Song of the Day: Killing It – Elif Dame

After releasing a slew of singles from 2020 – 2021, it became clear to Amsterdam based singer-songwriter ELIF DAME that her lifelong battle against depression in combination with the pressure to consistently put out new work had taken away the joy she previously felt in releasing and thus decided to go on a long overdue self-care hiatus. In the year that followed, the artist committed herself to prioritizing her own mental health – all while documenting the process.

The result of that hiatus is her upcoming album, Securely Detached. The release showcases the her journey of learning to take back her own life, differentiate her own feelings from the feelings of her surroundings and also about learning to focus on herself instead of pre-occupying her mind with making other people happy and comfortable. Dame confides, “It’s about reframing my co-dependent relationships and about my time on the waitlist to get mental health care. It’s about the important process of learning what it means to put yourself first.”

The album kicked off with the release of ‘Celexa (Buy Me Time)’ where Dame opened up about hitting rock bottom and weighing up the options of going on medication. Now, Elif Dame continues with part two of her story, with her single ‘Killing It’ which focuses on letting go and starting to feel the benefits of medication, all whilst having doubts about being on the precipice of another manic episode. Sonically, ‘Killing It’ features warm, honey-soaked vocals, vibey beats from fellow Amsterdam artist GANZ, and hypnotic melodies which create an all-encompassing atmosphere. Check out the gorgeous single below…

Rapper Jel’low pushes the boundaries with new single, ‘AYE’.

Hip-hop artist and director JEL’LOW new single, ‘Aye’, showcases his unique lyrical prowess, infectious beats, and innovative production. The single also proves why he is in high demand in an industry needing new and exciting talent. The accompanying self-directed video is a step in the right direction.

Emerging from Washington’s vibrant hip-hop scene, Jel’low has benefited from his time spent in the epicenter of the modern music scene in Atlanta. This has given him the chops and confidence to build an impressive catalog of work, including his new single.

Influenced by a range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Goo Goo Dolls, Stevie Nicks, Adam Lambert, and many more, Jel’low fuses these competing textures to create a sound that is his own.

“Aye” is a permanent marker and beacon that talent will always shine. The single is a glimpse into the future of hip-hop, reclaiming the birthright that has stepped away from the scene…check out the video to the banging joint below…

Song of the Day: When I Get Free – Dale Dvn

After appearing on the blog with track, ‘A Rotterdam Trip’ back in 2018, It seems that Dutch rapper/singer Adilson Evora slipped away from the radar.

Five years later, he now returns, stronger than ever, under a new name DALE DVN, speaking on mental freedom and reaching a higher state of consciousness on his latest single ‘When I Get Free.’

The track, produced by Robin da Landlord, has a rich 90’s golden era feel, which sits perfectly as the theme song for Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary.

Dale Dvn also drops the B-side ‘Large on the Streets’, a freestyle where he showcases his rap skills over the classic Vado track.

Check out ‘When I Get Free’ below…

OUT TODAY: Nayla Savannah Bares Her Soul on Track, ‘Too Close’


Californian Rapper NAYLA SAVANNAH puts all cards on the table and bares all on her frustration of living with family in her brand new track, ‘Too Close’.

Her spoken-word approach fosters a confessional tone, one that is as candid as it is deliberate, each and every syllable hitting with a deceptively loose precision.

Inspired by the likes Jill Scott, 2 Pac, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot and Nelly, Nayla Savannah began making music in high school and continued to record throughout college. She makes music with her heart sharing experiences she has had and an array of emotions to growth it.

‘Too Close’ is released today (9th August) across various music platforms. Have a listen below…

Song of the Day: In Your Shoes – Aidan Skira

AIDAN SKIRA wrote ‘In Your Shoes’ at a time when people took advantage of him, mistaken his kindness for weakness; he’s always there when his friends needed a shoulder to cry on, but the gesture was never reciprocated when he needed support.

So Aidan tried putting himself in their shoes, imagining what life would be like if he cared about others in the way they cared for him. Showcasing a brooding fusion in melodic R&B and trap-hop, the message behind ‘In Your Shoes is to simply protect yourself from those who drain your good nature – continue to shine and be that kind person who offers support that those really appreciate it.

Have a listen below…