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New RnB Music Blog

Sweet Limb – Straight Up: Upbeat & Soul-Bleached Texas RnB

Posted on 17 December 2022

With speaker-blasting bass reverberating under the jazzy keys and colourful dream-pop melodies, Sweet Limb’s alternative RnB single, Straight Up, is a straight-up masterpiece.

His direct spoken-word hip hop-style vocals over the intricately layered instrumentals pull you right into the centre of the playful, upbeat, and soul-bleached record that will spill dopamine every time you hook into the high-vibe release. “I don’t trust anyone but us” may be a simple lyric, but the romanticism within it is powerfully profound in the context of the dreamy single that pays homage to the salvation in connection.

Straight Up is just one of the singles found on Sweet Limb’s sugar rush of a 2022 EP, Vibes, which is everything it says on the tin. The Texas-based DIY independent artist Chris Robinson always draws from real-life experience to give the guarantee that every release you dip into that has seeped from his stunningly creative mind will resound on a resonant level.

Straight Up is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kourdell Shows Up to Show It

Posted on 17 December 2022

Sometimes an artist’s story arc seems like it was written by a Hollywood script wizard. Kourdell, a New York State native, has had a successful life doing things in the background – such as being a dancer on MTV, BET, and performing at Madison Square Garden. Completing his bona fides it looks like he’s ready to become the main attraction. And dear readers, let me tell you, the word “ready” is an understatement.

Kourdell’s song “Just Show It” (available on his Spotify page) is a breakout track in a million ways. First, his vocals are captivating and resonant – with crisply articulated lyrics and a romantic swagger that Cary Grant would admire. The beat too is an engineering work of art. With phased guitar strums, and ear-candy vocalizations in the background – morphing drums a la Bjork’s “Vespertine.” The track evolves in a way that shows it was meticulously crafted.

There’s also an interesting sci-fi/space-themed lyric video on YouTube. Here we get to see Kourdell’s visual arts side. He seems like a classy guy, which goes with the style of his music, so no surprise there. I end up reviewing a lot of music as part of my day job, and I feel like I have a pretty good sense of whose music is going to gain traction, and I can say confidently that Kourdell is a safe bet.

Had To Pull Back: Sulu and Excelsior urges us to be smart in love on Run and Hide

Posted on 15 December 2022

With a groovy flow which shall transport your spirit into a timeless world, Sulu and Excelsior have that genuine vibe and shall get all fingers clicking in delight with Run and Hide.

Sulu and Excelsior aka Steven E. Mallorca is a Manhattan, New York-based indie solo RnB/soul artist and award-winning filmmaker.

Sometimes you hear a song, and it somehow changes your mood in a flash. Run and Hide by Sulu and Excelsior is that song. Its catchy energy is so foot tapping, it could shake all worries away.

Run and Hide from Manhattan, New York-based indie RnB/soul artist Sulu and Excelsior is a jovial effort which shall get all bodies on that dance floor. Soaked in so much vibrant energy and a heartfelt message for the youth to learn from, this is a genuinely incredible release. The quality and authenticity on offer is just that good, you see?

Never letting go of the moment has never been more vital in modern day society.

See more on the YouTube page. View more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ride the new wave of UK RnB with L’Rockett’s ‘Ain’t My Love Story

Posted on 12 December 2022

Cambridge, UK-hailing singer-songwriter and producer L’Rockett has pushed the envelope of RnB by writing his antithesis of a love letter, Ain’t My Love Story.

Fully owning up to the recklessly dumb assumptions that spring to mind every time someone causes our hearts to skip a beat, the RnB pioneer ripped up all of the fantastical tropes and refused to sell even more unrealistic romantic expectations to his listeners. In his track which melds elements of synth wave, alt-pop and neo-soul into the instrumentals that cradle his vulnerably inviting vocals, L’Rockett stands by his word of taking you to places you’ve never been before.

