Richardine Bartee
Basement Revolver – Knocking (Submission)
There were a few people who I wanted to (figuratively) knock at my door. Thankfully, none of them is around to tap at the cold steel of my heart. Religious beliefs and faith aren’t things people like to discuss if there’s an opposing presence or train of thought. I believe in God, the power of love, and fate. Now, I am at a place where only one person fills me with concurrent excitement that I’ve been able to achieve on my own. The feeling is wonderful. Honestly, I feel like I am in a dream and I don’t think I can wake up, as long as they are around.
Starting off similarly like ‘We’re Going to be Friends’ by The White Stripes in my mind, the Hamilton, Ontario band, Basement Revolver, shares a new emotive single about running and coming to a turning point in life.
It is from the group’s forthcoming LP called, ‘Heavy Eyes’ out August 24. Until the album release, we can stream ‘Knocking’ below.
Marlenà Taylor – Wats Luv featuring Dee’John (Submission)
Are we supposed to get to know people before we fall in love with them? What if it is love at first sight? How are we supposed to behave when we’ve fallen in love with a stranger? I am a student of the world just like everyone else that I know. Regardless of what is supposed to be, we are aware of what the societal norms are. ‘Wats Luv’ tells a tale that many of us, unfortunately, find relatable. If you’re going through a breakup, we invite you to listen to the heartfelt track below.
bullet pts – MuhFuggin (Submission)
From the moment the song comes on, we are called to dance as we’ve never danced before. There’s strength in being left to your own devices, too. It means that you will (hopefully) become responsible. When I listen to ‘MuhFuggin’, it reminds me of one of Will Smith’s infamous dance moves he’d do on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Play the infectious bullet pts record below.
Leah Lahkiah – To You (Personal)
It’s more than chemistry when you’re able to feel someone when you aren’t in their presence. It means that you are in tune, or compatible with the person. At least, that’s what the native West Virginia singer-songwriter Leah Lahkiah’s debut single, ‘To You’ says to me. It’s also about trust and patience. Throughout the visual, the artist is in pursuit of reconnecting with her lover. It’s a sweet love song with an apt visual. Watch the warm Brian Campbell-direction below.
Saint Cassius – Letter to Ye (Personal)
It takes a leader to say what’s on the minds of the masses without fearing the thoughts of others. Saint Cassius, the Bronx-born musician, is that—someone who isn’t afraid to speak for the voiceless and to say it by any means. Shortly after we attended the Nas Listening Event in Queensbridge, the recording artist released ‘Letter to Ye’—exclusively through Okayplayer—to respectfully address Mr West. (It was recorded before the listening event.) I could go into the specifics of the lyrics ahead of your consumption, but why spoil it for you? Just know, the words are laid on soulful production, synonymous with what makes Old Ye, Old Ye. Listen to the outstanding Farenheit-produced track below.
