YNG Nine – FORGETABOUTIT [Lyric Video]

I was inspired to write this song after I finished watching Mike Newel’s movie “Donnie Brasco. I do worry a lot and I guess that’s what this song is about, I suffered a tough loss and I’ve caught myself to be slightly paranoid at times so I wanted to put it in the song too.
This song is another one of those blunt impulses so I wanted to drop it right away, for no particular reason. I’d like it to make a bit of noise since.

YNG Nine

QNA – Above the Law EP

Above the Law is a six-track EP is a sonic snapshot of New York City today, an uncompromising blend of the multi-cultural and multi-genre artists that call it home. Grammy nominated artists Theo Croker, Roots Percussionist, and Mike Larry Draw highlight the thriving jazz, reggae, and hip-hop communities that make up the foundation of QNA’s unique sound. A sound that’s as much NYC as it is global.

QNA sees Above the Law as a representation of their “pirate” way of life. As Míng, the bandleader describes, the EP is “a call to pirates everywhere – those forced to carve out their own way of survival in this world. It’s a call to immigrants working multiple jobs, fighting for their visas. To those who started new businesses so they can put jobs in the hands of those who deserve them. It’s a call to those feeding their communities instead of waiting on their politicians.” Above the Law embraces this grassroots, immigrant-survival mentality and creates a sonic landscape that is equally self-empowering and exploratory.

Elmnt – Sideways

This was a labour of love. I initially wrote this song pre covid, however, with all that has happened in the past year, i felt like it was a message too strong not to complete.

ELMNT

The song was co-produced by Montreal’s Burton White & Nidal Eradi also known as Resort 46 in an apartment studio using live instruments.Scott Chancey of the Montreal Conservatory of Music added all the string arrangements to accompany the choir vocal stack in the chorus and outro, adding a much needed layer of somber soul to the song.Finally, Tatsuya Sato, mastered the song (The legend behind Kanye’s College Dropout, Jay-Z’s In My Lifetime).Sideways is available across all major platforms, powered by FREE.99 Records

Ali Bla Bla – Island [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

raggo, classic, weird

You blend different genres in your music. Tell us a few things about your creative process.

I just like everything, i’m one of those people. I get excited by so many different types of sounds and emotions, I love all styles of music, everything has a place in my heart.

When I make a tune, i’m not thinking about fitting in a box or not, I just do what sounds good to me at the time, as cliche as that sounds.

How Important are political statements by music artists? Can music have an impact on politics?

Its important, but it doesn’t really have the same space as it once did, like in the 80s. That is because escapism dominates music, and people want to forget about their problems and enjoy it a lot of the time, fair enough really.

I think everything has its time and place, but we have been through so many cycles now, it’s easy to be another generic protest lyricist.
Sometimes I just wanna rap about money and women.

Is Britain racist today?

Everywhere is racist at every time. Intolerance is another human trait, and crosses over a multitude of different scenarios. It’s not always so black and white, no pun intended.

What does hip hop symbolise in your opinion?

Im just that millennial old school rap head stuck in his ways. It means something real to me I guess. What it means now, depends on whos involved. Theres a lot of imposters out there selling an illusion to lost kids.

Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

Make sure you check out Hak Baker, a real voice of the people.

One last thing we should know about you?

I really dont care anymore about success in music. I am doing things at my own pace and self funded it all and I am not bound to impressing anyone or any labels etc… and I finally feel artistically free.

Join the revolution guys, stop giving a fuck and enjoy making music like you did when you were young.

Thank you!

Follow Ali Bla Bla
Instagram

MrZnote – I Don’t Care (Official Video)

MrZnote began his hip-hop career at the age of 16 in the suburbs of Philadelphia after his older brother passed away. He usedmusic as a way to cope with the loss of his brother. MrZnote has performed at small venues in and around the Philadelphia area including: The Fire, 5 Star, The Grape Street, RedSky, Coast to Coast Philadelphia, and The Pyramid Club in NYC. MrZnote has performed with DJ Q-Ball of the BloodhoundGang, and was on BKFC 10 (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) Pay Per View during Travis “The Animal” Thompson’s walkout and victory.

“I’m too damn handsome not to dance, but I’m too fast for romance. Drop the pants.”

MrZnote

FAR I – The First Noble Truth [EP]

It’s officially the return of the Black Shepard!

Far I just released The First Noble Truth, which is the first project of his quadrilogy called “The Four Noble Truths”.

It did not take Far I a long time to finish this project. Even though the man has 30 years of rhyming on beats, he has proven that it’s not quite the time to hang up the mic yet. While the world is struck with Rona, Far I has been abusing his pen. Teaming up with some of the hardest producers the net has to offer. This is how Far I built with “The First Noble Truth”.

The message on the album is quite clear; there is suffering! With years of experience in Buddhism and meditation, Far I has set out to convert the wisdom of Buddhism into Hip Hop music. In a very distinctive and original manner, the rapper speaks on painful subjects without hesitation. If the listener is sharp enough, you will pick up on ancient wisdom that’s been proven for millennia.

