GRUNGECAKE

Category: Features

  • Song of the Day: ‘Try Me’ by Tems

    Name: Tems
    Representing: Lagos, Nigeria
    Genre: R&B/Soul
    For fans of: Ayra Starr
    Single from: N/A
    Produced by: Tems
    Song of the Day: June 19, 2020
    Label(s): Temilade Openiyi

    Although ‘Try Me’ came out in August, its lyrics are and may remain relevant for as long as human life walks this Earth, and beyond. Some days ago, one of my business partners told me about Tems, the talented Nigerian artist is “focused on promoting the movement currently shaping alternative music in Nigeria to advance the culture, and conversations alike.” Before June, I didn’t know who she was. Based on my research, I’ve found she is 24, celebrated, has two projects under her belt ‘Illumination’ and ‘Time Swap’ EP, has been nominated for several awards and is an Alternative R&B singer, who writes and produces.

    As the days start and end in quarantine, the question in this song’s hook is the only question I have. Why do you want to try Black women? Why do you want to try minorities in America? Why do you want to try my soul?

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVEp-P2-rqY&h=315]

    Let’s do our best to remain cautious due to the novel coronavirus and safeguarded against police brutality in America, which often leads to televised Black deaths. Happy Juneteenth everyone.

  • Song of the Day: ‘We no dey hear’ featuring Kelvyn Boy & Kel-P by M.anifest

    Name: M.anifest
    Representing: Accra, Ghana
    Genre: Hiplife, Afrobeats
    For fans of: Bisa Kdei
    Single from: N/A
    Produced by: N/A
    Song of the Day: June 15, 2020
    Label(s): Singitdamnit Music

    Opening his video with a mantra that we can all apply to our lives right now, “When life puts me in a tough situation I don’t say ‘Why me’ I say ‘try me’”. Music is beautiful, and art has a way of healing people, in a way that nothing else in this world can measure. Last month, Ghana’s M.anifest released the official visual for bilingual banger ‘We no dey hear’ featuring fellow artists Kelvyn Boy & Kel-P, which features beautiful pictures of local people, hypnotic choreography, and lifestyle. Watch the video directed by Allison Swank below now. Allow the well-produced track move you, and help you escape from the unfortunate events (like police brutality, murders of Black people, and rape and murders of Black cis-gender and trans-gender people) happening all over the world.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxW7MtxYHyM&h=315]

  • Song of the Day: ‘Other Side of America’ by Meek Mill

    Name: Meek Mill
    Representing: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
    For fans of: Nicki Minaj, Drake
    Single from: N/A
    Produced by: N/A
    Song of the Day: June 11, 2020
    Label(s): Maybach Music Group/Atlantic Records

    Recently, Philadelphia legend Meek Mill unleashed the fiery autobiographical track titled ‘Other Side of America’, where he speaks about his humble beginnings, living in poverty, and more. Opening the song with one of 45’s divisive speeches and ending it with a 2018 interview on CNN, the artist is a living example of making it out of the hood, but keeping his connection to poor neighbourhoods all over the world—most importantly. If you suffer from PSTD because you grew up gangbanging (due to living in unlivable environments), watched your teenage friends get murdered in broad daylight, or worse (serve time), you can sadly relate. This one is for us, the kids from the other side of America. Listen to the track below.

  • Song of the Day: ‘Speak 4 Em’ by Moneybagg Yo

    Name: Moneybagg Yo
    Representing: Memphis, Tennessee
    Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
    For fans of: Yo Gotti
    Single from: Time Served
    Produced by: Dmactoobangin, Javar, Track Gordy, YC
    Song of the Day: May 6, 2020
    Label(s): Roc Nation, Collective Music Group, Bread Gang Entertainment, N-Less Entertainment, Interscope Records.

