Introducing the Kenyan-born, Los Angeles-based XENA MANASSEH and her new single ‘Anticipate’ featuring fellow Kenyan artist Karun. The ethereal new single is imbued with 90s R&B sensibilities as the two artists unite, their hypnotic voices sizzling over a glittering, cinematic production. The single marks the latest taste from Xenia’s forthcoming much-anticipated 11-track debut LP Love/Hate Pt.1 slated for release on 1st September.
‘Anticipate’ appears alongside recent release ‘Temporary Love’ on Love/Hate Pt.1, the two singles marking an exciting taste of what’s to come from this ineffable debut. The beautifully curated album sees Xenia blend complex, intricate productions with appearances from the likes of Tay Iwar and Shalom Dubas.
Xenia Manasseh is a breathtaking global rising talent. Blending an eclectic offering of R&B shot-through with flavours of afro-soul, the emerging artist has already worked with the likes of Teyana Taylor, Burna Boy, GoldLink and more. With two EPs under her belt, 2019’s Falling Apart and 2022’s Maybe which includes the single ‘Love Me or Leave Me’ (1M+ Spotify streams) and support from Spotify (Xenia has been an ‘EQUAL’ and ‘RADAR’ ambassador), Xenia is making waves as an artist who blends stunning lyrical relatability with lush vocals and intricate songwriting. Have a listen to ‘Anticipate’ below…
Known his dynamic delivery and witty wordplay, veteran rapper BULLET BRAK returns with an old-school inspired joint, ‘Fan Blades’, out now across various music streaming sites.
The spellbinding Maryland-born entertainer is now living in SouthWest, Florida and has worked with heavyweights such as Papoose, Grafh, OT The Real, The Beatnuts, Noreaga, Curren$y, The LOX, Gunplay, Torch, Ty Dolla $ign, Torae, Chevy Woods, Termanology, Chris Rivers and more.
‘Fan BLades’ follows his track, ‘Done With It’, featuring OT The Real. Check out the video below…
New Jersey’s self-proclaimed misfit REG MASON, invites us in for a worshipful exploration centered around themes of slow growth and opposition to instant gratification with his debut album, ‘TESTDRIVE’.
Throughout the ten-track journey, we will gain a deep understanding of the 24-year-old rapper’s battles and what life’s test drive has looked like thus far. Drawing strength from not only within, but the roots of his family tree, Mason triumphantly diminishes the intrusive thoughts that try to lead him astray from fully stepping into his calling as an artist. The innovative hip-hop production by fellow New Jersey native CURT captures an essence of nostalgia, inspired by the soundtrack of Mason’s early teenage years which consisted of countless hours spent submerging himself into the underground east coast/Midwest hip hop scene, from EL-P, Das Racist, Danny Brown and Freddie Gibbs.
“TESTDRIVE’ is a spiritual callback to my early years, while also focusing on how much I’ve changed,” Mason explains. “It’s about learning to appreciate the slower road because heaven knows this is not for the charts. TESTDRIVE’ is a Delorean with a V12 engine under the hood. She might look old and dusty but, once you sit inside, it’s a weighted experience.”
‘TESTDRIVE’ is made of two parts, Side-A (CHECKERBOARD!) and Side-B (CHESSBOARD’), reflective of the idea that checkers and chess share the same board, yet require different strategies and approaches.
Side-A opens with ‘marah’,’ a spitfire offering that was the catalyst to the album’s creation. The charismatic “CHECKERBOARD!” follows, leaning into the coming-of-age theme as it feeds into Mason’s desire to continuously evolve. “pa’ (interlude)” is an old-school hip-hop inspired track featuring Mason’s father, who urges him to “let his confidence ooze off his spirit,” a motif throughout the album. Following is ‘VAUXHALL’, a call out to the neighborhood in Union, NJ where he grew up, a place that historically was home to black residents prior to integration. Fan-favorite ‘STÉ’ feat. JTT concludes Side-A, which sees the proud New Jerseyans’ unbridled flow answer his own question, “am I willing to sacrifice my artist dream for a lover who doesn’t support my vision?”
Side-B shows the complexity of the album with more personal subject matter and sample-blending, introducing a more nuanced view of Mason. Kicking off with ‘CHESSBOARD’, over soulful instrumentation, Mason croons, “Remember underground apartments with my Mom, dog, that’s low living.” “fearful’ / MA’,” the album’s focus track, sees him battle his intrusive thoughts, with questions like “Will my dad be around when I finally make it?” His highly praised single “HANDSHAKES’,” featuring fellow New Jersey native GINI, serves as a nostalgic walk down memory lane. Following is the title track ‘TESTDRIVE!,’ which proves Reg’s prowess as an innovator, as he effortlessly raps over a psychedelic beat. The album concludes with ‘SEQUEL’, encapsulating the overall coming-of-age theme, and ultimately accepting the unknown.
A proven visceral storyteller by nature, ‘TESTDRIVE’ is a testament to Mason’s ability to craft a sonic world uniquely his own, solidifying himself as one to watch with his debut full-length offering of self-reflective, experimental hip-hop. Check out his epic offering below…
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…
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…
New Lease Music 