Steve N’ Chris latest mixtape, REMIX KINGS features remixes of popular tracks by artists such as DJ Khaled, Babyface, Lil Baby, Tems, Diddy, Ella Mai, and Metro Boomin. The mixtape includes eight tracks that highlight the duo’s talent for reimagining existing songs and creating something fresh and original. Their music features a blend of cool and sensual vocal deliveries, rap flows, and classic trap-oriented elements and R&B arrangements reflecting their Trinidadian legacy, which is intertwined with their Brooklyn identity, giving their sound a distinct flavour. The mixtape’s notable feature is its diverse range of tracks, with each song offering a distinct atmosphere that collectively creates a unified and enjoyable listening experience. The majority of the tracks have a positive and energising vibe that will get you excited and hyped.
Steve N’ Chris comprises Steven Hall and Chris Lord, who are brothers with a 20-year spanning musical career.The mixtape is released under the label Under the Roof of Crown Luv Entertainment, and it is undoubtedly a hit. A must-listen for fans of hip-hop, R&B, and trap music, who are looking for fresh and exciting sounds.
Tell us a few things about hold on. What is the main idea behind it?
the main idea was to tell the stage of my life when I fell into depression caused by love
Which song of the album reflects you the most?
I would say hold on
Your music blends many different genres under the electronica term. What made you gravitate towards synth driven music?
because in synthesize we can modulate waves rework them until they have that sound and I find it exciting to play with the wave to rework it and make something
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
so since I was little I have been immersed in several influences such as electronics, jazz, RNB, rock etc. for that in my music often in a piece there is a lot of musical genre but it is true that the artists who have made me love the most is AVICII, LMFAO, simple plan
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
thinking that they are stronger because they have already overcome stages in their lives
One last thing we should know about you?
I am a young 19-year-old artist from Lyon who produces these sounds and who will continue as long as he is on this earth
With the release of A Beautiful Mess, solo artist Red Skies Mourning showcases a remarkable ability to seamlessly blend different genres. The track is a mix of hip hop and strong R&B influences, with moments of romanticism that create a very pleasurable listening experience. A classic hip hop beat with a nice sub bass drives the rhythm, while a chord progression containing four pop-inspired chords adds a catchy quality to the track. The vocal delivery is emotive and enhanced with nice melodic elements, and the keys in the arrangement offer a warm texture that complements the overall vibe of the song. “A Beautiful Mess” is a nice example of Red Skies Mourning’s talent and musical versatility. Be sure to explore the artist’s back catalogue for more urban sounds. Stream below and enjoy!
What was the inspiration behind your latest single, “Class Enrollment”?
This was birthed from an uncomfortable text conversation, that made me realize my value and self worth as a woman.
What drew you to the theatrical aspect of music, and how do you incorporate that into your performances?
Ha! Hunty chile I am the product of years of theater training. I attending a performing arts high school in south jersey (SNJPAand I spent many childhood summers in an intense training camp held by Freedom Theater in Philly. It was an all black theater company that trained many greats such as Oprah, Denzel Washington to name a few.
Which is your most personal and honest lyric?
I do this for my grandma who use to work in the fields. Sun up to sundown picking green beans until her hands couldn’t muthafuckin feel” Song: Bernice Album: I’m A Hashole
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
being an independent artist in the sea of record label giants is tough. But with the blessing of an amazing team, I’m able to navigate through everything.
How do you balance the need to create music that is both commercially viable and artistically authentic?
I’ve stopped worrying about what is commercially viable. Because honestly, what does that even mean anyway? I make music that makes you want to stomp ya foot. The hooks I write are infectious af and will absolutely get stuck in your head. So to me, that’s commercial. But also, I’m still true to me, because who else am I going to be?
When was the last time you danced?
I’m dancing right now during this interview, haha.
Let the beat take control. Danny B The AirHead, a 26-year-old artist and producer, is presenting a fusion of UK Rap and Afropop with Dancehall elements in his latest release, Genius. The beat relies on a consistent piano loop that provides an uplifting and old-school vibe from beginning to end. This song’s lively beat and intriguing rhythm will transport you to a Caribbean block party or an African celebration, where you can dance the night away. The melodic flow is well-crafted and undoubtedly infectious, making it a certified dance hit. Unleash your inner genius. Enjoy below!
Arxion’s latest album “Essence” is a 12-track collection that runs for almost an hour. It showcases a strong influence from 80’s pop/rock and 90’s R&B/dance, with retro infused sounds, classic synth bass lines, and legendary drum machine beats that hark back to those eras. The chord progressions may be simple, but they are effective in conveying the album’s power and feel-good factor, which can transport you back in time and evoke fond memories. In fact, the album’s upbeat tempo and infectious rhythms might just inspire you to bust out those 80’s dance moves that you’ve always been hesitant to do in public. However, the album also has some poignant ballad moments that will appeal to those looking for more romantic fare. Enjoy below!
