Elle E.D. shares “Melanin Drip” feat DSTRK [video]

Posted on by Erika Becker

Los Angeles-based recording Artist Elle E.D teams up with producer/rapper DSTRK for this anthemic black excellence single titled “Melanin Drip.” As debut singles go, the track is a solid introduction to the NAACP Image Award-winning eclectic artist who has a solid resume writing for legends like Janelle Monáe, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, et al.  Over a booming hard-hitting backdrop, she delivers an unapologetic performance ripe with fiery and evocative lyrics that detail the scourge of black culture appropriation, especially in the hip-hop space. She holds nothing back and exposes the powers that be while paying homage to her African American deep roots. DSTRK also comes through with a superb verse echoing similar sentiments while also touching on the hypocritical treatment of black people over the years.

The video directed by Otheezy is quite colorful and eye-catchy. From the engaging performance shots, 90s motif, choreography, and bright set pieces, the visual is a sight to see and keeps viewers locked from start to finish.

Elle E.D. is a Los Angeles based visionary that has spent most of her career growing in the shadows of some of the worlds biggest stars. Everyone from Lady Gaga to Nicki Minaj, Diddy Dirty Money, Fergie, Magic!, Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah have benefitted from the creative drip that Elle E.D. brings both to the studio as well as the stage.

Get “Melanin Drip” on Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer

Keep up with Elle E.D. | Soundcloud: Spotify: Twitter: Instagram

Phonk P & Marvel Mayne Release Lowd Comix II

Posted on by EDITORIAL FEATURES

Los Angeles spitter Phonk P teams-up with his production Co-D Marvel Mayne for Lowd Comix II.  The ten-track effort features that rollin’ drum machine n’ smoked out G-Funk that only L.A. G’s can deliver.  Joining Phonk on his lyrical excursions are some of the coldest emcees in the west including Trizz, T.F. 2Eleven, Fred Blaze, Xavier, Body Bagg Jonez & Shon Hill.

As the II in the project title implies this is the 2nd edition since 2018’s first collaborative project.  Since then both artists have been on an impressive come-up including Phonk P being tapped for Flee Lord’s recently formed Lord Mobb music collective.  As such Phonk was blessed with the only solo joint (“Summertime”) on the Lord Mobb Compilation Vol 1 which was hosted by Hot 97 radio host Peter Rosenberg.  As of this writing “Summertime” has racked up an impressive 250,000 streams on Spotify alone.

Marvel Mayne’s production has been placed with such notable artists as YFN Lucci, PnB Rock and SOB RBE.  Expect visuals for several tracks on Lowd Comix II to follow shortly.

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BACAO RHYTHM & STEEL BAND: Expansions

Posted on by Alana Walls

Rating: ★★★★★ We all heard Expansions, the third LP from steel drum funkers Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band was on the way, right? And not just heard about it either but checked previews of some tracks and got a single-length taster in the form of recent 45 Dirt Off Your Shoulder with I Need Somebody To Love on the flip. A full preview was tightly under wraps though, even when it came to the PR.  Mind you, there must have been a bit of pressure and expectation given the excellence of 55 and The Serpent’s Mouth, so frankly, I’m not surprised Björn Wagner’s ‘other’ lot (he’s also The Mighty Mocambos’ big cheese as well) kept the full monty unaired until release date. They’ve previously filtered funk, disco, reggae and hip-hop through a steel pan-drenched instrumental prism and mixed up excellent covers with equally dope originals but the big question was ‘What approach would they take for this one?’  Would it be heavier on  original compositions?  If they did covers, what would they be?  Would they consider adding vocals to the mix?  I don’t know about you but I think with all these concerns, it might be time for a track-by-track breakdown.  Let’s have a gander at what they’ve done…

1. TOUGH VICTORY
Tough gig – what to open your third LP with when a scene’s eyes and ears are straining in your direction? Go balls out with an original composition? Why not? So here’s this sweaty tropical chugger with Latin guitar stylings.

2. SPACE
Woo-hah! No one but Bacao would have the Galt (see what I did there?) or skill to pull this off, and so here this is…

3. RAISE IT UP
…which frees them up to go Slum-ing it Dilla cows come home on the next one.  Yes! He’s on fire and so are Bacao.

4. MY JAMAICAN DUB
So it’s only right to switch things up for a Grace Jones cover in which the original’s new wave-y/ disco gets switched up for fluid dub-funky shenanigans that’ll have you living your life as a slave to the rhythm.

