Magi Merlin Shares New Single, ‘Free Grillz’ + Video

After courting a cult following with her underground EPs Drug Music, On My Way to the Listening Party, and subsequent singles, the ever-mysterious Canadian artist, MAGI MERLIN (pronounced MADGE-eye) is stepping into her moment with new single, ‘Free Grillz.’ The new track follows off earlier tips from CRACK Magazine and spots opening for the likes of Lido Pimienta and playing at Osheaga alongside ODIE, Jessie Reyez, etc. She will support the new single with SXSW dates and a debut headline show in Brooklyn at Purgatory on March 9.

Produced by longtime collaborator and beatsmith Funkywhat, ‘Free Grillz’ finds Magi’s vocals gliding over frostbitten hi-hats, tectonic snares, and a shattering bassline showing off the extent of her talents, marrying a sensuous and self-assured rapping style with a wistful hook. Changing tact from earlier releases, Merlin switches out some of those syrupy R&B flavors for the sounds of 90’s house, drum and bass and acid-flecked hip-hop. ‘Free Grillz’ is a track that playfully aspires to the tropes of rap fame while also frankly reflecting on the realities of day-to-day life (like having your name mispronounced, or having to kick out the clingy man who won’t leave your apartment).

Directed by Walid Jabri, the music video for ‘Free Grillz’ shows Magi in an intimidating, cold and yet utterly captivating light. Proudly flaunting her grillz, she embodies the daring attitude of the song and mesmerizes viewers in an array of red hues and fast-moving shots. From motorcycle rides to blowing off a boring guy and mosh pitting, Magi keeps us on our toes as she references the lifestyle in the lyrics.

Check out the fierce video to the equally fierce track below…

Check Out J French’s Lyric Video For Track, ‘Exotic Flowers.’

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Dallas-based rapper J French’s drops his hypnotic lyric video for latest single ‘Exotic Flowers’.

J French says of his new single: “I wanted to acknowledge how strong and dope women can be with this song. I do that by giving flowers to a few women I know personally. The first verse is dedicated to a longtime friend, and the second verse is dedicated to a love interest. Every woman is their own unique flower, and this song presents the whole bouquet.”

‘Exotic Flowers’ is the second single from French’s new album Good Karma. As his first album without profanity, the album is the result of deep introspection and therapy, and serves as French’s fourth full-length project, which topped digital streaming platforms and stores upon its release in late January.

Check out J French’s lyric video…

Song of the Day: Way I See It – Pyano

Canadian rapper PYANO‘s first release of the year, ‘Way I See It’ is driven by a vibrant and energetic groove, taking a peek into his journey of finding his sound as an artist.

“I’m always somewhere between the motivational, hardcore rap that I grew up on versus the more melodic stuff that I listen to today,” says Pyano. “On this track, specifically, I find a good balance between the two which as a result enables me to celebrate the milestones of success in my life in spite of this whole pandemic thing. Despite the challenges and obstacles over the last couple years, I’m exactly where I planned to be, and further, which is why this track is a good representation of all the lessons I learned through all that.”

Born in Amman, Jordan but currently living in Ottawa, Canada, Pyano has mastered the art of bringing charged vibes on records, ranging from lyrically conscious to catchy melodic anthems. His music transcends borders between hip hop subgenres using witty yet motivational lyrics and a bouncy cadence to give his smooth signature style over an infectious piano laced beat.

Pyano released three singles in 2021, ‘Closed Off’, ‘Pineapple Juice’ and ‘From the Beginning’, his biggest single so far, and continues to make his introduction to the rap game known with his latest single, ‘Way I See It’ while teasing his first EP which will be out later this year.

Check out the official video for Pyano’s ‘Way I See It’…

Listen To Cyan’s New Single, ‘DWYW’

South London’s steady emerging R&B songstress CYAN releases her mighty follow up from preceding single ‘Tell Me’ with her latest track ‘DWYW’ (Do What You Want).

Lacing a smooth guitar-clad instrumental, Cyan makes it clear to her lover that she is no longer involved with this infectious offering. ‘DWYW’ is Cyan wearing her heart on her sleeve and making her feelings known.

Cyan makes her music video debut courtesy of Lucid Visuals, effortlessly showcasing her artist presence and unique style. Check it out below…

Song of the Day: Obsidian Cane – JUICE (ft. Lyriqé)

UK music producer OBSIDIAN CANE circles back again with Birmingham’s R&B singer/songwriter Lyriqé for their second collaborative single titled JUICE.

Putting a fresh twist on Mtume’s 80’s soul classic, ‘Juicy Fruit’, Obsidian provides a hefty yet sensuous bassline to allow way for Lyriqé’s alluringly flirtatious vocals to weave into the smooth afterhours arrangements; a sizzling combination that’ll ignite those steamy magical moments between lovers for Valentine’s Day.

‘JUICE’ follows the pair’s well-received first single, I’m Good, championed by the likes of YouKnowIGotSoul, Xune, Soul Addict, and Stereohearts R&B as well as London’s Vibes FM 107.6 Birmingham’s Switch Radio, New York’s Oneluv and Urban Movement in Australia.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Obsidian Cane has produced music for TV shows on Channel 4, BBC1 and BBC2. He also scored a club hit, ‘I Need A Rhythm’ as UK Garage act KP with music producer Paul Benjamin. More recently, Obsidian Cane released his three-track EP, RESET II, which was Champion by BBC London’s Jacqueline Shepherd.

Appearing in a school talent show at the tender age of four, ignited Lyriqé’s strong interest for music. Fast forward to 2015, she released her EP ‘What The Game Needs’ before taking a five year hiatus to garnish and reinvent her sound.

Lyriqé returned, armed with a fresh spin on soulful R&B in 2020 with her single ‘Mine’. Subsequent to the release, she has collaborated with fellow Birmingham artist ‘ChromeZ NeutroN’ on his ‘Silky’ EP (W.A.R.M, C.O.L.D) and has been working on a number of tracks with Obsidian Cane.

The duo built their growing collaboration on their love for R&B and soul music and want to share their take on the genre to R&B fans of all ages.

JUICE is now out across various platforms. Check it out below…