Upcoming R&B sensation OPELSINGS comes through with latest single, ‘Winter Love’, just in time for the festive season.
Produced by Terrance ‘Smokey’ Ivory, the sultry slow jam boasts a heavy bassline where Opel delivers her signature smooth, seductive vocals that’s tearing up the UK R&B scene right now.
‘Winter Love’ is the first single from her upcoming EP…be sure to look out for that…but for now, kick back and pin your ears back for this soothing joint…
Following up their critically acclaimed 2020 collaborative project ‘21st Century Blues’, RBG rapper NE$$ (previously featured in The Source’s ‘Unsigned Hype’) and UK producer baby J (known for collaborations with Skinny Man, Mark Ronson, dead prez, Iman Thug, and Shabazz The Disciple of Wu-Tang) return with ‘The Price of Bread’, a groundbreaking concept album that dives deep into the lived experiences of oppressed communities navigating the harsh realities of capitalism.
Housing previous support from Earmilk, Notion, Kiss FM UK (MK), Viper magazine, Wordplay magazine, ‘The Price of Bread’ serves as a groundbreaking concept album that dives deep into the lived experiences of oppressed communities navigating the harsh realities of capitalism.
The term “the price of bread”, often referring to the state of inflation at any given time, is an ideal title for an album exploring these themes in a time when inflation is at the highest rate it’s been in decades. In true hip hop form the word “bread”, slang for money, transforms the title into a paradoxical double entendre ‘The Price of Money’. In this context, the album fearlessly poses a poignant question: “What is the cost of money, or to put it plainly, what does it cost us to make money, to navigate capitalism?” Doubling down on this concept, the album’s tracklist is a veritable anthology of money-themed titles (Sell Our Pain, Human Capital, Stripper Money, etc.), each serving as a chapter in a larger narrative.
Baby J weaves a broken, lo-fi, and slightly out-of-tune dystopian soundscape that resonates like the echoes of dusty, long-forgotten 60’s records, but what’s astounding is that no samples were used in creating this haunting and mesmerizing atmosphere. This unique auditory canvas allows the listener to immerse themselves fully in the stories and emotions presented in this album and sets the stage for NE$$’s storytelling and lyricism to paint vivid pictures of lumpenproletariat life.
Known for his work with Brooklyn duo Weekend Money and Dead Prez affiliated rap group A-Alikes, the seasoned hip-hop veteran takes centre stage as a modern-day griot on this opus. His lyrics peel back layers to reveal a world where every dollar counts and every decision can be a matter of life and death.
The album flaunts an impressive tracklist, graced by a carefully curated roster of guest appearances, with standout songs ‘Sell Our Pain’, the aforementioned ‘Stripper Money’ feat. Conway the Machine, ‘Illegal Business’ feat. RBG comrade Coach NYM & Rukus “Vice Grip” feat. Houston rapper Fat Tony, among other gems.
NE$$ and Baby J invite you to join them on this evocative journey, offering a unique perspective on the world we live in, the price we pay and the hope we hold.
Must Listens: Sell our pain, Stripper money, Get rich quick, Dollar 2 the fire
East London producer & songwriter LIV EAST releases her debut EP ‘LVE1’ on EMK, Kartel Music Group’s electronic imprint. Produced by longtime collaborator LOKES LDN alongside Liv herself, the release nods towards classic soul & disco, channelling the likes of Chic and Adina Howard, yet shimmers with future, capturing influences from the likes of Jungle, SAULT and Cleo Sol.
To celebrate the release, Liv East shares single ‘LVE UNLIMITED’, the EPs most raw and bittersweet track. Liv comments on the single, “I wrote it upon reflection of how I’d been denied and cast aside in my last relationship. It was a painful and confusing time but my inner strength pushed me forwards and I knew I wouldn’t be waiting around for this person. It’s a story of self love even in the face of heartbreak. I wrote and recorded the vocals in one sitting with all the final vocals being from the demo recording. The lyrics give nods to classic love songs ‘killing me softly’ and ‘wicked games’, adding to that timeless feel I wanted to create with the whole project”.
2023 so far has seen Liv East release singles ‘You Got Me’, ‘So Badly’ and ‘Love Frequency’, which landed support from BBC Radio London, Rinse FM, The Independent, Dummy, Noctis, Vogue France, Earmilk, whilst also landing playlist support from New Music Friday UK. She’s also collaborated with a wealth of artists in recent months, including Fat Freddy’s Drop, Kid Fonque and Yarni.
Have a listen to ‘LVE1’ EP below…
CK LDN returns with a smooth new single ‘Stop Calling’, hot off the heels of ‘Runaway With Me’ supported by DJ Ace with an exclusive first play on his BBC 1Xtra show Everything RnB.
‘Stop Calling’ is a mid tempo RnB / Rap song that explores a broken relationship which can’t be mended. This is CK LDN’s first collaboration with On1y CC, where the pair’s vocal gel effortlessly and their chemistry is natural and unique.
Hailing from North London, CK LDN has an impressive skill set as a singer, songwriter, rapper, producer and musician. CK LDN received his first acoustic drum set at the age of five and has been an accomplished grade 8 drummer since 2020. CK LDN is ready to emerge and make his mark in the UK music scene.
CK LDN has developed his melodic sound and infectious flows over the past couple of years and takes inspiration from the likes of Drake, Bryson Tiller and Brent Faiyaz. CK LDN’s tone and vocal delivery is what sets him apart.
His previous singles have been supported by the like of Ace (BBC Radio 1Xtra), Theo Johnson (BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Introducing) Manny Norte (Capital Xtra), Ras Kwame (Capital Xtra), Jay McGregor (Reprezent Radio). Why not check out ‘Stop Calling’ below…
Wallace Rice originally from Essex is an alternative hip hop artist who has quickly become a compelling voice in the music scene. With a focus on witty and introspective lyricism, Wallace’s work seeks to capture the essence of our complex world. As a member of Monster Florence, he has experienced notable success in the industry and is now embarking on an exciting solo career.
His debut single ‘Wipe Your Feet’ offers a taste of the innovative storytelling and soulful beats that define his music. ‘Wipe Your Feet’ has received support from BBC 1Xtra radio DJ Casskidd and has been playlisted by Spotify, making a significant impact on the music scene.
Wallace Rice’s musical journey continues with a series of singles leading to the release of his debut solo project early next year. Check out the video for ‘Wipe Your Feet’ below…
New Lease Music 