Tag: songs about survival

J Lyles bounces back into the game with track, ‘Here I Am’

J LYLES makes his return to the world of hip-hop, in a big way, with his new single titled ‘Here I am’, released on Monday (19th February) various music platforms.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything new from the talented artist but, those days are over with this new single as Lyles continues to prep a new album that is slated to release this year. Being lyrically relatable has never been a problem for the New Jersey native, and that continues to be true with ‘Here I am’. Life sometimes takes a toll on us, as we all go through ups and downs mentally and physically, but those who stay true to themselves while staying afloat through the rough times are the ones that seem to come out the smoke when those bad days disappear.

In his own words Lyles describes the song by saying “I discuss various points of my life and the effects of incarceration, family trauma and struggles to get through college and life after college. This song is a testament of wins and losses, pain, and perseverance that led to this version of myself. “Here I Am”.”

J Lyles is that exact person that comes out of the smoke battle scarred and tired but wiser and battle tested. He’s always ready to give it his all when those tough times roll back around with rhymes like “Made it to 27 I must be here for a reason/applying pressure smothering all you turkeys that’s under seasoned/they telling me to keep going/my music the voice of reason.” Staying ten toes down with the current version of himself is what the artist is striving for now a days, staying away from those who may not prove to be worthy of being within his circle. “I’m a legend to the game/but I never wanted fame/cause everybody knows your name and unfamiliar with your pain” spits Lyles at the beginning of the second verse, further cementing his true to self rhymes being provided by the man behind the mic.

With his debut album titled ‘The Execution’ still being perfected behind closed doors, J Lyles opens up one door to give new and older listeners a sample of what is to come until the timing is right for the project. Check out ‘Here I Am’…

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OUT TODAY: Raphael Tate Returns With Soulful Single ‘Gotta Hold On’ From Album Love, Grieve and Live

Following his appearance on ITV’s Starstruck, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown earlier in this year (2023), RAPHAEL TATE – known fondly as the Prince of Soul by his fans – is back in the spotlight with album, ‘Love, Grieve Live’ out today (18th August) via his label, Tate Love Productions.

The nine track album includes previously released singles – the orchestral-led ballad, ‘Lord I Need You Near’ (featuring acclaimed jazz musician JeffMajors), which received a seal of approval from BBC Radio Derby’s Pam Sidhu; ‘Here Without You’, supported by BBC Radio Stoke plus radio stations around the globe, and Reprezent Radio favourite, ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’.

‘Love Grieve and Live’ album mirrors the cycle of losing a dear one: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Raphael knows all too well what it’s like to be on the turbulent journey: in 2020, his mother unexpectedly passed away and understandably Raphael went through a rollercoaster of emotions.

Alongside the release of the album, Raphael also shares fifth track, ‘Gotta Hold On’, which arguably acts as an anchor of survival to the cycle of grief. With esteemed jazz/soul musician Mark A. Walker providing guitar riffs which adds an edge of funk to the soulful piece, ‘Gotta Hold On’ serves as the perfect platform for Raphael’s heartfelt powerhouse vocals to deliver an inspirational and powerful message of losing someone: it’s OK not to be OK, as those dark moments are in actual fact a fundamental part of the healing process.

Since impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford with his slick moves as James Brown on ITV’s StarStruck, Washington DC-born Raphael has recently become a member of The Recording Academy/Grammy Awards Class of 2023 (Washington DC Chapter). With back-to-back performance across The Midlands – where he now calls home – and across the UK, Raphael manages to find the time to offer some healing with his new heartfelt album and single ‘Gotta Hold On’, both out now across various music platforms.

Follow Raphael Tate via:
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T: https://twitter.com/TateRaphael
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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

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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

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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…

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