5. I NEED SOMEBODY TO LOVE TONIGHT
Don’t we all? But this 55 gallon slab of slo-mo disco should reel ’em in.

6. DIRT OFF YOUR SHOULDER
Quite right. Stand up for ya bad self as organic drums replace programmed ones and pans replace synths.

7. GETTING NASTY
Bacao obviously didn’t get the message that the second half of many LPs shows a marked drop in quality as they school you with a concrete lesson on how to tropically cover Ike and Tina…

8. BLOW YOUR COVER
…and then reveal that they have every intention of making the entire second half better than the first with urgent steel funk…

9. REPRESENT
…a glorious, minimal nugget that RZA will lap up…

10. THE HEALER
..and something I’m sure both Erykah and Dilla would lap up.

11. LES FLEURS
Alright, they’re just taking the piss now. Will I get in ‘Pseud’s Corner’ in Private Eye if I describe this Minnie Riperton cover as sublime? I honestly don’t care. Because it is sublime.

12. SQUARING THE CIRCLES
Consider this circle fully squared!

COMMENTS: I’m starting to think it’s all bollocks about third albums being difficult and if making this was, the results more than make up for the effort with an especially strong second half . Another triumphant Bacao bomb – and if they never make another record, their legend is assured.

BEST TRACKS: Getting Nasty, Blow Your Cover, Represent, Les Fleurs, Squaring The Circles
(Out now on Big Crown Records)

Emilya reflects on life on “Emotionally Bankrupt”

Posted on by Alana Walls

Rising singer-songwriter Emilya caught our ears with her new single “Emotionally Bankrupt” which dives into the delicate issue of depression and anxiety in this day and age.

Bolstered by a solemn piano-laden and moody backdrop, Emilya delivers a heartfelt and sublime vocal performance that grips the listener with its emotive tone and evocative lyrics. Although the premise is dark, she flips the script by giving strength to those going through it with her encouraging words and implores listeners to never give in to the doldrums but push on to rise above it all.

Emilya is a Dallas, Texas-based singer/songwriter. She is a classically trained pianist who also plays the guitar. She started her music career a few years ago and has a couple of singles to her name.

Get “Emotionally Bankrupt” on all DSPs here.

Keep up with Emilya | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Website

Check out this new single “Save You” from James Vickery

Posted on by Clodagh Leon

after a slew of singles, UK singer James Vickery returns to the forefront with another exciting release titled “Save You.” A solemn ballad that dives into a heartfelt tale of someone from Vickery’s past. From the soothing piano arrangement and scenic textures, Vickery delivers a solid performance filled with evocative and vivid lyrics that draw listeners deep into the mix of the tale.

“Save You” is taken from Vickery’s new LP Songs That Made Me Feel.

James Vickery will also be returning to the stage later this year and has announced the details behind a special live performance at London’s Lafayette on Thursday 7th October. Tickets and more info are available here.

Keep up with James Vickery  | Soundcloud: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram

Karras goes through a transition on “Poison I.V.”

Posted on by EDITORIAL FEATURES

Karras‘s new single “Poison I.V.” is a moody and dark record that follows the rapper’s journey through a personal rebirth and reawakening. From killing his ego to returning to his new state of consciousness, Karras gives listeners a thorough view of the constant changes that happened in his life.

 

Get “Poison I.V.” on SoundCloud

Keep up with Karras | Soundcloud : Facebook : Spotify: Instagram

Jah Born shows us some behind the boards magic with “Magnetic” and “Tha Love Love” feat Tony Ballard

Posted on by Atif Parker

Award-winning producer Jah Born caught our attention with some solid instrumental cuts from his stash and it is only right for us to share it with our loyal readers.

The first one is “Magnetic” and it’s magnificent from the jump. The punchy boom-bap drum grooves drive the track while the lush atmospheric textures slowly engulf the beat and exude a mix of lo-fi and soulful vibes.

Get “Magnetic” on YouTube, Apple Music, Deezer .

The second cut “Tha Love Love” is a collaboration with Tony Ballard. The laidback r&b cut is ripe with punchy drum grooves and sublime musical arrangements. Lush moody keys, pulsating basslines, strings, and a smooth backing vocal harmony to tie it up. This is a solid r&b beat that needs to be shared with the rest of the world.

Get it “Tha Love Love” on YouTube, Deezer, Apple Music, SoundCloud

 

Jah Born is a 2x Grammy award winner and the producer of Erykah Badu‘s “On & On.”

 

Keep up with Jah Born | Linktree: Instagram