Browsing Tag

Afrobeat Hip Hop

GeeMarr became the sound of summer with his afrobeat scorcher, Sosa

Posted on 3 August 2024

The Jamaica-born, South London-raised artist and producer, GeeMarr, continued his ascent from the underground with his latest single, Sosa. The irresistibly rich synthesis of rhythm, obsession and soul is poised to become any discerning afrobeat fan’s quintessential summer anthem.

Sosa fuses his foundational influence of afrobeat rhythms with the verve of hip-hop and the intricacy of Latin-infused melodies to weave sensuous intimacy throughout the production; each beat becomes a seductive pulse which seizes the warmth of summer.

The instrumental complexity surpasses typical chart-topping hits, showcasing a depth that hints at GeeMarr’s potential to redefine genre boundaries. Each layer of sound is meticulously crafted, from the soulful synths to the bouncy Afrobeat drums, culminating in a hook that lingers long after the final note.

The artfully crafted experience designed to pull listeners into a vivid atmosphere of rhythmic celebration is accompanied by a high-production music video that mirrors the song’s dynamic energy. Through visuals that are as vibrant as the track itself, the video highlights the dancy, energetic nature of Sosa, further cementing GeeMarr’s footprint in the Afrobeat domain.

Written, produced, and performed by GeeMarr, ‘Sosa’ stands as a testament to his artistry and vision. With its intricate instrumentals and thematic richness, the track is set to leave a lasting impression. As Sosa gains traction, it’s clear that GeeMarr is crafting a legacy that will soon beckon a mainstream awakening to his sound.

The official music video for Sosa, which has already racked up over 25k reviews, premiered on July 18; be a part of the hype and stream the video on YouTube or check out the track on all major streaming platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

KillaHrtz – Delusional: Let Your Logic Slip with the Hottest Hip-Hop Hit of the Summer

Posted on 29 May 2024

Delusional by KillaHrtz featuring Ronnie Quest and Jibril is drenched in a hazy heat and anchored in rhythmically rich textures. Starting with sultry Latin guitars, this single is poised to be the hottest hip-hop hit of the summer – literally and figuratively. The lyrics artfully explore how easily lust can lead to delusion, while the beats provide a foundation of impossible-to-resist organic danceable rhythms

Produced by KillaHrtz and Empedoklez, Delusional exemplifies the seamless blend of style and soul. KillaHrtz, a versatile producer based in Los Angeles, is renowned for his exceptional sound quality and production skills. As the founder of KillaHrtz Productions, he brings a unique, positive energy to every project, making him a sought-after collaborator in the industry.

The dynamic vocal performances from Ronnie Quest and Jibril further elevate the track as the sensually tropical vibes of Delusional invite listeners to let their logic slip and fully immerse themselves in the hot and heavy experience. With its infectious grooves and cultivated lyrical cadence, Delusional is a standout release that will undoubtedly dominate summer playlists.

As KillaHrtz prepares to release more singles and an eagerly anticipated EP project in 2024, Delusional sets a high bar and leaves us eager for what’s next.

Delusional is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Flex3r created a meditative dreamscape with his pop-hip-hop crossover, Let It Go

Posted on 21 October 2023

Flex3r (AKA Cedric Kasongo) versed the bars that punctuate his honeyed harmonies straight from the soul in his latest cocktail of hip-hop, RnB, Afrobeat and pop, Let It Go. Since making his debut, he’s established himself as an authentically compelling creator who pushes the limits of hip-hop; with Let It Go, he allowed his sound to sit on a plateau of pure mindful compassion.

While no one ever needs permission to let negativity go, we all need affirmations weaved into cathartically euphonic soundscapes from time to time. Harbouring hate will only serve to hold you back in life; let it go, and unshackle yourself with this stunning dreamscape of a release that borders on psychedelic etherealism.

The Congolese-American recording artist is clearly one to watch; from the distinction in his signature style to the revelations in his lyrics, the melody-maker who was born in DR Congo, raised in Zambia, and lives in Baton Rouge, is unparalleled through his determination to stay in his own lane.

Let It Go breathed freedom onto the airwaves on October 13; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kevin Paradise drove his melodies into the fast lane with his genre-fluid Afro-centric hit, Racecar.

Posted on 13 September 2023

The American artist, Kevin Paradise (AKA Pop Paradise), always keeps a firm rhythmic grip on his Togolese roots in his radio-ready productions. His latest single, Racecar, which follows his riotously sun-kissed seminal EP, Anarchy in Paradise, provides the perfect introduction to his authentic Afro-blend sound.

Racecar amalgamates elements of Afrobeat with hip-hop and pop to deliver a distinctive cocktail of culture that will intoxicate your rhythmic pulses from the first verse. Between the intricate beats, soaring sax lines and sensually high-fire vocal lines, don’t be surprised if your speakers start to blow smoke while they’re pulsating to the grooves.

When Kevin Paradise isn’t creating floor fillers and party starters, in the vein of Racecar, he’s delivering relatable lyricism to his audience that has come to revere his lyricism as resonant sonic gold. His dynamic discography is a sure sign he will hold dominion over the Afrobeat terrain for years to come.

Stream Racecar, which cruised onto the airwaves this summer, on Spotify.

