North London’s rapper HARLEY MAXWELL gives Pablo Nouvelle’s instrumental ‘Stay’ a sassy makeover, giving the production a smooth slow jam vibes through his warm raspy delivery.
Harley found his interest in music at the age of 15, after visiting a friends studio in the mountains of San Joan, Ibiza. His EP ‘Summer Daze’ was well received and video for standout track ‘Monday Morning’ continues to clock views on SB:TV. ‘Chased Lines,’ a mesmerizing ethereal single, has generated well over a million plays.
Described as one of UK Rap’s most exciting growing acts, Harvey gets ready to release his debut LP, ‘ROOM TWELVE’ next month.
This is one hot track right here…check out ‘That’s Life’ below…
Connecticut’s rapper OPIUM BKACK makes a fierce entry on the blog and releases some blazing visuals for track, ‘Head Shot’ featuring Sheek Louch and Carti P. Newton. Check it out below…
Since PROFESSOR PAWS arrival onto the scene just 18 months ago, he has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. His first release from his To The Bag EP, ‘Southside Girl’, was undoubtedly well received, obtaining praise from trendsetting magazine Notion. He then followed with the lead single and title track, ‘To The Bag’, amassing over 125,000 views and over 75,000 streams in the process.
With a musical approach that is second to none, Professor Paws creates a unique hybrid between new age R&B and a gritty UK rap sound for his new EP. The opening track ‘To The Bag’ portrays his distinct R&B style, highlighting an instant ensemble of differing melodies whilst delivering punchy lyrical content that we’ve come to expect. This release epitomises his approach this year as he sets his aims on getting ‘straight to the bag’. The next track ‘Southside Girl’ is the perfect blend to stir up the party feeling as the vibrant melodic chorus instantly captures your attention while the hard-hitting rap verses deliver the perfect contrast. This song captures the excitement and flirtations of a relationship blossoming in its early stages. Moving in to ‘Sillionaire’, Professor Paws continues the musical theme of the EP, providing an R&B influenced hook with the raw rap that has become synonymous to his sound. A strong sense of the London artists affluent lifestyle shines through the lyricism, as he proceeds to remind us that ‘he is the man’.
Heading through the tracklist, ‘Gold Touch’ tells the story of the rappers’ similarity with King Midas and his golden touch, with the track delving in to a wittier, personable side of the rapper. With his usual combination of melodies and raw lyrics, this song is destined to be blaring out of car speakers across the UK. The final track is an extended version of ‘To The Bag’, the first version left listeners with a cliff hanger and this version is the clarity to the story. As he continues the go-getter mantra, we get a full understanding of Professor Paws mindset with his latest collection.
Of Ghanian and European heritage, Professor Paws is influenced by his roots and is keen to ensure that diversity always shines through in his music. Being exposed to such a wide range of sounds and styles in a rapidly developing musical climate, has helped shape his sound to one that moves fluidly between varying genres, tones and styles. His endless hours in the studio behind the desk as a producer has seen him work alongside major name rappers, including Giggs, Fekky, Cash and Joe Grind, and has undoubtedly helped to navigate his own personal artistry as he has cherrypicked wisdom from the best and been able to apply it to his own sound as an artist, something which evidently shines through in the EP.
With the release of his debut project ‘To The Bag’, we witness the development and evolution of Professor Paws. As he continues to gather momentum and make strides with his unorthodox hybrid of rap and R&B, we expect to see the experimental musician becoming a pivotal part of the music scene.
I caught up with New Yorker NATTY BOI ZOE for the second time, to discuss his latest album ‘Da Street Poet’, out now for your pleasure, how he coped during the pandemic and his plans for the rest of 2021. Why not check him out below…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?
NBZ: 2021 been crazy in every direction but I’m good mentally and physically, just Learning to adapt to these new changes
NLM: You released your album, ‘Da Street Poet’ back in May. What is the public perception on the project so far?
NBZ: So I got good reviews, nothing negative but their always room for improvement…
NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
NBZ: It’s more on the Poetic and Hip-Pop side…
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
NBZ: Life is my biggest inspiration, I really love music it’s a part of my soul…
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
NBZ: We Litt , Get Right and Winners Circle – that’s the mind frame I’m on right now in every aspect…
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your album?
NBZ: Acceptance, growth, greatness, self confidence and self worth in ones own abilities…
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
NBZ: Brent Faiyaz my Boi is killing it right now, very talented
NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?
NBZ: Yeah I’m working on my new EP amazing new sound coming up…
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
NBZ: Instagram NattyBoiZoe everything
NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Da Street Poet’?
NBZ: Shout out to my producer juice cannon, Dice Cannon, Smitty, Gerald.
SKEAMER has been steadily building his stature within the UK music scene and his newest single ‘Pain Is Temporary’ solidifies exactly why his name should be mentioned alongside the greats. The London based rapper is renowned for his conscientious lyrical content and his heartfelt delivery, this is integral to his musical identity and is excellently demonstrated within his latest track.
After amassing millions of streams and views on previous releases, Skeamer has become a certified voice for the streets. His profoundly sincere rap technique sets him apart from similar artists within his field. On ‘Pain Is Temporary’, the Buckroll produced track has the ideal instrumental with hypnotic drum patterns, booming 808’s and unique vocal sampling, all coming together to deliver the perfect canvas for the rapper to paint his picture on. Skeamer’s lyrical ability shines through on the track, as he uses all the key pillars of rap to deliver his heartfelt story. Taking us on a breath-taking journey, detailing the lifestyle the OJB rapper lives, Skeamer talks about the trials and tribulations that he faces and some of the actions that he is forced to take.
Alongside his own solo drops, Skeamer has recently collaborated with his OJB member Skore Beezy, as well as Clue, Scorcher and Snap Capone. These major musical partnerships indicate the trajectory that the captivating artist continues to take as well as the ever-growing rumble surrounding his music. After his recent tour around his estate in Clapham, for the well-known YouTube channel ‘No Jumper’, the industry is eagerly awaiting his next move. This sentiment was mirrored by pivotal tastemakers within the UK, with support from BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ’s including Target, Sian Anderson, Snoochie Shy and Kenny Allstar as well as Kiss FM’s Ellie Prohan and Capital Xtra’s Shayna Marie. This outpouring of support represents the overwhelming approval that the Black British Music scene have for the artist.
As we continue to receive an introspective and honest musical approach, Skeamer has established himself as a dominant voice within UK rap. Check out the video for ‘Pain Is Temporary’ below…
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