Kendrick Lamar – “King Kunta”:
Kendrick Lamar has released the video to one of the hottest tracks from his To Pimp a Butterfly album – “King Kunta”. The visuals to Lamar’s James Brown-inspired track sees him returning to his native Compton with footage, like his music, being very reminiscent of the early 90s G-funk era. Kendrick is joined throughout by dancing crowds of people and at one point, he even stands atop the Compton Fashion Centre with hoards watching him from below like Snoop Dogg did on top of Long Beach’s VIP Records in the “Who Am I (What’s My Name)” video. To Pimp a Butterfly and “King Kunta” are available on iTunes now now, watch the latter’s video below.
Dive In – “Eighteen”:
Electronic Pop band Dive In recently released their new track “Eighteen”, featuring on their same named EP, which will be available for download on May 25 via Vagrant Records. All members where in different bands before coming to together to form Dive In, and in a recent interview with NME, they talk about the transition and difference between their previous work, current and future music.
“A couple of us were in a band called In Gratitude. It wasn’t much more than posting songs online, to be honest. We were just holed up in the studio and writing – all very guitar-based songs. With Dive In, we began incorporating more synth and piano and there’s more of a production element to it even if the writing process itself hasn’t changed“. You can catch a live show from the band at The Lexington, London on August 5, and listen to new track “Eighteen” down below.
KIN – “Amazing Grace”:
Following the success and critical acclaim of his breakthrough single “Run Dem Down” featuring Ice Prince andKayswitch, fast-rising artist and songwriter KIN returns with a brand new single titled “Amazing Grace“, produced by Disally, and mixed and mastered by renowned Suka Sounds.
Taken from KIN’s forthcoming self-titled debut EP, “Amazing Grace” sees KIN returning back to his gospel roots, showcasing his versatility, lyrical dexterity and captivating flow, while offering a clear nod to his dancehall sensibilities and paying well-deserved homage to Nigerian music legend Daddy Showkey, to great effect. As we continue to anticipate his forthcoming EP, download and enjoy “Amazing Grace” below.
Hot Chip – “Need You Now”:
Hot Chip have shared another new track entitled “Need You Now” with a video to accompany, taken from their forthcoming album Why Make Sense?. Why Make Sense?, which was recorded in London and Oxfordshire, is the follow up to the band’s 2012 album In Our Heads. Hot Chip will be playing a select few dates across the UK in May, which can be found below. Check out the video for “Need You Now” here.
Jadi Luc + Sarkodie – “Tonight”:
Introducing emerging American R&B/Pop singer, songwriter and dancer Jadi Luc, with the brand new music video for her debut single ‘Tonight’ featuring BET Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, and produced by Grammy Award winning musician Ced Solo (Ariana Grande, Kelly Rowland, Ginuwine, Anthony Hamilton).
The exciting new visuals for ‘Tonight’ were shot in Maspeth in Queens, New York, and directed by acclaimed photographer Shareif Ziyadat, who has previously worked with the likes of Lady Gaga, 50 Cent, Alicia Keys andTimbaland among others. With the video, Jadi Luc brings her life affirming message of ‘Tonight’ to the fore, encouraging her listeners to live in the moment and not worry about tomorrow.
With an upcoming European tour to be announced later this year, plus her highly anticipated sophomore solo single to be released in the summer, Jadi Luc is already being touted as ‘one to watch’ over the next few months, as the face of Ced Solo’s Ivy League Hits label. For now, watch and enjoy the visuals for “Tonight” below, and “dance the night away”.
Jamie T – “Marilyn Monroe”:
Jamie T has shared new track “Marilyn Monroe“, taken from his upcoming EP Magnolia Melancholia scheduled for release on April 6. The new EP follows on from the success of his 2014 comeback album Carry On The Grudge, and it would appear that after a five year hiatus, the South London songwriter isn’t short of new material. Alongside original tracks, the Magnolia Melancholia EP also features covers of Bran Van 300’s “Mama Don’t Smoke” and The Replacements anthem “Bastards of Young”. Listen to “Marilyn Monroe” below.
FFS (Franz Ferdinand + Sparks) – “Piss Off”:
Following the announcement that Franz Ferdinand and Sparks have joined musical forces to form the supergroup FFS, the collaborative group have released the track “Piss Off” which will feature on their forthcoming album. FFS will release their self-tited debut album on June 8 via Domino Records. Listen to the album’s first single “Piss Off” below!
Best Coast – “Heaven Sent”:
Californian dream rockers Best Coast have released the official video for their brand new track “Heaven Sent”. The video sees the band performing amidst swirls of rose petals, red banners and balloons. “Heaven Sent” is taken from California Nights, Best Coast’s third album scheduled for release on May 4 via Virgin EMI. Best Coast are also playing a select few dates across the UK in May, which you can find below. Check out the video for “Heaven Sent” here.
Words by Tom Syme, Jenny Woollett, Clare Povey and Ayo Adepoju
