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Opening with the calming yet catchy hook, the single invokes that feeling of peacefulness. The track then adds a tempo shift with a driving hip hop beat complimenting LEMZI’s notable, clever lyricism, dropping motivational bars such as ‘still hidden gems round every end / you ain’t gotta dim your light so that they can blend’. The wordsmith continues to show his talent throughout, highlighting existential thoughts that many can resonate with – ‘I got a feeling that my kids will never see a forrest / I can’t trust too many MPs if the leaders Boris’. Ambient sounds are heard toward the end of the track such as birds, suiting the overall message and calming flow of the track.

Speaking to MxDwn UK, LEMZI stated that the track was written pre-COVID in late 2019, ‘but between me and Flomine, the producer/engineer of E11 studios, we just left it for a while. Then throughout 2020 I was inactive with music. Going through some personal turmoil at the time, I stepped back from music and concentrated on myself more. A lot of introspection, journaling, walking (where I found the locations for the video), in-depth conversations with my cousin and good friend Tonz. So who I finally got back in to the studio and feeling more myself, it felt right to give focus to this.’

The single is accompanied by a music video, shot by PRFL Productions,  that delves in to East London – from bustling markets stalls to idyllic landscapes and nature spots with the creative explaining his philosophies and approaches to mindfulness. The contrast between the different scenes throughout the video, from opening with a loud fire engine blaring past to the vibrant yet tranquil forests seems to be intentional – ‘I wanted to make sure I got across the dichotomy of living in somewhere as hectic as London but finding the moments and environments within it that you can separate yourself from the Noises.’ 

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The track invites the listener to think about their own serene state and how to catch their own Zen. Within LEMZI’s video, the artist speaks about his own way of getting away from the Noises and listening to the Sounds – ‘the stuff that builds you up and keeps you moving forward.’ He states, ’Sometimes you’re just down and feel shit. For 2020 in particular you have to distinguish between the Noises and the Sounds…. There’s always gonna be Noises – there’s always gonna be bills to pay, someone pissing you off, your football team losing a match. But where are the Sounds within that, around that and beyond that?”

The take home message from the track is important, especially regarding the intensities of emotions throughout the recent lockdowns. Being able to distinguish between the Noises and Sounds, finding out your individual, main form of meditation and practicing mindfulness will all be ways to catch your Zen. LEMZI invokes this message within the thoughtful and upbeat track, with his witty wordplay and infectious beat that leaves the listener hopeful and soothed.

‘Zen’ is out now on all digital platforms. Watch the music video below!

‘Energy’ encourages listeners to trust in their judgements and put themselves first, with a hypnotic, jazz mix and hip-hop beat. ‘I always knew you were a bad egg / But I fell for your polished shell,’ showcase the witticisms throughout the single and the skill from both wordsmiths. The track is described as, ’a laid-back neo-soul melody on a heavy bassline that catches you from the first drop. Centred around protecting your space and your being, trusting your instincts and empowering your decisions.’

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Poamz’s profound vocals compliment the charismatic wordplay of Lemzi’s rap and the duo spoke to Mxdwn UK about the tracks inspiration and process of creating during a pandemic.

When asked about her inspiration for the track, the singer stated, ‘Energy’ came from an unfinished poem I wrote a few years ago. I always play around with melodies at home and lowkey want to be a soulful jazzy singer, but never had the confidence to just try it out. I was introduced to DJ Dean Lyon through rapper, Tray Avlon, after I performed at Lemzi’s event Hidden Gems in 2018. Dean was so cool and I felt really comfortable with him trying something new. We played around with different sounds and I came to him with an idea for what ‘Energy’ could sound like and we created it together. I wanted something smooth with a sexy bass and voila! I wanted another voice on there so I hollered at Lemzi because I knew he’d come with that conscious word play. (Which he did). Then E11 Studios added their magic and we had something I was really excited to bring out, along with the visuals which Mags at PRFL Productions, it is a whole mood!’

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The track was two years in the making, due to other creative commitments and the lockdown restrictions. Lemzi spoke about the hardships of the pandemic saying, ‘this track was the definition of a process 7, a journey. Going back to October 2019 when Amelia approached me about the track, we both knew it was something special that resonated with us both. Throughout 2020, we know the story; studio being closed, minimal ways to physically interact etcetera, so it definitely played a part in the songs development. Regardless though, we took our time, accepted what was going on and as 2 people with so many creative endeavours, we just got other things going including In-Facts Chats (our podcast) in the mean time. But we found a way, working with E11 studios to just add finishing touches. Lockdown is not the one, but it definitely teaches you patience!’

Finishing the track with Poamz saying ‘my only priority is me, my only priority is love,’ this expressive track will send you in to a space of mindfulness and empowerment for the remainder of the day.

Poamz, who is also a BBC Radio presenter, knew Lemzi from performing at the rappers Hidden Gems event in 2018 and creating the ‘In-Facts Chats’ throughout 2019, as a welcoming live music and open-mic event. ‘In-Facts Chats’ is also now a podcast which can be found on Spotify.