Home Blog Page 2

Q052 Drops Fiery Boom Bap Anthem ‘Loud Sunday’ from Upcoming Album Thunder Child

0

Today marks the release of Q052‘s latest single ‘Loud Sunday’, hitting streams via the Musique Nomade label. This track is the third peek into his much anticipated album Thunder Child, slated for October 10, 2025. Following the buzz from his prior release ‘Space Invaders’, which snagged props from CLASH Magazine, Q052—real name Quentin Condo—continues to build on his reputation as a Mi’gmaq rapper and activist. The ‘Q‘ nods to his first name, while 052 represents his Indigenous community’s number. He’s a vocal champion for Indigenous rights, zeroing in on youth issues and safeguarding women and girls. 

His accolades stack up too: he nabbed Best Male Hip-Hop Artist at the 2023 International Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards, plus noms like Indigenous Artist of the Year at the 2021 ADISQ Gala, and spots at the 2022 Teweikan Gala for Expressive Music Artist/Group and Blues/Rock Artist/Group. Thunder Child even scored a 2022 GAMIQ nod for Hip-Hop Album. On the live front, Q052 has crushed sets alongside Cypress Hill, hit festivals like FEQ, La Noce, OFF Québec, Innu Nikamu, Festival Kwe!, FME, Festival Bleu Bleu, and Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée, and he’s a staple on TVA‘s La Tour.

‘Loud Sunday’ dives headfirst into hip-hop’s boom bap roots, blending sub-deep basslines with dark synth layers and a haunting melody that amps up the tension. Q052 draws inspiration from industry heavy-weights like Ty Segall, Immortal Technique, Cypress Hill, Black Sabbath, and Rage Against the Machine, creating a unique blend of hip-hop, grunge, alt rock, and spoken word. His sharp lyrics hit hard on social issues, Indigenous identity, and personal battles

Q052 shared: “This song is about the senseless wars that are going on in the world and how society has become so tolerant of the tyrants destroying humanity.”

Stream Loud Sunday:

Follow Q052:
InstagramFacebookSoundcloudYoutubeSpotify

Soni Explores Dreams in Hip-Hop with Latest Track ‘Rich Dreams’

0

Memphis rapper Soni put out his new single ‘Rich Dreams‘ on September 22, 2025, adding to his growing presence in hip-hop through experiences that grab you with how close to home they can hit and unrivaled authenticity. He stands out by mixing tight rhymes with melodic genius and charisma that pulls people in, turning his songs into an atmosphere where fun meets more profound thoughts. Coming from Memphis, he’s making his mark as someone who owns his tracks completely, building a name for blending straight-up entertainment with thought provoking hip hop.

The song comes alive with beats full of energy and urban grit, linking Soni‘s flow to old-school roots but hits with a modern edge that’s quite happening in today’s hip-hop scene. He wrote it sporadically but it still plays a significant role in his next album, showcasing his ability to tie daily experiences to his charged-up flows. The mental image of a late 90’s – early 2000’s hip hop music video pops up clearly in the mind’s eye when you listen to this release. Think: Slow motion B-roll, dollar bills reigning down, slick shades and maybe a lowrider down Venice Beach- truly Rich Dreams. It fits right in for people who follow :Hanumankind, Denzel Curry, and Kenny Mason, drawing you close with the beat, charisma and commanding melody that’s easy to approach, but upon a closer listen, you find something deeper.

Soni shared: “To me, Rich Dreams is an anti ‘money fixes all your problems’ song. It’s the idealistic version of life that paints a picture of all the things that make it so unrealistic. In the song, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell that I struggled with confidence, feeling burdensome, or with overcoming times where I’ve felt slighted by people I’ve trusted. But I assume that’s why they call it a dream in the first place.” With this track, Soni shows what he can do, creating hip-hop that stays with you. His album’s coming up, and he’s ready to reach way past Memphis.

Stream ‘Rich Dreams’:

Follow Soni:
SpotifyInstagramYoutube

HAZL Unleashes Music Video for Detroit R&B single ‘Like That’

0

On September 8th, HAZL debuted the music video for ‘Like That’, in celebration of his first release of 2025. The West London-based artist draws from Detroit R&B roots, blending Motown foundations with UK edge that delivers on his signature sound of slick wordplay and smooth vocals. Known for centering Black experiences, HAZL crafts music that uplifts Black communities, marking this as a key project in his catalog where he handles writing, directing, and production. 

Collaborators include videographer MORELIFELONDON, choreographer Alisha ‘Reckless’ Vilhete, model Botshelo ‘Bee’ Nkolobe, and photographer Sach Visuals, bringing a team of UK talents who’ve worked with major names.