After making his debut, the exceptionally promising artist has been on heavy rotation on BBC Introducing, with his music being selected for ‘Track of the Day’. Perceptibly, the best is yet to come for the up-and-coming artist as he continues to say the unspoken and breaks boundaries with his sultry electro-pop RnB flavour.

Ain’t My Love Story is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Iamyungtip – Locked Out: Future-Ready RnB Hip Hop

Posted on 11 December 2022

Looking back on a scar-littered relationship, Iamyungtip’s latest single, Locked Out, is a remorseful retrospective account of a chapter of history where the lows pitted out the highs, but the affection is unwaning.

The mature slice of future-ready RnB hip hop is a testament to the Youngstown, Ohio-based artist’s songwriting skills that he has been working on since he was eight years old when he wrote poetry for his crushes. In adulthood, he’s lost none of the diehard romanticism and picked up plenty of sonic skills to evolve his expression from the page to the airwaves.

The melodic hooks, the way his cleverly effect-laden harmonised vocals lock in with the sweepingly arrestive melodies and the way he always brings you into the heart of his music makes him a triple threat and a playlist staple worthy artist for anyone who appreciates a hip hop icon unafraid to show his emotion.

Locked Out is now available to stream on Spotify,

Review by Amelia Vandergast

KOURDELL Interview: Freshly inspiring New York state of mind mentality

Posted on 7 December 2022

We sat down with the ultra talented KOURDELL to slice it up music-wise. He lets up deep within the NYC underground and shows us why he stuck up for himself at school and followed his soul despite many challenges.

Hello there KOURDELL. Gosh, we’re huge fans of your name and music equally. Thank you for your time today. First, have you always dreamt of being a musician, or how did it all start?

Hey there, thank you so much for your support and your time as well! I’ve always dreamt about being a worldwide performer. It’s not something I ever planned to be. I just always have been an artist inside. I remember wanting to sing and dance in preschool, at a time when I was told that boys don’t sing and dance. I still followed my soul and knew there was no other option for me.

Please tell us more about your exciting debut single, Just Show It.

My new single “Just Show It” is my debut! It’s my first original production that I shared with the world. Produced by my friend Raymond Scavo III, who just got nominated for his first Grammy! It describes exactly where I’m at in life. As I progress on my journey of becoming who I am supposed to be, I want the people who say they love and support me to, Just Show It! If not, that’s ok! I can do bad all by myself.

If you could share the stage with any 3 artists of your choosing, who would you choose?

That’s tough to narrow down! But I will have to choose:

Drake – because he has written the soundtrack of my entire life every step of the way.

Rihanna – she is the major blueprint and inspiration in my artistry.

Summer Walker – her soulfulness is something I connect to deeply, I will be able to sing the soul music I love the most, and we’re both Aries.

New York. Have you always lived there and what inspires you most about this enormous city?

I have lived here my whole life. What inspires me the most about NYC is that anything is possible. You can be whatever and whoever you want to be at anytime. But the real and authentic will always come out on top over here. NYC is as real as it gets! Brings out your inner beast.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Do not let anyone steal your peace and joy.”

A recurring piece of advice that has been given to me throughout my life and the most important to me. Don’t give weak people power over you!

Where would you recommend fans watch quality underground live music in your local area?

This is New York City, so there are so many options and always a new place to explore. But I would say Village Underground, The Cutting Room, and The Bitter End, are some to name a few.

Last, do you have anything cookin’ music/tour-wise in 2023 that you can share with us?

2023, the sky is the limit for my music! I am going to release my first EP in the spring. I’m looking forward to many live performances that I will keep you guys updated to look out for!

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Listen up on Spotify. Find out more on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Uriel J. Winfree III brought in the future of RnB with the cinematically sensuous ‘Stranger of Mine’

Posted on 4 December 2022

Uriel J. Winfree III’s latest genre-fluid single, Stranger of Mine, will school you in sensuality. The Brooklyn-based artist takes influence from Chino (Deftones), Black Dante, Sam Cook and Hendrix for his hypnotically seductive amalgams of R&B, Indie, Rap, Hip Hop and Soul.

