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Derez De’Shon shares new heartfelt single “Abandoned”

Published

2 years ago

December 16, 2021

Derez De’Shon, has just shared his newest single “Abandoned“. The track is an honest confessional about the feelings surrounding loss and mourning. The understated instrumentation on the song is a perfect backdrop for Derez to deliver heartfelt lyrics and finely-tuned melodies. On “Abandoned”, Derez reflects on the complicated emotions surrounding loss and mourning, delivering a track that is expertly introspective and hauntingly transparent. LISTEN

Though the topics brought up in “Abandoned” are complicated and layered, Derez is able to communicate his unique perspective in a way that is relatable and straightforward. Through his gripping vocals and genuine bars, Derez is able to concoct an earnest song only an artist of his caliber could create. Today, Derez also performed the song in a session on From Da Block, showing first-hand the passion that went into crafting the song. Time and time again, Derez has proved he is truly “the Godfather of Pain Rap”, and on “Abandoned” his claim to that title only grows stronger.
Derez De’Shon recently penned “Bitter (Narration by Cardi B)” for Summer Walker, the opener off of her critically acclaimed, chart-topping LP, Still Over It. While they were together, Derez worked hand-in-hand with Summer and London to conjure up the intimate and soulful lyrics which lent to the introspective tracks’ Billboard Hot 100 debut at #25. Earlier, in October, Derez released his single “All Them Days” with XXL 2021 FreshmanMorray, a track that found two generations of struggle music coming together for a smooth collaboration. This followed two other momentum-building singles this year, “In My Feelings” and “Residue”(feat. Money Mu). Derez is proud of what he’s been able to accomplish as an independent artist, having completely transformed his career and lifestyle by leaving behind the many trapping of street life. This is a topic he recently discussed in an interview with SayCheeseTV where he also detailed his relationship with Atlanta icon Ralo, his feelings towards being compared to Rod Wave, and the lessons he’s learned from his missteps at the beginning of his career. After 800 million combined streams, a Platinum plaque, and helming a loyal audience––Derez De’Shon is seeing the fruits of his labor in real-time and is ready for us to see the next chapter of his prosperous career with the release of his forthcoming album.

“I’m really a person who is something that came from nothing, and I live my life like that,” admits Derez De’Shon. Despite gold plaques and nearly a billion streams earned over the last several years, the Atlanta artist and songwriter insists on remaining the person he was before the fanfare. “I’m not in a bubble; I’m in reality.’’ Million of fans relate to Derez because his lyrics mirror their daily lives and innermost thoughts and emotions. No matter how he chooses to deliver the message, Derez maintains, “I’m just confessing my life. I make confessional music.”

Derez grew up in Clayton County, a part of Metro Atlanta. By the late 2000s and early 2010s, Derez began grabbing attention as a hard-nosed rapper who went by D-Bo. He formed a duo with Slim Dunkin and co-founded Dirt Gang. He appeared on songs alongside Tyler, The Creator and Meek Mill and was featured on Waka Flocka Flame projects. However, after Slim Dunkin was murdered in 2011, De’Shon retreated to process the loss—just one of many in his life. After some time away, Derez returned with greater purpose. “I felt like I had to do music. Those people not here deserved it, given how much they believed in me and wanted to see me be who I am today. I felt like if I gave up, then I would be letting them down.” This time, the artist used his given name and made the music just as personal.

In 2017, Derez marked his return with his mixtape entitled Pain. “Hardaway” became a gold-certified song about finding success through hardship and eventually 2 Chainz and Yo Gotti appeared on a remix. After the releases of Pain 2 & Pain 3, Derez is demonstrating more range. “Music has more than one category. There are sad times, happy times, intimate times, and I want to display all that,” he says. “This will be the first time that I have this much creative control over what I do. I never signed a deal, but I did partnerships with two companies, and they always had their input.” Beginning with 2021’s “In My Feelings”, Derez is now steering the narrative “I’m not a rapper or an R&B singer; I am an artist who creates music.”

