Last but not least, here are the top ten singles of 2024!
On this list, you’ll find some epic gems from around the globe – from the UK, US, South Africa and Japan, keeping you entertained throughout the week and hopefully beyond!
I hope you like this year’s list…and if you so happen to enjoy these releases, why not give it a like or make a comment below.
Keep your eyes peeled on NEW LEASE MUSIC for some fantastic releases for 2025! Take care for now…
Born on New Jersey and now residing in Delaware and Georgia, award winning singer/songwriter DEANNA RANSOM’s new single, ‘Only God’ is a smooth soulful anthem for anyone that has faced or is facing life’s unpredictable circumstances, knowing God is on their side and with Him, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Out now on various music platforms, ‘Only God’ reflects Deanna’s personal lived experience of how she did not always understand what God is orchestrating during the challenging times she encountered. Her faith in him and the process has helped her overcome the obstacles and brought her to a place of peace and victory.
“It’s one thing to speak the word, but another to experience, live and be an epistle of the word. This dark and painful experience that Only God could bring me out of, is my why of where this song comes from and man, it’s a celebration!”, says Deanna Ransom.
Produced by award winning artist and producer, Franklin “Bubby” Fann, ‘Only God’ follows Deanna Ransom ’s impressive discography which includes albums, ‘I Hear You’, ‘Never Say Never…Again’, EP ‘The Real Me’ and powerful singles, ‘Never Say Never’ and ‘You Reign’ which reached the Billboard Top 50.
Deanna’s vocal agility and compelling live performances has earned her a string of US awards which includes Rhythm of Gospel Artist of the Year, the EN SOUND Music Award for Best Female Urban Artist of the Year, 2011 Rhythm of Gospel Award for Song of the Year. Deanna continues to make her mark in 2024 as she was nominated for the 2024 Gospel Music Choice Awards Female Vocalist/Artist of the Year.
Deanna has also appeared on BET, The 700 Club, TBN Praise the Lord, Cornerstone Television Network and has had the privilege of sharing stages with Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Gerald Veasley, J-Moss, Michael Manson, Paul Jackson, Jr., Richard Smallwood and many more.
Outside the music industry, Deanna Ransom is a true force to be reckoned with. An ordained Elder, certified speaker, coach, trainer and mentor, Deanna has served as the President and Executive Director of a global non-profit women organisation of over 7,000 members, where she won the Female Executive of the Year in the non-profit sector 2022. Deanna now serves as the Co-CEO of a technology professional services organisation RevSymphony.
Deanna may lead a multifaceted life, but she never too busy to uplift others through times of trouble with her latest single, ‘Only God’ released 23rd August via all good music platforms.
Follow Deanna Ransom via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DeannaRansom1
X: https://x.com/Ransom1Deanna
IG: https://www.instagram.com/deannaransom/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deannaransom
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deannae19804
Website: https://www.deannaransom.com/
Rising artist ISCO CRUZ charges up his recent project ‘IC Flows: Before Heartbreak’ with a new EP titled ‘Heartbreak’s Paradox’. This new EP features five additional tracks, expanding on the emotional and narrative journey that began with ‘IC Flows: Before Heartbreak’.
The release includes ‘Double Standards,’ which received support on OkayAfrica and landed on several Spotify Editorial playlists, including New Music Friday, R&Beats, and Fresh Finds Africa. ‘Double Standards’ was followed by ‘Life I Chose’ on 27th August, just two days before the full EP dropped. Created live on TikTok, ‘Life I Chose’ quickly went viral on the platform, with fans urging for the release of the single. The EP also includes tracks, including the previously released ‘Another Good One Gone’ and ‘S.A.D Freestyle’.
‘Heartbreak’s Paradox’ builds on the momentum of Isco’s previous work, offering deeper insights into his versatile style and emotional depth. The EP promises to deliver powerful performances, blending genres seamlessly to explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth.
