14-year-old rap maverick Davi The Mavi unveiled his debut single ‘That Night’ on 30 August 2024.
The track was written and produced by the up-and-coming artist based in Birmingham. Davi The Mavi is disrupting the UK rap scene with his age-defying talent and inimitable energy.
Inspired by the likes of Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Future and Nas, he has managed to create a signature blend of melodic trap and hip hop, laced with experimental elements. With his debut offering ‘That Night’,Davi showcases his impressive production skills and storytelling ability. The single outlines the sequence of events from an eventful night out with friends, where unpredictability and chaos thrives. It’s all about living in the moment, teenage rebellion and pushing the limits.
The track reflects Davi’s undeniable potential, as well as his love for hip hop. With its fresh, cutting-edge production and hardcore lyrics it’s a bold debut offering, where he proudly exhibits his unique style and lyrical prowess. The future of rap is unfolding, and Davi The Mavi is at the forefront.
Toro y Moi shares ‘Hollywood’ feat. Ben Gibbard and ‘CD-R,’ two new songs from his forthcoming album Hole Erthdue 6th September. The songs join the previously-released ‘Heaven’ featuring Kevin Abstract and Lev and lead single ‘Tuesday’ to paint the world of Hole Erth, an album that represents Toro y Moi’s boldest musical pivot to date in a career marked by musical reinvention.
On ‘Hollywood,’ Chaz Bear enlists Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie, The Postal Service) for a melancholy single that laments being stuck in the Los Angeles neighborhood after which the song takes its name. “I’ve been a fan of Ben’s music for some time now and it only felt right to have him be a part of this record. With the album having themes of angst and nostalgia, ‘Hollywood’ felt like a perfect fit.”
B-side ‘CD-R’ recounts the tales of Toro y Moi’s come-up, with Bear offering that, ‘CD-R’ is a song that pays homage to the days before playlisting and streaming — the days when things were curated by people and not the algorithm.” Hole Erthsynthesises anthemic pop-punk and autotuned, melancholic rap into a body of work that is both very much of the now, but also a reflection of long-running threads in Toro y Moi mastermind Chaz Bear’s musical history – from his childhood immersion in punk and emo to his past production work for some of the biggest names in modern rap.
In addition to the album, Toro y Moi has announced headline performances in Los Angeles and New York, having recently announced his biggest headline show to date in Berkeley, CA. News of UK and European shows will follow soon.
Listen to ‘Hollywood’ and ‘CD-R’ above now and see below for more information about Hole Erth ahead of its September release.
Hole Erth, Chaz Bear’s eighth full-length studio record as Toro y Moi, is the genre shapeshifter’s most unexpected and bold move to date, with Bear diving headlong into rap-rock, Soundcloud rap and Y2K emo. The album blitzes anthemic pop-punk next to autotuned, melancholic rap – two genres that inform one another now more than ever before — and packs in the most features ever on a Toro y Moi album. We get Don Toliver’s moody crooning on the anti-love song ‘Madonna’. We get Kevin Abstract and Lev’s breathy reflections on ‘Heaven’. We get emo king Benjamin Gibbard, the beating heart of millennial indie for crying out loud. Recorded in the span of a few months across late 2023 and early 2024, Hole Erth’sfeatures built naturally over that short span, with Bear simply reaching out to long-time friends. The sum of Hole Erth’s parts is massive, and demonstrates Bear’s deft abilities as a producer, especially in hip-hop; his role in the culture has long been solidified from previous collaborations with some of rap’s biggest trailblazers. It’s a daring left turn for Bear, but the feel is effortless, the make-it-look-easy of a master at work. All told, Bear pushes himself into new sonic ground for the TyM oeuvre while embracing the project’s celebrated, well-known electronic beginnings. Hole Erth is brand new, but somehow perfectly at home.
