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Koffee performs her “Run Away,” “Shine,” and “Where I’m From” singles LIVE via her Vevo LIFT session
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Vevo’s LIFT program connects today’s up-and-coming and most-relevant artists to audiences around the world through music video content. Not too long ago, they named Koffee (born Mikayla Simpson in Spanish Town, Jamaica), a Vevo Lift Artist. Barely into her 20s, the self-described “sing-jay-guitarist” has ushered modern reggae back into the pop spotlight. Her new album, entitled, “Gifted,” is a 10-track project about recreating uplifting vibes. The album features the standout single, “Shine,” which kicks off the party, and elevates the vibes to a higher positive level. The traditional reggae tune is likely to be on repeat on our Spotify playlist.
“The first part of this song tells a story, a real ghetto story. ‘Sun’s rising, gun violence, police sirens’—that’s a regular day for the youths. This song speaks to them, especially with the Jamaican and Caribbean scene right now pushing this vibe of senseless crime. These artists probably think it doesn’t affect anyone, and some don’t even care if it does. So, consider this song here a counter to that: if someone’s coming with that vibe, cool, I’ll come with this vibe and show you what’s good.” — Koffee explained via Apple Music
Vevo and Koffee closely collaborated to draw inspiration from the visuals and aesthetics of the West Indies. They successfully used projection, light, and set design in a neutral yet elegant location. The appealing video was shot in a townhouse in Central London. The capture was designed to showcase Koffee’s energy and positivity, surrounded by her band and gospel choir. The video aimed to play with the audience’s sense of space, proving that the West Indies is not necessarily tied to a geographical location. But it incorporates a vibe, feeling, and power present in the spirit of its people.
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Three Black Boys book series |
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Mamii releases a cinematic music video for her “Intimate” single
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Mamii is a rising singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Hammond, Indiana. Not too long ago, she released a cinematic music video for her “Intimate” single, which finds Mamii entangled in a fast yet casual romance with her significant other. Apparently, she wants to wake up yawning next to her partner, and she isn’t leaving ’til six in the morning.
“This song is about getting to know a person and watching your relationship with them grow closer and closer. I wanted the video to feel vulnerable and as intimate as the lyrics. Minimal but still very beautiful.” – Mamii explained
The highly likable tune contains a budding relationship-based narrative, cozy lyrics, and ear-soothing vocals that will resonate well with fans of Syd, Steve Lacy, and Jenevieve. Also, “Intimate” possesses melodic instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements. Furthermore, the song is featured on Mamii’s self-produced debut album, entitled, “Black Phoeniix.” The 18-track project has been featured on Joe Kay’s Soulection playlist, Apple Music’s Alt-R&B playlist, and Spotify’s Fresh Finds, Sugar, and NMF: Japan playlists.
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Tune into Da Hot Spot - our new music podcast |
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Kate Stewart releases a stylish lyric video for her spectacular new single, entitled, “Numb”
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Kate Stewart is a rising singer-songwriter from Maide Vale, West London. Not too long ago, she released a stylish lyric video for her spectacular new single, entitled, “Numb,” which tells a heartfelt tale about a young woman who shares a boring and fading relationship with her significant other. Apparently, her heart is stuck dead in the middle of a love that’s haunted, and she kinda doesn’t want to be with her partner anymore. In a way, she feels she’s missing out on something entirely better. But being in limbo has a paralyzing effect on her. Later, she admits, she would rather “be a ghost in the room than leave” her partner.
“I didn’t think I’d ever be able to make an ode to such a toxic relationship but, I’m really glad I did. It’s odd for me to remember who I was back then and who I am now. I’m proud of myself for being able to grow past that and look back on that time with no resentment.” – Kate Stewart explained
‘Numb’ contains an end-of-a-relationship-based narrative, heartfelt lyrics, and ear-pleasing vocals that will resonate well with fans of Beldina, CEE BLU, Colette Lush, and Kara Marni. The bittersweet tune also possesses drum-laden instrumentation flavored with a breezy contemporary pop vibration. Furthermore, “Numb” follows Kate Stewart’s smashing debut single, entitled, “Hate You,” which landed on notable playlists including Tidal (Rising: R&B), Apple Music (New in R&B), and Spotify (Just Dropped).
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Zangba's Weekly Pick |
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What we've been listening to this week |
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Mowgs releases an appealing music video for his captivating new hip-hop tune, entitled, “A Girl From ERDZ”
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Mowgs is a rising rapper from Birmingham, England. Not too long ago, he released an appealing music video for his captivating new hip-hop tune, entitled, “A Girl From ERDZ,” which finds Mowgs paying homage to his hometown. With a distinct ability to capture his listeners’ ears, the young rapper lays down expert narration about a girl from Erdington. The song showcases Mowgs’s undeniable storytelling ability and cements his reputation as one of the most compelling rappers in the U.K.
‘A Girl From ERDZ’ possesses synth-heavy and woozy bass-laden instrumentation flavored with authentic UK rap and hip-hop elements. Furthermore, “A Girl From ERDZ” is the third appetizer from Mowgs’s hotly-anticipated second mixtape, entitled, “The Bare Necessities,” available on May 6, 2022. The project features some of the brightest and most celebrated stars in UK rap, spanning the likes of MIST, SK, Rimzee, Country Dons, and Haze Da Martian. Flitting between straight-kick bangers, drill cuts, and more emotive offerings, the Jungle Book-inspired project underlines Mowgs’s status as one of the UK’s most influential lyricists. According to some, he is “one of the most gifted and important UK rappers of the modern era.”
