Riding high off the critically acclaimed Outbursts From The Outskirts, Manga drops the visuals for the female empowering My One/God Save The Queens
The success of his project was not just based on sound and style, but concept too, delivering a dominant Grime project that showcased the evolution, not short of substance, and this record is an example of just that. Paying homage to the queens, it’s very rare to get such a song, especially on such a tempo, it’s not exactly what comes to mind when you think Grime (but that’s why he deserves the praise), far removed from the derogatory stances we’ve been accustomed to, it’s a more positive and praising outlook. Acknowledging the strength and inner beauty of the woman, and crowning them as such. The video is a cool representation of just that, down to the inclusion of snapchats of a variety of ages, ethnicities, shapes and sizes, especially with Goldie’s hilarious (but true) outro, you’re all queens!
Atlanta rapper/skater/flexer Reese has been working away, with a slew of (solo and collaborative) projects and found himself on the rise with tracks like Gold House and Just Saying. There’s always those up and coming acts who influence the already established in regards to style and it can be said that Reese is one of those, currently working on his debut album, he drops Drip Like That as a taster of what to expect..
Flowing over the Al B Smoov production, it’s a cool lil’ cut, as he flexes throughout. In regards to his music, I think he’s at a transitional stage, where he’s still developing his sound as it lines up with the appropriate audience. It’s not one dimensional, so you get a range of sounds through his previous efforts, a lot of which others have adopted, and so with the forthcoming album you can expect to get a more assertive representation of him and his style.
The music was at a point overshadowed by supposed tension with Lil Uzi Vert, and maybe people were not paying attention or supporting due to that, but it appears to be a thing of the past as he (fresh off the Nike, Like Mike campaign) looks to further establish himself and his brand.
I was initially sceptical to review this, with over 11 million views in under a week, there’s really no denying Drake’s starpower. I was listening to Diplomatic Immunity consistently, before the stars aligned and God’s Plan really connected with me, and whilst that track continues to dominate, it goes to show that only one person can compete with Drake, and that’s himself. I almost feel like the song dropped too early, and though I’m sure Memphis rep BlocBoy couldn’t wait soon enough, with God’s Plan dominating the charts, this is clearly positioned as the new underground anthem.
For anyone that raises the point that Drake makes the song his own with the first verse and hook, not only has it introduced the world to BlocBoy JB but may I remind you of when Drake introduced a lot of people to an Atlanta group known as the Migos in similar fashion, and with hard work and consistency, see for yourself. So it’s a great opportunity for the Memphis rapper, and though Drake’s verse is indeed a standout, you naturally find yourself rapping along to JB’s flow also, and with his evident energy and charisma with the dance moves, it looks promising, so whether he becomes an official OVO member or not, it’ll be intriguing to see what he has next in store, but for now can be sure to enjoy the success as Look Alive won’t be dying down anytime soon.
Calvin Harris has had quite the trajectory, since my introduction to him alongside Dizzee Rascal (all those years ago), releasing a well received album last year with Funk Wave Bounces Vol. 1, he cemented himself even further, whilst me personally, I was highly disappointed that the project did not feature any British acts (or even Dizzee at least), as I just felt it was the perfect opportunity to merge and make that historical transition. So much that I may have been slightly put off, or I just did not gravitate to the music itself, but as they say, good music always prevails, and so we have his new single (which I have not stopped listening to since it’s release), Nuh Ready Nuh Ready..
It’s no secret, I rate PartyNextDoor highly, and so I was obviously going to check for this, and whilst PND can do no wrong, the production on this is really the standout. It’s one of those productions which make me want to pick at Calvin Harris’ brain as to why certain sounds were used, what were his influences and so forth. Whilst it’s a simplistic approach, the layers of sound and patterns put together are that of genius. It certainly stands out in it’s spotify radio playlist, and in many ways is defiant of any genre or boundary, as it definitely reminds me of a variety of feelings through songs I grew up to. Aside of his own catalogue, PartyNextDoor has been behind some of the biggest songs of the past couple years, and though this sound might be new for his fans, he sounds as in his lane as ever. From the trumpet intro opening the doors for the slithering synth, to hearing him in a patois dialect say, “me and di mandem”, I was sold despite no idea what was coming next, singing along to, “I’m not ready fi all dem tings”, before the effects and beat simultaneously kick in..sonically depicting that euphoric feeling of your favourite night out, to where I had to restart the song as I forgave Calvin, like a friend that let you down but you know they didn’t mean to.
