Emerging DC-born singer/songwriter Tracey Phipps caught our attention with her unique blend of Latin and Caribbean infused R&B style on her new record “What I Want.” The record is a punchy, summertime anthem that showcases her commanding vocals and uplifting demeanor. The summertime record is exactly what we need right about now, and Phipps delivers a sun-drenched and warm performance ripe with an alluring melodic run and layered harmonies for us to rock with.
She puts pen to paper over the mid-tempo, dreamy backdrop and lets her innermost emotions roam free far away from the detractors and party poppers. Casting her fears aside, she details how she is living her best life and being comfortable in her skin regardless of what people might say. She sure doesn’t conform to other people’s standards and croons “I just wanna pull up whenever I want, white tees with some jeans on” and live her life as a regular, everyday girl. “What I Want” is off the Neyo-hosted RNBNext Volume 2 Album and will probably be on Phipps forthcoming debut EP.
Georgia-native ELHAE returns with a passion-filled project titled Aura III with features from Rick Ross and Masego. This project will undoubtedly speak to your soul through the graceful production and sweet delivery in the most gentle way possible.
Aura III is a unique continuation of Aura II, which ELHAE dropped in 2017, being a Billboard-charting EP. Aura III will undoubtedly leave an even greater impact, as his talent finds a way to give us butterflies through every single sensual song.
On “Fun Fact,” we are instantly introduced to ELHAE’s mesmerizing vocals, as he smoothly serenades us while hitting unreachable notes. The sweet hook automatically reels us in with delightful lyrics such as, “I can’t control this feeling baby I / Need some sexual healing baby, I /.” When Rick Ross comes on the track, his effortless flow and satisfying wordplay beautifully contribute to the sensual nature of this track. “Fun Fact” undeniably has an infinite number of healing components, especially through the light production, mostly due to the classic piano keys that are being gently played throughout.
Once again, in “My City,” ELHAE introduces radiant piano keys to the background sounds, creating a sonically fascinating light production. Both Masego’s and ELHAE’s voice blend beautifully together, creating a heavenly atmosphere as soon as this song comes on. Through clever songwriting, such as “If you say you want it/ You got it/ It’s all in the fine print/,” these two artists create another indisputable hit for the ladies.
On “Separated,” ELHAE is not afraid to display his raw emotions. Through intense songwriting, such as “How could I blame you / Stupid me for thinking I could change you / Hold me down or elevate you or educate you/ In the ways of love /,” he shows us his poetic, more vulnerable side. Sweetly serenading us with his powerful voice over chimes in the sound, he is definitely able to mend our broken hearts.
Overall, through the dream-like sounds in the production and the poetic songwriting, ELHAE gives us a feel of his alluring aura in Aura III.
Africa has had its foot on the gas lately when it comes to new emerging talent. No wonder that major music companies are now looking at the continent for empowering creators and in turn making bigger bucks for themselves.
One promising artist that recently hit our radar is Acebergtm out of Nigeria. Aceberg, real name Ikechukwu Okoronkwo, was born in Lagos where he grew up being the second child in a family of five children. Ace listened to a variety of music growing up but Afrobeats and Hip-Hop were definitely at the forefront with Wyclef Jean being one of his favorite artists, and biggest influences.
“Growing up as a kid, music turned out to be my only escape from peer pressure and other vices which kids my age were involved in such as smoking and street fighting; I got a strong sense of peace and satisfaction every time I heard my favorite songs growing up. My interest grew even more as I got older, I wanted to write, sing, rap, perform just like my favorite artists I saw on tv,” he said on his early years.
It was in 2013 that Aceberg started to take music seriously and consider it as one of his career choices. Since then, he has consistently put out music and amassed millions of streams already. But with the release of his latest EP Far From Home, he is looking to establish himself as the next superstar out of Nigeria, following the footsteps of global powers like Burna Boy and Wizkid.
