Category: Reviews

Michael O. – Japa [News]

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Born in the United States with Nigerian roots, singer, songwriter and producer Michael O. (Michael Odokara-Okigbo) is releasing his newest single “Japa,” which means “to flee” in Yoruba (a language in Nigeria) slang, in reference to the many Africans being forced to seek a better life in the western world. The track serves as a unifying anthem, encouraging people of all backgrounds to return and tap into their ancestral lineage.

Co-Produced by Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Academy (Grammy Awards), JAPA is the story of survival and a story of the foundation and creation of America.

“Japa” is the lead single on Michael O.’s EP, released in 2023. With this same mission of solidarity in mind, Michael O. also recently created, and is the founder of the first African language learning app, NKENNE. Winner of the 2022 Gorham Savings Bank’s Emerging Business Awards, and with over 7000 users and growing, NKENNE was developed to create an avenues for her he Global African Diaspora to connect to their roots through language. www.nkenne.com

“Japa” and NKENNE were made possible by the Recording Academy’s MusiCares foundation. Michael O. received a grant from MusiCares in 2020 as part of their COVID-19 relief program, which allowed Michael O. to use his passion for connecting people through music and technology to jumpstart this app and his upcoming EP.

Along with Harvey Mason Jr. and The Recording Academy’s most recent initiative to create more visibility for the Afrobeats movement in the United States, we believe Michael’s story can inspire people to think outside the box in order to create avenues of connection and elevation, via music and tech.

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Cherise – Summer Love [Review]

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Amidst the scorching global heatwave, rain-kissed UK finds solace in Cherise’s Summer Love.

Hailing from UK Cherise is back with Summer Love, part of her debut album titled ‘Calling’. The recipe in “Summer Love” is straightforward yet impactful. The rhythm has a choppy jdilla vibe. Cherise’s expressive vocal delivery takes center stage in the verses, beautifully complemented by dreamy lo-fi guitars. The chorus introduces some cool, harmony rich back vocals, a groovy synth bass line and some sweet retro infused detuned synth chords which add a touch of nostalgic retro vibes to the mix.

Cherise comments on the track, “I am who I am!’ That’s what I wanted to say with ‘Summer Love’. It’s about me dancing with joy while being honest and shameless about my quirks, personality and desires. For me, 2023 is the Summer of Love because we’re unrestricted and free to dance.”

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YUPHORIC – Almighty Goyde [Review]

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YUPHORIC, a genre-blending act, has just unveiled their latest single “Almighty Goyde” alongside their debut album, “The New Normal.” The Berlin based group consists of individuals hailing from different continents, united by their shared passion for music. “Almighty Goyde” is a skilled composition, defined by its broken beat and complemented by a seamless bass line. The horn lines intertwine harmoniously with the crystal clear, warm keys, constructing a mesmerising soundscape enriched with jazzy undertones and an intriguingly atmospheric ambiance. This instrumental track possesses the dynamic energy reminiscent of a live performance. Make sure to listen to the full album!

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Tonio Sagan – DOPE! [Review]

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Tonio Sagan’s new rap song titled DOPE! impresses with its trappy vibes and notable variety in the flow, featuring classic triplets in the delivery in numerous creative variations. The instrumental is a standout, incorporating acoustic elements such as a mysterious piano loop at its epicentre, accompanied by an acoustic drum beat and a melodic bass line in the rhythm section. The addition of guitars adds energy to the song while the finale employs the slowdown technique. The overall production is a very interesting concept that masterfully blends techniques from various genres, resulting in a fresh and modern approach to hip hop.

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https://soundcloud.com/toniosagan/dope?si=19658ad8b462495896b695213aeb2bae&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Goldfinger – Minus 64 Degrees [Review]

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I was talking with a fd the other day and at some point she told me, if you really want to immerse yourself in the distinctive uk sound, you need to actually experience uk life for a couple of months first. The towering buildings in the background of every uk rap clip? They are not just big buildings. Only if you have lived in the UK you can genuinely relate to the cultural context they represent.Goldfinger is unveiling his latest single, “Minus 64 Degrees,” which serves as a flawless representation of the UK sound. This song is distinguished by its effortless flow, the catchy chorus and the intriguing verses that hook your mind. The instrumental skillfully combines various elements, incorporating hints of dubstep. The groove and slidey bassline exude the unmistakable essence of classic UK drill. To complete the puzzle, a mysterious vocal sample adds the final touch. Listen below!

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SAGE SUEDE – Renegade [Review]

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SAGE SUEDE’s album titled “Renegade” offers an intriguing collection of 11 songs. The album presents an eclectic blend of different styles, making it challenging to label it under a specific genre. And in our opinion, this is what sets it apart and makes it stand out. Despite its experimental touch, it ensures that listeners can engage with its fresh sound. The vocal delivery remains consistent throughout the tracks, adding a sense of coherence to the overall listening experience.

One notable aspect of the album is the plethora of interesting synth riffs found in the instrumentals. These intriguing elements, combined with a clear focus on creating both immersive atmospheres but also delivering playful vibes, further enhance the album’s appeal. Additional is a work, as a whole, that refuses to conform to pretentiousness or commercial conventions often associated with the genre. Instead, it breaks away from standard recipes, offering a refreshing and liberating listening experience.

We wholeheartedly invite you to explore this album, as it provides moments that are bound to resonate with you as it embodies a sense of freedom and is filled with exciting surprises.

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Burgundee – Eleanor Rigby [Review]

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How challenging is it to cover the music of arguably the greatest rock band in history? Now, let’s take it a step further and consider covering one of the most iconic songs from this legendary group. Burgundee embraces this daunting task with their live performance, delivering a soulful interpretation of The Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby, a song renowned for its unforgettable string session that is not easily reimagined.

The band presents a refreshingly laid-back vibe that will undoubtedly send shivers down your spine. Not content with simply replicating the original, they fearlessly introduce drastic changes, infusing the song with new jazzy chords, showcasing their creativity, and masterfully transitioning between different grooves. Enjoy below!

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RDMR – Monticule [Review]

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Hailing from the south of France, RDMR’s single titled “Monticule” manages to deliver its message in just 90 seconds. The flow is dirty and powerful, supported by a nicely saturated beat that is as hard-hitting as it gets. The instrumental features a rich drum beat, layered with percussion and a driving bass line, creating an intense sound. On top of that atmospheric and mysterious soundscapes, adding depth to the arrangement. “Monticule” is not a chill listen; it is a song that demands you to unleash your inner beast.

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Deore – Piece [Review]

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Are you searching for piece?
Deore returns with his latest single titled “Piece,” showcasing a deeply personal and honest lyrical journey. The track’s instrumental composition is marked by the enveloping warmth of saturated analog keys, which contribute to creating a gentle and inviting atmosphere. The beat exudes a classic soul trap vibe while Its deep and resonant sound sets the stage for a laidback late-night experience. On top of that a vocal chop adds an extra texture to the already organic arrangement. A testament to Deore’s artistry and ability to produce soulful music that resonates deeply with the audience.

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Chris Hyson x Frida Touray – Do You Mind [Review]

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Chris Hyson teams up with Frida Touray for Do You Mind, an irresistible contemporary R&B track filled with enchanting romance. The song’s notable feature is its straightforward yet highly impactful chord progression, consisting of just two chords. The smooth groove, propelled by the captivating bass line, seamlessly intertwines with the sweet and comforting analog-sounding synth arpeggios, resulting in a warm and inviting production. On top of that, the expressive vocal delivery adds an extra layer of emotion, enhancing the overall intimate atmosphere. Close your eyes and picture a serene sunset beach with pink skies. Who wants to leave?

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