Artist Spotlight

Will Smith Taps Jay-Z & Kendrick Lamar for Timeless Wisdom on New Album

After stepping away from music for twenty years, Will Smith knew he had to return to rap with careful thought and honesty. With the music industry changing so fast, the Oscar-winning actor and hip-hop star wasn’t interested in releasing an album that felt out of touch or fake. That’s where two of the biggest names in rap, Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar, came in to help. In a recent interview, Smith shared that these influential rappers gave him important advice that shaped his new album, “Based on a True Story,” which marks his long-awaited return to music.

He first reached out to Jay-Z, who knows a lot about staying relevant in the music scene. Jay-Z told him, “Be true to your story.” He encouraged Smith not to pretend to be like younger artists but to share his own experiences. This became the foundation for the album’s title, it’s all about Smith’s real-life experiences, presented honestly. Rather than chase after current trends, he focused on what makes his story unique, ensuring his comeback feels real and significant. Next, he spoke with Kendrick Lamar, a modern rap superstar known for his deep lyrics and storytelling skills.

While Smith didn’t go into specifics about Kendrick’s advice, it inspired him to push himself creatively and to take risks with his music. For Will Smith, this new album isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a new beginning. With guidance from Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar, he’s returning to music with authenticity and a fresh sense of purpose. Even after two decades away, with “Based on a True Story,” Will Smith shows that true artistry, rooted in genuine experiences, never goes out of style.

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Artist Spotlight

“Things Found In Books” by Yvonne Lyon & Boo Hewerdine unleashes the eclectic treasure of forgotten fragments of memories

Some songs beautifully capture stories whispered through time, and “Things Found In Books,” performed by Yvonne Lyon & Boo Hewerdine, is notable for this phenomenon unearthed rather than written. Inspired by a noticeboard in a second-hand bookshop at Scotland’s historically rich Culzean Castle, this intricately woven tapestry feels intentional, encapsulating a love letter to forgotten fragments of memories tied to seemingly trivial artifacts such as old receipts, hand-scrawled notes, and evocative photographs tucked away in diaries full of potent symbols. These represent intimate moments that have faded from memory, particularly within the context of estranged relationships with which one has inadvertently lost touch.

Lyon’s vocal performance, as always, is a masterclass in tenderness, imbued with a profound emotional gravitas. It presents a nuanced portrayal of everyday life while maintaining an intimate vulnerability that resonates personally and universally. Meanwhile, Hewerdine’s seasoned songwriting sensibility adds a timeless resonance, with each line meticulously crafted to elicit introspection from the listener. Together, they create a nostalgic sonic experience akin to a well-worn page, balancing fragility with the hopeful undertones of cherished memories.

Musically, “Things Found In Books” is understated yet captivating. Its stripped-back yet rich, folk-infused production allows the lyrics to take center stage. A gentle acoustic backdrop, subtle piano flourishes, and atmospheric textures warm the song long after the last note fades.

Ultimately, this piece exemplifies storytelling at its finest, rooted in the intrinsic beauty of ordinary moments. Yvonne Lyon and Boo Hewerdine are among the UK’s emerging stars and have successfully transcended conventional musicality to forge a poignant reminder of the serendipitous revelations in life and artistic expression. It encourages listeners to imagine the once-lived life hidden in the pages of their past, rendering it an invaluable addition for lovers of sophisticated poetic lyricism and heartfelt melodies.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Yvonne Lyon & Boo Hewerdine’s “Things Found In Books“ on Spotify.

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Artist Spotlight

Great Adamz delivers a sensual yet mesmerizing afrobeat groove with his recent single, “Fantastic”

Great Adamz is back, and he’s bringing the heat with his latest single, “Fantastic.” A masterclass in smooth, melodic Afrobeats, this track features an intoxicating blend of sultry rhythms and dreamy synths that draw listeners in from the first note.

The Nigerian-born, UK-based star has been making serious waves in the UK music scene, and “Fantastic” is another undeniable step toward the top. His signature ethereal vocals float effortlessly over a laid-back yet pulsating beat, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts hypnotic and exhilarating. The track captures the magnetic energy of erotic attraction, painting vivid imagery of a woman’s sensual body moves that speak louder than words, leaving an irresistible impression. Its lyricism takes audiences on an emotional ride, encouraging them to move, whether lost in a dimly lit club or vibing solo at home.

Coming off a strong 2024 with hits like ‘Talk To Me’ and ‘Kilon So,’ Great Adamz shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to fuse Afrobeat’s infectious grooves with a modern, international appeal is impressive. With “Fantastic,” he delivers a seductive, feel-good anthem primed to set dance floors ablaze and solidify his status as one of the UK’s most exciting rising stars. If this is how he’s starting 2025, taking it by storm, we can’t wait to see what he has in store next, and this new release, as the title suggests, is absolutely fantastic, further proving he is here to stay.