The album’s title is an homage toWhole Earth, Stewart Brand’s DIY periodical from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the central purpose of which was to empower people to be holistically self-sufficient. From product reviews of carpentry tools, to how-to guides for growing your own food, to techno-optimistic analyses that’d go on to inspire Silicon Valley startup culture, parallels of the catalog’s DIY ethos can be found all throughout Hole Erth. Bear cites gorpcore, a new-age fashion trend of functional, outdoorsy outerwear worn as streetwear, as influencing the album’s aesthetic. This also ties back to Brand’s influential counterculture catalog. Bear notes: “Things have gone in a more gorp-y direction. Humans are tapping into this more tribal, earthier aesthetic. The Whole Earth catalog is this encyclopedic, self-sustaining guide. With the album title alone, that’s something I wanted to spark as a conversation. We can be off the grid, and also be on the internet, and try out all of these different lifestyles at the same time.” This sense of duality exists within Hole Erth: it’s seeped in the technological world while embracing real-world human connection.
The sounds that make up Hole Erth might feel like new territory for Bear, but in reality it’s a return to form for Toro y Moi – a project that has always orbited electronic music. “Toro is not a rock band,” Bear assures. “To me, my folk records and psych rock records are the side quests. What I fell in love with with the Toro project were the electronic productions – the samples. There’s always more to be done in the electronic world.” His experimentation with electronic production is most obvious on tracks like album opener ‘Walking In The Rain’, an immediate immersion into the brooding pulse of Hole Erth.
Given Bear’s work with some of modern rap’s most influential acts, it’s no surprise that his autotuned cadence and cheeky play-on-words calls to mind the moody braggadocio of today’s popular hip-hop. ‘Hollywood’ featuring Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service fame, places warped vocals and ephemeral sound bites of internet dial-up beneath watery ruminations on celebrity and the delusions prevalent in Tinseltown. The track’s nostalgic nods in combination with Bear’s genre fluidity is a Toro y Moi trademark that can be heard throughout his discography. From the twangy, laidback reflections that comprised his most recent Sandhills EP, to the retro-futuristic grooves of 2019’s Outer Peace, Bear is no stranger to flexing his muscles as a forward-thinking musical chameleon, while still managing to make music that feels eternally familiar yet compelling.
A sense of nostalgia sneaks its way into almost every Toro y Moi release, but angst is an emotion that Bear has never intentionally explored the way he does here. Tracks like ‘Tuesday’ channel a specific, yet forever-relatable sense of adolescent unease. A distorted guitar riff leads into a repeating chorus that conjures misunderstood teenagers singing aloud, maybe too loud, while riding bikes through American suburbs. This foreboding can also be heard on ‘HOV’ though not without poking some fun with lines like ‘Romance is so cold / My advice? To bring a coat’.
A sense of playful ambition and experimentation sits at the core ofHole Erth. Bear has the energy, but is acutely aware that his energy isn’t forever. At a time when the internet is blending multiple genres into one at an increasingly rapid pace, Bear accomplishes the rare feat of keeping up with the contemporary alternative listener. Constantly changing, evolving and experimenting is the heart of Toro y Moi, and on Hole Erth Bear challenges but also reclaims himself, embracing the myriad sounds and eras that formed him, while crashing new worlds together.
Hole Erthis out September 6, 2024, on Dead Oceans.
Rising hip hop sensation Milkah released her latest single‘Crazy Star’on 19 July 2024. ‘Crazy Star’ is the lead single from her forthcoming debut project ‘Girls Like Me’. Milkah has been making waves in the Brisbane music scene since 2019. The essence of her sound is a fusion of different styles, as she draws inspiration from the likes of Eminem, Britney Spears, and Dej Loaf, as well as the current American and U.K rap genres.
‘Crazy Star’ is a rap-drill track that’sa testament to her growth and evolution as an artist. Milkah is renowned for her strong and seductive sound, and ability to merge memorable flows with thought-provoking lyricism, which has catapulted her to the forefront of the Australian rap scene.The single is an empowering anthem about standing one’s ground and overcoming disloyalty, reflecting on her personal experiences and resilience as both a person and an artist.
Milkah shares: “‘Crazy Star‘ is about a man who is disloyal and other girls who are always trying to have a taste of what’s mine, just because it’s mine. I’m sure every girl has felt like fighting for what is theirs, but in the second verse, I mellow it out by talking about where I’m heading, almost to just leave it (and them) all behind. As for the title of the song, ‘Crazy Star’, I mean every icon I have ever looked up to has been somewhat different or labelled crazy, while probably just being misunderstood; I can relate to that.”
