Browsing Tag

London RnB

Sofia Jade is nobody’s pawn in her sublimely stylised RnB Pop single

Posted on 31 October 2024

Sofia Jade’s new ambiently arresting RnB pop single, ‘Checkmate,’ delivers a mellow live lounge vibe as the London-based singer-songwriter sensuously stands her own ground on the romantic battleground.

With swathes of Lotharios making calculated moves in the game of love, countless individuals will feel the vindication spill from Checkmate, which the up-and-coming prodigy uses to declare she unapologetically refuses to be played.

Hailing from North London, 23-year-old Sofia Jade has crafted a unique and special story through her music. She found her voice at a young age but only started to pursue writing seriously during lockdown. In 2024, her sonic signature is honed to the nth degree and her lyrical depth is the sonic equivalent of the Grand Canyon.

The clever parables which explore manipulation in Checkmate are an undeniable attestation to Sofia Jade’s ability to heal through music. The track stands as a testament to her resilience and talent, marking her as a notable artist to watch in the RnB scene. Get her on your radar and watch her ascend from the underground.

Checkmate was officially released on October 4th; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify & YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ishy Dee caressed Afrobeat RnB with a sensual touch with his latest single, Mami

Posted on 19 October 2024

With his latest single, ‘Mami’, the conduit of soul, Ishy Dee, continues to redefine the contours of Afrobeat RnB with his ethereally honeyed vox and inspired approach to rhythm

Since erupting onto London’s music scene in 2013, Ishy Dee has garnered the attention of notable figures such as DJ Target from BBC 1Xtra and the discerning critics at GRM Daily, woven his sounds through the city’s streets, headlining numerous shows and accumulated stratospheric stream counts.

‘Mami’ commences with syncopated beats, setting the stage for a deeper immersion into Afrobeat’s rich legacy. As the African rhythms ascend, Ishy Dee’s vocals layer the track with an aphrodisiacal soul. The artist’s choice to preserve the organic essence of the initial recordings adds a raw sincerity to the track, eschewing heavy post-production for authenticity.

The release is a seasonal metamorphosis in sound form, thanks to the way Ishy Dee artfully carries the warmth of summer into the cooler months, making ‘Mami’ a staple for those seeking to keep the chill at bay with love-drenched tones.

As the second instalment of his upcoming EP ‘Feed The Sheets’, following the earlier ‘Paper Planes’, ‘Mami’ has only added to the hype surrounding the breakthrough boundary-pusher.

Stream the latest single from Ishy Dee on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

JJORDAN serenaded his fans out of the scarcity mindset with his exotic RnB release, Abundance

Posted on 17 September 2024

With his latest single, ‘Abundance’, the independent West-London artist, JJORDAN, ushers his listeners into a world where love transcends scarcity and thrives in luxuriant harmony. Infusing R&B with Afrobeat rhythms, JJORDAN has cultivated an exotic sonic aura that’s difficult to find elsewhere in the genre, resulting in a track bordering on celestial through the synthesis of sensuality and a grounded sense of spiritual enlightenment.

Serenading his fans with smooth vocals, JJORDAN celebrates love as a rich, fulfilling experience, encouraging listeners to embrace the right partner when the time comes. His narrative weaves seamlessly through the dynamic rhythms, which evoke an irresistible urge to dance while soaking in the sentiment. A pivotal moment in the track arrives when ‘Abundance’ veers into jazz fusion territory with smoky horn stabs that billow into lush, reverb-heavy production.

With Abundance on your playlists, you can carry the sound of summer into the colder months; the days may get dark, but your playlists don’t need to if you keep JJORDAN, who has been on an upward trajectory ever since his debut release, on your radar.

Abundance sank soul into the airwaves on September 5th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

DemiMa challenged extroverts and vindicated introverts in her transcendently dynamic slice of soul, Be Alone

Posted on 30 July 2024

DemiMa’s latest seminal single, Be Alone is the ultimate sonic paradox; it chills as it soothes as the dark, glitchy and syncopated beats carve a curve-surpassing edge into the production and cast a shadow over the serotonin-infused warmth of the South West London-based South African artist’s euphonic with enlightenment harmonies.

Knowing there’s a pervasive aversion to solitude, which consequently inhibits us from the growth only self-awareness can nurture, DemiMa became a transcendently dynamic voice of reason as she challenged extroverts and vindicated introverts in the single which progressively builds towards a climax of sheer illumination.

Be Alone, taken from her latest album, Duality Pt 1 Chaos, is the perfect introduction to her unique sonic identity, constructed through a synthesis of electronic soul and an experimental take on her aural ancestral roots. Her ethereal alternative sound has resonated with fans across the globe, as evidenced by her traction on platforms like BBC Radio 1, MTV Africa, and Teen Vogue USA.