The digital trip of a video compliments the record immensely, much like the audio it has a simple structure, with all it’s transitioning shapes and colours, in it’s retro style (again like the sounds within the production), basically visualising that euphoria I speak of. With the London backdrop and even seeing PND more prominent in something that will be viewed well beyond his own fanbase, it makes for a great video. When making a dance record, you would hope that it makes people move, and Nuh Ready Nuh Ready is most definitely that, a soundtrack for any night out, it’s quite the start to the year with what could well be one of the anthems of the approaching summer.
One of our most underrated soulful voices talents today, JMSN has consistently delivered quality after quality, from It Is and last year’s Whatever Makes U Happy, his abstract take on R&B with country and rock infused really sets him apart amongst his peers (in a lane on his own). So it’s no surprise he kicks the new year off with his new single, So Badly
So Badly, with it’s essences of 70s & 80s R&B, presented with a more relevant aesthetic, is exactly why JMSN is heralded highly by those in the know, from the lyrics themselves, down to his delivery, with the harmonies and perfect changes in tone throughout, it’s amazing how he can continue to not only create to such a high level, but execute also, with his brilliant visuals. A true fan of music, I believe he’s a legacy act, meaning he’s here for the long run, and whilst his fanbase might not be as vast (though he has a great core audience) as the likes of PartyNextDoor or more recently say, Daniel Caeser, I place his artistry and appeal up there with the best of them.
It’s as if with each project, he creates with more freedom, able to express more, not just with his songwriting but sonically and visually, something which has been prominent throughout his career, which although might be stifling in the commercial side, but for the true music (and art) lovers, we wouldn’t want any different. The video compliments the song so well, all it is missing is a Don Cornelius (RIP) intro, from the shimmering gold backdrop, balanced out by his velvet suit and dance moves as silky as his shirt, this is a great start to the year, and though I’m enjoying this, I cannot wait to hear the forthcoming album.
From his album last year, as well as producing and contributing towards the soothing sounds of (another underrated star) Alexa Demie, his work rate matches his ability, and now with So Badly, released through his own White Room Records imprint, the multi-talented JMSN is on course for more success this year.
I’ve heralded Zeph Ellis (formerly known as Dot Rotten) as one of the most talented musicians in the country, and as much as he may not be at the forefront, he’s low-key very much still adding his magic, working with the likes of Steel Banglez and more recently, DB Sound System..
Badmind makes for a vibezy cut, blending the abstract sounds of Zeph with the cool flows of DB, the trio featuring Skits, Deli & Ash and their varying personalities, it creates for something quite distinct from the regular acts out there today. Not new to the game, they have individually been about for a while, so to see them come together to create something so organically is always refreshing. Skits for example was part of the pioneering Piff Gang (as well featured in Top Boy), and in this instance has the standout with his introductory verse and chorus. It might just be that certain styles do not garner the coverage required, or the audiences themselves have yet to develop to such a level, but DB Sound System definitely bring a realistic approach with their craft. If you’re looking for feel good music, an overall good vibe, then they’re most definitely worth checking out. With tracks like this and their previous efforts (like Bomboleo and One Two Tings), you can expect around the time of their live show to be quite the wave, and it’s that very feel and ‘cool’ essence that they represent.
With his recent release (and previously reviewed) What You Want surpassing 100,000 views, Bonkaz doesn’t waste any time to drop his spin on Ramz’s chart-soaring Barking, with Yard Ting:
Truth be told, I didn’t really listen to Barking, heard it a couple times here and there, this however, is good that it’s come out now and not closer to the original’s release, as it could have overshadowed. The South London talent has a versatile skill set, and with this cover, he only proves that further. Keeping the main tone of the song, yet switching up the flow, he glides over the beat, with his known lyrical proficiency, he effortlessly displays that, weaving through the dancehall vibes.
