Music
Chance The Rapper Releases His ‘Are U Live’ Video With Jeremih And Valee
The Chicago rappers spread holiday cheer as they encourage one of their own to get well soon. …
Chance The Rapper and Jeremih’s 2016 holiday mixtape Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama is an odd bit of internet ephemera. It’s a fan favorite, yet fans can only stream it sporadically, as the two uploaded the project and its 2017 follow-up to SoundCloud originally but not to more mainstream services like Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal. While Jeremih is currently recovering from a bad case of COVID-19, Chance decided to spread a little holiday cheer by releasing the video for one of the project’s songs, “Are U Live,” after holding onto it since 2017.
The video was directed by Cole Bennett (no relation to Chance or his brother Taylor) of Lyrical Lemonade at the start of his rise as one of hip-hop’s most sought-after video shooters, while the track itself was produced by ChaseTheMoney, a SoundCloud rapper go-to who has since produced for Dreamville and J. Cole on Revenge Of The Dreamers III and JID’s DiCaprio 2. Like plenty of Cole Bennett’s previous works, the video blends a low-fi aesthetic with a simple concept, as well a cheeky sense of humor with on-screen captions pointing out a failed “successful dap” and more. He even appears in the video, although you’ll have to have a sharp eye to catch his cameo.
The song isn’t what you’d call a traditional Christmas song, with its call-and-response, sparse beat, and the artists’ rap athletics. But the video displays their festive mood, with Santa caps and fairy lights aplenty decorating their red cup turn up.
Watch “Are U Live” above and listen to Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama below.
Artist Spotlight
With “We’ll Leave the Light On,” Troy Landon embraces the power of being there for others
Country music can make hard feelings a little easier to bear, and Troy Landon brings that to the heart of “We’ll Leave the Light On.” The song’s based on the idea that nobody should ever have to feel alone when life gets too much, and it delivers a reassuring message.
This production is key to delivering that message, and Landon gives the verses room to breathe, letting the song’s main idea unfold before the arrangement slowly opens up. This measured movement gives “We’ll Leave the Light On” a natural sense of motion, with the dynamics following the story’s emotional arc.
Landon’s artistic direction also shapes the track’s identity, building a country song that connects the emotions, instrumentation, vocal performance, mood, energy, and arrangement. “We’ll Leave the Light On” is a story about compassion, about community, and about the importance of supporting each other in uncertain times.
This message is rooted in shared understanding, and a national foundation is the right context for it. The song is based on the reassurance that sometimes people don’t need advice or answers, simply knowing somebody is still there can make a meaningful difference. Troy Landon is a songwriter who can turn a simple act of kindness into a long-lasting musical statement, with an inviting spirit and crafted dynamics.
Artist Spotlight
Naomi Jane unveils a statement of independence on latest release “Passenger Princess”
Naomi Jane’s latest release, “Passenger Princess” is a bright, witty indie, country and pop road anthem co-written with Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket that provides a fresh perspective on relationship dynamics. This is a strong cry for independence. Cinematic pop smashing the normal passenger seat stereotype with country storytelling crashing into alt-indie intimacy. Catchy tune, message easy to understand, emotional core you can easily relate to. All thanks to that combination of humor and heartbreak.
But the road trip energy covers up a more complicated feeling, frustration at being next to someone and having somehow been left behind. Naomi Jane examines this tension in a story that moves from diminishing connection to self-possession. Fiddle and pedal steel give the crossover sound a touch of country flavor, and the hook-forward writing helps the core message come across without losing its playful edge. What you have is an anthem of a relationship that understands the difference between sharing a journey and having an equal say in a destination.
“Passenger Princess” works fundamentally because it takes a popular phrase and turns it into a statement of agency and personal choice. It’s a good road trip song, and a good one for those who like songs about finding your voice in relationships with a mix of humor, emotional honesty and country-pop allure. Naomi Jane is a hot reminder partnership is never a loss of control of your own journey. Sometimes you have to ask for the keys and drive it yourself.
Connect with Naomi Jane on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
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