D’Shaun drops the #4 iTunes charting album ‘CRWN’

Backed by only one single, ‘S’mores & Rumchata’, D’SHAUN comes crash landing at #4 onto the iTunes top 40 Hip-Hop album chart and right back into your music libraries with CRWN.

The highly anticipated project lived up to expectations on the first day of its release as it also entered yet another chart on iTunes. CRWN peaked at #88 on the top 100 albums in all genres chart, sitting comfortably and confidently above Elton John’s Diamonds. This incredible accomplishment doesn’t happen without D’Shaun and the RYLTY crew’s hard work and dedication to creating an album packed with 12 playable and enjoyable records that each bring a different sound and vibe when stimulating your brain.

D’Shaun continues to put Converse, Texas, on the map as he showcases not only his talent but the talents found within his circle. From Austria to Detroit to Houston, he credits the artists around him for helping provide the “spacey yet quintessential Hip-Hop but with a new school sort of feel” sound that he believes his latest body of work entails. This album not only incorporates Hip-Hop but it also throws some dashes of rap, pop and R&B, adding some more seasoning to the recipe we already knew D’Shaun brought to the table. He’s dabbled in those genres before but with CRWN he brings them altogether in a cohesive manner, letting each live and grow with one another as they flow beautifully the more and more you run the project back. For him, CRWN is set to “change the whole landscape, the city and the state, the lives of each of these young men in RYLTY”. Those changes begin with track number one titled ‘Nonstop’ which is fitting for the vibes that you continuously find yourself emerged in.

Between track one and twelve you’ll find up tempo hits meant for the radio in ‘Chalice’, ‘Notice’, ‘S’mores & Rumchata’ and ‘Alright’. You’ll also hear the artist slowing things down a bit with ‘4U’, ‘LoveSICK’, ‘Virgo Season Interlude’ and ‘My Way’. Pure raps are expressed within the previously mentioned ‘Nonstop’ along with ‘Gentlemen’s Club’, ‘Sprite Zero’ and ‘Waver’. If there was a sound that D’Shaun didn’t think was fun or didn’t fit the wave he was gearing towards then it simply didn’t make the cut, the artist says that CRWN “is more fun and shows what wearing the crown is like” when comparing the project to its predecessor KNG.

Four years separate both albums and in between those four years we’ve heard how highly D’Shaun has spoken about the trio of albums he had been planning on releasing with all being companions to one another. With two down and one to go the one man band artist has been growing and maturing within his sound and will only continue to do so. He showcases that behind each verse, chorus, ad-lib, snare, kick or high hat he decides to incorporate into this world where creativity never ends. We can call this world “RYL” and here we’ll find the king at his throne wearing a crown meant for only him, exuding royalty the only way he knows how.

Have a listen to D’Shaun’s chart-topping album below…

Must Listens: Nonstop, 4U, Notice, S’mores & Rumchata, Gentlemen’s Club, Sprite Zero

UK R&B newcomer Nellie Charles demands respect in single ‘BOSS’

Introducing Manchester-based UK R&B singer, songwriter, and musician NELLIE CHARLES with her first single of the year titled ‘BOSS’. Serving as the lead single to her upcoming debut EP that arrives this summer, ‘Boss’ emerges as a vibrant declaration of self-assurance and empowerment, encapsulated within the rich textures of modern R&B. Crafted from a tapestry of personal triumphs and trials, ‘Boss’ is a sonic exploration of self-worth and the intricate dance of modern relationships. The song’s genesis was a deeply introspective process for Nellie, who aimed to fuse the soulful echoes of classic R&B with a fresh, modern twist. Throughout its creation, from melody conception to the final production stages, Nellie has meticulously sculpted ‘Boss’ to embody empowerment, weaving smooth rhythms with harmonious backing vocals to underscore its message of confidence and assertiveness.

At its core, ‘Boss’ is a bold narrative of claiming one’s space within the dynamics of love and respect, driven by Nellie’s relatable songwriting, her amazing voice, and her infectious R&B slow jams vibe. Drawing inspiration from her personal journey of self-discovery and the quest for mutual recognition in a relationship, Nellie wants to articulate a potent message with ‘Boss’: knowing your value and demanding the respect you deserve. The lyrics, rich with imagery of assertiveness and luxury, mirror Nellie’s conviction in the importance of self-worth and the courage to stand as an equal partner. “Boss” is more than a song; it is Nellie’s heartfelt ode to empowerment, inspired by the likes of Jorja Smith and Summer Walker, and crafted to resonate with anyone who has ever felt overlooked or undervalued.

Beyond its compelling sonic landscape, and its message of empowerment that echoes Nellie’s desire to inspire listeners to embrace their inner strength across all facets of life, ‘Boss’ also comes with an upcoming captivating music video that brings the track further to life. Directed by BlueBoredom, who has also worked with the likes of Digga D, French The Kid, and JBEE, the music video paints a vivid picture of Nellie’s confidence and her message of self-respect amidst the complexities of love and power dynamics. The visuals aim not only to entertain but also to empower, offering a timeless reminder of the unyielding power of knowing and asserting one’s worth in every relationship and endeavour.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Boss’ and how the song came together, Nellie says, “As an artist, ‘Boss’ is more than just a song to me – it’s a statement. It embodies my journey of self-discovery and self-respect. This song came from a place of realizing that in any relationship, my voice matters. It’s a celebration of knowing your value and not being afraid to demand the respect you deserve. ‘Boss’ was born out of a moment where I felt the need to express my strength, not just as a woman, but as a person who understands her worth. It’s a reminder to myself and to others that in love and life, we are our own bosses. The process of creating ‘Boss’ was deeply personal and liberating. It’s a blend of my experiences, dreams, and the musical influences that have shaped me as an artist.”