The roll-out of ‘Heartbreak’s Paradox’ is thoughtfully designed to balance anticipation and engagement, particularly given Isco’s status as a rising artist. Releasing singles ahead of the full EP in August 2024 serves a strategic purpose: it acknowledges the reality that listeners may be hesitant to dive into a full-length project from a relatively unknown artist, while also recognising the deep connection that can be formed through a cohesive body of work.
Isco explains, “I became a fan of my favorite artists through their bodies of work. Releasing ‘Heartbreak’s Paradox’ in this way is not just for the listeners who are tuned in now, but for those who will discover my music in the future. This project is a crucial piece of the puzzle, offering a glimpse into my journey and setting the stage for what’s to come.”
Isco Cruz is more than just a musician; he’s a storyteller whose songs resonate with the pulse of contemporary life. Born in Cape Town to Angolan parents, Isco’s music is as diverse as his heritage, blending elements of R&B, Pop/Afro Pop, and Hip-Hop to create a sound uniquely his own.
From his early days, Isco’s passion for music was evident. He began with poetry, which later evolved into a profound talent for rap and singing. His influences range from the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, to modern-day icons like Kanye West, Drake, and The Weeknd. These varied influences come together in Isco’s music, creating a rich tapestry of sound that speaks to listeners across the globe.
Isco’s artistry lies in his ability to weave intricate narratives with his music, telling stories that speak to the heart of the human experience. His lyrics are introspective and honest, exploring themes of love, loss, and the quest for identity in a complex world. This depth of content, combined with his melodic sensibilities, makes Isco’s music not just enjoyable but emotionally impactful. Each release is a chapter in his ongoing story, inviting listeners to journey with him through the highs and lows of life.
He is not just an artist; he’s a musical chameleon, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music. Isco Cruz is an artist to watch as he continues to carve out his path in the music industry.
Isco Cruz’s EP ‘Heartbreak Paradox’ was released last Thursday (29th August) across various music platforms. Check it out below…
Connect with Isco Cruz via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iiscocruz/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SUjoT9mCuAOBjAYVtzB9b
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iscocruz
Website: https://www.iscocruz.com/
Must Listens: You Should Know, Slow Down, Double Standards
London-based RnB / Pop artist ILSELENA impressed fans once again with her latest single, ‘Bring Peace (Fly Away).’ The Denmark-born, British-American singer—with vocals often compared to and inspired by the likes of Cleo Sol, ELIZA, and D’Angelo—dropped a summer-perfect treat for her listeners.
Ilselena’s ‘Bring Peace (Fly Away)’ is an effervescent display of positivity. The singer penned the track during a getaway to the countryside, taking a break from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of city life. Through further appreciating and connecting with nature, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter translates this sentiment through her new single, encouraging listeners to take a blissful break from reality and embrace the warmth and joy of summer.
Ilselena has continued to team up with her brother and producer, Youngr. The writing and production mesh wonderfully throughout the song, with liberating lyrics that flow seamlessly over the instrumental. The rhythm exudes tranquillity, akin to the feeling relaxing on the beach, yet with a cheerful and subtle groove that sparks an itch to get up and dance as the sun sets.
Ilselena’s artistry continues to grow from strength to strength, following her debut EP ‘if this is the future,’ released in 2022, as well as previous release ‘ready to please’ in November 2023.
Commenting on the new single, Ilselena said: “This song means so much to me. Life can be incredibly busy and stressful for all of us, so I wanted to create something that helps people break away from that pressure this summer and get outside and enjoy themselves! I want listeners to feel relaxed and get a sense of joy, especially when the chorus hits. Working on this song was such a fulfilling experience, and I hope people enjoy it as much as I did making it. Also, I have a very exciting project in the works that I can’t wait to share with everyone when the time is right.”
Ilselena’s ascent has caught the attention of leading industry tastemakers and publications including EarMilk, The Face and Hunger Magazine. Her consistent growth has landed her a monthly residency at iconic hotel and member’s club The Ned, as well as an upcoming show in late July in collaboration with Global:Soul x Cross the Tracks at The Hackney Social.