Hero Dog’s latest album titled “Mt. Hood” is a beautiful collection of short pieces like a gentle rain, with each track feeling like a soft drop of water that soothes the mind and soul. The album can be categorised under the study beats umbrella, but it’s far more than just that. The organic elements that are blended in, add an extra warmth and depth to the already beautifully saturated sound, resulting in a unique and captivating sound that keeps you hooked from start to finish.One of the notable features of the album is how well the sidechain compressors are used to blend the beats with the synth pads, creating a perfect balance between the two. The beats have a lot of power and energy, which is contrasted by the dreamy and ethereal synth lines, making for a truly engaging listening experience. We highly recommend listening to the entire album to fully appreciate its creativity and depth.
Jumbok Jay’s latest release “Veins” is a beautifully crafted hip hop track that is sure to capture your attention. The track features a melodic autotuned hook that is both catchy and memorable, with a flow on the verses that is direct and to the point. The instrumental is driven by a melancholic piano pattern that is mixed with heavy 808s, creating a dynamic and powerful sound that keeps the listener engaged throughout the song. The video clip for “Veins” is a minimalist work that perfectly captures the vibe of the song. The visuals are simple and clean, with a focus on JUMBOKJAY and the music itself. This allows the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the sound and lyrics of the track, without any distracting or unnecessary elements. Lyrically, “Veins” is a powerful statement about authenticity. “I got real in my veins. I’m not fake. I’m real. I am actually existing as a thing. I’m occurring in fact. I am not imagined. I am not supposed.” These lyrics speak to the importance of being true to oneself and living an authentic life, a message that is both powerful and inspiring. Listen below!
Ty Brasel’s “TRANSCENDENT” is a hip-hop oriented album with a distinct blend of R&B and pop elements. The album is characterised by nicely manipulated autotuned flow and uplifting vibes creating a sense of joy and inspiration throughout the tracks. One of the standout features of TRANSCENDENT is the interesting blend of trap-infused beats with futuristic synth arpeggios and dreamy synth sounds. These moments provide a unique listening experience and add to the album’s overall appeal. A slick and polished project which is a very good example of how to incorporate different genres and sounds to create a cohesive work while its versatility allows it to be enjoyed in a variety of settings, from a cozy night in to a lively party. Listen below!
TREASON sounds very groovy indeed. What is the story behind it? How did you team up with Alba Rose?
Alba Rose and I met up as a result of our mothers suggesting we do so. Both interested in music, myself coming back to it after years away and running a music blog (now defunct), and Alba part of a college band that was starting to go places. We met up in a café in the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand, decided to work together and released a single called “LUCKY” under the moniker ARLS in August 2019. We also recorded a range of other tracks together, of which “TREASON” was one. As ARLS is no longer an ongoing project, I released it under my name as I really wanted to get it out there. It is one of my favourite tracks that we did together. Alba has since gone on to release an EP and a couple of singles, all of which is great work. She also worked in my recording studio for awhile and has sung on many of my tracks from different musical identities.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
We were putting together a track that drew from the early 1990s explosion in acid jazz and also some less noticeable trip hop elements. We also wanted that 1990s production sheen. And we needed to the track to have a bit of drama attached to it. So Alba wrote the lyrics full of angst about gaslighting and betrayal. Its not about anyone in particular, just a bit of angst to work into a dramatic musical vibe.
What first got you into music?
My earliest memories are of going to orchestral performances and standing up to conduct the orchestra from my seat I was so inspired. Bear in mind I was about 4-5 years old. I used to write symphonies in my head which I thought were amazing. They probably weren’t, but the idea of writing music has been with me from an early age.
Favourite album of the past year?
It is probably not what some might expect from me, but I am very impressed by Beyonce’s “Renaissance” album. Innovative, meaningful, and of course she works with the best.
What would you change in the music industry?
Spotify and streaming. And the oligopolistic effects of the concentration of power across the industry. Musicians are not paid enough, and the major record companies are taking too much of a share of industry revenue. I think with the evolution of crypto and decentralisation, I can see this gradually changing. Nothing is forever. I also think AI is a major threat to all the creative businesses but I can’t see what can be done to limit its growth.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
A range of state of minds. I release music under a range of genres…beats, ambient cinematic, and material such as TREASON and my LearningToDive entity which are both definitely retro. Hopefully it is somehow making a positive difference to their day.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I have got into plenty of trouble over the years, but less as I have got older. However from a musical perspective there is one moment in time that still gives me the shivers. It was at a gig back in 1985 (yes I’m that old) with all sorts of important people there, including our record company. We stupidly brought in a friend to do sound. And all the audience got was shrieking feedback. It was awful. That was the end of my band’s relationship with our record company.
HipHop Paranoia 