‘’I Hate You, I Love You’ is the fourth single to be released from Little Simz’s upcoming new LP – her fourth album. Simz has also released the tracks ‘Introvert’, ‘Woman’ and ‘Rollin Stone’. Mxdwn covered the release of ‘Rollin Stone’ back in June, which you can read here.

‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert‘, which is set to be released September 3^rd,  is the artists first LP since 2019’s  critically acclaimed ‘‘Grey Area’. The 19-tracks consist of the unique spoken-word interludes, which Simz has grown to be known for on the hip hop scene.  If her new single and those already released are anything to go by, then great things can be expected from the upcoming album.

‘I Hate You, I Love You’ is tied together by the rappers personal and raw bars which address her absent father. It has been revealed that this is a topic she was initially adamant not to open up about. However, in the track Simz can be seen rapping lines such as “never thought my parent would give me my first heartbreak”. The deeply sensitive and honest tracks are what makes Little Simz a stand out artist in the UK and worldwide. The artist took to Instagram to comment that ‘I Hate You, I Love You’ “wasn’t an easy one to write” but that she is “grateful to be able to share this one with you all”.

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In another statement about the single, Little Simz commented that “Flo asked me, what do you love and what do you hate? I knew the answer immediately, but I was adamant I didn’t want to talk about it. Eventually I wrote it to placate him, but I had no idea that it would become one of the most important songs on the record”.

The appropriately titled new album, featuring  ‘I Hate You, I Love You’, consists narratively of Little Simz opening up as an artist defying the extroversion that is expected in the music industry. The rapper opened up about this back in April whilst speaking to The Observer. Concerning the forthcoming album, ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’, Little Simz explained:

“I wanted to just let people know like, yo, I’m actually this way inclined…being this introverted person that has all these crazy thoughts and ideas and theories in my head and not always feeling like I’m able to express it if it’s not through my art”

“I’m just very to myself and I didn’t know how to really navigate that, especially coming in this industry where you’re expected to have this extroverted persona all the time”.

‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ is set to come out on September 3. Until then, you can listen to ‘I Hate You, I Love You’ below.

Rejjie Snow has built up an impressive reputation as one of Ireland’s most successful rappers. The tickets for his greatly anticipated By Myself Tour, which begins in Brighton on September 25^th, went on general sale today at 9am. You can still grab yours on the rapper’s official website.

Kicking off in Brighton, the tour will consist of other stops in Cambridge, Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, London and Leeds. The UK and Ireland tour will then end in Alexander’s hometown – at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, on October 11^th.

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The tour could not be more perfectly timed, with the release of Rejjie’s second studio album ‘Baw Baw Black Sheep’ coming out today (Friday July 9^th) – the same day as general ticket release for the tour. The album is tied together nicely with beats that transition smoothly between jazz and soul. Before today, fans waited eagerly for the albums release but remained temporarily satisfied with four previous releases – including the populat ‘Cookie Chips’ featuring the late MF DOOM.

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‘Baw Baw Black Sheep’ will be a main focus for the tour. Concerning this album, Rejjie has stated that:

“I approached [the album] light heartedly from the point of view of making a short film through music. I always loved Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. I watch it all the time. I thought of Baw Baw Black Sheep like a soundtrack to it. I put the movie on with my album, and they synced up perfectly”.

“I tried to tap into all of these feelings. The music is really colourful, and the lyrics are often happy, because that was my state of mind.”

You can listen to ‘Baw Baw Black Sheep’ below.

Tour Dates: 

Sat September 25 2021 – Chalk – Brighton
Sun September 26 2021 – Junction – Cambridge
Mon September 27 2021 – Tramshed – Cardiff
Wed September 29 2021 – SWX – Bristol
Fri October 01 2021 – O2 Institute – Birmingham
Sat October 02 2021 – SWG3 – Glasgow
Sun October 03 2021 – Baltic Triangle – Liverpool
Mon October 04 2021 – Academy 2 – Manchester
Wed October 06 2021 – Electric Brixton – London
Thu October 07 2021 – Leeds Beckett Students Union – Leeds
Mon October 11 2021 – Olympia – Dublin

The singer-songwriter announced her 14-track, debut studio album ‘Access Denied‘ this week. The LP will be released on September 17th via Island Records and can be expected to be the perfect summer album.