‘Bring Peace (Fly Away)’ is out today (9th August) across various music platforms. Have a listen below…
Connect with Ilselena via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ilselena/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilselena?lang=en
RAPHAEL TATE – dubbed as the ‘Prince of Soul’ by his loyal fans – has returned in 2024 with EP ‘Love’, out now via Jermaine Forde’s label Ajang Music. A multi-Grammy nominated producer and the son of the Brinsley Forde from legendary reggae group Aswad, Jermaine has worked with the likes of Julian Marley and Black Uhuru and also produced Raphael Tate’s 2020 BBC London/BBC1xtra-approved single, ‘A Fool In Love’.
From the four-track set, Raphael Tate shares first offering ‘Same Energy’, a steamy soulful love note which possesses soft and sensuous reggae undertones. ‘Same Energy’ was produced by Jermaine Forde and Terrence Chamberlin (Bluesteel Studio).
The UK-based singer, songwriter and producer also has a treat for the die-hard reggae fans of the yesteryear with second track from the EP, ‘Zion’. Produced by Jermaine Forde and Grammy multi-award winning artist Jazzward, who has worked with Bounty Killer, Damian Marley and Bobby Brown, ‘Zion’ is a song that’s most personal to Raphael as he shows his love for the downtrodden heroes and praise their resilience against acts of inhumanity.
Raphael shares his inspiration behind penning ‘Zion’: “This song captivates my love for my people, who has been attacked by many hands without restoration and without impunity. I wrote this song as a sign of triumph that, as the Bible says: ‘The meek shall inherit the earth’. Zion was inspired by a particular scripture in the Bible (Matthew 5:3-12) that ‘The poor, the meek, the humble, the downtrodden, the persecuted are going to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven’. I wrote ‘Zion’ as an encouragement to our people; we may be downtrodden, but not forgotten. I want it to be a triumph song to the children of diaspora – the lost children of Israel. The lions of judah will rise again! “
Showing love in all forms, Raphael Tate’s EP, ‘Love’, follows his critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Love Grieve Live’, which 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.
Singles from the heartfelt album, ‘Gotta Hold On’ and ‘Keep On Moving’, gained widespread attention from gospel and secular stations, across the globe, including BBC West Midlands, BBC Stoke, Mi-Soul, Phoenix FM (where he did an interview with Michelle Ward about the meaning behind ‘Love Grieve Live’ on her multi-award winning show, Eat My Brunch), Susy FM, Soul Food Gospel, Amazing Radio, SoulCity The Beat in Italy, South Africa’s Ubuntu FM, plus many more.
2023 saw Raphael Tate reach new heights with his appearance on ITV’s Starstruck, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford. A new member of The Recording Academy/Grammy Awards Class of 2023, Raphael Tate has been put up for a Grammy consideration for Best New Artist of the Year (general category). ‘Love’ EP will be put forward for this year’s Grammy nomination.
Raphael Tate is becoming a firm figure in the UK gig scene; a resident artist at London’s The 606 Club since the beginning of 2023, Raphael Tate has been an opening act for the legendary Odyssey at The Robin in Wolverhampton and Camden’s iconic venue, Jazz Café in last year.
Raphael Tate continues in 2024 to circulate various venues across the UK with his compelling yet exhilarating live performances. He opened for Odyssey once more at The Robin in May and recently opened for the legendary reggae group, Black Uhuru at Jazz Café and Band on the Wall in Manchester during their UK & European tour. Raphael Tate will take the stage at his residency, The 606 club on 11th August.
With a busy schedule ahead of him, Raphael Tate still finds the time to show some ‘Love’ via his latest EP, out now across various music platforms. Continue to witness the remarkable rise of Raphael Tate by connecting with him via social media (see below).
Connect with Raphael Tate via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelTateofficial
X: https://x.com/TateRaphael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeltateofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raphaeltate3
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