With some polished boom bap production from Micall Parknsun, this new single from JOKER STARR holds a wealth of lyrical content and a deep bellowing hook inspired by the legend Prince.
“I had the idea to make a chorus out of two ‘Purple Rain’ and ‘1999’ – I wanted to give a feel of one of his records but had no idea how I was going to manage it. The song is more inspired in his style rather than the content of the lyrics.”
With 15 years in the game, the rapper also known as Billy Bang Banga has built his name as a feared opponent in a string of Don’t Flop battles and collaborated with the likes of Estelle, Terri Walker, Jehst, Durrty Goodz, Mystro, Ty, Sway, Fliptrix, Verb T and more.
OLOFF emerged into the NEW LEASE MUSIC spotlight for the second time with his latest EP, Life’s Got You Riveted, released earlier this month.
Described as genre-bending by the Bristolian alternative emcee, the four-track set offers up some real slick vintage hip-hop which works in unison with the (respectfully) wayward delivery that’s very similar to Mike Skinner from The Streets. It’s worth a listen – check it out!
After bursting onto the scene back in 2011, featuring as a guest vocalist on Wretch 32ʼs critically acclaimed hit Traktor and penning Loick Essienʼs No.2 smash How We Roll, L MARSHALL has since been plotting away silently. His latest record Yellow Chevy was a collaboration with Supadups (Drake’s ʻControlaʼ and ‘Too Good’) and gives a first glance at the singerʼs matured style ahead of the release of his debut album The Amazing Time Machine.
Born Thomas Griffith in London, L struggled with having to conform during school. He remembers. “I was so much trouble that my mum decided to send me to Nigeria to learn some discipline!”. He returned to London at 18 to study Sound Engineering. During this time, he continued to build on the songwriting he’d started as an 11 year-old. Choosing the name L Marshall both in honour of a character from the Manga series Death Note, and as a nod to his joint hometowns of London and Lagos, he began to work with new producers.
L’s debut mixtapes The Wait and Kiss the Firedisplayed a singer able to rock any beat; from gritty grime to emotive R&B, he flips effortlessly between fully-sung vocals to rap-sung choruses. Inspired by everything from relationships, to paying the bills, to dealing with life’s various poisons, this already proven hit-creator is modest but ambitious about his future goals. “I talk a lot about becoming known worldwide but I just want to reach as many people as possible… To be recognised and appreciated for what I do is really all I hope for.”
Check out the video to Yellow Chevy…and if you’re feeling this upriser, head over to SoundCloudand download the track for FREE.
If you’re a regular on NEW LEASE MUSIC, you’ve probably came across MODEL 86‘s off-the-wall single, Hold On, forming part of his latest five-track EP, When YouRealise People Are Not One Dimensional.
Released earlier this month, the man behind the project, Matthew James Wilcock goes all out and unleashed some insanely ingenious fusions of alternative hip-hop, R&B, jazz and electronica with tampered vocals giving each set a toe-curling lick. You’re forgiven if you think the EP sound bonkers – but trust me on this one – it’s as smooth as a Sade classic (well, kind of).
The Intent – A gritty thriller, packed with an incredible cast of UK actors and music artists made its debut in selected UK cinemas last Wednesday. BIG TOBZ has just dropped Expensive, taken from the incredible soundtrack that is loaded with exclusive records written specifically for the film, Ghetts, Scorcher, Stormzy, Fekky and Ms Banks all feature on the 18-track album that will be released to accompany the film.
The Big Tobz track and video give an insight to the world that is uncovered and the bold and eerie tale that is about to unfold in The Intent.
In a groundbreaking move that merges the world of UK film and music, co-directors Nicky Slimting Walker and Femi Oyeniran present an equally thrilling soundtrack that sets the tone and propels the audience throughout.
Set in the heart of London, the chilling tale of gang warfare, greed and drugs unfolds. Newfound infamy for the TIC crew affords the gang members the fast life, which catches the attention of all the wrong people and trust starts to become an issue, ultimately leading to their downfall. Infiltration, dishonour and ego are key to the plot but the key question is, what is “The Intent” of each player.
Featuring a cast of celebrated acting talent, The Intent also debuts a stellar line up of musicians in their first on-screen roles. MOBO nominated and former Topboy actor/musician Scorcher takes the lead as ‘Gunz’ and stars alongside Ashley Chin (Starred Up, Plastic), award-winning Hip Hop Duo Krept & Konan, Femi Oyeniran (Kidulthood), Jade Asha (As Bad as Me), Nicky Slimting Walker (It’s a Lot), Dylan Duffus (1 Day), Shone Romulus (Topboy), Sarah Akokhia (Hallows Eve) and rap royalty Fekky.
New Lease Music 