‘Access Denied‘, which has been greatly anticipated, has also been teased through the release of a new single which came out on July 6th. Titled  ‘M.I.A.’ and featuring Kaash Paige, the new single titled, ‘M.I.A.’ is everything that could have been hoped for and more. It has also sparked high expectations for the full album. Prior to this latest single, Ray has also been busy this year, with the release of ‘Dark Skinned‘ and ‘Games‘ ft. Giggs.

Ray BLK (Rita Ekwere) helped describe the origins and idea behind ‘Access Denied‘, stating that it’s “my summer anthem as we’re released from lockdown. It’s just about escaping, or being with someone who feels like an escape, like you’re on holiday and just at peace, away from the noise. After being in lockdown for so long and being overwhelmed or feeling low, I’m ready to be out with the people I love the most in our element with this playing in the background as the soundtrack to our summer“.

“M.I.A.” will be featured on the upcoming studio album ‘Access Denied‘ along with ‘Dark Skinned‘ and ‘Games‘. The debut album therefore consists of a list of boast-worthy features – from Kaash Paige to Giggs, Stefflon Don, Kojey Radical and Suburban Plaza.

Ray BLK spoke to the Radio 1 Newsbeast about why it has taken a long period of time to produce her new album. She explained that “I am the same artist, but I’m a different person now“. The press release also allowed Ray to discuss the difficulties that are introduced with the exposure of fame and the multiple hardships artists face in the music industry. In comparison to these risks which easily take their toll on artists, Ray explained that she has had “a lot of fun” in the creation of ‘Access Denied‘:

“I’m not pretending to be somebody else. It wasn’t rushed. It’s been a blessing“.

Ray BLK also took to instagram in celebration of her new single, and commented that:

“I’ve been looking forward to this moment of releasing my debut album since I was 13 in the studio with MNEK learning how to write songs and knew for certain I wanted to be a singer”.

“Access Denied is for those who like myself, know disappointment too well and have learned to create boundaries as a coping mechanism for self protection. I’ve opened up about how the childhood I had made me guarded, how disappointing relationships made me fear love and how being told no so many times in the music industry kicked me down, but I got back up. I want people to listen to this record and value themselves enough to deny access to those who are undeserving, and to also value themselves enough to keep believing in themselves when they’re denied access to certain spaces and say yes to themselves when the world tells them no”.

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Access Denied:

01 Blk Madonna
02 Lovesick
03 Smoke [ft. Kojey Radical]
04 25
05 Lauren’s Skit
06 Access Denied
07 Baggage
08 Games [ft. Giggs]
09 If I Die
10 MIA [ft. Kaash Paige]
11 Mine
12 Dark Skinned
13 Go-go Girl [ft. Suburban Plaza]
14 Over You [ft. Stefflon Don]

While awaiting the release of ‘Access Denied’ you can enjoy Ray BLK’s single  ‘M.I.A.’ below.

The producer has brilliantly executed his talent on the new track, which boasts an array of features – from synths and strings to bass. The strong funk elements that Swindle is known to produce are also evident, making the track perfect for the summer it has been released into.

In discussion of ‘Lost’ Swindle stated that “this song for me is about integrity and features artists who I feel have great amounts of it” and that “Kojey and I have worked together many times before and Loyle I have always been a big fan of. This is the first time they have ever been on a track together so it’s a great honour, with JNR Williams’ voice really tying it all together”.

It is no wonder that Swindle took to instagram to write “team work makes the dreamwork” when notifying followers about his new release. The fusion of Kojey Radical, Loyle Carner and Jnr Williams showcases the brilliance of some of the UK’s best on the music scene, not to mention the incredible lyricism from Loyle and Kojey. This lyricism is executed in the bars of both artists, as they exchange in words concerning success and loss. Along with the vibrant, jazzy production at the hands of Swindle, the track is tied together effortlessly, and is not one to miss.

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‘Lost’ is Swindle’s first solo release since ‘No More Normal’ which came out back in 2019 and highlighted his fearlessness to intricately fuse genres such as grime and jazz. It is no doubt that his new release marks the return of this unique and effective production.

You can listen to ‘Lost’, featuring Loyle Carner, Kojey Radical and JNR Williams, here.

Dave, David Orobosa Omoregiea, took to social media to post a photo of himself and Stormzy, captioned “July 9th”. The post has since sparked the potential news that the two are set to release a collaboration on that day.