    Towards the end of April, Moneybagg Yo released the official visual for ‘Speak 4 Em’, which happened to become one of my favourite songs on his album ‘Time Served’. It gives me everything I need in a modern-day rap song: Affluent shit-talking, as I like to call it, which means the type of shit someone can talk and back up, the quintessential trap house setting, and drip for days. Watch the video below featuring his current girlfriend Ari Fletcher, who has a child with Chicago rapper G Herbo.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC1cfgogd6A&h=315]

  • Song of the Day: ‘Hypocrites’ by T.R.3

    Name: T.R.3.
    Representing: Atlanta, GA
    Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap
    For fans of: OG Maco, EarthGang
    Single from: N/A
    Produced by: Ariano
    Song of the Day: April 9, 2020
    Label(s): Popular Nobody

    The continuation of growth from within Atlanta’s music scene is always amazing. Over the past few years, the industry has always kept their ears to the South for the creativity and trendsetters looking to make an impact. T.R.3 has been busy recently releasing multiple tracks like ‘Donuts & Debris’ and ‘Light Harvest’ showing off his range of creativity and lyricism as a new artist from Atlanta. With his latest track, ‘Hypocrites’, the ATLien continues to show off his talents alongside with some storytelling elements. In ‘Hypocrites’, listeners can hear the anger and disappointment as he shares his views with the current events of the world. It’s definitely worth checking out.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEvvF-FGm9g&h=315]

  • Song of the Day: ‘Her Garden’ by Biiig Stretch

    Name: Biiig Stretch
    Representing: Inland Empire, California
    Genre: Lofi Hip-Hop, Electronic
    For fans of: Knxwledge, Kaytranada
    Single from: N/A
    Produced by: Biiig Stretch
    Song of the Day: April 8, 2020
    Label(s): Labshaq

    During the troubled times due to the recent events, we here at GRUNGECAKE is all about positive vibes. Some smooth and chill tunes can always ensure some positivity. That’s where Biiig Stretch comes in. The Inland Empire, Californian latest release, ‘Her Garden’ definitely puts the chill in “Quarantine and Chill”. Everything about this track is quite calming; the guitar melody throughout the song along with the simple chops creates that ultimate sense of relaxation.

  • Song of the Day: ‘Blackface Money’ by Complete (Beatmaker Will, Dirkish, and Kaos Jonez)

    Name: Complete (Beatmaker Will, Dirkish, & Kaos Jonez)
    Representing: San Antonio, Texas
    Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap
    For fans of: Buckshot, Boot Camp Clik
    Single from: N/A
    Produced by: Dirkish
    Song of the Day: March 19, 2020
    Label(s): High Pyramid Records

    The Hip-Hop trio that goes by Complete is made of Beatmaker Will, Dirkish, and Kaos Jonez. This multi-talented faction got every part of the game covered. Beatmaker Will can not only give you that aggressive sixteen to make your neck snap, but he can also do the same behind the boards; alongside with Kaos Jonez’s smooth and conscious bars, it complements the versatile production provided by Dirkish perfectly. This talented trio from San Antonio is back with their pro-Black track ‘Blackface Money’. As mentioned earlier, this track praises and celebrates being black. From the classic boom-bap production and strong lyrics, it’s pretty fitting as to why this collective goes by Complete. They’re complete sonically and deserves anyone’s full undivided attention. Check out Complete’s ‘Blackface Money’ on your favorite streaming services.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkFuSy2ixcE&h=315]

  • Song of the Day: ‘The BP’ by Moon Newbill

    Name: Moon Newbill
    Representing: Washington, DC
    Genre: R&B, Soul
    For fans of:  Jill Scott, Solange Knowles
    Single from: N/A
    Produced by: Ndigo Rose
    Song of the Day: March 5, 2020
    Label(s): N/A

