Music

Pusha T And Vince Staples Kick Off Their 2021 Campaigns Beside Divine On ‘Jungle Mantra’

The track will appear on the soundtrack for the Netflix film ‘White Tiger,’ which set to arrive on January 22. …

After. a fairly quiet 2020, fans are hoping things will be much different for Pusha T and Vince Staples. Both haven’t revealed anything concrete in terms of a 2021 album, but the hope is both are hard at work in the booth. Despite this, the rappers’ latest guest verses provide a great beginning to the new year. They both brought their talents to Indian-born rapper and Mass Appeal signee Divine for their new collaboration, “Jungle Mantra.”

Vince Staples leads the way with a verse focused on making sure he gets to every dime that is meant to come his way. Divine then takes the middle verse with a string of bars delivered in Hindu before Pusha T closes it off by highlighting some of the differences between the poor and rich class in the world. The trio’s new track is set to appear in the upcoming Netflix film, White Tiger which debuts on the streaming platform next Friday, January 22. The film is based on the 2008 novel by Aravind Adiga and features direction from Ramin Bahrani.

Both Pusha T and Vince Staples’ last albums came in 2018. The former’s project was his Daytona release, which was centered in controversy and helped escalate tensions between him and Drake. Last year, he teased not one, not two, but three projects in the works with production from Madlib, The Neptunes, Kanye West, and Tyler The Creator spread out amongst them. As for Vince, his FM! album from 2018 was a rather concise project that was still met with positive reviews. It’s the hope that he too will make their returns to the music world in 2021 having laying low for the past year and a half.

Listen to “Divine Manta” in the video above.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.