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Since then, Dave has taken to social media again to announce the highly anticipated announcement of his new album, which is set to be released on the 23rd July. In a recent interview with GQ Magazine, Dave explained the album’s title and it’s influence – “The album title is We’re All Alone In This Together…Hans Zimmer said it to me on FaceTime“.

 

 

 

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In the very same interview with GQ Magazine Dave confirmed the rumours that the first single in his new album is called “Clash” and will feature Stormzy. However the rapper reinforced that this news is subject to change. In the likely case that the pair are in fact pairing up on a new single, released on July 9th, it will become Dave’s first since his drop of ‘Titanium‘ and ‘Mercury‘ – two surprise tracks that were release in April.

Other than these surprise releases the South London rapper last released his solo track ‘Paper Cut’s‘ back in 2019. However, the rapper has also kept busy over the past 12 months working with Giggs, Fredo and Ghetts.

The release of ‘We’re All Alone In This Together‘ will mark Dave’s second studio album, since the critically acclaimed, Mercury Music Prize-winning debut ‘Psychodrama‘ back in 2019. ‘Psychodrama‘ gained the rapper the reputation for his carefully cultivated, socially conscious lyricism and ability to be emotionally vulnerable in the public eye. It is no wonder that the album gained such vast popularity – for it initiated open conversations for its listeners and a relatable outlet they might never normally have. Discussing ‘Psychodrama‘ with GQ Magazine, Dave explained that:

“The interesting thing about being vulnerable is that a lot of people respect you for it and people have their jokes. But I just feel like, at the core, one thing that my favourite musicians did when I was growing up was make me feel like I wasn’t alone in what it was that I was going through…You’re getting this picture of real humans who you can relate to. People who you can buy into their lives, people giving you a soundtrack. In Psychodrama I wanted to go and unapologetically say what is going on with me.”

Santan Dave is yet to release a track list for his forthcoming album but with a potential collaboration with Stormzy on the cards, as well as a critically acclaimed history on the music scene, the 9th and 23rd are greatly anticipated.

‘1000 Nights‘ initiates a switch up from Jaykae’s previous music. In a style unlike that witnessed in his ‘Chop (Henry The 8^th)‘, the Birmingham artist provides more sincere and personal lyrics. These lyrics, along with Jaykaes contemplative bars and Jorja’s heartfelt verse, come together to provide a narrative – a narrative bought to life in the singles music video.

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The music video for ‘1000 Nights‘, directed by Luke Biggins, follows Jorja and Jaykae as the devastating reality of the story line unfolds. In conversation about how the single was produced, Jaykae explained that “The track was written and recorded with me and Jorja in the studio together, not sending across vocal takes between studios, and I think you can hear that—there’s a different energy about it. It’s got a classic garage sound, but the storyline is so relevant to today”. This different energy is accentuated by the merging of Jaykae’s powerful lyricism – which touches on family decisions and sacrifices – as well as the sweeping heavy heartedness provided by Jorja. The two artists recording as one in the studio is wholeheartedly reflected in the smooth development of their single, as well as its accompanying video. You can watch the music video for ‘1000 Nights‘ below.

The new track celebrates the much-anticipated return of UK grime MC Jaykae. It has been a matter of years since the artist released the album ‘Where Have You Been?’, and it is more than good to see his music being imprinted freshly in the minds of his listeners. It is no doubt that the past few years have granted Jaykae a successful career – with collaborations featuring the likes of Aitch, The Streets and Stormzy. But with this new track, and a collaboration with Grammy nominated Jorja Smith, Jaykaes name on the UK music scene is even further solidified. Jaykae took to social media today to express his gratitude for the immediate response to ‘1000 Nights‘.

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In recent months Jorja Smith has come on strength and strength, most notably with the release of ‘Be Right Back’. The eight track project has been described by the artist as a “waiting room” for her second album, which isn’t due until next year. ‘1000 Nights‘ is certainly keeping fans satisfied until then.

The joint force of the two midlands stars on ‘1000 Nights‘ is certainly worth listening to, and you can do so here.

With honest lyrics delivered with a direct tone Aitch – real name Harrison Armstrong – has not failed in producing hit singles. Three years ago Aitch produced freestyles on Youtube that would soon go viral and in 2019 the rapper rose quickly to fame with the single ‘Taste It (Make It Shake)‘. 2020 would see Aitch awarded with his first ever BRIT Award nomination in Best New Artist after an insane year which involved him making the UK Top 40 a grand total of three times. Not only this but his collaboration  with AJ Tracey on the single ‘Rain‘ would be nominated Song of the Year, as well as going Platinum.