The song’s measured pace and layered electronic textures invite listeners to explore the quieter corners of their minds while affirming that there are few voices as essential in the music industry as DemiMa’s.

The official music video for Be Alone premiered on July 26; stream the video on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: ELZON broadened the alt-RnB hip-hop horizon with his psychedelic trip of a hit, ‘expensive dreams’

Posted on 4 June 2024

ELZON redefined the boundaries of alt-RnB and hip-hop with his latest single, expensive dreams. The London-based artist, known for his rich cultural background and boundary-pushing music, delivered a scintillatingly serene installation of hypnotic innovation which begins with a visionary overture that lures listeners into transcendence, where dreamy 8-bit tones meld seamlessly with cloud rap influences.

The track is a kaleidoscope of cultivation, opening a portal to unrestrained artistic expression. As the song progresses, it builds towards a mesmerising mid-section, characterised by ethereal falsettos reminiscent of The Weeknd’s early work. This shift in tone, akin to a record player hitting play on a fresh LP, elevates the track into a crescendo that injects subtle intensity and speaks of ELZON’s status as a revered pioneer who is well on his way to becoming a viral sensation.

Produced between London and Manchester, with the signature touches of Elliot Taylor and Blamebrazy, expensive dreams is a testament to ELZON’s relentless pursuit of pushing leftfield sounds into the mainstream.

ELZON describes the track as a “psychedelically experimental rap/RnB track inspired by Frank Ocean and Lucki, featuring cloud rap-influenced instrumentals and Blond-esque pitched vocals”. This fusion creates a lush soundscape of surreal serenity that speaks to the senses louder with every listen.

ELZON’s journey from his early days making music in his bedroom to collaborating with Grammy-nominated producers attests to his talent and dedication, which the airwaves will see more of later this year when he unleashes his art PUNK mixtape.

Stream expensive dreams on Spotify, and follow ELZON on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The UK’s hottest RnB trio, Y.Q.S, Harmonised Through An Interplay of Light and Dark Duality in Their Latest Single, No Angel

Posted on 24 May 2024

Y.Q.S’s latest harmonised-to-the-nines contemporary RnB single, No Angel, is a sublime equilibrium that delicately balances shadow and light, embodying the complexity of feminine energy and autonomy. This track emerges from the depths of personal scars and speaks volumes of universal archetypes, presenting itself as a bold declaration of independence against the backdrop of love’s darker, often unexplored side.

Y.Q.S, a supergroup hailing from the urban melting pots of London and Manchester, channels their rich RnB heritage into a modern narrative that will ensnare fans of iconic ensembles like 3LW and Destiny’s Child. No Angel is steeped in the trio’s signature style of lush, interwoven harmonies, elegantly layered over a trappy, contemporary beat that amplifies the track’s luxe feel.

The production, handled by Klaudia Keziah and Jojo Farinella at Southampton’s Red Room Studios, further refines the single’s polished fiery signature that carries the potent with empowerment lyrics, which create a resonant anthem for those who navigate the tightrope walk of self-sacrifice in relationships.

As Y.Q.S stands poised on the brink of further acclaim, having already graced platforms at London Fashion Week and received nods from BBC Introducing, No Angel promises to elevate their artistic trajectory even higher.

The release, scheduled for streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, from May 24th, will coincide with the release of the official music video for No Angel.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ELZON earned a place in the RnB pantheon with his organically experimental playlist staple, Is He Home

Posted on 27 April 2024

After an extended intro of tripped-out Latin guitars, the standout single, Is He Home, from ELZON’s debut EP, C U SOON, kicks right into the early 2000s-inspired alt-RnB grooves to pull you under the wavy melodies that don’t ask for permission before crashing into your soul.

The London-based rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer’s talent in crafting immersive soundscapes is only one facet of his talent; his ability to tune into experimentalism with organically rich panache is another. Vocally, there are few artists with as much honey in their harmonies; with his seminal single, Is He Home, the originator earned a place in the pantheon of songwriters alongside the Weeknd, Justin Timberlake and the King of Pop himself. As for the colour in his melodies, you couldn’t ask for a more hypnotic kaleidoscope to sonically gaze into.

