Music
Russ Resurrects BET’s ‘Rap City’ In His ‘Who Wants What’ Video With Ab-Soul
Even Big Tigger makes an appearance to react to some of the harder-hitting punchlines. …
For a certain generation of hip-hop heads, BET’s Rap City (and later, Rap City: Tha Basement) were staples in their diet of new rap videos. New Jersey rapper Russ, who is promoting a star-studded new EP titled Chomp, resurrects the nostalgic Basement Booth set — complete with a cameo from Big Tigger(!) — for his first video from the EP, “Who Wants What” featuring Ab-Soul.
Russ provides a nostalgic, crate-digging beat reminiscent of the early ’90s New York hip-hop heyday as he and Ab-Soul roam the booth with a classic set-up from Big Tigger. During his verse, Russ throws a subtle salute to Cam’ron, whose money-counting antics during his 2001 freestyle became a fan-favorite and a lasting image in the minds of hip-hop fans who continue to share grainy videos of it on social media to this day.
Ab-Soul does what he came to do as well, spitting a ferocious flurry of punchlines that will leave permanent fingerprints on rewind buttons everywhere (I know how dated that reference is but, in this case, it works). The video is also cleverly mixed so that the track continues to play even as we get to listen in to Tigger’s reactions to some of the juicier lines.
Russ teased Chomp via Instagram yesterday, sharing a tracklist that includes Benny The Butcher, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, DJ Premier, and Kxng Crooked. No release date was shared but such a tape could go a long way toward revamping — or at least justifying — Russ’ holier-than-thou image.
Watch the “Who Wants What” video above.
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“NGMB” by Leonie Sherif unveils a soulful anthem of heartbreak roaring with resilience
Leonie Sherif, an emerging artist from East London/Essex, introduces her latest RnB single, “NGMB,” an acronym for ‘Never Get Me Back.’ This track, produced and penned within Sherif’s home studio, encapsulates the profound emotions associated with personal growth following heartbreak. Sherif skillfully fuses electro RnB with alternative beats, drawing inspiration from influential ’90s artists such as Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton while also incorporating the innovative styles of contemporary producers like Timbaland and The Neptunes, resulting in a sound that is distinctly her artistic identity.
“NGMB” is a cathartic release that explores her most intimate experiences. It features a haunting melody enriched by her vocals, which express a compelling blend of strength and vulnerability, inviting listeners into her emotional landscape. The lyrics are imbued with themes of betrayal and resilience, capturing the bittersweet essence of severing connections with individuals who no longer belong in one’s life. This masterful craftwork mirrors the expedition of discovering the fortitude necessary to progress, even when closure appears unattainable.
Notably, “NGMB” distinguishes itself through its authenticity. Sherif confronts her pain directly, fostering a deeper connection with her audience. Her decision to self-produce this track underscores her commitment to her artistic craft and personal healing. Ultimately, “NGMB” conveys a powerful message regarding loss, serving as a testament to empowerment and transforming pain into strength through every note. It emerges as an uplifting anthem for those who have had to walk away from complicated relationships, leaving them feeling stronger and wiser. Leonie Sherif demonstrates her capacity as an artist, sharing necessary narratives that leave listeners anticipating her future endeavors.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Leonie Sherif’s “NGMB“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
Vanda stirs an electrifying vibe through the waves of grief with her recent single “I Don’t Swim”
Emerging from the profound loss experience, Vanda presents a compelling exploration of sonic and emotional landscapes in her latest single, “I Don’t Swim.” This dynamic anthem embodies a spirit of resilience, offering a rich and introspective blend of dance-infused alternative pop. Vanda’s distinctive vocal delivery skillfully captures the duality of grief with the buoyancy of personal growth, creating a transformative auditory experience for listeners.
Following the passing of her best friend, Vanda’s artistic direction undergoes a notable shift. “I Don’t Swim” replaces the introspective alt-pop elements characteristic of her debut album, ‘Sober In Another Life,’ with an energetic, dance-oriented sound that acknowledges underlying pain rather than concealing it. This composition serves as a paradoxical celebration: it possesses the capacity to elicit tears while simultaneously encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in its infectious rhythm on the dance floor.
The electrifying instrumentation and rhythmic beats provide a lush tapestry of shimmering synthesizers, dynamic percussive elements, and cascading melodies, resulting in a soundscape that feels uplifting and intimately personal. Vanda’s fearless lyricism remains strikingly audacious, featuring vivid imagery and profound vulnerability as she navigates the challenging terrain of grief.
The true artistry lies in Vanda’s vocal performance, where each note represents a delicate equilibrium of strength and fragility. It imparts a captivating emotional energy that resonates beyond the song’s conclusion, reaching those in the healing process. With “I Don’t Swim,” Vanda exemplifies her evolution as both an artist and an individual, adeptly maneuvering through life’s complexities with authenticity and elegance. This track functions as a musical lifeline for those seeking solace amidst adversity. Vanda’s journey articulates a resounding message: while grief may surge like relentless waves, resilience has the potential to inspire joyful celebration.
For more information about Vanda, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Vanda’s “I Don’t Swim“ on Spotify.
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