Professional footballer and musician Dide, is back with another monolith hit. In his latest single ‘Human’released on 11 July 2024,Dideuses his experience as a professional football player who has experienced racism, discrimination and prejudice tofuel the track.
‘Human’ addresses the barbaric fallout from the 2020 Euro finals where England lost to Italy after penalties, resulting in Black football players facing extreme racial abuse. Dide channels this excruciatingly painful and traumatic experience into ‘Human’.
Dide’s music career launched just a year ago with his debut single ‘Thrill’, which garnered the artist millions of streams, exhibiting his powerful ability to tell emotively-driven stories. His impact and influence are undeniable and expanding at a rapid rate, with his music being a vessel for him to not only share his trauma and challenges, but also hope, resilience and truth.
In the music video, Dide is seen in the centre of London donning his England top with snapshots of the moments when the racism took place. With a sound likened to British rap heavyweights Dave, Clavish, and Potter Payper, Dide packs a tight punch with incisive lyrics and polished production.
Dide’s power lies in his ability to make marginlised communities feel seen and heard, by being brutally honest about his experiences, views and values. This, as well as his lyrical prowess and impeccable delivery is what makes Dide a formidable force in the music industry worldwide.
Professional football player and esteemed artist Dide, has released his latest offering ‘Mental’ on June 20, 2024. Dide uses ‘Mental’ as a form of therapy and healing as he processes his emotions, lifestyle and personal life throughout the track.
Dide is a world-renowned football player, who released his debut track ‘Thrill’ in 2023 which catapulted his music career. ‘Thrill’ garnered millions of streams across platforms, and proved that Dide is not only a force on the field, but behind the mic too. Throughout his football career Dide experienced public scrutiny, physical injuries, racism, financial exploitation and loneliness, all of which contributed to the theme behind ‘Mental’.
In ‘Mental’, Dide is vulnerable, open and honest. His flow is effortless and glides over the hard-hitting Grime beat. Although the track addresses some heavier themes, Dide’s authenticity and profound talent can not be ignored. Dide’s resiliency and bravery are extremely admirable, and will undoubtedly create a stronger connection with his dedicated fans. If anything, ‘Mental’ exhibits why Dide is one to watch.
Lonely Leonard has returned to the music industry with a bang on his debut album titled BLOCKBUSTER. Before his return, the Phoenix-based artist worked as a porn director for a short while, and was inspired by his unique life experiences to create this album. Released on 14 June, the 11-track album melts together elements of Drill, Jersey Club and EDM, while each track illustrates a different side of his creativity, from catchy hooks and thought-provoking raps. Lonely Leonard recorded the album with Killroy, who works with the likes of Snoop Dogg, and received engineering assistance from Fritzthaproducer, who has worked with Pop Smoke.
BLOCKBUSTER explores self-exploitation in the name of fame. Lonely Leonard says “listening to BLOCKBUSTER sober is like watching a 3D movie without the glasses on”, emphasising the complexity of the album.
The lead track ‘I Did It’ is hailed as the “anthem for New Jersey”, as it showcases Lonely Leonard’s boldness and ability to effortlessly ride a Jersey Club beat.
Alongside the album release, Lonely Leonard has included album merchandise where a portion of the sales will be donated to the AZ Access to Abortion Fund. Lonely Leonard has already received praise from the likes of Rick Ross, and has been featured on Ebro’s Apple Music Radio Show.
Lonely Leonard adds “In the short term I want to make them fucking recognise. In the long term I want to give people the energy to dream.”
California-based Sierra Leonean producer Thy Young, also known as Francis Tiffa Williams, released his debut album, Scent Of Amie, on June 14th, 2024, via Survival Records LLC. Alongside the album, he will unveil a music video for the focus track, ‘Enjoyment’. Before the album’s release, two singles were dropped. The first, ‘Luck’, received acclaim from EARMILK, while the second, ‘Cocoa (Coco)’ gained support from Music In Africa. Thy Young is renowned as one of Sierra Leone’s top producers, having worked with artists such as Kontri Boss, Dom B., and Swadu Natasha Beckley. He earned the title of Best Music Producer at the Sierra Leone National Entertainment Awards in 2020 and 2021. His influence extends globally, with his work featured on CNN Inside Africa. Drawing inspiration from US Hip-Hop icons like 2Pac and 50 Cent, as well as Sierra Leonean legends such as Jimmy B., Amie Kallon, and Steady Bongo, Thy Young’s music appeals to fans of Rema, Davido, and Obongjayar. With his solo project gaining momentum, Thy Young’s trajectory continues to rise without signs of slowing down.