Listen to ‘BOSS’ below…

OUT TODAY: R&B sensation Pisceze drops soulful new single ‘yin n yang’: a reflection on self and sound

Reputed for her ability to infuse emotional intelligence and Canadian upbringing into her songwriting, PISCEZE delivers raw emotion and introspection on love in brand new single ‘yin n yang’ . With sumptuous vocals and infectious beats, she solidifies her position as one of the industry’s most promising newcomers.

Housing previous support from BBC 1xtra, Complex Canada, Live Nation, LinkUpTV, Viper magazine, The Joe Budden Podcast, and more Pisceze’s music, a fusion of R&B, soul, and K-pop influences, showcases her diverse background and emotional depth, captivating audiences and industry insiders alike.

‘yin n yang’ is out today (8th March) across various music platforms. Have a listen below…

OUT TODAY: Sonz Of Thunder UK drops video for track, ‘Enjoy Life’

Brothers Shane and Dean Brown –  aka SONZ OF THUNDER UK (SOTUK) –  steps into 2024 with an uplifting vibe for the warm months ahead with video for single, ‘Enjoy Life’, available now across various major platforms.

Shot on the heavenly coast of Ghana, the three-minute production features the duo living out the message of the reggaeton-esque cruiser: dust yourself off, put any wrongs to rights…and simply enjoy life to the fullest!

For over a decade, SOTUK have been spreading the words of inspiration across the UK which earned them a steady following in the gospel and mainstream communities as well as receiving continuous support by the likes of Capital Xtra’s Ras Kwame, BBC London, Pluse88 Radio, The Beat 1036, Premiere Gospel plus many more. SOTUK are TTMP gospel award winners and have been nominated for a Premiere Gospel music award.

They’ve also been blessed to perform on the same stages as Papa San, Luciano, Levi Roots, Christopher Martin plus many more great acts. More recently, the duo have been working in Ghana with native producers such as Bizkitbeats and Kbeats for tracks such as ‘Joy To The World’ and ‘Blessings Pon Blessings’, which possess an afrobeat flow. Both tracks have demonstrated that the guys can take on many genres while maintaining their reggae/dancehall signature sound. Stay tuned with SOTUK as they are currently working on new music, with fresh and exciting sounds for 2024.

Suited for injecting extra spice to those blazing summer days, ‘Enjoy Life’ is out now major download/streaming sites, including APPLE MUSIC and SPOTIFY.

Why not check out the video below…

Follow SOTUK via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sonzofthunderukmusic
X: https://twitter.com/UkSonz
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sonzofthunderukmusic/
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonzofthunderukmusic

Song of the Day: My Old Friend – OUDi

Sometimes your most rewarding relationship is the one you have with yourself. Over the course of a career that’s taken her from Canada to Nashville—and from the alt-pop/industrial world to the country arena and back again—the phenomenon known as OUDi has learned that lesson all too well. And she’s sharing it on ‘My Old Friend,’ an irresistible high-drama ballad that marks her debut as a solo artist after years of sharing the spotlight.

Built on a plaintive instrumental melody and a mesmerizing clockwork rhythm, the song carries the emotional weight of a conversation you have in the mirror when there’s no one left around to hoodwink. OUDi’s compelling vocal starts off at a seductive purr as she confronts an inner solitude, she might not exactly welcome, but knows she can always count on:

Hello loneliness, can’t say I missed you/But let me tell you this, now I need you

The internal co-dependency fully acknowledged, her amazing voice opens up into a bittersweet embrace of the darkness:

Go and do that thing you do, make me feel and lose my mind/‘Cause I have nothing left to lose, you’ve been waiting all this time/I dare you come a little closer and rest your head upon my shoulder.

This isn’t just a declaration of artistic independence; it’s the story of a life. Born Chrystal Oudijk, she was out of the house and supporting herself by age 16, while pursuing her musical muse through a variety of projects. There was the five-piece alternative band The Perfect Strangers, the pop-industrial project Jakalope (for producer Dave “Rave” Ogilvie) and then—most famously—the pop-country duo Sons of Daughters (with Jimmy Thow). She was Chrystal Leigh by that point, and finding such success as a Billboard-charting, CCMA Award-nominated artist that she had even moved to Nashville from her native Vancouver. There was just one problem:

“Jimmy and I struggled as creative partners,” she divulges. “Add in alcohol, anxiety & depression and we had ourselves a real party!”

The near loss of a family member due to addiction and the confusion of the early pandemic era only deepened her dissatisfaction. When Sons of Daughters parted ways, she took two years to regroup, rethink and write her very first solo album. The release of ‘My Old Friend’ is the opening salvo in her new career—strike that, her new state of being—as OUDi. It also sounds the death knell for what she describes as an adulthood full of toxic relationships and creative compromises.

“I’ve been living in survival mode my entire life,” she reflects. “It’s only been in the past two years I’ve been training my nervous system to relax. I’m excited to finally put my stories to song, for I have a lot of them.”

The year 2024 is going to mark a real renaissance for this woman, she even directed the music video for ‘My Old Friend,’ exploiting a side talent she’s cultivated during her recent period of self-emancipation and reinvention. Her explanation for all of it is as sanguine as the song is bleak, yet equally self-aware:

“I guess it goes to show when you start to live your life authentically and true to yourself, magic really can happen.” Why not watch the video for ‘My Old Friend’ below…