|
|
Drizilik and Idris Elba release a rhythmic afrobeats tune, entitled, “Ashobi”
|
|
Drizilik is a multi-award-winning artist from Sierra Leone. Idris Elba is a famous actor, artist, producer, and DJ from the U.K. Not too long ago, they released a rhythmic afrobeats tune, entitled, “Ashobi,” via Idris’ 7Wallace label.
“‘Ashobi’ is an invitation to the world to get down and dance. And for Sierra Leoneans soon as they hear it, they’ll hear the culture. ‘Ashobi’ is about to be the official soundtrack for celebrations from parties to weddings. If you’re wearing Ashobi, play the Ashobi. Collaborating with Idris on this song is a major creative validation. Freetown is experiencing a musical revival that fuses our culture with popular music—‘Ashobi’ is a perfect example of this fusion—Milo Jazz meets Afrobeats. Idris is a multi-hyphenate—artist, producer, actor, and DJ. If he says a song is hot, it’s hot! To have him on the ‘Ashobi’ means both the song and Freetown’s music revival are legit.” – Drizilk explained
Drizilik’s ability to wax poetic on hip-hop and afrobeats with equal mastery has earned him the title of Sierra Leone’s King of New School Music. His clever use of Krio euphemisms and metaphors on his 2018 debut album, “Shukubly,” made him a breakout star. Later, he won Album of the Year, Best Afro Hip Hop Artiste of The Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Best Live Performer at the 2019 National Entertainment Awards. On August 19, Drizilk will be performing at the London venue, Earth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Black Boys book series |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eazy The Block Captain releases a gritty music video for his “I.D.W.I.W” single
|
|
Eazy The Block Captain is an emerging battle rapper from Philadelphia, PA. Not too long ago, he released a gritty music video for his “I.D.W.I.W” single. The “I Do What I What” track addresses Eazy’s battle rap peers who he feels he will smoke if they ever battled.
Eazy The Block Captain oftentimes trades verbal jabs with his URL opposition via Twitter and Instagram. Now, he takes the hip-hop/street route by releasing a diss track aimed at some of the most dangerous battle rappers including Calicoe, John John Da Don, Shotgun Suge, DNA, T-Rex, Goodz, Hitman Holla, DAYLYT, Rum Nitty, Mook, and Charlie Clips.
Eazy, who is currently on a hot winning streak, believes no battle rapper can suffocate his success right now. On the battlefield, Eazy’s confidence is at an all-time high following his recent win over the legendary rapper, Goodz. Also, Eazy admits that battlers can’t compete with him and that’s why he assumes they’re mad. Furthermore, his “I.D.W.I.W” single follows mildly on the heels of his latest album, entitled, “Himothy: Chapter 1.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tune into Da Hot Spot - our new Editorial playlist |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign Slim releases a rhythmic dance single, entitled, “Can’t Do Like That”
|
|
Foreign Slim (Adeola Ogunyinni) is a Houston, Texas-based singer-songwriter from Lagos, Nigeria. Not too long ago, she released a rhythmic dance single, entitled, “Can’t Do Like That,” produced by Mystro Sugar. The Jerry Morka-directed video is a gateway into Slim’s intergalactic, vibratory world. The song is a nod to the legendary, Fela Kuti, and serves as a tasty appetizer to what listeners can expect to hear on Foreign Slim’s upcoming EP, entitled, “Foreign Vibez.”
“When people listen to ‘Can’t Do Like That,’ it’ll touch their hearts and souls. My hope is that people will be happy and wanna dance.” – Foreign Slim stated
Foreign Slim has been making music for over 10 years. Her musical influences include Sade Adu, Fela Kuti, Lagbaja, Tiwa Savage, and Niniola. Slim describes her sound as an Afro-fusion, Afro-House, and Afro-soul blend with a bent on futuristic inclinations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zangba's Pick of the Week |
|
What I've been listening to this week |
|
|
|
|
|
Alexandra Starr releases a lovely breakup anthem, entitled, “Yfu”
|
|
Alexandra Starr is an up-and-coming LA-based singer-songwriter from Long Island, New York. Not too long ago, she released a lovely breakup anthem, “Yfu,” produced by Nash Overstreet. ‘YFU’ is a break-up-inspired single that adopts Alexandra Starr’s extroverted and slightly out-of-pocket attitude. Understanding the emotional toll a failed relationship can have on a person, Alexandra wanted to give listeners an escape from the heaviness of it all, allowing them a few minutes of uncensored fun. The lyrics emphasize this idea– “No cap, I’m a little drunk and I can cry right now. Real talk, I’m wishin’ on a star that you would die right now. ‘Cause, we’re both at a party, but you came with somebody new. You’re a d*ck and I’m a vibe right now.” Alexandra expresses herself with brutally honest lyrics, making each verse that much more relatable.
Alexandra grew up in a low-income household on Long Island and began singing at a very early age. She was raised by a single mother, a sole income earner, and one of Alexandra’s biggest supporters. Even with the difficult circumstances, her mother would take her to auditions after school several days a week where she worked both on and off camera– guest starring on Nickelodeon’s The Naked Brothers Band, voice-over work for Dora The Explorer, and commercial work for both Clean & Clear and Cartoon Network.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nicole Rayy releases an appealing music video for her “Last Ones Up” single
|
|
Nicole Rayy is a rising Country artist from Canada. Not too long ago, she released an appealing music video for her “Last Ones Up” single, which contains a relatable narrative and ear-pleasing vocals that will resonate well with fans of Kären McCormick, Amber Kamminga, and Chloe Styler. The likable tune serves as a tasty appetizer to what listeners can expect to hear from Nicole Rayy in the near future as she continues to release new music.