What’s been your biggest Learning Curve?

— Aitch (@OfficialAitch) June 30, 2021

In such a short amount of time Aitch has attracted mass listeners from around the globe – the single ‘Rain‘ has gathered over 39 million views on YouTube and over 100 million streams on Spotify – and has made  a definite mark on the UK rap scene. Now 21 years old, the release of ‘Learning Curve‘ and a return to social media can only mean promising things for the year ahead. The smooth, authentic style in Aitch’s singles is something that has been missing since his break from social media and releases of new music. In an interview with NME Armstrong explained that despite his absence, the creation of new music for his debut album has not been put on hold. For now no release date can be confirmed for the debut album, but he did reveal to NME that there are over 30 tracks for him to choose from.

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Of what can be revealed from the NME interview with Aitch, is that his new debut “will 100,000 per cent be a proper Manchester album”. Aitch elaborated on this decision, stating “it always feels good to be in my hometown. It might be a bit selfish of me to say, but I also really like it when everyone from London has to come up north for a change!”

On another personal note for the future debut, Armstrong also explained that “it’s funny thinking about people’s perception of me, based on what I’ve already released…I’m happy for people to think that I’m there to sort the clubs out – and don’t get it twisted, I’ve definitely missed making that sort of music and catching a vibe. But there’s so much more to me than that, and it has been good to have a break and concentrate on other things”.

After time away, ‘Learning Curve‘ was definitely an appropriate re-entering onto the scene. The music video for ‘Learning Curve’ has been praised for its diversity, involving an inclusive cast. You can watch the music video below.

You can also listen to  ‘Learning Curve’ here.

Three years after Tirzah’s last album ‘Devotion’ comes her anticipated return onto the UK music scene. The new album has been foreshadowed by the tracks ‘Send Me’ and ‘Sink In’ – which serve as a reminder of the artists amazing musical history.

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Not only is the announcement of  ‘Colourgrade’ to be celebrated but also the fact that the new album and it’s tracks, especially ‘Tectonic’, have reunited Tirzah with Levi and Coby Sey. On the new single ‘Tectonic’ and the collaboration that took place, Pitchfork commented that “together they provide another captivating example of hushed restraint that sounds like it’s transmitted from the future“. “Tectonic” is to be the first song on the upcoming album and will undoubtedly set the astonishing, futuristic tone for the rest of the 9 tracks. You can watch the music video for the single here.

‘Colourgrade’ also provokes a unique and personal picture for the London singer-songwriter. The album was recorded between the birth of her first child and her second so naturally touches on motherhood, whilst also covering new beginnings and recovery. A fluctuation of themes unfold under an emotional aching – an ache that mirrors that of her previous music.

Tirzah has quietly but successfully paved the way for her unique music and career, ever since her first solo record – the EP “I’m Not Dancing“, which was released back in 2013. Since then, Tirzah has also released her 2014 EP ‘No Romance’ and the 2015 single ‘Make it Up’. These were followed by her debut studio album ‘Devotion’ which was released back in 2018. It was the year of this debut album that Tirzah told Pitchfork, “you don’t have to be loud to move forward” and in 2021 she is proving that statement.

You can pre-order ‘Colourgrade‘ here.

Devotion

01 Tectonic
02 Hive Mind [ft. Coby Sey]
03 Recipe
04 Beating
05 Sleeping
06 Crepuscular Rays
07 Send Me
08 Sink In
09 Hips

Grammy Award-wining, multiplatinum artist Lorde has been extremely quick to sell out all of her UK shows for her upcoming tour, which begins February 26^th 2022 in New Zealand. Her UK shows include three sold out nights at London’s Roundhouse, as well as the additional date for Alexandra Palace. Tickets for the new London date will go on pre-sale at 10am BST and on-sale to the general public on Wednesday June 30, 2021.

Not only has the New Zealand singer-songwriter been met with such high anticipation in the UK, but she has also sold out her North American tour dates – with fan demanded additions in LA, NYC, Toronto, Boston and Chicago.