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Brooke secures a Eurovision spot to represent Ireland with her sensational new electro-dance tune, entitled, “That’s Rich”
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Brooke (Brooke Scullion) is an alternative pop singer-songwriter from Ireland. Not too long ago, she won The Late Late Show Eurosong Special after a show-stopping performance of her “That’s Rich” single. Now, she will represent Ireland at The Eurovision 2022 song contest in Turin, Italy, in May 2022.
‘That’s Rich’ tells a post-breakup tale about a young woman who has successfully ditched her lazy ex-lover. Apparently, she finds her vulnerable ex in tears, and he’s pleading for her to meet his mother. She tells him no, “Don’t cry, I’m sure you’ll meet another, and you’ll tell her you love her.” But that doesn’t resonate well with him because he can’t seem to let go of her. Every time she takes a step back, the more he tries to hold on to their relationship that evaporated a short while ago. Minutes later, she tells her ex, “I think it’s funny how you miss me when you never knew me. You were a lazy lover, I moved on to ones that move me. Loser, lose your attitude, I’m doing good.”
‘That’s Rich’ was inspired by Blondie meets The Gossip. The fiery and empowering track narrates how you should never settle for anyone who doesn’t fulfill your needs. Oozing with energy and sass, Brooke demonstrates her impressive and powerful vocal range, which soars atop a throbbing beat and playful instrumentation.
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Lilah! releases a heartfelt hip-hop tune, entitled, “Coast Guard”
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Lilah! is an up-and-coming rap artist from From Boston, Massachusetts. Not too long ago, she released a heartfelt hip-hop tune, entitled, “Coast Guard,” which tells an intriguing tale about a young and fashionable woman who loves conversing but hates emotional stuff. Apparently, she’s lonely, even though she possesses a lot of followers on social media. Later, she addresses someone close to her, “All after, all the effort, all the moments we together. All after all of this just to put it in perspective. I just never thought to fuss, never thought of giving up. Never thought of losing you, never thought no me and you.”
“You don’t care how I feel, you just wanna listen. All eyes, look at me can’t divide attention. Legally, I’m an adult but I still need your permission. And you make me keep you posted like I’m your subscription. If I tell you that I care, would you really feel? ‘Cause the damage I’ve inflicted holds a silence still. If I so happen to wink, would you walk away? Or would smile at me and hope to have our better days. ‘Cause it’s all about simplicity and I’m just not so simple.” – lyrics
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Reminisce releases a bluesy Afro hip-hop tune, entitled, “Hustle,” featuring BNXN (fka Buju) and D Smoke
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Reminisce is a rapper from Nigeria. Not too long ago, he released a bluesy Afro hip-hop tune, entitled, “Hustle,” featuring BNXN, and D Smoke (Inglewood rapper/songwriter). The song tells an intriguing tale about a young man who considers himself a one-man soldier who hustles like he never made it. Apparently, his girl is his motivation and he acknowledges that Almighty Allah sees it all, including what’s above and beneath him. Later, he compares himself to a lone sheep amongst wolves and shows appreciation to all of the women he has ever dated.
“8 in the morning and I’m yawning, the pillowcase is warm. I should have been up but my alarm didn’t go off. My nightly dreams lately been tormenting me, I’m wrestlin’ with stressin’, I’m feelin’ upside down like Diana Ross. I slide the covers to the side and throw on my sweat and a vest and I pray a blessin’ and calculate the cost.” – lyrics
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Lauren Tyler Scott releases a bluesy alternative tune, entitled, “I’m Insane”
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Lauren Tyler Scott is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she released a bluesy alternative tune, entitled, “I’m Insane,” which tells an intriguing tale about a young woman who labels herself as a “shadow person on a spotlight stage.” Apparently, she thinks she’s insane and believes living is so much easier to do when you don’t know what’s at stake. Later, she admits, “I’m a hero’s nightmare in a cityscape. I’m a vigilante with no one to save.”
“I wrote this song about the many contradictions of life, and I wanted to represent those contradictions sonically as well as lyrically, which is why there is such genre-bending and variation throughout each section.” – Lauren Tyler Scott explained
Lauren Tyler Scott grew up in a family of musicians. Genres such as folk, Americana, and jazz deeply influenced her artistry. Not too long ago, she received her music degree from the University of Southern California. Along with writing songs for over a decade, Lauren has been a background vocalist for Moby and has been a recurring vocalist with Postmodern Jukebox. Also, she has performed on notable stages such as The Fonda Theatre, The Hollywood Bowl, and Birdland Jazz Club.
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Demxntia releases an endearing R&B tune, entitled, “tonight, pt. II”
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Demxntia is a Vietnamese American singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Florida. Not too long ago, he released an endearing R&B tune, entitled, “tonight, pt. II,” which tells a lovely tale about a young guy who wants to be the best that he can be for his significant other. Apparently, his partner is all that he needs and he doesn’t know what he would do if his partner wasn’t in his life. Later, he tells his companion, “When you get tired, I’ll bring you back to your bed. Rest your head on my shoulders and hold you tight in my arms when it’s cold.”
‘tonight, pt. II’ contains a relationship-based narrative, ear-pleasing vocals, and tuneful melodies that will resonate well with fans of Joji, powfu, and yung van. The charming tune is the first song listeners will hear on Demxntia’s latest album, entitled, “goodnight, pt. II.”
Demxntia has been making waves worldwide, charting with his intricate stories and eclectic productions. So far, he has managed to build and sustained a loyal fan base since dropping out of high school at the age of 16. Never satisfied with just one genre or lane, Demxntia constantly stays true to himself and his ambitions. His philosophy of perseverance and his many influences continue to shape his sound. To date, Demxntia has accumulated over 250M streams worldwide across various platforms.
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Bong Mines "At Home" video series |
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