Stranger of Mine starts with a futuristic hyper-pop prelude before the smooth demure energy starts to flood the intricately layered electronica instrumentals, which push RnB beyond the contemporary curve. He single-handedly created a new trajectory in the evolution of the genre while keeping the impassioned soul and romanticism that the genre’s roots will always be implanted.

The tattooist, actor, filmmaker, singer-songwriter and performer seems to have cinematic multi-faceted talent from every pore. The best part? None of his elevated and artful creations feels too stylised to resonate as inaccessible.

Stranger of Mine is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Le-Lilia Interview: Sensational Staffordshire underground gem shines on Lucii

Posted on 4 December 2022

With her classy vocals and genuine nature bursting with pure joy, we were fortunate to have a quick chat with the excellent 20-year-old Staffordshire singer-songwriter Le-Lilia. She leads us deep into her self-aware mentality and answers with purpose in this insightful interview.

Thank you for taking the time to speak to us today, Le-Lilia. Please guide us into a normal day for you and what keeps you busy?

Le-Lilia: My day starts with rehearsing new songs for my gigs and upcoming releases. I love to take time out of my day to sit and song-write as well as keeping up to date with my social media and interacting with people and my supporters. I also work part time as a sales representative.

You represent Staffordshire. Are you still based there or do you only visit family there?

Le-Lilia: Yes, I live in Burntwood, Staffordshire. This is where I do a lot of my performing.

You’re in charge of the entire UK music business for 24 hours only. What would you change and why?

Le-Lilia: I would like to see more opportunities for new and upcoming artists as it’s hard to get noticed and heard in this business. I would also love to see more festivals aimed at new artists so that they can showcase their talents.

Please tell us more about Lucii. What does this song mean to you and please let us know about your connection with Best Of London Music?

Le-Lilia: Lucii is all about a young girl who wants to be older before her time. This song means a lot to me as it’s my first release with (Bolm) Bestoflondon Music, I am so excited to be a part of this music company who gave me this opportunity when I signed to them at the end of August this year.

When you close your eyes and imagine being on stage, what does it feel like and may you kindly detail all the emotions?

Le-Lilia: I have been dreaming about being a singer since I was very young. It is my passion, therefore, if I was to perform on stage it would be very emotional as I have worked so hard for so many years to make this dream a reality.

If you could open for any artist in the world, who would it be?

Le-Lilia: Growing up, I was inspired by Adele and listening to her music encouraged me to start writing my own songs. Another great artist that I admire is James Arthur. I would love to be able to open for him because I am a huge fan of his music along with Lewis Capaldi. I love the stage presence and charisma of these artists and it would be a dream come true to perform alongside them.

Last of all, where can we find you live next or do you have any exciting projects lined up for 2023?

Le-Lilia: I’m really excited for 2023. I have many new songs that I will be looking to release. I will be continuing my local gigs as well as hopefully having the opportunity to perform at festivals and more nationwide performances.

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Hear this fine song on Spotify. See more vibes on her IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Raelle transformed grief into grace in her orchestral RnB Jazz Fusion, Cruel Nostalgia

Posted on 2 December 2022

Following her phenomenally successful single Grace, the London-based breakthrough artist and producer Raelle is here with a gleaming fusion of jazz and orchestral RnB, Cruel Nostalgia.

After losing a close friend to suicide at the start of the year, Raelle was locked in a spiral of grief, where nostalgia was the only comfort and reprieve. Anyone who has ever suffered loss will know how impossible it is to envision anything but the wrenching depression that alienates you from everyone else that carries on in their on-kilter world.

Without the context, Cruel Nostalgia is a stunning score of soul, complete with cinematic flourishes which embrace the fleeting beauty of the bitter world through the live orchestral arrangements and acid-style percussion. In context, it radiates even more beguile by resonating as a sonic redemption story and definitive proof that even if you have to look to the innocence of youth to feel joy, it is still there for the taking.