Scent of Amie presents a dynamic blend of Afrobeat and electronic sounds, showcasing talents like Amie Kallon and Steady Bongo. The standout track, ‘Enjoyment’, features the infectious rhythm of the Gumbe drum, a West African treasure. With its lively bassline and spirited vocals, the song exudes joy and resilience, leaving listeners uplifted. Produced by Thy Young, the album marks a captivating debut, paying homage to the African diaspora with its lush and inspiring sound.
Thy Young revealed: “Scent Of Amie, a dedication to my late mother, pulsates with the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats, enriched by traditional sounds, such as the Gumbe drum, creating a mesmerizing fusion of West Africa and contemporary sounds that captivate the souls of audiences. My album not only features new up-and-coming artists but also legendary musicians such as Amie Kallon, and Steady Bongo. I’m very proud of the cross generational aspect of this project.”
Algerian-Canadian artist Adam Haddour is recently released his highly-anticipated EP, Let Me Land, signaling a notable shift in his musical trajectory. Recognized for his unique blend of R&B-pop fusion, Adam’s sound has evolved to embrace emotive storytelling and cutting-edge production. Beginning his journey with an EP recorded in 2018, Adam became a fixture in London’s music scene before the pandemic prompted a reevaluation of his musical direction. The result is Let Me Land, a five-track exploration of modern romance, exemplified by the brooding electronic pop track ‘Icarus’.
Crafted in collaboration with producer Charlie Zhu and studio engineer Charlie Rolfe, Adam’s sound has been meticulously honed to deliver a fresh, genre-blending experience. Returning to the stage with a headline set at Colours Hoxton, Adam previewed singles from Let Me Land, following the success of his 2022 hit, ‘Forbidden Fruit’. As he invites listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of love, Adam emerges as an artist on the brink of a breakthrough, guided by his soulful vocals and evocative storytelling.
Adam shared: “Icarus is the final song on my five-track EP ‘Let Me Land’. It completes the narrative of a failed love cycle that the tape explores. The tape cycles through all the emotions of love; it starts with the promise of a new-found love in ‘Left the Party’. Icarus is about the inevitable low when romance crashes and burns.”
Rising UK rap sensation TENCE is making waves with his latest Drum & Bass anthem, ‘Make It Happen’, a song perfect for the summer festival circuit. The track dropped on June 10th, 2024 through the Tence Records imprint. Recently featured in The Source and on JDZ’s channel, TENCE has transitioned from local talent to a breakout ‘cross-genre’ artist to watch, blending lyrical prowess with infectious energy.
Hailing from the East Midlands, TENCE’s music reflects his local roots while resonating internationally. With a growing global fanbase and consistent Spotify plays, he stands out in the industry with his relatable lyrics and dynamic musicality.
‘Make It Happen’ showcases TENCE’s impressive range over festival-ready drum and bass beats. With impeccable flow and high-energy delivery, TENCE is poised to continue his ascent in the UK music scene, recently gaining attention from industry figureheads and underground radio stations alike.
Cleveland’s own label, 904L World Class Sound, has unveiled its third EP, expanding its musical repertoire. Leading the charge is label founder Sound On Tape with his latest release, ‘Gods Don’t Die’.
Featuring a blend of reflective keys, intricate broken beats, and soulful gospel vocals by Kyle Kidd,‘Gods Don’t Die’ offers a versatile track suitable for diverse settings. Hailing from Cleveland, OH, Sound On Tape draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences, including El-B, Burial, Mr. Fingers, Sticky, as well as revered Black gospel icons like CL Franklin, Pastor T.L. Barrett, the Youth for Christ Choir, and Mahalia Jackson.
His debut EP, Hush Harbors, released through 904L World Class Sound, showcases his distinctive fusion of electronic elements rooted in Garage, 2-Step, Jazz, and beyond. This was followed by the label’s second release, featuring Sullivan!’s captivating and hypnotic minimal house EP.