“I was so excited to work once again with Roadhouse Productions on this video to bring my ‘Last Ones Up’ vision to life. This one brings you right into the party and makes it feel like you are staying up right along with us. We got to film this video at a very special place, my family cottage which has been in our family for 78 years. A place I have spent lots of late nights making memories with friends, so it was the perfect setting. I hope this one reminds everyone of late nights with their own friends.” – Nicole Rayy explained
Nicole Rayy has rapidly grown her name in the Country music industry. To date, she has accumulated over 28K social media followers, 30K TikTok likes, and over two million catalog streams. Her hit single, “Broken Boys,” has amassed over 500K streams. Her ’90s-inspired smash, “Feels Like Yesterday,” garnered over 560K streams alone. Also, Nicole is a four-time CMAO nominee who has received praise from top Country tastemakers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Devan releases a reimagined version of her “nascar” single featuring Jon Vinyl
|
|
Devan is a London-raised singer-songwriter and producer from Toronto, Canada. Not too long ago, she released a reimagined version of her “nascar” single featuring Jon Vinyl. The song contains a relatable narrative and ear-pleasing vocals that will resonate well with fans of Lennon Stella, Lindsey Lomis, and Sasha Alex Sloan. The likable tune will be featured on Devan’s upcoming EP, entitled, “Liquid Sunshine (deluxe),” set to be released on September 16, 2022. Also, the song follows mildly on the heels of the original version.
“This song came about in an interesting way because it evolved out of a freestyle. I usually start with lyrics, or at least a general concept/emotion that I want to draw from. In this case, I just sat down and looped some chords on the guitar and left a voice note running until the song was pretty much done. It came very quickly, and I didn’t really know what I was trying to say until it was finished. It’s about escapism and wanting to drive away from anxiety and sadness.” – Devan explained
Devan has stepped into this moment by confronting the complications of her past while wholeheartedly embracing the sounds that feel authentic to her. Returning with music written and recorded during the pandemic, she is revealing more of herself than she’s done on any other project.
|
|
|
|
Lily Lane releases a wonderful pop single, entitled, “Bad”
|
|
Lily Lane is an LA-based singer-songwriter from Boston, MA. Not too long ago, she released a wonderful pop single, entitled, “Bad,” the perfect song to listen to if you’re feeling naughty, having a bad day, or you wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Helping to reclaim your power, the track is about owning your villain moments. Also, “Bad” contains introspection, metaphorical bliss, and soulful vocal energy. Delivering a soul-infused pop anthem with an IDGAF attitude, Lily's voice calls to mind the grit of Amy Winehouse, the range of Demi Lovato, and the soul of Alicia Keys.
“The day I wrote this song I was feeling frustrated over the leaked SCOTUS draft overturning Roe v Wade and I realized that sometimes even if you get the right guys in office, you campaign, you donate – the world isn’t fair. I walked into this first session with Taylor, eyes puffy from crying. I looked a mess and literally said, ‘Sorry I look like this, usually I’m a baddie but today I’m just bad,’ and that became the tag for this song. There was never a plan B, modeling was a means to an end. Pop-stardom was always the endgame for me since I could make a sound. I want to help women realize their lives don’t have to be Cinderella movies. They can literally be Maleficent and it can be just as beautiful and inspiring and dope. Sometimes, the loves of our lives are our friends, our pets, or ourselves.”– Lily Lane stated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lila Drew releases her “2023” remix package with Majid Jordan
|
|
Lila Drew is a London-born singer-songwriter raised in southern California. Majid Jordan is a musical duo based in Toronto, Canada. Not too long ago, Lila enlisted Majid Jordan for not one, but two remixes of her previously released single, “2023.”
“It’s about that deep frustration that comes with feeling like you’ll never change – that the things that you hate that you do will continuously be repeated throughout your life, and that fear will always get in the way. It’s about being trapped in your kitchen and paralyzed by the anxiety of growing up and the strange, dark humor in that. That’s something I think of all the time. It’s funny because we’re so much closer to 2023 now compared to when I wrote the track.” – Lila Drew explained
‘2023 Majid Jordan Remix’ takes listeners on a euphoric journey, emphasizing bright synthesizers which contrast beautifully next to a deep, thumping beat. The second remix, “2023 Majid Jordan VIP Mix,” takes listeners on a wild journey delivering an emotive and dancefloor energetic track, perfect for the height of the summer season.
|
|
|
|
Rainee Blake releases a heartfelt neo-soul single, entitled, “Closer”
|
|
Rainee Blake is an LA-based singer-songwriter, actress, and musician from Australia. Not too long ago, she released a heartfelt neo-soul single, entitled, “Closer,” which tells a passionate tale about a woman who experiences growth after a failed relationship with her significant other. Apparently, during this time of reflection, she learns how to safely recover from pain. Later, she tells her ex-partner, “I had to love you so I could love me too. But I didn’t need your tears and your pride. I didn’t know then what I do know now. Sometimes the lesson comes and brings you down.”
“‘Closer’ is an exploration of healing from a breakup. Offering forgiveness to yourself for your mistakes and finding wholeness through the process.” – Rainee Blake explained
Rainee Blake is best known for her portrayal of Alannah on CMT’s hit TV show, Nashville. Since wrapping on the show, Rainee has recorded her debut EP, “Fool for Love,” in Nashville, Tennessee. Also, she just toured in Australia including sold-out shows at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Rainee’s new music combines ’70s soul and soft rock with modern R&B. Think Lake Street Dive meets Carole King plus a gutsy, modern lyrical sensibility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Founder/Editor-in-Chief |
|
Zangba Thomson |
|
Rep the brand that represents you. If you're looking for comfort, our merchandise is just what you need. We have snapback caps, joggers, t-shirts, hoodies, socks, and more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bong Mines "At Home" video series |
|
|
|
|
|