Richardine Bartee
J Rick – Short (Submission)
Early in the year is when new artists release their debut records, in hopes of fortifying a measurable fan base to carry them over in the remainder of the year. Hence, the release of the Tottenham-born British producer, J Rick. It says that he’s worked with just about everyone on the British music scene, but it’s time to share himself, as an individual, through the form of music. Before his debut as a frontrunning artist, he earned an accolade for being the person behind the production of BBC Music’s Sound of 2019 winner, Octavian.
J Rick doesn’t bear a story without extremes or loss, which may make him appealing to the general population. At the age of sixteen, he left home. He’s described his parents as “strictly Christian parents”. I won’t make any assumptions. However, it is a narrative for open-minded people.
As people, we tend to side with tragedy, misfortune, or anyone who is down on their luck (an underdog). As a publication, we don’t discriminate, everyone’s journey is different, but we do enjoy pumping up the people who seem to make it through their problems and dilemmas.
Harry Hudson – Just Slide featuring Jaden Smith (Submission)
Love is so hard when you feel like you’re the only one in it. It is why we ask for clarity from the ones we love. Sometimes, we get answers. Other times, we are left to wonder and potentially fester in our negative, insecure thoughts. At the start from Harry Hudson’s new record ‘Just Slide’, that’s what he does. He requests for the person he’s focused on to reassure/reconfirm his thoughts and feelings.
Thinking about what Harry Hudson has been through in his personal life [diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2013], it is somewhat a miracle to see how he’s able to persevere (as I’ve mentioned earlier). After he overcame the illness in January of 2014, he took the time to rediscover his inspirations. Thus, he began writing his debut release. After its release, the artist signed a joint deal with MSFTSmusic/Roc Nation through their partnership with Interscope Records. If you aren’t in the know, MSFTSmusic is Jaden Smith’s imprint.
In fitting fashion for the actor-musician, Smith unleashes the theatrics to bring his lyrics to life. Watch the Los Angeles-based artist’s new video now.
Mayhem x Grizzy – Justin Bieber (Submission)
Do you know when something satisfies you, so you don’t have much of anything to say about it? That’s what ‘Justin Bieber’ by British Grime/Drill talent Mayhem Uptop is for me. From the visual to the standalone audio, it is a master track that exemplifies what a traditional British Rap song is. Your usual male bravado, immeasurable comparisons, and one you may never be in their league. Hey, that’s what happens when you’ve been holding down a sound for over a decade.
Young Clancy – Dead featuring Chris La Rocca (Submission)
If you are a fan of experimental wonky lo-fi instrumentation mostly created in Los Angeles, you would have a deep appreciation for what’s happening in producer Young Clancy’s latest single, ‘Dead’ featuring Chris La Rocca off of his forthcoming EP: Friends. It comes out March 15. Listen to the Contemporary R&B slow jam made by the Toronto artist now.
BbyMutha – DIY (Personal)
With more industry experiences to rap about than last year before all of the mainstream media attention, everything the Chattanooga rapper BbyMutha says in her song has to hold weight. In what seems to be an autobiographical tune, the recording artist speaks about not selling her soul for riches or partying with Madonna if it means lames are present. If you listen carefully, the hook on ‘DIY’ and the revealing verses say it all. She would rather be alone, protecting her art, and accountable for her potential loss. The rapper with a growing cult-following is good/at peace with that. I’m feeling that. Watch the split video below featuring ‘Triangles’ also featuring Del-Vay, directed by Cameron Bordelon & Vincent Jude Chaney. PS: I’d like to hear the Southern queens Megan the Stallion and BbyMutha collaborate in the future.
Tim Schou – Acapella (Submission)
Acapella has a special and innocent feel to it. It’s about my old high school crush, whom I was in love with on and off throughout most of my childhood and even into my adult life. I convinced the woman in question to play herself in the video, and getting it all out like this is like saying goodbye to a part of myself. With this song and video, I’m closing a teenage-chapter… in a good way, says Tim Schou.
I don’t know if this excites you, but I like when artists that create under one genre acknowledge another genre [or artist] in their lyrics. In ‘Acapella’, Tim Schou references ‘Buffalo Soldier’ by the iconic Reggae/Ska/Rocksteady singer-songwriter, Bob Marley.
YONAKA – Bad Company (Submission)
Have you ever been in a place of comfort and acceptance, then, suddenly, you are no longer in that place? For the ordinary person, it is one of the scariest things to experience. As the song describes, you don’t sleep for weeks. You’re left to be. You feel alone, without support, or love. After being through what I’ve endured over the weekend, YONAKA’s latest track ‘Bad Company’ hits home.
On a side note: If I can help it, I don’t want to be in “bad company” ever again. The remnants of those relationships leave you exhausted and annoyed.
Revolvers – True Love (Submission)
Letting go has always been an easy thing for me. Over the years, I’ve found that people have a problem with the way I am, but as the song says, ‘The past is all gone.’ I guess it would be harder to do if the people I’ve severed from my life weren’t crummy misusers. I don’t regret any of it, so I’m able to sleep at night. It’s a beautiful thing.
“[True] love never makes it to midnight.” I don’t know if the statement about love never making it to midnight is authentic, but it feels that way for me. Deep down inside I know what true love is, but I think it has been one-sided in my life—every time except once. Maybe that’ll change one day. In the meantime, check out the Revolver’s new video for their latest single below.
Laveda – Dream. Sleep. (Submission)
This week, I watched Killer Mike’s new series on Netflix, where he aims to crystallise a wide range of ideas every episode. Through his journey, his viewers get to learn a lot without an effort. What’s the connection between the song and ‘Trigger Warning’? The Albany, New York group’s song reminds me of the “Sleep” religion. “Dream. Sleep.” will rock an insomniac to sleep. It doesn’t mean it is boring. It means that if you’re a fan of Phantogram, you may enjoy Laveda’s music.
Model Child – Trash (Submission)
Ever felt liberated in your filth? It’s what the short club track by the quirky Los Angeles artist Model Child’s new garbage-inspired track ‘Trash’ is all about, and if it isn’t, it’s a bust. Calling all of the bourgeouise brats around the world, put on your trash bags and get ready to strut your stuff on the pavement, then, on the dancefloor. I live for the ‘Kabuki’ too!
Arlo – Changing featuring Mick Jenkins (Submission) (Bonus)
Backed by a beat that sounds “tropical”, Arlo enlists Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins for his new record ‘Changing’. In its description, the London artist said that the record is about personal growth, and what that looks like when your friends aren’t in that place in their lives. About a year ago, the British singer shared the calming ‘Settle’, featured in one of our evening playlists.