One of the undoubted stars of the British scene, Scorcher seemed set for stardom from the get-go, with the foundations laid, he was one of the early MC’s to garner a large female following, and whilst I’ve previously mentioned the struggles that can bring with the direction of their music, he’s one of the few versatile enough to dominate in both. Maybe because it seemed like he was the chosen one..that peers and audiences developed animosity and might not have championed him as deserved, but in recent times he has still been able to stand tall amidst the negativity, with tracks like (the incredibly underrated) No One Else and Paranoid, plus standout performances in both the TV series Top Boy and (the movie) The Intent. Unfortunately, whilst I thought he was just being himself..not as prominent on Social Media (as he’s definitely not one for all the fake shit), it appears that he is currently in prison. Initially I thought (and was hoping) he was just filming for the sequel of The Intent, but it appears that he really is currently serving time (the reasons are unknown and really none of our business), but while the Universe finds ways to align you on your true path, don’t for once think his abilities as a top tier artist are under question, as he not only gives us a freestyle, but a whole track with (the 2Pac inspired) Down:
One of the realest people in the industry, or at least one of the realest I’ve met in this game, that honesty has always transcended through his music, from early as his classic My Diary. Though he’s certified with the street shit, he’s one of the best with the introspective raps, and Down is just that. Something for the fans whilst they wait, but it definitely shines light on situations, “I’m at my best when I’m at my worst”. Ever the fighter, the wordsmith is able to poetically inspire even at the toughest of times, one of his qualities and reasons for his loyal fanbase.
Whilst it’s great to get some new music from the talent, I’d rather he was free, and hold faith that this is just a step-back that will help propel him further to where someone of his talents and nature deserves.
Back like he never left. One of the more visionary acts to come out of England, Smiler had seen quite the rise seven years ago with his breakthrough hit Enza, he continued to elevate the sound and it would be fair to say he was a part of pioneering the transition, with a more commercial sound, especially in a time where that was the only route, with songs like Top of The World (ft. Pro Green) and Brand New Style, where he tackled more variant sounds whilst maintaining his lyricism and content. Clearly studying the behind the scenes workings, he went on to play a more entrepreneurial role, creating his Portfolio Music Group imprint, assisting the careers of others with the label’s diverse roster. However, you can only hold back the talent for so long, and much to our pleasure, in this more accepting climate, he has returned to the forefront, with his new offering, Gangsta.
The no frills record is one of his best works, as it continues where he left, with the informative, OG perspective, and where his previous lyrics may have been subdued by the production, this mid-tempo track is the perfect platform for his words to be held up on, as he delivers to the high standard that has become expected of him. Whilst the flow is cold, one of the more notable factors on this..is his storytelling ability, the moments where you can visualise the pictures painted. The second verse trumps the first, the way he goes straight back into it, and that standard stays throughout. Always the wise, beyond the tale, there’s gems within the verses if you can catch them.
Sounding better than he ever has, Gangsta is a mere teaser to what’s yet to come, but it’s quite the re-entry from Smiler, in a time where his abilities can be more appreciated.
Bigz is no stranger to vibes, the rapper has experimented previously, and now steps into a lane which feels as natural to listen to, as it clearly is for him to create.
AfroBeats has found itself amongst the leading sounds today, and as the genre continues to evolve, the Flygerian himself, Mr Bigz as his alias Wavy Boy Smith, sprinkles his influence over this Sonny Reeves production, to bring us a more refined version, that brings the heat to a cold winter’s end. Don’t be surprised if this song finds its way onto everyone’s playlists gearing up for the summer. An easy listen, incredibly catchy, from the way he spreads the verses, the bridge, down to the hook itself.
The video captures the song’s vibrant feel, with the choice of colours, and not to mention the array of beautiful women, but more so, Bigz who gets out of his throne to throw down some subtle skanks in what is an essentially enjoyable vibe. Keep an ear out for more from Mr Bigz and even Body 2 Body as it steadily gains momentum.
ONE Fáris 