Keep up to date with the latest hits from Kevin Paradise on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

THE VISION blurred sonic boundaries beyond definition in his latest rocksteady with vibes production, WANNA KNOW

Posted on 25 July 2023

Sonic boundaries blurred beyond definition in the latest single, WANNA KNOW, from the London-based fusionist artist, engineer, and producer, THE VISION. Instead of pandering to arbitrary stylistic parameters, the alternative artist let rhythm and soul take the wheel and drive with the top down while painting a contemporary love story with more twists than a Shakespearean tragedy.

With so many lyrical layers to unpeel in WANNA KNOW, the trap pop hit spills a narrative that keeps giving with every listen; lock into the lyricism or lose yourself in the steamy synthetics of the hit, that provides the ultimate soundtrack to hazy summer nights with the Afrobeat rhythms, pop hooks, trap beats and deeply reverberant RnB vocal melodies.

WANNA KNOW hit the airwaves on the 14th of July; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Alex Caban embraced the future of Afrobeat Hip-Hop with ‘Anything’, featuring Jessica Peros

Posted on 15 February 2023

Brooklyn-based Hip-hop and Afrobeat fusionist Alex Caban is in fiery fresh form in his latest visionary EP, Love Letters. In the standout single, Anything, dark, moody, and future-ready electronica motifs collide with more evocatively inclined instrumentals to balance soul and scorn; the lyrical interplay between Caban and the featuring artist Jessica Peros amplifies the evocatively torrid gravity of the release to the nth degree. If there is any track that alludes to the danger of limerence, it is this consistently evolving narrative of insecurity, jealousy and passion.

With Jessica Peros’ Lady Gaga-Esque sultry vocal lines against Caban’s rapid-fire canter that will leave heads in a rhythmic spin, Anything is an impassioned triumph that makes no bones about alluding to how deep emotions run. Instead of scratching the surface, the lyricality of Caban’s emotionally-rounded triumph digs affectionately deep.

With meta lines such as “You’re not an astronaut, so why are you needing space”, the stellar production and the sonic distinction, you can consider Alex Caban a triple-threat.

Stream the Love Letters EP via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

DemiGawd Ken captured the lusty vibes of closing time in his vibe-heavy RnB Hip Hop single, Last Call

Posted on 10 October 2022

The Florida-residing first generation Haitian American up-and-coming artist, DemiGawd Ken, captured the lusty vibes of closing time in his latest release, Last Call. We’ve all been there, not wanting the night to end while intoxicated on the company as much as the alcohol that has heightened the emotions; DemiGawd Ken’s compelling narrative lyrical style will take you right back there.

With its radio-ready production, soulfully playful disposition, and earworm tendencies inspired by Drake, T-pain and Kanye, Last Call is a serious contender for RnB hip hop track of the year. There is no listening to DemiGawd Ken without being pulled into the vibe of his sunny side-up demeanour, which makes the airwaves infinitely sweeter.

Last Call is now available to stream on YouTube, and Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

CK LDN is all-in in his latest hip hop single, She’s for Me

Posted on 10 October 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-IlBnEnNHQ

There are few things sweeter than devout outpours of affection; prepare for the ultimate sugar rush when you delve into the up-and-coming London-based rapper, songwriter, and producer, CK LDN’s latest single, She’s for Me.

Realism and romanticism don’t often go hand in hand, but they have a tight grip on each other between the cheeky rap bars, the bouncy Afrobeat rhythms and the vocal delivery that takes you to CK LDN’s ‘whole other level’.

This sophomore release proves that CK LDN was true to his melodious word in his debut single, Moving On, which has picked up plenty of hype since its 2022 release. With his talent easily matching his charisma, CK LDN is definitely one to watch.

The official music video for She’s for Me Premiered on September 30th. Check it out on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

GIFTED rocks Afropop with hip hop in his latest single, Mr. Oh No

Posted on 6 October 2022

Afropop rocks with hip hop in the up-and-coming artist GIFTED’s latest single, Mr. Oh No, which brings the best out of his trademark lyrical hook, which any of the Canadian artist’s fans will know to be “oh no, oh no”.

It sounds simple, but with the soul that GIFTED pours into his vocal delivery, it is an efficaciously ensnaring feat of vocal melodicism that proves why the young luminary hasn’t failed to rack up in excess of 50k streams with some of his releases that are all about the warm melodic loops and the vibes which prove that conviction doesn’t need to be synonymous with aggression.

Mr. Oh No officially dropped on September 22nd; check it out on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nu Deal x Cityboidre – Going Live, featuring O. Reynolds: Prepare Your Summer Hip Hop Playlists

Posted on 19 August 2022

‘Going Live’ is the latest urban genre-fluid track from the Orlando, Florida production company, Nu Deal Music Group, which platforms and promotes talents from across the states to Nigeria.

Chicago’s Cityboidre and Orlando’s O. Reynolds made sure that the collaborative chemistry flowed through the definitive summer hit, which doesn’t break the wheel; instead, it adds some exotic Afrobeat dancehall flavour to classic hip hop signatures.

Any fans of Vybz Kartel, Spice, Elephant Man, and Bounty Killer will want to make Going Live a firm fixture of their summer hip hop playlists. The sun-kissed and enigmatic vibes take are taken to evocative new heights with the infectiously bright energy and the polished production.

The official music video for Going Live premiered on July 29th; check it out here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast