Song of the Day: Nothing On You – Marie Dahlstrom

Produced by Dan Diggas – who has previously lent his talents to the works of Mahalia and Central Cee – MARIE DAHLSTROM‘s latest single ‘Nothing On You’, is anchored by a simple guitar motif and driven by the stunning powerhouse vocal combination of Dahlstrom and London afrobeats / R&B sensation Odeal, with the latter noting the song’s intention to exemplify “longing for a deeper connection with a significant other”.

Speaking more on the new single, Marie Dahlstrom said: “This song was made in the very first session Odeal and I had together. It was such a natural and smooth process. Daniel’s production provided the perfect foundation and it felt really natural to develop the song. The song is a true love song – feels like a nice way to start the year.”

‘Nothing On You’ forms part of Dahlstrom’s deluxe edition of 2023 album ‘A Good Life’, which includes a previously unheard track, ‘Glass’ as well as two new remixes and reworks of album tracks ‘If I Belong’ and ‘On My Own’, featuring new contributions from frequent collaborator London rapper Aligo.

The deluxe edition of ‘A Good Life’ is out 13th March via JFH Records. For now, listen to the soothing ‘Nothing On You’ featuring Odeal below…

Nemzzz drops new single ‘PTSD’ + video ahead of debut mixtape ‘DO NOT DISTURB’

The new titan of UK Rap NEMZZZ drops ‘PTSD’ yesterday ( 22nd February), the next taste of his forthcoming debut mixtape DO NOT DISTURB arriving on 15th March 2024.

The raw new single splices a haunting vocal flip with a laid-back production from frequent collaborator Zel, as Nemzzz turns teacher once more – speaking on how he uses his music as catharsis to process his feelings. The accompanying video was shot entirely on 16mm film by DonProd and features a series of lo-fi shots of Nemzzz in Manchester in his most textured visual to date. Building on the song’s theme of coping with anxiety and finding your own path, the visual splices footage of Nemzzz alone at home with shots of him surrounded by friends.

Laid over 11 tracks, DO NOT DISTURB is set to be Nemzzz’s most expansive drop to date, an exploration of how the young artist is shaped by his upbringing and his fame. ‘PTSD’ will be joined on the tape by recent drop ‘L’S’(recently named Song of the Day on the blog). The shimmering, jazz inflected single arrived last month to acclaim from the likes of The Observer, Fader, CRACK, NME spins across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and more. Last year’s massive single ‘MONEY & VIBES’ will also appear on the tape, the cut topped the A list at 1Xtra and racked up over +1 million streams a week. DO NOT DISTURB will be available in physical format on CD & cassette in a first for the Mancunion.

Check out the video for ‘PTSD’ below…

Emani Talitha shares the perfect balance of Old School and New School R&B with debut EP ‘Loving My 20s’

EMANI TALITHA‘s exciting debut EP, Loving My 20s (‘LM20’), beautifully captures the delicate balance between Old School and New School R&B, offering a soulful, tranquil, vulnerable, and relatable sound.

An audio soundscape, ‘LM20’ mirrors Emani’s embrace of the third decade of her life. The project features a wholesome and melodically calming sound, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in an enjoyable, feel-good atmosphere with high vibrational frequencies.

‘LM20’ is a reflective and affirmational journey through the diverse facets of life in one’s twenties. By evoking a sense of shared experience, Emani Talitha reassures her audience that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences. “The story behind this project is expressing the love in my 20s – the love life, the love for my dreams and goals, and the love I have for my loved ones, affirming myself through it all.” She further adds –“It’s about different facets of my 20s that many have experienced and can relate to. The message revolves around navigating through uncertainties, facing insecurities, and celebrating the highs and lows, the good and the bad.”

‘Loving My 20s’ has already garnered support on Westside Radio, Global Soul Radio and The Beat and is now available to stream in its entirety with special guest appearances on the project coming from Shayne Brown and Big Jest. Why not have a listen below…

Must Listens: Henny Nights, Blessings

Song of the Day: L’s – Nemzzz

Lifted from his first mixtape ‘DO NOT DISTURB’, arriving on 15th March 2024, the new titan of UK Rap NEMZZZ gives the first taste from 11-track project with single ‘L’S’, produced by Zel & Aifo.

Over a relaxed drill beat shimmering with keys and smoky sax notes, Nemzzz reflects on his losses and how he holds his head above the noise of being a rising star in the industry. ‘L’S’ is the first glimpse of the ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ mixtape concept, an exploration of how the young artist is shaped by his upbringing and his fame. ‘L’s’ is accompanied with a slick video shot entirely on 16mm film by frequent collaborators DON Productions. The fresh visual splices footage of Nemzzz at home with friends in Manchester with shots of him in London roaming around the city.

The ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ tape follows a massive 2023 for the young star with a consistent slate of releases including his debut EP Nemzzz Type Beat (which was pulled together in just 17 days in a flex of his innate talents) alongside a string of singles including ‘Therapy’ (Spotify Rap UK Cover), ‘MONEY & VIBES’ (A list at 1Xtra, over +1M streams a week) and ‘8AM IN MANNY’ which landed to props from some of the biggest rappers in the world – Drake and Lil Yachty. Last year saw Nemzzz deliver his first sold-out headline tour alongside performances at festivals including Glastonbury, Ibiza Rocks and more.

Nemzzz is one of the most exciting breakout rap talents of recent years, the rapper is characterised by his ear for leftfield beats and his unique flow. The rapper is shaped by his tough upbringing in Gorton, using his music to reflect on his experiences in Manchester and his mental health struggles.

Since bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 14, he has relentlessly chipped away at his craft – building steady buzz amongst the industry, media and fans alike. With over 180 million combined streams in 2023, mine million TikTok views, tips including BBC Radio 1xtra’s Hot For 2023, Amazon Music x Hunger Magazine Ones To Watch, No Signal Class of ’23, Best Newcomer Nominee MOBO Awards 2022, plaudits from Pitchfork, The Face, DAZED, The Guardian, HYPEBEAST, CLASH, Complex UK and NME – Nemzzz is making serious moves. Check out the video for L’s below…

Marnz Malone drops video for track ‘Ball 4 U’, dedicated to his friend who passed away

Infamous Birmingham rapper MARNZ MALONE, who is currently incarcerated, has shared the official video for ‘Ball 4 U’ lifted from his previous project ‘Maktub’.

This track is a heartfelt one dedicated to his friend who passed away before turning 18, letting him know that even though he’s no longer with us, he will still be there for him and his family. It shows a deep side to Marnz Malone and how he can bring sentiment to his unique UK rap tracks.

The rising rapper is recognised for his laid-back style of flowing words into intricately pieced together verses that make up his tracks.

Alongside the release of the video, Marnz Malone has also dropped his new project ‘Tina’s Boy’, earlier this month (9th February). The 14-track collection is his third full release, which invites you into his world with tracks such as ‘Tina’s Son’ which talks about him growing up, ‘Went To War’ ft. Potter Payper gives you a snippet of both of their lives, and more tracks full of storytelling and life lessons.

Why not check out the the project at some point…but before you head off, catch the ‘Ball 4 U’ visualiser below…