The track pulses with energetic Detroit R&B drive, featuring HAZL‘s signature passionate vocals and sharp lyricism. He pours out devotion to a woman who’s simply ‘like that’, mixing romance and sensuality through clever wordplay. Botshelo is surrounded by opulence; from the golden hues of the set to being fed fruit like the classic depictions of peak ancient royalty. The video brings this to life amid French Baroque decor, extravagant trim, luxury brands, and poured wine emphasizing the effortless grace of Black women. The chemistry between HAZL and Botshelo is convincingly sultry and electric- which is extremely refreshing in times where performative acting and virtue signalling flood the modern music industry. 

HAZL had this to say: “I know what you like, what you deserve and what you expect and I will provide it without you even needing to ask. Your favourite food, your favourite wine, clothes, bags, jewellery and how you like to be touched. Whenever, wherever. I am at your beck and call.”

Watch ‘Like That’:

Follow HAZL:

SpotifyYouTubeInstagramTikTok

Jairic Drops Hip-Hop Single ‘Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You’ Today

0

Jairic, the Detroit-born musician, producer, and storyteller now based in Cannes, France, releases his new single ‘Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You’ today, August 29, 2025, through Rich Air Music. He grew up in a musical family in Michigan and kicked off his career making hip-hop beats for local artists. Then he developed his own raw, independent style. His sound draws from legends like Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, along with Detroit’s underground scene, classic funk, 60s rock, and film scores. That mix creates sharp lyrics over fresh production. He’s worked across France, Italy, Prague, and the U.S., pulling in nearly 2 million streams. And he handles everything himself, from writing to performing. Lately, he’s played exclusive sets at Château Les Alouettes in Cannes and Villa Balbiano on Lake Como. He also performed live at the Paris premiere of the short film Azur. These moves put him right at the crossroads of music, film, and fashion.

This hip-hop track hits hard with Jairic’s bold, quick rhymes and detailed sound work that pulls you in right away. It starts with a tense intro, building up to intense sections that reflect his gritty background and push genre limits. The bridge slows things down with warm female vocals for some balance, before jumping back into full hip-hop mode.

Jairic shared: “This one was written in the south of France. Underneath the whole thing there’s this Caribbean pulse as well, smooth, hypnotic, at times chaotic, but the lyrics carry a different weight: don’t run up on me. It’s got that contrast I love, sunlit on the surface, with a sharp edge underneath.

Stream ‘Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You’:

Follow Jairic:

WebsiteInstagramSoundcloudYoutubeSpotify

Doller Unleashes Traphall Heat with New Single ‘WHO HYPE? WHO BRUK?’

0

North London’s own Doller drops his fresh Traphall single ‘WHO HYPE? WHO BRUK?’ today, September 5, 2025, through the Beyond Dis World label. Born Dorante Johnson, Doller grew up soaked in music from his roots reggae dad Kush Tafari and dancehall uncle Flash, kicking off with DIY mixtapes and local clashes before starting the crew Cold Blooded. He leveled up joining The Movement, nailing a big Westwood freestyle and catching spins from top DJs.

Doller’s built his rep with collabs alongside Sir Spyro and Tion Wayne, running his own label Go Getters and even a food-focused YouTube show. He’s earned props from outlets like NOTION, Wordplay Magazine, and GRM Daily, popped up in MTV Base ads, and had his tune ‘Skadoosh’ soundtrack the movie Sket. On the road, he’s toured spots like Dortmund with Jamaican reggae artist Cblock, headlined Hackney Social’s Wynters Wonder List, and joined the Sing for Me Tour with grime heavyweight Ghetts. His tracks get steady love on BBC Radio 1Xtra from selectors like DJ Target, Sian Anderson, and Seani B, with ‘This Year’ grabbing BBC Track of the Week in 2021, locking his spot in UK dancehall, trap, and grime circles. 

Drawing from icons like Vybz Kartel, 50 Cent, Jay Z, Nas, Biggie, Durtty Doogz, and Jodeci, Doller flexes versatility across rap and R&B too, seen in cuts like ‘Money Song’.

The track packs a dark, moody beat with off-kilter drum patterns backing Doller’s sharp, unyielding bars. His smooth, effortless rhymes hit hard, laced with hooky back-and-forth hooks that turn it into a straight-up bold statement piece.

Doller shared: “I wanted everybody in the world to feel comfortable with their financial status and have an anthem to celebrate that.”

