Tag: unsigned rapper

Arlo Maverick Shares Gripping Visuals For Single Hashtag

Western Canadian Music Award-nominated artist, ARLO MAVERICK shares his video/short film for the track, ‘Hashtag’, a song of protest about racial profiling and police brutality that will appear on his forthcoming EP, ‘Soul Merchant’, out in spring of 2021.

The video arrives amidst Black History Month to continue the conversation around the issues that Black people continue to face nearly a year after the global uprising in response to the murder of George Floyd.

Co-directed and co-edited by Maverick, the video’s concept draws from the real-life stories of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man who was fatally shot while jogging; Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old Black boy who was playing with a toy gun and fatally shot; and others who were killed by police or while in police custody. In one lacerating verse, Maverick calls out the difference between how white men and minorities are treated by police.

With vocalist Riwo (of Melafrique) belting the song’s chorus, “I don’t want to be a hashtag one day,” and Black people being shown in everyday circumstances getting killed at random, Maverick suggests the prevalence of the bias-based policing that leads to violence. “When you see the chalk outlines of bodies and all of the hashtags come up at the end of the video, I wanted the viewer to be overwhelmed by the number of names on the screen. For them to think, ‘How many more Black lives need to be taken for changes to happen?’” said Maverick. “Since the video was filmed, more people have been killed. Before the end of the year, it’s going to happen again.”

The title, ‘Hashtag,’ is also a reference to fair-weather activism on social media and the use of hashtags to bring attention to the Black lives lost at the hands of police. “In using hashtags for something as serious as Black death you sort of make light of it,” said Maverick. “I think social media activism can be really powerful, but I also think it can desensitize. People get concerned, demand changes, these hashtags circulate, but without enough real action nothing will change. There’s still not enough accountability in the justice system.”

Check out Arlo Maverick’s video for his latest below…

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Album Interview: Paradigms – Boldbeats

Introducing Philadelphia’s rapper BOLDBEATS for the first time on the blog and his latest full-length album, ‘Paradigms’, a reflective collection of work that encourages us to step back and really think about life. So find out what exactly inspired him to produce the album and what hip-hop mainstreamers he would like to jump on his mammoth set.

Very interesting guy…why not get to know him below…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?

BB: So far, I’m liking how things are looking. I haven’t made any real moves just yet this year, but if all goes well, we’re about to stir some things up.

NLM: You released your album ‘Paradigms’ in November 2020. What is the public perception on the project so far?

BB: I’ve gotten nothing but good feedback back about the project. It’s doing what it’s doing, but that’s without any REAL promotion behind it. Which we plan on changing in the coming month or so.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

BB: Well, it’s actually a mixtape, but it does hold meaning like an album would.
I’ve been spending a lot of time working on myself, trying to find out who I am, not only as an artist, but why my life is a thing y’know? Deep shit. All of comes from me shifting my paradigms. Which is a system of beliefs, ideas, values, and habits that is a way of thinking about the real world. Even the small shit counts, like, making your bed in the morning. I’ve been trying to change my bad habits to start becoming who I envision myself to be in the future.

The same with my music, I’m not getting stuck into one category. I’m not coming into the game as a drill rapper, or a conscious rapper. I’m coming in as an artist, and I’ve come to realize, that that’s how it should be! Music is art, and if you have the ability to create many styles, then why the f**k shouldn’t I do it, and be praised all the same for it, if not more?

NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?

BB: I’d say Therapy, Open Door and All Out are my favourites. I chose these three because on these songs, I was just venting. Those were ones that I went into the booth and just vibed. I record my own music, so I’m always alone when I do it. It’s just how I’d prefer it for the most part. That way I’m free to try different sounds, and vibes, and not have to cloud my mind with a fear of criticism if something sounds whack hahaha.

NLM: So how would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

BB: ISSA VIBE! No doubt! I’ve got a lil bit of everything on there, and it’s a project that you can just let run through. Of course they’ll have their own favourites, but at the end of the day, if they genuinely ENJOY music, they’re gonna love the mixtape.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?

BB: Oh, that’s an interesting question. I didn’t see that coming. Forreal, I’d say Lil Uzi on “All Out” . That shit would’ve went DUMB, and a show with that, I can already feel the energy coming back from the crowd! Haha, one day.

NLM: Did the Covid pandemic presented any drawbacks in the production of your album?

BB: Honestly, no. My studio is in our basement, so I had no setbacks.

NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?

BB: Oh yeah, but they’ll all be single projects. Might do a little mixtape or EP at the end of the year, but, who knows?

NLM: How can potential fan find you?

BB: You can find me at the following:
Facebook- BoldBeats
Instagram- xboldbeats
Twitter- BoldBeatsEnt
SoundCloud-BoldBeats
Apple Music- BoldBeats
Spotify- BoldBeats

NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Paradigms’?

BB: A big shoutout to my mom for tellin everybody and their momma about it lol, and the biggest shoutout to my pops for helping me get where I am today. I wouldn’t have the courage to do it without them.

You can catch Boldbeats album right here.

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Album Review: Rawest 2 – Fly Von

Unlike his pervious set, ‘Fly Von Mix Vo.1’ FLY VON‘s latest album, ‘Rawest 2’  features mellowed out backdrops, melodic chants all brought together by the intermittent presence of the b-line – in fact it’s a complete opposite of the name of the album…

However, I might have spoken too soon as further along the album, the melodic chants becomes more sporadic, the semi-tranquil bassline becomes more infectiously HARD and Fly Von’s trance-like flow turns all RAW. Ninth effort, ‘Fast Life’, totally interrupts the album’s tranquility with its bold energy and Fly’s fiery flow which gives such an unbelieve head rush.