Before making his debut, ELZON cut his teeth in the industry by penning songs for other artists, working alongside the likes of the Grammy-nominated producer Ammar Junedi and the underground luminary CASSO. After the launch of his critically acclaimed EP, ELZON graced several editorial playlists including New Music Friday UK, Channel X, and Mood; the RnB crooner is clearly on the rise, join him on his ascent by sinking into Is He Home, which is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sixsense – AYANNA: A Darkly Luminous Journey in Alt-RnB

Posted on 26 March 2024

Sixsense, the London-based alt-RnB visionary, redefined the genre with his latest single ‘AYANNA’. The emotional odyssey blends Afrobeat and Latin RnB into a soundscape that is as dark as it is scintillating.

‘AYANNA’ opens with a floodgate of visceral emotion, drawing the listener into a world of rhythmic compulsion and painful introspection. Sixsense takes genres known for their bright, euphoric atmospheres and steers them into uncharted territories of depth and darkness. The result is a compelling contradiction: a track that resonates with the lightness of its tones yet delves into the profoundest of emotional depths.

The artist’s talent is undeniable. His voice, a commanding presence in the London music scene, is set to proliferate the charts. With ‘AYANNA’, Sixsense is not just on the cusp of contemporary trends; he is pioneering a new direction in genre-fluid, vibe-driven music.

Described as a love song intertwined with the pangs of growing up, ‘AYANNA’ encapsulates that bittersweet nostalgia of memories lost to time. Following the success of his 9th studio release, ‘CUENTAME’, this track continues to showcase Sixsense’s knack for crafting lyrics that resonate.

Raised in Santiago de Chile and London, and influenced by his Jewish-South American and Australian heritage, Sixsense brings a unique perspective to his music. His self-taught musical journey, beginning with an electric piano in his youth, is evident in the intricate blend of acoustic melodies and electronic rhythms in ‘AYANNA’.

AYANNA was officially released on March 8; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: London’s Thai chi Rosè embodied empowerment in the elegant serenity of her RnB single, Cumfort

Posted on 8 March 2024

Thai chi Rosè, London’s rising RnB sensation, has outdone herself with her latest single, ‘Cumfort’. The cultural tapestry weaves together the soulful echoes of the ’90s RnB era with the vibrant threads of her British Jamaican heritage, resulting in a masterpiece that resonates with a timeless yet contemporary beat.

‘Cumfort’ is a delicate balance of contrasts. Thai chi Rosè’s voice, soft yet powerful, wraps around the listener, while her British Jamaican accent adds an exotic flair to the track, making it stand out in today’s RnB landscape. It’s this unique blend of cultures and eras that gives ‘Cumfort’ its soul-stirring depth and appeal.

The track’s integration of Patois, while staying firmly rooted in RnB, is nothing short of revolutionary. It’s a bold statement in a genre that often leans towards the conventional. This daring move not only showcases Thai chi Rosè’s versatility as an artist but also her commitment to breaking new ground in the music industry.

For aficionados of RnB legends like Aaliyah, Mini Rippleton, and Adina Howard, ‘Cumfort’ is a refreshing nod to the past, yet it pulses with a modern, innovative spirit. It’s a track that demands to be heard and felt.

Thai chi Rosè’s journey, from hosting stage takeovers at prestigious festivals to her international campaign and TV features, is a testament to her growing influence in the music world. With ‘Cumfort’ and more sultry tracks on the horizon, she is an artist to watch.

Stream Cumfort on Spotify now.

Follow Thai chi Rosè on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Isabelle Mettle charted new constellations of soul with her interstellar track, Jupiter and Mars

Posted on 23 February 2024
Isabelle Mettle

In the cosmos of contemporary RnB, Isabelle Mettle’s latest single, ‘Jupiter and Mars’, is a celestial defiance of the ordinary. From the outset, the track asserts its uniqueness with stabbing synths and spacey euphonic iconography. The influence of Erykah Badu, Prince, Jill Scott, and Blood Orange is palpable in Mettle’s work, yet she transcends these inspirations to assert herself as a firebrand of a visionary.

Mettle, a London native, brings the city’s rich musical heritage into play in her latest release by weaving the rhythmic beats of RnB with the smooth sophistication of jazz. Her soulful sound is a reflection of an artist who has not only mastered her craft but also knows how to push boundaries. The track’s transition from a strikingly future-embracing intro into a melodious groove is seamless, with Mettle’s divine vocal lines adding a touch of classic soul to the stylistically rich composition.

What sets ‘Jupiter and Mars’ apart is its ability to straddle genres effortlessly. The track sits comfortably between the raw, unfiltered energy of Brooke Combe and the ethereal, dream-like quality of Warpaint. Mettle is not just following trends; she is setting them in constellations of her own making.

Jupiter and Mars will come into Earth’s orbit and hit the airwaves on February 23rd.

Stream the single on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast