Tag: songs about survival

Album Review: LFTP Season Vol.1 – 3Bubble & J. Gray

Following the release of their critically acclaimed album ‘Pentagon Memoirs’ (2016) – which sits at a well deserve place at number four on NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2016 list –  I have a very strange feeling that 3BUBBLE & J. GRAY are going to create just as much buzz (if not more) with their brand new album ‘LFTP ‘ Season Vol.1’.

Unlike ‘Pentagon Memoirs’ which boasts summer-ready anthems, ‘LFTP Season Vol.1’ predominately adopts a laid back vibe of old school soul, a tingling sensation that the nine-track set introduces with ‘Vibin’ where the alluring contribution of the saxophone adds that magical touch.

Just in case you’re wondering what ‘LFTP’ stands for – it’s Live From The Pentagon – the name of their label. Like their previous albums, they showcase some of the most promising recruits, such as RAGS and King Kelechi, coming from their hometown Houston – and they’re on a serious mission to bring back old school/golden hip-hop through track ‘LFTP Squad’.

Further along, ‘How Long’ respectfully interrupts the laid-back/retro flow and brings the collection right up to date with its bold, counter rhythmic loop reverberating through the piece. Returning to its original theme, the album finishes off with their prominent tale of life struggles. ‘Leave Me Now’ gives a glimpse into the darkest hours of loneliness and their increasingly mistrust in friends around them.

Like its predecessor,  ‘LFTP Season Vol.1’ is an instantly likeable set; so infectious that it has a strong potential in making it the blog’s next album of the year list and beyond. Check it out below:

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Song of the Day: BLOW – Dante

‘Crash One’ recently released in October, is the first installment in DANTE‘s story. Influenced by the philosopher of the same name, the Londoner creates his own ‘Inferno’ through music.

The project merges sombre and subtle piano melodies over hard drums and cryptic new wave lyricism. The story details the initial plummet into darkness one faces through the pain and confusion caused by the unknown, which is the dark undertone of ‘Crash One’

Inspired by one of two near fatal car crashes that DANTE suffered, the tape begins the story of indulging into ‘inferno’ with a combination of new wave Hip-Hop and deep, thoughtful lyricism. Lo-fi sounds and excerpts from a cult leader, Jim Jones (of the People’s Temple) play throughout, acting as one of the many sonic and lyrical metaphors found on this artist’s first aesthetic journey, ‘Crash One’…so experience the first taste of the EP and check out the video to ‘BLOW’.

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Song of the Day: Wild Wild West – Tobi Sunmola

Tipped as Mobo’s ‘One to Watch’ TOBI SUNMOLA returns to centre stage with the second release ‘Wild Wild East’, from his forthcoming EP.

The self-produced single showcases this newcomer’s versatility and ability to combine clever wordplay and infectious flows, with politically driven lyricism. At times the track is reminiscent of the Joey Bada$$ album ‘All Amerikkkan Bada$$’ with the young MC drawing inspiration from his African roots and struggles that he has continued to wrestle with during life in East Manchester.

A play, on the widely known phrase – ‘Wild Wild West’ – Tobi states that, “I used this reference to explain the big bad world I have to deal with, the negativity, deceit, envy and hardship, and how I try to keep my energy high through it all, in the hope of making it back home.”

Growing up in Nigeria, Tobi recalls that “becoming an artiste wasn’t a visible reality. I made music because I really wanted to”. His determination to succeed as a musician against the odds saw Sunmola saving up lunch money daily to skip school and head to the studio with his rap crew Dope Kommunity. Moving to Manchester aged 16 the young poet instantly immersed himself in the grime and UK hip hop scene, and his dedication has seen him achieve great things at the early stages of his career. Alongside winning Adidas’ ‘Take the Stage’ competition, he performed Radio 1 Big Weekend Exeter and has been acclaimed by the likes of Complex, The Line Of Best Fit, Afropunk, DJ Booth and BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.

Progressive and perceptive, ‘Wild Wild East’ is a further testament to TOBI SUNMOLA’s out-of-the-box approach as he continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting talents coming out of Manchester’s burgeoning underground music scene.

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Song of the Day: 16 Candles – Melanie?

MELANIE? makes her entry on NEW LEASE MUSIC and steals today’s hot spot with latest single, ’16 Candles’.

Boastfully sporting a feathered fusion of pop/R&B/soul, ’16 Candles’ documents the Toronto-based alt songstress’ journey of self-identity, slowly realising the answer lies within herself – and no one else!

The single is taken from her biographical EP – more details to come…but for now, start off your weekend on a soothing note…have a listen to ’16 Candles’.

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New Music Video: What Do I Do – Rayed R

Coming straight out of Huntsville, Alabama, RAYED R has garnered a lot of attention of late. His latest mixtapes titled ‘In Due Time’ and ‘The Real Quarter 6ix’ helped him to establish his sound and a solid fan base.

Since the release of these projects, the rapid emcee has been vigorously working on new singles, including killer track, ‘What Do I Do’. The banger was released along with a music video which will sure get RAYED R even more attention….check it out!

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