Music

Tobe Nwigwe And Killa Kyleon Quote A Wise Man In Their ‘Cujo’ Video

The Houston natives have some advice for listeners from a master in his own craft. …

Tobe Nwigwe has yet to run out of ammo for his #GetTwistedSundays #Cincoriginals campaign. Each week, he has dropped off a new video complete with coordinated costuming, complex choreography, stunning scenery, and a complete breakdown of his songs’ often complicated lyrics like clockwork, oftentimes bringing in high-profile guests to highlight his own lyrical inventiveness. This week’s video features Houston’s Killa Kyleon, putting a rapid-fire verse on “Cujo.”

The video also includes some nods to Tobe’s heritage, with an older woman in traditional clothes delivering the hook, a quote by Bruce Lee. “Be formless, shapeless like water,” she says, capping the exhortation with the Igbo word “Ighotago,” which means, “Do you understand?” The quote, which means to be flexible and avoid getting trapped in a rigid mindset, perfectly describes Tobe’s approach to music. Although he’s a truly gifted rapper, he’s been known to perform songs with almost no raps in them.

He also doesn’t adhere to the traditional business model of building a buzz, releasing an album, or signing to a label. Throughout his breakout 2020, he’s found innovative ways to approach music, settling on his current release strategies while eschewing the stereotypical rapper presentation. His family is heavily involved in his work, flying counter to the trend of rappers in committed relationships projecting themselves as players, and while he embraces some gun talk, it’s more often in service of self-defense than revenge for fallen friends. By swimming upstream — and being willing to take on many forms, Tobe has redefined success in a year when the music business has had to reckon with what success looks like without the usual means of generating profit.

Watch Tobe Nwigwe’s “Cujo” video above.

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Music

Clay and Kelsy Embrace Darkness and Light in Transformative EP ‘I am’

Clay and Kelsy, the innovative pair at the forefront of Los Angeles’ indie music scene, present their latest project: the emotionally charged and sonically intricate EP, ‘I am’. This work consists of five tracks that delve into the complexities of doubt, emotional pain, and the intricacies of self-discovery, addressing the multifaceted nature of the human experience—from heartache to resilience.

The EP opens with “Insecure,” a raw sonic narrative that unpacks themes of waning self-confidence. Following this, “You Hurt Me” delivers a poignant exploration of betrayal, characterized by its evocative lyrics and dynamic arrangement. The track “I Miss You” amplifies the emotional landscape with its soulful introspection, articulating the challenges of grief and attachment faced while letting go. In “Memories of Me,” the duo addresses the profound weight of despair, tackling themes of existential fragmentation and mental health struggles with brutal honesty.

The titular track, “I am,” emerges as a pivotal moment within the EP—serving as a testament to survival, growth, and the journey toward self-acceptance. This piece balances the turmoil of past experiences with an optimistic outlook on future endeavors, ultimately acting as a powerful affirmation of resilience and readiness to confront forthcoming challenges.

Clay and Kelsy’s exceptional storytelling is complemented by their innovative integration of electronic soundscapes with soulful lyrics and instrumentation, transforming ‘I am’ into a cathartic listening experience. As artists, producers, and co-founders of CKI—an initiative championing women’s empowerment and amplifying underrepresented voices—they infuse their work with authenticity and creativity. ‘I am’ signifies a significant evolution in their artistic trajectory, and the anticipation for their next steps is palpable within the industry.

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Artist Spotlight

Sadie Brown delivers a heartfelt illusion of a fake life with her new single “Counterfeit”

At the heart of “Counterfeit” is a tale of love manipulated for selfish purposes, yet still feels captivating. Sadie Brown’s new single “Counterfeit” invites listeners into the deceptive lull of beautiful and bleak love, one that promises everything while lacking genuine vulnerability, ultimately delivering only heartbreak. Brown adeptly illustrates the anguish of being entangled in a romantic relationship that never fully reveals itself, leaving listeners caught between longing and the painful acknowledgment of reality. Through ethereal pop sensibilities and a bittersweet melody, Brown explores the complexity of a “counterfeit love life” alluring yet reserved, a love experience that’s perpetually poised to “cut its losses.” The outcome is a sonic experience that feels as vast and unreachable as a memory of love gone awry.

“Counterfeit” doesn’t just touch on the hurt that comes from unrequited love; it captures the quiet resignation accompanying it. With “Counterfeit,” Sadie Brown steps into a new creative direction in her music, mixing introspective storytelling with emotional resonance.

Written during the lockdown and produced by Cashybear (Tim Ross, formerly of Cash+David), “Counterfeit” builds a hazy, indie-pop atmosphere that feels grounded and otherworldly. The collaboration with guitarist Jimmy Sims (known for his work with George Ezra) lends a retro warmth, creating swirling riffs that complement Sadie’s soft yet piercing vocal delivery. This subtle instrumentation mirrors the song’s themes: a relationship built on false pretenses, with its sweetness fading away like mist.

Brown draws inspiration from artists like Camera Obscura, Kate Bush, and Lana Del Rey, bringing a charming and restrained sense of vulnerability. Like Joni Mitchell, Brown leans into the contradictions of envious love, evoking nostalgia but never retreating from the reality of unfulfilled desire. “Counterfeit” is a thought-provoking piece that establishes Sadie Brown as a voice that can authentically convey both the charm and the ache of illusion.

For more information about Sadie Brown, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sadie Brown’s “Counterfeit“ on Spotify.
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