Cruel Nostalgia will be available to stream from December 2nd. Check out the sensuous single via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tiana Dean Interview: Classy vocals and a new EP to feel rejuvenated with

Posted on 28 November 2022

We sat down with the wildly talented Tiana Dean recently to chat all about her new EP and more. Full of life and so much passion, we find out more about this dynamic musician and her current mindset in this challenging world.

Thanks so much for speaking with us today, Tiana. We love your fresh music vibe with such honest lyrics. Let’s start with this. Where do we find you today and how did you get started with music?

Tiana: I can be found at Tianadeanoffical on Instagram and Facebook and Tiana Dean on all streaming platforms and YouTube.
I’ve always been in music. I often tell myself it just runs in my veins. Singing, dancing and writing have always been something I did to past the time as a child. I grew up singing in my church choir as well as early childhood school years.
I was shaped by what I heard around me. The gospel and jazz from my mom the Michael Jackson, Jacket Jacket, and Mariah Carey from my dad. Ciara, Destiny Child, and Eminem, from my oldest sister , to Maroon Five, All American Hero’s, Arvil Laverine from my younger sister and everything rap, Luda, Wayne, Jay Z from my brother. I just always liked what I like and was drawn to certain sounds. I spent hours making up my own beats in my head and writing verses and choruses in my room.
I’ve been recording/releasing music for about 7 years now and fell in love with it the first time I ever recorded a song. It truly is a magical experience.

What core elements do you feel are needed to make the music scene better long-term?

Tiana: Making it more about the music and less about the glitz and glam and who you know. I see a lot of talent and a lot of hard working independent artist trying to make it in a world that’s designed around how desperate people are to be popular and liked. The best music comes from the heart, from emotion and feelings, passion and experiences.

Please explain all about the exciting process to complete your debut 5-track EP and who was involved?

Tiana: The process was rigorous lol. I went through so many songs and so many ideas. I had thoughts of not dropping anything this year and waiting. I was so focused on trying to make a project I thought people would want to hear I wasn’t making anything I liked. I came across a beat off YouTube during the time I called myself giving up and created my single “Lovin It Here” off the “Dear Diary” EP. After being sparked by lovin it here and being able to tell my story that way in a song I was sold on making whatever I was going to drop as a project a pop project.
I found a producer off YouTube named Vshy and literally every beat he had was perfect for the sound and vibe I was going for. I recorded the entire EP at Halfspint Productions Mixed and mastered. There are no features on the project so everything is written by me. All the songs on the Dear Diary EP were written this year within months of the release of the project. Literally my entire project scratched and recreated within months of an album release date because I was inspired by a whole new feel and vibe. Something that was more me.

To release the project and debut the EP a “Night With Tiana Dean” was presented by BlackDolla in Cincinnati Oh. I was accompanied by a live band, The Vault, as well as three amazing opening acts, Siri Imani, Jade Alexis, and Young Reese Rude. It was truly A night to remember and a great introduction into the first project dropped by Tiana Dean.

When you close your eyes and imagine being on a massive stage with fans cheering, what does it feel like?

Tiana: For me, it feels breathtaking. I often imagine how a show will go before it happens and the feeling that overcomes me is overwhelming. Almost too much to handle. I honestly can only imagine what something like that would really feel like! One day though, for sure.

Cincinnati, Ohio. How is the music scene doing and do you feel like the whole local industry is thriving again?

Tiana: I think the music scene in Cincinnati is growing. From where it was when I started to where it is now, it has grown tremendously. I see a lot of artists here getting recognition and getting outside the city. Artists are investing in themselves and working together. It’s a lot of love going around the city, from what I see. So many opportunities are around for artist to be able to express themselves and get their name out there.

Who or what inspires you most in the world?

Tiana: My parents inspire me the most. They are two of the most hardest working, selfless people I know. They were my first examples of what success looks like, what discipline is. I dedicated a lot of life just to make my parents proud and I believe they are.

Where can we find you live next at a show?

Tiana: I’m currently booking for the year 2023. You can follow me on my website and subscribe for notifications regarding upcoming events, new music releases, merch, and shows!

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Listen up on Spotify. See more vibes on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen