Song of the Day: The Ugly Song – Jordan Hollywood

Florida rapper, singer, producer, and hitmaking CEO JORDAN HOLLYWOOD‘s single, ‘The Ugly Song,’ is one hell of a speaker-rattling joint. Featuring Timbaland, ‘The Ugly Song’ serves up as the lead single from his upcoming album, ‘Only the Paranoid Survive’.

“It’s crazy how 20 years ago how I enjoyed this song as kid and now it’s part of my legacy. It’s one thing to get a Timbaland beat or to get him to clear a sample but it’s special when the legend himself steps in the booth with you and adds his touches to your vison,” says Jordan Hollywood. “I never in a million years thought I’d get to work with the hitmaker. With the video I told the director ‘I want this shit to feel like an open world video game where I have freedom to randomly do things my way.’ “The Ugly Song” is just the start.”

An homage to Bubba Sparxxx’s Timbaland-produced single “Ugly,” “The Ugly Song” is a banging reinterpretation that flips the early 2000s classic for a new generation. The instrumental deftly chops Timbaland’s Bollywood-influenced melodies and pairs them with quaking drums and trap percussion. Offering both his blessing and his vocals, Timbaland delivers his signature ad-libs (“ficky ficky”), while Hollywood effortlessly glides over the beat.

The video, directed by Austin McCracken and filmed in Los Angeles, makes liberal use of visual effects (and openly nods to that at the end), dropping Hollywood into a wheat field accompanied by a horse who eventually kicks him in the head. The rapper continues to get knocked into or out of various colorful scenarios. Both the video and the song break from expectation, showing that Hollywood is willing to challenge himself, share a laugh, and execute a variety of vibes.

‘The Ugly Song’ is Hollywood’s first release since 2019’s “Testament,” wherein he recounted the hurdles and hurt he’s endured on his rise. Check out the epic video for the single below…

R&B Contemporary Artist Sid Tipton ‘Looks Both Ways’ In Timbaland-Produced Track

Produced by Timbaland, SID TIPTON‘s new track, ‘Look Both Ways’ is a fierce  number that emphasizes the importance of putting yourself first and always watching your own back. ‘Look Both Ways’ oozes infectious melodies and soulful vocals, reminiscent of Ariana Grande.

Signed with Timbaland’s publishing company Bluestone, the Nashville singer/songwriter has collaborated with JoJo, Hailey Reinhart, Tinashe, Justin Timberlake and more including her contribution as a writer and featured artist on Maluma’s Grammy winning album ‘FAME,’ which features the song ‘Mi Declaracion’, where she teamed up with mentor Timbaland.

Have a listen to ‘Look Both Ways’ below…

EP Review: Beast Side – Tom Bem

Tom Bem Beast Side

Following the release of his well-received debut EP Shallows, TOM BEM slams another one entitled Beast Side, released earlier this month.

Displaying his usual emotionally intensive arrangements, the South-East London producer and singer injects vulnerability in this vocals, revealing the battle within himself in containing his emotions during the turbulent years of his life. Among the stunningly atmospheric soundscapes, there’s a tinge of Timbaland/Timberlake influence present in some tracks…hit the play and see what you think…answers below please!

The Must Listens: Rebound, Hide & Seek, Kalashnikov 

Upcoming Release – War of Words – Ella On The Run

 

Alt pop artist ELLA ON THE RUN is set to release her single War of Words  on 24th November.The single is coming from her  debut EP of the same name also coming out this month.

Of Swiss, French and South African origin, Ella studied music at Berklee College in the US. She began recording under her stage name with LA producer Matthew Bang, who was previously an engineer for Interscope and Timbaland’s Mosley Music Group.

Her debut album, Golden Boys was placed on Glastonbury’s long list of emerging artists of 2014. The Londoner’s laid back and synth pop vibes have already caused a stir in the blogosphere and in the live circuits, appearing in various playlists including The Best Of British unsigned podcast.

So go on, a have a listen to War of Words…and if you’re feeling this track (and happen to be in the London area), ELLA ON THE RUN will be supporting Norwegian folk pop artist, DAGNY at the Old Queen’s Head, Islington on 19th November.

Mixtape Review: Rebel Knights – Fly Von

Fly Rebel Knights

1. Sing – A – Long (Intro) – Prod by Fly Von
2. 6: 30 (Prod by Fly Von) Feat.  Sta$h and Echelon Don
3. 40 Days Feat J Steez
4. No Place Like Home (Prod. Fly Von) Feat. Kyle Monroe
5.  With Me (Prod Fly Von) Feat. Jesus Indigo and Don Echelon
6. Count the Stars (Prod. Fly Von) Feat. Chino
7. Do It (The Twerk Song) (Prod Fly Von) Feat, Sta$h
8. She Not Your Girl (No More) (Prod Fly Von) Feat. Sta$h
9. Finesse (Prod Fly Von) Feat, Sta$h
10. Privacy Remix (Prod Fly Von) Feat. Sta$h, J Steez and Jesus Indigo
11. Heartbreak & Hangovers (prod Fly Von)
12. Down (Prod Fly Von
13. Privacy Screwed Remix (Prod. Fly Von) Feat. Sta$h and J Steez

Last month, super-fly hip-hop and EDM artist/producer FLY VON was here before with track 40 Days (featuring J Steez), coming from  mixtape, Rebel Kinghts. This track was so silky smooth, I thought I have a blast  at the mixtape.  So what to expect from this 13-track production?  Expect even more smoother than chocolate Timbaland- esque numbers , with downtempo, atmospheric melodies complimented with heavy drive.

Rebels Knights starts off with intro Sing – A-Long, which offers just over two minutes of that perfect balance of spaced out beats with hefty bassline which was topped off by super-light, mashed up vocals. The infusion continues in No Place Like Home and With Me, which  features head-jerking, Timbaland-esque freesytling. The mixtape lightened up with Do It and paradisiac  Finesse.

The stand-out tracks are She Not Your Girl (No More), Heartbreakers & Hangovers and the slow-motioned  Privacy (Screwed Remix) – if you’re not familiar with  FLY VON, after listening to these tracks, you’ll come to realise that these ingenious compositions, layered with echoic vocals, (at times) on-point raps and melodic undertone, are his trademark.

To put it simply, Rebel Knights just display that this guy has deliberately positioned myself as a innovative rapper and producer. To check out Rebels Knights, please go here.