With a refreshing mix of Afrobeats, R&B and Rap backed by quality production, we liked the 6 song EP so much that we decided to feature it on HHNM. Stream it above and peep our Q&A with the rising talent below.
You do a variety of vocals while most of the bigger artists from the region either sing or rap. What made you embrace both equally?
My goal as an artist is to attract a lot of fans and doing the both gives me an advantage. It started from trying to get nice hooks for my rap verses and then I got better with time.
There’s a lot of interest from major labels in Africa now. What do you feel about that and would you like to be with a major if given the opportunity?
I currently have a strong and supportive label but if a common ground can be established between both parties maybe yes.
Who are your biggest influences?
I would say J. Cole & Drake
What are your future plans? Are you working on a full length album?
Yes, I’ve been putting a lot of work in the studio, recording with other artists so there’s much more to expect in the future.
Hailing from Washington D.C., independent singer-rapper Anees is breaking onto the scene with his new single, “Slip”. Anees’s sound is harbored around freestyles, conscious lyricism, along the lines of a mac miller or Kota the friend. His latest track “Slip” is charming, catchy, and taking over the internet.
“Slip” is a smooth and stripped-back tune that will be stuck in your head all day. The production is minimal, carried by a soft plucking guitar and some soft synths sprinkled in. The beat mirrors a calm summer day. Lyrically, “Slip” is a classic love song. Anees opens up about his connection, and his dedication to not letting anything slip. The verses are more rap-heavy, but because of the catchy and melodic hook, the track feels very balanced. Altogether, “Slip” has everything necessary to be a chill summer anthem.
Anees’s newest track is gaining major traction, and for good reason. Just last week, Justin Bieber hopped into Anees’s Livestream and consigned the new single. With some great industry looks and a great tune under his belt, Anees is poised to take his sound to the next level.
The star of the upcoming movie Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, Simu Liu, got one hell of a present on his birthday on Monday (Apr.19), the trailer for the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that will focus on an Asian superhero.
Marvel’s Phase Four is looking very promising despite being unleashed in a very unconventional way.
The trailer for Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings was a pleasant surprise for Marvel movie fans. It tells the story of Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), who was raised and trained to be an assassin in the Ten Rings organization but decides that is not the life he wants and escapes for a normal life in San Francisco.
His past will eventually catch up with him leading him to confront his father, played by Tony Leung, who is the leader of the Ten Rings organization and is described by Entertainment Weekly as “a powerful, ancient figure who trained his son to follow in his criminal footsteps.”
The action-packed trailer for the film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton also stars Awkwafina, who plays Shang-Chi’s best friend Katy, Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu, and Ronny Chieng. Unable to hide his understandable excitement about the movie, Liu shared the movie’s poster giving us a perfect look at Shang-Chi’s costume calling the movie “a celebration of our culture and a rallying cry for the forgotten, the unseen, and the overlooked.”
Originally, Phase Four was supposed to be kicked off with Scarlett Johansson’s standalone Black Widow film, which has had its wig pushed back numerous times due to the COVID-19 pandemic before Disney/ Marvel finally decided on a simultaneous release on Disney Plus and in theaters on July 9. With Black Widow in movie purgatory, Disney Plus original shows WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier have led the way and are currently proving Marvel’s new original series are just as good as their feature-length films. Before the arrival of Shang-Chi, the God of Mischief, Loki’s self-titled Disney Plus series arrives June 11.
Shang Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings arrive in theaters on Sept. 3 and will be followed by Eternals (Nov. 5) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (Dec. 17).
Rising artist Mari Baby drops a fascinating new single “Beethoven” —a modern and classical blend of sounds from the legendary German composer and pianist.
Mari Baby has created a buzz, especially in New York, with his recent hit “Range Rover.” In just one minute and thirty-eight seconds, he introduces us to a colorful world both sonically and lyrically. Through intense wordplay, Mari Baby spills his heart out through highly expressive and vulnerable vocals. The intense wordplay in lines like “Can’t trust these friends, cause they can’t be your brother/ Got to keep my head up against the water/ That’s why I’m staying stronger/,” showcase Mari Baby’s fearless storytelling. The classical piano keys attributed to the title of the track provide a calming environment the passionate lyrical content.
