Song of the Day: Confusion – M.anifest

award-winning Ghanaian rap veteran and UNICEF ambassador M.ANIFEST‘s latest single, ‘Confusion’ is rich in musicality from the very start. The lush guitar licks and percussion drums are the central elements of the alluring sonic bed of hip-hop and afrobeats which blends seamlessly together.

‘Confusion’ is driven by M.anifest’s captivating wordplay, assured cadence, and infectious melodic rap flow, as he weaves an enthralling tale about the beautiful chaos of living in a modern African city like his hometown Accra. According to M.anifest, “such is the paradox of life in our cities, that there is always a constant tension between the feeling of ‘hurry hurry’ and ‘ok wait’”.

A rap music veteran of over a decade, with six acclaimed projects spanning that time, countless awards over his career and over three million fans on social media, M.anifest is one of the most revered figures in the African music scene. Described as the foremost rapper on the continent by The Guardian UK, with further acclaim from BBC, CNN and Revolt, his musical reach extends beyond Africa, with collaborations that range from Damon Albarn and Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Flea, to Erykah Badu and Tigga Da Author, to Kojey Radical and Burna Boy.

Have a listen to ‘Confusion’, produced by MOBO Award nominated artist and producer JULS (GoldLink, Kojey Radical, Pa Salieu, Ms. Banks)…

Song of the Day: Think – The Optical Illusion

Following up on the releases of ‘Shine so Bright’ and ‘Travesty of Justice’, THE OPTICAL ILLUSION returns, once again, to the blog’s Song of the Day top spot with latest single, ‘Think’, a thought provoking, David Bowie-esque piece which offers much optimism following horrific events of 2020.

Check it out below and let us know what you think – no pun intended!

Song of the Day: Drown – Jordyn Simone

Due to a summer romance last July, JORDYN SIMONE was drawn to detailing the emotions that come with vulnerable self-expression and female empowerment. The result is Drown: a sonic masterpiece that can’t be described as anything but silky-smooth. With a beat reminiscent of summer warmth and sultry lyrics that ooze with self-confidence, ‘Drown’ doesn’t just make you fall in love with Jordyn but reminds you to love yourself along the way.

“While I was in this relationship, I felt extremely empowered by my femininity, so much so that I felt as though I needed to write about it.” – Jordyn Simone

Based in LA and blessed with music in her blood, Jordyn Simone is a self-proclaimed “genre-less” artist who redefines the grind to success. From singing gospel music with her parents to fiercely competing as a finalist on both the Voice and American Idol, the 21-year old singer/songwriter has grown up alongside her music evolution, devoted to sharing her unique sound with the world. ‘Drown’ , is a testament to this, speaking to her step into womanhood and the sensuality that comes with growing into your true self. Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: Questions – Abnormal Sleepz (ft. Blackhaine)

Emerging from the ranks of Manchester’s finest, multi-talented rapper and producer ABORMAL SLEEPZ‘s single ‘Questions’, featuring Lancashire artist/choreographer Blackhaine, captures a real raw, dark energy; a sound not heard from Sleepz before. The single is taken from his upcoming mixtape ‘The Meditape III’ which features the likes of HMD and SLEAZY F.

Rapidly solidifying his name amongst the echelons of Manchester excellence, Abnormal Sleepz has consistently combined his distinct musical palette with introspective lyrics in each one of his releases.

Spending years crafting his signature sound, the blend of his love for Hip Hop, Soul and Grime resulted in the release of his first solo mixtape, ‘The Meditape’ in 2015, followed by ‘The Meditape II’. Taking his own artistic inspiration from Ab – Soul, Erykah Badu, Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa and Kendrick Lamar, Sleepz went on to release his debut LP ‘Kaleidoscope’ with The North Quarter in 2019.

On top of this, his extensive production skills has led him to produce for Misha B, Ayo Britain and Pip Millet; his recent campaigns with Wray & Nephew, Flannels, JD Sports and Timberland further demonstrating his versatility as an artist.

Bold in his outlook, effortless in his delivery, Abnormal Sleepz is the Mancunion creating a voice for the next generation and with his unique collaboration with Blackhaine, ‘Questions’ is an experimental force to be reckoned with. Check out the video for the epic track below…

Song of the Day: Slide With Me – B.Rob

As the BBQ season is rapidly coming up, I thought I slip through this laid-back, summer-ready banger, ‘Slide With Me’ by Canadian singer-songwriter/rapper B.ROB.

Featuring a melodic harp working in harmony with the 90s-inspired R&B sample, the single captures the fun and vibrancy that the hot season brings – but until then, why not check out the official video for the single below…oh, and don’t forget to add this sizzler to your playlist for those summer party nights.