Stream ‘WHO HYPE? WHO BRUK?’:

Follow Doller:

InstagramFacebookXSoundcloudTikTokYoutubeSpotify

Tyla Returns with ‘WWP EP’ with a Wizkid Feature That Hits Hard

0

South African artist Tyla dropped her latest project, the WWP EP, on July 25, 2025, and it’s already making noise. This four-track release is a tight showcase of her growth, taking the club-ready pulse of her self-titled debut and spinning it into something broader and bolder. Hailing from South Africa, Tyla has been carving out her space in the global scene, blending Afrobeats, pop, and R&B with a finesse that’s earned her a solid following. Fresh off homecoming shows that lit up her home turf, she’s now got her sights on gigs at All Points East in London on August 23 and the Global Citizen Festival in New York this September.

The EP packs in two earlier singles, ‘IS IT’ and ‘BLISS’, which bring that instant, hook-heavy energy her fans already vibe with. But the real heat comes from the new track ‘DYNAMITE’, a collab with Nigerian heavyweight Wizkid. Produced by P. Priime—the guy behind Wizkid’s game-changing Made In Lagos—this one’s got a late-night edge, weaving Spanish guitar riffs into a bedrock of Afrobeats percussion that keeps it moving. It’s a slick, moody cut that shows Tyla can hold her own alongside a giant like Wizkid.

Tyla’s previous album Tyla showcased a broad spectrum of styles and vocal agility, whereas WWP embraces a more compact, intentional design. Her voice shines as she effortlessly spans her full range, though the EP’s shorter length occasionally makes it feel less impactful. Even so, these four infectious tracks carve out a vibrant space for women to dance and revel in their confidence.

Stream WWP EP:

Follow Tyla:

SpotifyXFacebookInstagram

Mx Cartier, Dr. Chaii, and Benni Ola Drop Afro House Heat with ‘Zesa’

0

Out since July 18, 2025, on IN / ROTATION, ‘Zesa’ teams up Mx Cartier, Dr. Chaii, and Benni Ola for a high-octane afro house cut. Mx Cartier, the Paris-based beatmaker, has been unstoppable since launching in 2024 with his Jorja Smith remix ‘High’ and racking up millions of streams on ‘Oh Na Ri Na’ and ‘My Return Home’ with Benni Ola. His tracks have earned spins from Keinemusik, AmyElle, and more. Benni Ola, LA’s go-to rapper-singer, flexes his range after working with J. Worra and Daktyl, while Dr. Chaii, a Zimbabwean force, brings his joyful energy and pop cred from collabs with Sean Paul, Tyla, and Chris Brown.

This track’s a livewire: ‘Zesa’ locks in with a pulsing bassline, tribal rhythms, and sharp percussive accents. Benni Ola delivers smooth, hip house bars, while Dr. Chaii adds whispered chants and fired-up calls, channeling Afro-Caribbean soundsystem roots. It’s a tight mix of hip-hop, Afrobeatz, dancehall, and deep house that’s built to dominate dancefloors.

Dr. Chaii revealed: “I believe that music is the medicine and this song is no exception. We made a song that captures the energy of celebrating life and staying in your power, no matter what you’re going through. This one means a lot to me and I’m excited for the world to hear it!”

Stream ‘Zesa’

Follow Mx Cartier:
SpotifyInstagram

Follow Dr Chaii:
SpotifyInstagramXFacebook

Follow Benni Ola:
SpotifyInstagram

BIQD Ignites the Scene with Sizzling New Single ‘This Love Is On Fire’

0

Nigerian hip-hop artist BIQD, born Paul Chibuike Chukwukere, dropped his scorching new single ‘This Love Is On Fire’ on March 21, 2025, cementing his spot as a rising force in the genre. All the way from Imo State and now based in Lagos, BIQD has been carving out a unique space in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene since his 2024 debut. Drawing from global heavyweights like Central Cee, Post Malone, and Drake, alongside local legends Psquare and even pop icons Westlife, his sound is a bold blend of introspective rap and melodic hooks. Following his debut EP D’s Genesis and the buzz-generating single ‘BigD’, BIQD continues to build momentum with a style that’s both emotionally raw and universally relatable, earning him a growing fanbase across Africa and beyond.

‘This Love Is On Fire’, produced by the innovative Skilla, is a slow-burning hip-hop anthem that dives into the complexities of love and heartbreak. The track’s moody soul samples and crisp beats create a haunting backdrop, with an evocative sample that echoes like a late-night confession. BIQD’s delivery is sharp yet vulnerable, weaving vivid lyrics that capture the push-and-pull of desire with cinematic clarity. The atmospheric production balances earthy tones with ambient textures, making the song as captivating as it is emotionally heavy, perfect for both introspection and repeat listens.

