Hello everyone! Hope you are all keeping safe! Today’s Music Monday entry is the new single from UK rapper Headie One featuring UK duo Young T & Bugsey! I’m sure I’ve mentioned before how Young T & Bugsey are some of the best in the UK at the moment when it comes to creating hooks and wow did they not disappoint. I’ve actually been playing this song non stop since the release last Friday! The song was also released with Headie One’s new album, “Edna”. Have a listen to the song below:
Hello All! It’s been a while I know! Today’s post is a quick continuation of my Instagram Post. It’s a debut song called ‘DAMAGE’ from UK newcomer Nico M. Very catchy song! Looking forward to seeing where the music takes Nico! I think he has a future in the scene! The single is out now!
Check it out below and stay tuned for more posts this week!
Hey everyone! Finally the end of the week which means new music has arrived! I’ve compiled a list of 5 songs recently released that I am loving! Have a listen below;
2 Chainz Ft. Lil Wayne & E-40 – 2 Dollar Bill
Lil Wayne has been on point with his features recently! This song, with West Coast vibes, is taken from 2 Chainz’ new album ‘Rap or Go to the League’ and is produced by DJ Mustard (so you know the beat is gonna be sick!). In the song the men compare themselves to a “2 Dollar Bill” which happens to be one of the rarest dollar bills in America. For me, Lil Wayne’s feature was the best on this song. There is a part in Wayne’s verse; ” I’m rare, like a commercial with Future and Cher, like a cop that’s fair, like a triple-double dare”, where the flow switches and you really see Lil Wayne’s talent. I like how all artists had great examples of things that were rare, some comical while some sensitive. Have a listen below:
Ms Banks Ft. Kida Kudz – Snack
UK rapper Ms Banks has been on a roll recently, having recently performed at the Brit Awards with Little Mix and now releasing a new banger. The song which uses a sample from Nigerian superstar Wizkid’s hit song “Don’t Dull” (2010) is a summer hit. The song which features Nigerian Afrobeat singer Kida Kudz is the first single released from her upcoming project ‘Coldest Winter Ever Pt.2’. I like the confidence Ms Banks exhibits in this song, I think this is a song that many women will be singing. The video is bright and bubbly too and gives me Nicki Minaj ‘Barbie Dreams’ vibes. I’m ready for this new and improved Ms Banks, it seems like she is ready to take over the female UK rap scene! Have a listen and watch below.
Mercston Ft Wretch 32 – No Banter
I previously uploaded the video to this on my Instagram page (www.instagram.com/musicandlifeblog). I love this song and the visuals! Wretch 32 was giving me Bob Marley vibes with his new look and sound and the two of them played off each-other so well with their playful lyrics. The chorus is possibly one of the most catchy hooks I’ve heard this year and I’m sure you will be singing “I feel a way” randomly throughout the day like I have been! The video reflects the fun vibe the song gives with the men having fun in the snow. I think this song will be played everywhere in the summer. Have a listen and watch the video below
2 Chainz Ft. Ariana Grande – Rule the World
Looking at this collaboration on paper, it’s hard to guess what this would sound like but you will be pleasantly surprised as their voices complimented each other throughout. The song also taken from 2 Chainz new album ‘Rap or Go to the League’ uses a sample from Amerie’s 2002 song “Why Don’t We Fall In Love”. Ariana sings the chorus “Top down on the Dawn like I’m used to it (Yeah), prayin’ you make it home like I’m used to it” with her unique soft but sensual voice. The song is produced by Hitmaka (or Yung Berg as I think of him as) and the beat compliments the fusion of both aritists. The song is one of those songs you can vibe to and feel good about. Check out below;
Here is the Amerie song that it was influenced by:
Giggs Ft. Wretch 32 Gwop Expenses
The Landlord Giggs arrives again with his new album ‘Big Bad’ which was released last week Friday. This is my favourite song from the track which features Wretch 32. Wretch has a memorable verse on this song and his witty wordplay does not go unnoticed. My favourite lines; ”
I got Jaden in my will, uncle, how you feel?, Call me Fresh Prince, I bring Bel-Air up to your grill”…who does metaphors as good as Wretch?! With all these features that Wretch has been killing recently, I really hope this is a sign for us to look forward to a new Wretch project hopefully coming soon. Check out the song below:
Hi everyone, I know I usually talk about songs and lyrics but this post is dedicated to two important videos that have recently been released.
MoStack – Daily Duppy
The first video is a Daily Duppy from from UK rapper MoStack. He’s possibly one of the UK’s best rappers at the moment and this freestyle showcases his versatility. He raps about his lifestyle “see my eye bags, I carry nuff baggage” demonstrating his use of clever puns which is shown throughout the whole freestyle. The beat/instrumental used in this freestyle is great too and MoStack rides the beat like a pro. Some of my favourite bars are; “We don’t speak but your secrets won’t leave my mouth” and “How dare you think a weapon’s more stronger than prayer, I’m more than blessed, I’m more than flex”, MoStack is so talented with his words. This is definitely one of my favourite freestyles from a rapper and I love the rawness and the mention of his love for fellow UK rapper J Hus. I like freestyles when an artist spills out their true emotions and this is exactly what MoStack did. I look forward to more music from him coming in the near future.
PS: Free J Hus!!
Dave – Black
Before I start this I just want to remind everyone about Martin Luther King’s famous speech; “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character”. This dream is seeming less and less likely as the days go on.
UK rapper Dave is infamous for his thought provoking music and incredible videos. This song and video is no different. This song is the first from his upcoming debut album ‘Psychodrama’ produced by the legend that is Fraser T Smith. Dave uses this track to discuss social and racial inequality and how it is to be a Black man in a white man’s world. As a fellow Nigerian, I love the accompanying video as it was filmed in my country and shows the beauty of it. As a Black woman, I love the issues raised, I feel this a song I would love my younger cousins to hear and to digest. I relate to so many things mentioned in this song as i’m sure many other people do. Statements like “Cause you need to do double what they do so you can level them” are things my mum told me from a young age and advice I know many other young black people have been taught. So many statements in this song are powerful; “A kid dies, the blacker the killer, the sweeter the news and if he’s white you give him a chance, he’s ill and confused” reminding me pretty much of the term “Black on Black” crime. We never say “white on white crime” so why is it a specific issue when black people are concerned? I love the awareness Dave brings to these issues and it’s so sad to see the constant battle many of us have to face just because of the colour of our skin. Another point to add is that Dave features many fellow Black celebrities in the video to showcase the positive role models we have. Dave ends by saying “Black is all I know, there ain’t a thing that I would change in it” which is my sentiments exactly. Have a watch below;
Queen became popular as part of a couple with her now ex partner Chris Sails on YouTube. After the end of the relationship she began to publicly work more on her music and we were gifted with her song ‘Medicine’. Queen is definitely talented and her voice can be argued to be a sound we are missing at the moment. She released her first EP titled “Queen Naija” and the EP is filled with 5 beautiful R&B songs. The songs featured are based on her life and what she has experienced; being heartbreak, love and also being a mother.
For me R&B is definitely a genre that can be argued to be dying down unfortunately. This EP is simply classic R&B and reignites the feel for the genre. The songs are very personal and you can feel the emotion in every single song. A sign of a good song is when the listener can either relate or get a good sense of what the singer is feeling or has felt. I believe this EP does everything…raw emotion, great melodies and all the while keeping us entertained.
I really hope she is here to stay because her voice is definitely a beauty to hear.
