Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, ISCO CRUZ is a rising artist with an unorthodox and versatile style that draws influences from Lil Wayne, Michael Jackson, Drake, and The Weeknd. While primarily categorized as R&B/Soul, his music transcends genres.
His love for music started at an early age, and he began writing poetry as a way to express his thoughts and emotions. As his passion for music grew, he transitioned into rapping, and now his music has progressed into being much more melodic.
His latest single, ‘Nights in December,’ is a tale of temptation, lust, and the consequences that follow. With a beat that’s both seductive and raw, Cruz takes the listener on a journey through his experiences.
The single is a precursor to his debut EP ‘Lost in Lust’, set to release later this year. ‘Lost in Lust’ is a collection of intimate and soulful tracks that explore the complexities of love and desire. From the euphoric highs of falling head over heels, to the heartache and confusion of being caught in a toxic relationship, these songs capture the full range of emotions that come with being lost in lust. Get the first taste of the EP here…
Tag: unsigned music
A Quick Chat With…Showtime Ramon
Earlier this year Sacramento very own rapper SHOWTIME RAMON made an impressive debut appearance on the blog with EP, ‘Venom Dripp’, which claimed the blog’s Album of the Month title last month. I caught up with the fiey wordsmith to discuss the EP and his plans for the rest of 2023.
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is your summer going? Any gigs?
SR: Whatsup, it’s a pleasure thank you for having me. My summer honestly hasn’t been the best this year, I’ve been dealing with chronic migraines, I missed a few shows because of this but I’m back on my feet, no gigs until I get out more music.
NLM: You released your EP, ‘Venom Dripp’ back in May. What is the public perception on the project so far?
SR: My feedback has been positive, everyone has liked my beat selection. Every song from the EP has been mentioned to be, it surprises me how much people pay attention to the details within my music and wordplay.
NLM: How would you describe the EP’s sound to potential fans?
SR: I would say Venom Dripp is kind of gritty, gloomy sounds hard bass and dope lyricism. I like to bend the rules of hip-hop, I spit dope shit over dope ass beats.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP?
SR: I wouldn’t say anything really inspired me make the EP, I just always feel like I’m holding my music back because I really do, I barely release any of my music.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s)from the EP and why?
SR: Spin Cycle and Hyperspeed are the two that I listen to the most, Rip Hamilton is 3rd. Spin Cycle has that spooky sound and hard dirty drums that I like within the production, Its to the point and I said some dope bars. I think Hyperspeed is the best song on the EP though, I spit 32 bars for that track and its fast paced. The lyrics for Hyperspeed start out more personal than I usually am, I wanted my fans to feel me.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your EP?
SR: I wanted to put together a small collection of different sounds and lyrical topics for my fans to relate too as well as show my progression as an artist. I’m only going up and those riding with me are on the same journey I am on.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the EP, who would it be and why?
SR: would get Rome Streetz on my EP because lyrically it would make me step my game up and I welcome any challenge. Rome is currently my favorite artist, he would sound dope on a track with Showtime Ramon.
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2023?
SR: I have a lot of music to work on along with new music videos. I have a lot of unreleased music that will be released before 2023 is over, I’m just excited for the world to hear the music I’ve been holding back. It’s my best music by far.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
SR: Fans can find me on instagram @ShowtimeRamon . I always tell people to google Showtime Ramon because from there you can access my music however you prefer.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Venom Dripp’?
SR: Yes, Kieron Lee did the cover art for me his instagram is @chirondesigns . Hyperspeed was produced by Gadgett, Spin Cycle was produced by The Soul Monsters.
Listen to ‘Venom Dripp’ here
Song of the Day: Grifter – Dimzy
Encapsulating the feeling and experience of being a young black man growing up in London, DIMZY‘s track, ‘Grafter’ explores the fight and will-power that comes with it. Referencing his Mum as a big inspiration behind his determination to succeed, he tells a tale that many will relate to.
Dimzy says of his hard-hitting release: “Grafter is about me being a young black man in the UK speaking on what London is like right now. It’s about my determination to win in everything including war, war on being the best version of my myself and to keep driving at full force no matter the barriers I come across. Every day for a young black man is war, so war is war, if you want it that’s that. I’m a hustler and grafter just like my mum; my mum was my biggest motivation when it came to getting money, she always found a way no matter the circumstances that’s why I’m the hustler I am today.”
Journeying back to 2012 where Dimzy first made his emergence in UK Rap and Drill, it was the year of 2014 that he began to play an integral role in the genre’s growth. Dimzy is prominently known for his part in 67, a collective of artists that pioneered Drill with their explosive single ‘Let’s Lurk’, who swiftly gained millions of views online. Since then, the rest is history! Housing various projects including ‘A Glass of Water’, ‘Dim the Lights’, and more, the London native is gearing up for an explosive year ahead.
Check out of the video for ‘Grifter below…
Song of the Day: New – Kadi
Following local radio acclaim on BBC Radio Kent in her beloved hometown of Orpington, Soulful singer-songwriter KADI, arrives with latest single, ‘New’ – an emotionally charged song which takes you on a journey through the bittersweet experience of being blindsided by someone leaving unexpectedly.
Kadi’s soulful vocal delivery invites the audience to immerse themselves into navigating the complexities of her experience, reminding us that in the face of adversity, personal growth and appreciation can emerge. ‘New’ seeps into the inner feelings of confusion and disappointment uncovered by the honest and baring lyrics that touches the soul.
Drawing from a personal experience Kadi pours her heart and soul into the track, delivering an authentic and relatable message.
Kadi has worked on all her music alongside producer Adam Rust known for his work with acclaimed artists like JP Cooper, Nina Nesbitt, Becky Hill etc. This year Kadi is releasing her first album project ‘Shed This Skin’ set to release on the 25th October, and is experiencing blossoming growth as a person and independent artist. Have a listen to her stunning single below…
Song of the Day: Lil Bit – S-One (ft. 23 Dreamz)
Boasting drums with a heavy bass, catchy bridge, liquid flow strings, Canadian DJ/ Producer S-ONE‘s debut single, ‘Lil Bit’, featuring friend and artist 23Dreamz, has that perfect turnt-up club vibe.
Through their spicy collaboration, showcasing a delicious fusion of African, Caribbean and North American music all in one pot, the guys just want to spread a Lil Bit of Love in this Loveless world.
Check out the lyric video for ‘Lil Bit’ below…
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