or any of his enemies.

‘Red Light’ is the follow-up to ;Mask Up’ and ‘Count On,’ featured on Neek’s debut album ‘Blessed To The Max’. The album is executive produced by GRAMMY Award winner Hitmaka and will be released on 17th February. Both Neek and Hitmaka pride themselves on the album’s production as it covers various topics, from what is happening in the streets around him to life issues. The album also features a diverse range of talents, such as Ivory Scott and Vory, mainstream acts, such as 2Chainz and Wiz Khalifa, to legendary acts, such as CeeLo Green and Raekwon.

Check out the video for ‘Red Light’ below…

OUT TODAY: Nino SLG Drops Track, ‘What’s Left’ + Video, Ahead Of EP, ‘Mirror Story.’

South-London’s rap wunderkind NINO SLG kicks off 2023 with the announcement of his forthcoming EP ‘Mirror Story’ – slated for release on 10th March. The announcement arrives today with ‘What’s Left’, Nino’s introspective, deeply-felt new single and video.

‘What’s Left’ sees Nino collaborate with famed producer Kyle Evans (Dave’s We’re All Alone In This Together) for this emotive track that sees Nino delve into his battles with mental health, and discuss how he sought solace in the local youth clubs that helped him channel his energies into honing his craft. Split into two sections, the second half of the single is woven with tension as Nino grapples with thoughts on materialism and lust before coming to a sombre conclusion that ‘I don’t know what’s left no more’. The single is accompanied with a stripped-back video directed by Spike Silverton that reflects the duality of the single, finding Nino in his bedroom performing the single to his mirror image.

Speaking on the Mirror Story announcement, Nino said –

“My new EP is a story about the person I can see in the mirror. It’s my most vulnerable project to date, and I want people to see this side of me. Lyrically I’ve touched on materialism and everyday possessions, concepts and distractions to try and show how these steer people away from conquering the real problem which is usually themselves. Musically, I’ve reflected the contrasting emotions in the lyrics by switching up the production as you move through the project. Mirror Story is about exploring myself and my emotions, in the hope that there might be other people out there who are feeling the same – I hope that my EP makes them feel understood“

The five-track EP sees Nino reflect on the person he is and the man he is becoming. The project sees Nino climb to new heights with lyrics touching on mental health, anxiety, insecurities, materialism and life growing up in inner-city London, set to Nino’s trademark keys and a paired-back production which intertwine elements of drill, rich instrumentation including cello and 90s hip hop beats.

Watch the heartfelt video for ‘What’s Left below…

Watch Mr.J (D-RIOT) Video For ‘Count Me Out’

‘Count Me Out’ is the latest release by Detroit hip hop artist MR.J (D-RIOT). The song is about self-reflection and overcoming self-doubt while giving a positive message to the youth.

“In a culture that’s dominated by violence, heavy drug use, and sex, I know that I am fighting a up hill battle,” Mr.J adds. “But it’s a battle that I know I can’t afford to lose, at least not with myself. Life in itself is a constant battle, but what side of the battle are you on? The winning side, or the losing side? Winner’s win and loser’s lose, I choose to win in life. If it’s one message that I hope people get from this song it’s to NEVER count yourself out.”

A great message to end 2022 with…why not check out the video for the track below…