Akiine – “Paranormal Activity”:
Swedish-born Londoner Akiine’s new track, “Paranormal Activity” is a transcending voyage into bliss, venturing into a world of warped synths and soulful vocals. It’s the first taste of Akiine’s forthcoming Neptune EP which is due for release on October 30 via Colour Station Records. Akiine has a tender approach within her vocals, she gently flows through the misty back-beat of “Paranormal Activity”, playing an ode to the likes of Laura Mvula. It’s R&B that’s been smushed and transformed into something beyond the expected; beautiful and sincere. Sit back, relax and stream “Paranormal Activity” below.
Burna Boy – “Follow Me”:
Spaceship Entertainment presents the latest visuals to Burna Boy’s dancehall single “Follow Me”. Directed by Matt Max, Burna Boy returns to where his musical journey started from, his home town Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The video shows Burna Boy throw an outdoor street party, hang out with his homies, visit a local radio station and enjoy some streetside food. The visuals also captures some landscape shots of Port Harcourt. A follow up to his hit single “Soke” which was released early summer, Burna Boy continues to prove to his fans that he is consistent and shows now signs of slowing down soon. You can watch the video below.
Yemi Alade – “Sugar”:
Effyzzie Music diva Yemi Alade is back with the visuals to her latest single “Sugar” which is the nineth single to be released off her debut album Kings of Queen. Yemi Alade doesn’t fail to entertain fans as she presents her music video featuring CEO Dancer/Choreographer Ezinne Asinugo who alongside Yemi Alade dances up a storm in this hot video. Recently nominated for ‘Best African Act’ at the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards, Yemi Alade doesn’t disappoint. The song is produced by Philkeys, with the visuals beinf directed by Paul Gambit and shot in London and Lagos, Nigeria. You can watch the video below.
Drake + Future – What A Time To Be Alive (Mixtape):
Drake and Futures mixtape What A Time To Be Alive has now been released. The mixtape will be available as an Apple Music exclusive for one week and was shared by Drake on his OVO Sound Radio show on Apple’s Beats on September 20. Drake commented whilst presenting his show: “When you get around Future it’s like a vortex”. He then went on to explain that he originally went to Future’s hometown of Atlanta to do “a few songs” but the collaboration grew into something more considerable adding, “It’s a little soundtrack for the people who need it right now”. You can stream the album through Apple Music here.
Ellie Goulding – “On My Mind”:
Revenge is a dish best served with a gunshot through the door on horseback with a friend in tow, according to Ellie Goulding in the new music video for “On My Mind”. The video, directed by Emil Nava, immediately situates us in Las Vegas with shots of neon lights displaying the name, fruit machines, and the sound of coins falling. The video’s villain is a business man/lover who is quite noticeably abusive whilst Goulding remains stoic… well, until she exacts her revenge.
The British singer describes it as her “favourite video yet” and it isn’t hard to imagine why. “On My Mind” is taken from Ellie Goulding’s upcoming album Delirium which drops on November 6. Pre-order the album here and watch the video below.
Dru Blu – “Chat No More”:
London rapper Dru Blu releases his new music video for “Chat No More”. The video is released through the GRM Daily youtube channel, and demonstrates Blu’s punchline heavy writing style, and also his charismatic delivery, which has been evident in the Lewisham rapper’s style since his early mixtapes when he went by Don Strapzy. Dru Blu has worked with a who’s who of the UK scene, including Ghetts, Giggs and Fekky on his past projects, and “Chat No More” builds anticipation for his next release. Check out the video for “Chat No More” below.
Loick Essien – “Too Grown + The Other Side”:
One of the most underrated R&B singers in the UK is back with some impressive new music. Loick Essien teams up with Wretch 32 on “Too Grown” which has a somewhat americanised beat and feel. The R&B crooner’s vocals are reminiscent of a Drake-like record, but come with bad boy connotations. Wretch 32 adds some finesse with his intelligent wordplay and his grime status but it is not really needed with the quality of Essien’s voice. “The Other Side” is similarly americanised as he sound similar to Chris Brown and August Alsina, however you cannot knock the quality of the production by T-Town and again the quality of Essien’s voice. You can listen to both via Soundcloud below.
Sexwitch – Sexwitch (Album):
Bat for Lashes aka Natasha Khan has a new project which she has called Sexwitch. On September 22, she streamed the project’s self-titled album in full via The Guardian. You can listen to the 6-track record below. Khan has previously shared ‘Helelyos’ and ‘Ha Howa Ha Howa’ in recent weeks before the full stream. The album, which comprises six covers of international psych and folk songs from the 1970s, was due for general release on September 25 via The Echo Label. It’s a collaboration between Khan, producer Dan Carey, and psych rock band Toy.
Words by Oscar Nicholas, Shade Alegbeleye, Shakira Knight, Shanade McConney, Sam Bennett and Joshua James