All in all, I did expect a little more punch from ‘Rawest 2’ – that ‘I don’t give a f**k energy presented in his previous releases – however what this album has showed me is that this Virginia rapper can do it as smooth as they come and it can be still soul-satisfying. Check out ‘Rawest 2’ below and songs recommendations.

Must Listens: Pina Loca Smoke, Stay Patient, Tokyo Tees, No Limit

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Album Interview: Fly Von – Rawest 2

Virginia’s RAWEST rapper, FLY VON makes a quick return to the blog’s interview hot seat to discuss his latest album, ‘RAWEST 2’, out now for your pleasure.

‘RAWEST 2’ serves as the build-up to his project, ‘FlyMix Vol.1’, which claimed the blog’s Album of the Week title for three consecutive weeks.

To read his previous interview on the album, head right here. 


NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. Any New Year’s resolutions?

FV: The pleasure is all mine, I love these interviews lol. Thank you for having me again. And hmm if I had to make one, it would be to drop at least three albums this year.

NLM: You released your album ‘Rawst 2’ late last year. What is the public perception on the project so far?

FV: So far the people are loving it! I’m over 1,200 streams in just under 3 weeks. I’ve developed a major fan base overseas in Belgium, Australia and Spain as well which is really amazing!! Also so far ‘Pina Loca Smoke’ is the fan favorite right now.

 

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

FV: After the success of FlyMix Vol. 1, I went back and started listening to the 1st RAWEST album. I started wondering “maybe I should get back in that zone and that mode.” The RAWEST series is about breaking rules, barriers, genres and simply creating music that fully expresses who I am.

NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?

FV: ‘Tokyo Tees’, the energy from this song is so strong! Makes me feel like a ninja in an action movie lol perfect night time vibes. 2nd would be Pina Loca Smoke, I’m pretty sure this is the most beautiful song I’ve written to date. I play it every morning and every night. Perfect song for a smoke session or just to escape and get away.

NLM: So how would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

FV: The Sound of RAWEST 2 can be described as me and my personality put to music. Confident and strong deliveries mixed with glimpses of me being vulnerable on melodies. The album is fun! It gets you let go, escape and enjoy the moment.

NLM: How does the sound of ‘Rawest 2’ compare to your earlier albums?

FV: In comparison, I would say RAWEST 2 has elements of all my previous projects mixed into one. Increasing my melodies was drawn from RAWEST 1.5, Using unorthodox flows on heavy trap beats comes from Lone Wolf. Slowing down tempos, adding alternative sounds came from the original RAWEST album. This one brings it all together.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?

FV: Wiz Khalifa or Kid Cudi would have been great on the album lol! Both of those guys embody the same vision I have with music. They don’t let people box them in or give them rules. Cudi and his harmonies on “Pina Loca Smoke” would have been AMAZING. Wiz would have definitely brought “Stars in My Eyes” to a whole new level. One day, it’s gonna happen lol. Chris brown would be great on “Do The Math” too lol

NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021? 

FV: Deluxe version of RAWEST 2 is coming next.
I have a collab album with JDC Beats after that and then a secret surprise third album that you will have to stay tuned for lol.

NLM: How can potential fan find you?

FV: I’m on all Streaming platforms under Fly Von
Twitter: @ SirBasstoven
IG: @ flyvon_

NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Rawest 2’?

FV: Oh yes!! JDC Beats, i.d Beats, Everything Hectic, Deon (@firstclassdeon on IG), and myself lol. Big shoutout and much love to them. Also new lease music for the continued love and support. Thank you all as well.

Head right HERE to check out  Fly Von’s RAWEST 2 album.

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Album Review: P.I.M.P (Poetry Is My Pleasure) – Lyrique

Newcomer LYRIQUE first came under my radar with 2020 neon trap joint, ‘Smoke Break’ – and he has firmly reminded there ever since. So when he released his debut full-length album, ‘PIMP’ late last year, I was very intrigued to give it a trial.

I expected the 12-track set to predominantly feature the mellowed-out vibes as featured in ‘Smoke Break’ – but ‘P.I.M.P’ offers a whole lot more as it encompasses array of sounds – from hazy vintage boom bap-inspired cuts, smooth afterhours samples (perhaps spanning from the late 80s/early 90s) to even swing hip-hop-esque tones (have a listen to ‘Casino Royal’) and uptempo 80’s-style/Pharrell Williams-esque soulful funk (Pimpin Wasn’t Easy) –  most of which were accompanied with soul-satisfying thumps of the bassline.

Arriving in Canada in 2014 from his native in the Philippines to work as a live-in nanny, Lyrique’s melodically chilled rhymes are a glimpse into his personal struggles as a temporary migrant worker. Now a permanent resident, Lyrique is now armed with uncompromised confidence and self-worth (have a listen to concluding track, ‘Dressing Room’).

So welcome to the world of Lyrique, a very creditable artist who’s patently striving to fulfil his ambitions as a musician. Check out P.I.M.P below:

Must Listens: Hunger, Drive Slow, Pimpin Wasn’t Easy, Hope Dealer

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