Daniel Javan has shared a hopeful new single called “1,2,3”. Overall, this dreamy song provides an optimistic mood that is very much needed in these challenging times.
Originally from Dubai, Javan grew up in both Denmark and Sweden. The early influence of Netherlands music and songwriting helped him cultivate an international style of music that developed into collaborations with a multitude of different artists from various countries. Some of his stand-out collaborations include “Don’t Know How to Love” with Norwegian artist Naits, and “feel the same” with Croatian singer sølace.
For his newest single, Javan provides catchy melodies over top of a hopeful instrumental, which primarily consists of dreamy pianos and energetic guitars. Beneath, lively drums lock in the rhythm as rich bass grooves play out. Javan comes through with some bittersweet vocals, expressing a feeling of looking towards a brighter future. Overall, the song is dynamic and smoothly produced, capped off by a memorable chorus.
All in all, “1,2,3” provides an uplifting mood, giving us a much-needed dose of positivity. This song certainly provides some much needed optimism going forward in these dark times.
Moneybagg Yo has quietly become one of the most consistent hitmakers from the South.
The rapper has announced today that he will be releasing his new album A Gangsta’s Pain on Friday, April 30th. It is led by the single ‘Time Today‘ which has amassed 30 million-plus streams and received Gold certification from RIAA. He recently also dropped a follow up single ‘Hard for The Next‘ featuring Future.
To celebrate the album announcement, the Memphis rapper is also sharing his new single ‘Go’ today which features upcoming rapper Big 30 who is signed to his N Less Entertainment, in a partnership with Moneybagg’s own Bread Gang Entertainment. Listen to it below.
Start your engines. Fast & Furious returns this summer.
After being delayed several times, the highly-anticipated ninth installment in the Fast Saga is set to arrive in theaters June 25. An action-packed new trailer has been released which features familiar faces from the popular franchise plus some surprise return guests.
The star-studded cast includes Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, John Cena, Charlize Theron, and Helen Mirren, as well as the return of Sung Kang’s Han Lue and Bow Wow’s Twinkie, who last appeared in 2006’s Tokyo Drift.
The movie, directed by Justin Lin, was originally supposed to hit theaters in May 2020 before being delayed by the pandemic. Back in October 2019, Cardi B revealed that she would also be joining the cast, but she does not appear in the trailer.
F9 is the sequel to 2017’s The Fate of the Furious, which grossed $1.2 billion worldwide. There are plans for two more films to close out the series, in addition to future spinoffs.
NC Rapper Lovey The Don aims for the jugular on her new song “Stoopid” alongside a vibrant anime-inspired music video. The emerging rapper had recently put out her mixtape The Don Mother, a 10-track body of work that showcases raw emotions, unapologetic bravado-laden rhymes over off-beat trap bangers. Her latest single “Stoopid” is the prime example of bravado on wax as Lovey The Don sets it off, carefully dishing out vivid threats to the opposition and naysayers over Aiedyn Woods‘ sparse but booming trap backdrop.
The anime-inspired visual is helmed by Braxton Langston-Chapman who brings Lovey The Don’s offbeat personality to the screen. She plays a katana-wielding heroine, dressed in a sailor girl outfit (reminiscent of Sakura from the Street Fighter video game series) and she is out for revenge, cutting down foes with every bar and stanza. The video is quite zany to some degree and lends it strength to Lovey’s electrifying persona that switches between scary, nonchalant and animated. The act of violence is quite justified as Lovey adds that we as a people have a right to defend ourselves and maintain our inner peace from everyday stupidity.
Lovey The Don burst through the scene in 2015 with her debut EP The Futuristic EP and her second body of work The Don Mother was recently released on the 2nd of April,2021.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duración
Descripción
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.