The excitement for Lorde’s “Solar Power” tour has elevated from the artists new single “Solar Power” which was released earlier this month. With sunny melodies and bouncing instrumental the single is the perfect introduction to 2021 summer. In a press release discussing her new single, Lorde commented that “The first song, also called Solar Power and written and produced by myself and Jack, is the first of the rays. It’s about that infectious, flirtatious summer energy that takes hold of us all, come June…” This infectiousness has clearly made its way into her music, hence it’s worldwide reception and sell-out shows.

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Not only did the single drop alongside Lorde’s announcement of her highly awaited third studio album, also titled “Solar Power”, which is out August 20^th – but it even dropped in time with the only solar eclipse of the year. Explaining the album, Lorde stated that it “is a celebration of the natural world, an attempt at immortalizing the deep, transcendent feelings I have when I’m outdoors. In times of heartache, grief, deep love, or confusion, I look to the natural world for answers…This is what came through.” This answer, provided through Lorde’s memorable and enchanting quality music is what makes her a sell-out success.

The single “Solar Power” has already earnt itself five star reviews from the likes of NME and Pitchfork, as well as trending #1 worldwide across social media. Not only this, but it gained over 30 million streams in it’s first five days, and was #1 on Spotify’s Global and US Song Debut. In discussing the song, The Gaudian called it, “… a distinct reinvention, one that gleefully puts a gap between Lorde and everyone else in terms of her creativity” and added that “Lorde’s comeback single is a lesson in letting pop stars take their time.”

“Solar Power” certainly is a comeback single. But could we have expected anything less? Lorde has taken the pop world by storm since she was 16-years-old. Back then, in 2013, she became the voice of a generation in her debut album “Pure Heroine” which went not only triple platinum but which won her two GRAMMY Awards. The album also gave life to the record breaking single “Royals”. “Pure Heroine” was a catalyst in the artists success on the music scene. Time Magazine even placed her amongst the “Most Influential Teenagers in the World“.

You can Pre-Order/ Pre-Save/ Pre-Add Solar Power here.

“Solar Power” UK Tour Dates:

May 25 –  02 Academy- Leeds, UK
May 26  – Usher Hall- Edinburgh, UK
May 28 – 02 Victoria Warehouse – Manchester, UK
May 30 – 02 Academy – Birmingham UK
June 1 – Roundhouse – London, UK
June 2 – Roundhouse – London, UK
June 3- Roundhouse – London, UK
June 28 – Alexandra Palace – London UK (new date)

You can listen to “Solar Power” here.

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“Pound Signs” contributes to Headie One’s impressive and successful discography. The track opens with audio extracted from an interview with Bob Marley, in which he was in conversation about how financial wealth and monetary gain doesn’t equate to personal fulfilment. This interview sets the tone for the rest of “Pound Signs” – it is fuelled with hi-hit patterns and 808 slides typical to UK drill as well as lyricism which reveals the advantages and disadvantages of gaining money in a modern society. It is this kind of insightful lyricism which contributed to the notable success of Irving’s critically acclaimed album “Edna” in 2020.

Headie One’s latest album “Edna” was released on Friday 9th October of last year. The 20-track album reflects on the loss of the rappers mother, hence the album being named after her.  The critical success of “Edna” is undoubtable and it is no wonder that Headie One received various reputable nominations. For instance this year Headie One was nominated for the Brit Award for British Single with Master-card, as well as the Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist. Such nominations and critical success have contributed to the artist rightfully earning the reputation as one of the best Drill artist’s out there.

Clearly 2020 was significant for Headie One and it is no doubt that this will continue throughout 2021, especially with the release of “Pound Signs“. The release of “Pound Signs” has also sparked hope for the preparation of a following album in the near future. For now we can appreciate the single for the talent it showcases and the message that it offers. You can watch the music video for “Pound Signs” here.

“Pound Signs” certainly shows promise for the UK artist, who isn’t shy of successful hit-singles. His reputation grew from the release of his track “18Hunna“, which features the rapper Dave. “18Hunna” reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. As well as this, in August 2020 Headie One, along with British rappers Stormzy and AJ Tracey, released the track “Ain’t It Different“. The track impressively became the highest-charting single for both Headie One and AJ Tracey. Big things can only be expected from the drill star.

Headie one has even previously been labelled as “the best drill artist in the world” by his collaborator Drake – enforcing the reputation he has built on the UK music scene.

In interview with The Guardian, Headie One commented that “I started to realise that music is a language: you have to listen to it and speak back”. You can listen to his new track “Pound Signs” here.