‘This Love Is On Fire’ showcases BIQD’s ability to balance vulnerability with polished artistry, cementing his role in Nigeria’s hip-hop evolution. The single’s relatable narrative and rich sonic palette highlight his growth since his 2024 debut, proving he’s a consistent force in delivering music that resonates. As Nigerian hip-hop continues to thrive globally, BIQD’s latest release positions him as an artist to watch, blending local roots with a universal sound that’s ready to ignite playlists in 2025.

Stream ‘This Love is On Fire’:

Follow BIQD:

SpotifyInstagramX 

‘Giving Me Love’ Leads James Berkeley’s Stunning Debut Lost Boy, Golden Hour – Stream the Jazz-Soul Fusion Now!

0

(James Berkeley/ Image Credit: Jack Morgan)

British multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter James Berkeley – best known as the former frontman of UK neo-soul outfit Yakul – confidently steps into solo territory with his debut album Lost Boy, Golden Hour and the record’s heartfelt lead single ‘Giving Me Love’, out now.

Blending elements of soul, jazz, dream pop, indie, and electronica, Berkeley crafts a sound that’s distinct yet familiar – think Thundercat meets Japanese Breakfast with shades of Washed Out.

No stranger to the UK jazz, R&B, and soul circuits, James makes his mark with Yakul, from selling out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club three times to collaborating with Mereba and co-writing with Incognito on Tomorrow’s New Dream. He also tours internationally with Incognito, playing residencies at Blue Note Tokyo and Blue Note Milan.

Outside the spotlight, he remains quietly prolific: releasing two EPs as a solo artist and collaborating with long-time creative partner edbl, including their 2022 joint EP, which has racked up over 2 million streams. He also supports acts like Cosmo Pyke and continues to build a reputation for both his studio prowess and magnetic live energy.

With a signature falsetto, jazz-inflected piano voicings, and a passion for analog synth textures, James Berkeley is a genre-defiant artist with something to say. Lost Boy, Golden Hour is more than a debut – it’s a declaration of creative freedom.

Stream Lost Boy, Golden Hour:

Follow James Berkeley:

SpotifyInstagramXFacebook 

OVAVA Music Brings Ibiza’s Heartbeat to Afro House with ‘Cuentame’

0

Born on the sun-soaked shores of Ibiza, OVAVA Music—the brainchild of UK DJ and producer Ollie Mundy—dropped its ninth release, ‘Cuentame’, on the world nearly a year after the label’s debut. This latest track, a collaboration between Italian Afro House duo PRAMA and Argentinian vocalist Estefa Silvera, is a testament to the label’s mission: crafting deep, melodic, and Afro-infused electronic music that resonates globally. Mundy, a seasoned performer who’s lit up stages from Burning Man (with 2.6 million YouTube views to prove it) to venues across Europe and the US, steers OVAVA Music with a curator’s ear. The label’s catalog has already earned nods from Mixmag and DJ Mag, plus spins from legends like Black Coffee and Claptone, cementing its spot in the Afro House scene.

‘Cuentame’ is pure OVAVA Music DNA—think pulsing Afro House beats layered with Estefa Silvera’s haunting vocals and PRAMA’s knack for earthy, melodic grooves. It’s the kind of track that hits you in the chest, perfect for an Ibiza sunrise or a packed dancefloor at 3 a.m. The release follows the label’s trend of spotlighting talent that bridges rhythm and emotion, a formula that’s landed PRAMA a Beatport Afro House No.1 and pushed DJ Hydra’s ‘Moyo Wa Upendo’ into Traxsource’s Top 10. With every beat, OVAVA Music proves it’s not just releasing tracks—it’s shaping the sound of Afro House.

OVAVA Music is about authenticity—music that connects on a deeper level,” says Ollie Mundy, reflecting on the label’s journey. From its monthly OVAVA Music Radio show on Bloop Radio to upcoming releases like Fogel’s ‘Breathing Sea’, the label is all about momentum. Rooted in Ibiza’s free-spirited energy, OVAVA Music isn’t just a label—it’s a vibe, a platform for emerging artists, and a love letter to Afro House. As it nears its one-year mark, Mundy’s vision is clear: this is Ibiza’s soul, remixed for the world.

Stream Cuentame’:

Follow: OVAVA Music:
InstagramWebsiteBeatportSoundcloud

Follow: Ollie Mundy (Label Owner):
Facebook –  InstagramSoundcloudLinktree