Gold Frames on Brown Skin – Medusa (A Versace Consumer)

Describe your sound in 3 words

Unthinkable, Unique and Timeless.

What is the main topic of your lyrics?

My lyrics usually are about overcoming a struggle, whether it be getting over an abusive relationship, poverty or police brutality.

How Important are political statements by music artists? Can music have an impact on politics?

Music is about expression and when an artist state their political preference, I feel its the same as the artist releasing new music. If you have the ability to vote, you should have the ability to speak on politics.

What would you change in the music industry?

I would change how playlists are regulated. I believe all playlists should be verified that no bots are responsible for plays and make it so just not anyone is not allow to have a public playlist.

Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?

Gold Frames On Brown Skin

What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?

Godzilla Vs. Kong. I can’t wait for the new “Mortal Kombat” to come out.

One last thing we should know about you?

I love laughing and being happy. Anyone or anything that brings a smile to my face, I am in your debt.

Thank you!

Follow Gold Frames on Brown Skin
Facebook/Instagram

Myrikal – Latoya & Marlon

This song is a two part conversation between two siblings who where separated at birth. Latoya reaches out to her brother in the hope that they could reconnect and try and build a relationship and be the family that they never were.

As the song progresses you learn about Marlon and how he has struggled academically however hopes to meet his sister and also build the relationship they never had.

Follow Myrikal
Facebook/Instagram

Nephtys – I Do It [New Release]

Nephtys is an urban artist from Brussels. Mixed between a Syrian father and a Belgian mother, she grew up under their artistic influence. From classical to Neo-Soul / R & B, Hip-Hop here, Jazzy there, talented singer and rapper, it is all in versatility that Nephtys walks us through her multi-faceted universe.

Rejecting popular stereotypes of mysogine rap and violence, it is with subtlety that she mixes conscious punchlines with her soft, warm voice. Drawing on her experiences on different Jazz and Pop stages, she reconnects with her first love for Soul and Hip Hop which allows the woman she becomes every day to express herself: Nephtys is a tribute to the Egyptian divinity, accompanist of births and funeral rites, a woman at all times, considered the singer’s alter-ego.

Nephtys narrates through her sincere and hopeful words, her point of view on the world, the realities and dreams that she carries in her heart. Close to the public, she wishes to share her optimism despite the hard knocks of life.

This Belgian-Syrian artist aspires to be recognized not only for her music, but also as an activist. If her texts speak of feminism and anti-racism, they also advocate love of oneself, of one’s culture, and of one’s roots. Woman, political activist, intersectional activist, poet, and rapper, nephtys is all of these. “For me, hip-hop serves to build bridges between people, it emancipates, brings peace. But it also serves to tell the truth to the dominant, because we are the power, and we can change the world with our voices. ” “Happiness is a political statement. Your joy is resistance to the oppressor. ” She also actively campaigns for the social rights of minorities. “Some people hate the idea that a movement created by African American culture is not vile, or sexist. If all you see in hip-hop is sexism, you just haven’t paid attention. Sexism exists in all areas. To consider an art, a culture as primitive, subaltern, it’s just racist.

The singer is about those who consider Arab culture, or any indigenous, non-white culture, to be less glorious, and who see these peoples as barbarians, savages, uncivilized. It’s really intriguing and indignant to me. She also conveys a message of body positivity, in order to decolonize the standards of beauty imposed by society, she quotes: “it is important for me that my sisters feel at ease in their body and with their mind, all this passes. by a healthy lifestyle, a good mindset and a spiritual awakening. It is necessary to be well grounded to lead a rewarding and lively life giving rise to successful experiences of life without putting too much strain on your mind. An influence she exerts on her audience. Society is in the midst of an identity crisis, we owe it to ourselves to follow a philosophy of life that allows us to exploit happiness, to feed on knowledge.

What will make us stronger is sharing our experiences, the love we have for each other and the ambition to push each other.

Nashbi – After All [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Innovative, Authentic, Tangible ( You can really feel it )

For which lyric you are most proud of?

This message was God given
Inspired by God written
Like scripture cause God’s in it
It’s finished cause God ended
The spirit of God lives in the depth of my Heart
Listen, don’t judge em cause God didn’t
Cause there is a God in em

What makes a song ‘conscious mainstream’?

Any record that has a beautiful, but meaningful approach to it. Music that has enough potential to dominate the charts, but there’s actually a strong message behind it as well.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

Hip-Hop is a symbol of self expression. In its deepest form, hiphop is a reflection of the current state of the culture.

Favorite hip hop album of the past decade?

That is so hard to decide, It’s between 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Eminem Recovery, Coloring Book

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Trust the Lord your God with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.

Future plans?

We are going to be dropping a bunch of music videos really soon!
Depending on the strength of the pandemic we may be hitting the road very soon as well doing minor shows in a few cities.

Thank you!

Follow Nashbi
Facebook/Instagram/Website