    Photo: Courtesy of the artist

    Moon Newbill wants to not only be your favorite singer, but she wants to be your singer’s favorite singer. With her latest release, she may have won over some more of your favorite’s with her latest release. ‘The BP’ is a sexy ode for the ladies that know who got that “good-good”. The DC songstress shows off her ranges over the smooth production provided by Ndigo Rose. Newbill has no problem using her soothing vocals to let listeners know, that she got that bomb goodness.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xMmlSN_KV4&h=315]

  • Song of the Day: ‘LIKE I WANT YOU’ by GIVEON

    Name: GIVEON
    Representing: Long Beach, California
    Genre: R&B
    For fans of: Luke James, James Fauntleroy
    Single from: G1*
    Produced by: River Tiber, Jahaan Sweet & Sevn Thomas
    Song of the Day: March 3, 2020
    Label(s): Epic/Not So Fast

    GIVEON has just arrived on our radar with his recent Drake collaboration on the track ‘Chicago Freestyle’, but it doesn’t appear as though he’ll be dropping off any time soon! His distinct, beautiful voice left us craving more, thus leading to the discovery of today’s Song of the Day, ‘LIKE I WANT YOU’. This song was released in November of last year, and it is a truly emotive love song. There’s something special in his voice that will forever set him apart. His deep voice and pure tone draws you in and refuses to let you go. We, too, often hear the complaint of ‘real R&B’ being rare as of late but I think it’s safe to say that we have an emerging crop of vocalists that provide true R&B. GIVEON, without a doubt, is in this conversation.

  • Viewer’s Choice: Get to know our ‘Best New Artist’ Banxsy Aliym

    Photos: Jeffrey Chambers

    Last year, Banxsy Aliym crossed my path. I can’t tell where or when because I don’t remember, but when I heard his music for the first, I thought he was a good songwriter. Over time, he took the necessary steps to structure his songs for the general consumer base. As the Queens-based recording artist continues to find himself as a creator and gets a footing in the music industry, packaging his duality will be the feat he has to master.

    GRUNGECAKE: What has been the most difficult things you’ve come to realize as a new artist working to make a breakthrough in the 10’s? What will change for you in 2020?

    For me, it has been realizing the importance of content creating in this day in age. It’s necessary for any artist to possess if he/she wants to keep their audience engaged. Consider your brand like a TV network and every piece of good content convinces people to stay tuned in. This year, I want to display my ability to push out content through as many platforms as I can to keep fans invested in Banxsy Aliym.

    Do you have a team of people who help you with your music career? What have you been able to accomplish with your team? (If you don’t have a team, what have you been able to do by yourself?)

    I do have a team that helps me with creative decisions and I usually consult them on most moves I make. This year, we have been establishing a strong network which allows us to keep a pulse on what’s going on in the industry.

    If you could compare your live performance to a holiday dinner, what would be on the menu and why?

    A good plate of West Indian jerk—extra spicy! Something you love, something you feel, and something you won’t forget!

    Describe your creative process when writing a song. Do you have certain things you have to do with every song you write?

    I like to tap into the most personal places in my head in hopes of finding something I can make relatable to others. I want anyone listening to feel like I am directly sharing stories with them. Most, if not all, songs have to start as or expound on a true situation because it also gives an outline for whatever I create.

    With all of the changes music has had over the years, how do you see your sound evolving over the next few years? Do you think you have found your sound?

    Sometimes, I think I have found my sound, but then again I find it evolving more and more as the trends in music shift. The message is the same, but the delivery is always changing and maybe even for the better. For example, [I] find myself exploring my vocal abilities more now than I ever did and that contributes to the evolution of my sound.

    Who are you?

    The artist all knowing which is what Banxsy Aliym means, or the artist and the intellect. The two sides of me are displayed throughout the music when I can dive into deep topics, and then sometimes, I choose to be free with my sound as long as it doesn’t compromise who I am. For now, I rather let the people choose how to identify who is Banxsy Aliym.

    Listen to the ‘The Essence Tape’ EP below; to see the post that made this feature possible, scroll down or click here to view.