As a creator, Derez has always drawn inspiration from real life. The father of four daughters and one son is passionate about his family, even beyond his household. Founding organizations dedicated to mentoring kids and providing to those in need, Derez is focused on more than himself. “Whatever helps people, I’m on that type of time,” he asserts. “The pain, the struggle, the lessons, the losses, the wins, the sacrifice, the hurt, and all that I’ve been through is bigger than me.” “All Them Days” (feat. Morray) is an example of Derez courageously connecting his present to his past for all to hear. Meanwhile, “Residue” featuring East ATL’s Money Mu, channels the hungry rapping from the D-Bo days. At his latest pinnacle, Derez De’Shon is still climbing—and he is carrying others with him through inspiration and elevation. “I’m steadily trying to grow and constantly be better.”

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Listen Up: Class In Session, Ajebo Hustlers drops “Bad Boy Etiquette 102”

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

VJ Scaro

Dynamic multi-genre duo Ajebo Hustlers are back with their latest project, the aptly titled “Bad Boy Etiquette 102.” Hailing from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Knowledge (George Dandeson) and Piego (Isaiah Precious) have been steadily building a reputation for music that entertains and enlightens. Listen here. (more…)

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Apple Music Celebrates Africa Month with Afrobeats Spotlight

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Apple Music is celebrating Africa Month with a special focus on Afrobeats, highlighting one of the most eclectic and influential sounds in music today.

Apple Music kicks off the celebrations with the introduction of cover stars on its Afrobeats Hits playlist, starting with Nigerian singer-songwriter, Fireboy DML who just released his new single “Everyday.”

“As the first artist to be featured on this Apple Music playlist, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful,” Fireboy DML tells Apple Music. “Since 2019 I’ve had incredible support from Apple Music and I’m sure the whole African music scene can say the same. I’m excited to see where this leads and what it will do for the culture.”

Speaking about his new single “Everyday,” Fireboy DML adds: “This new era of my career is about reconnecting with one’s roots, old self and focusing on the things that truly matter — love, family, personal health. I think that’s where success truly lies. ‘Everyday’ is a song that reminds you of the days when we used to make celebratory love songs, of simpler times. From the moment the instrumental starts playing, you can already tell what you’re in for. I’m excited to share this record with the world!”

Apple Music is also featuring “The Story of Afrobeats in 20 songs,” a written editorial feature highlighting the music and artists that helped the genre grow from a West African staple into a global phenomenon.

Towards the end of the month of May, Apple Music will also be launching a new Viral Afrobeats playlist, as well as an new Afrobeats category page that will house new releases, playlists and essential albums from the genre.

Apple Music has also released the Top Artists and Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits for the past year.

Top Artists by streams on Afrobeats Hits

Davido
Asake
Bnxn
Omah Lay
Rema
Burna Boy
Ayra Starr
Adekunle Gold
Kizz Daniel
Zinoleesky

Top Countries by streams of Afrobeats Hits

United States
United Kingdom
France
Canada
Nigeria
South Africa
Germany
Ghana
Australia
Switzerland

Discover Afrobeats Hits here: https://apple.co/AfrobeatsHits

Discover Afrobeats in 20 songs: https://apple.co/Afrobeatsin20Songs

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Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Apple Music Releases New Africa Now DJ Mix Featuring DJ Joenel

Apple Music today released this month’s Africa Now DJ Mix, featuring award-winning, Nigerian DJ, DJ Joenel (real name Eugene O. Nelson-Iye), who has embodied Afrocentricity through his live performances, radio dominance, and personal style.

Born and raised in Ahoada East L.G.A in Rivers State, Nigeria, DJ Joenel cemented his status as one of the leading DJs in the country when he became the resident DJ for Cool FM, the No. 1 hit music station in Lagos. Apart from being the official DJ for Afrobeats singer-songwriter Omah Lay, he has also performed alongside African giants Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid, as well as Olamide, Phyno, Asake, Rema and Kizz Daniel, to name but a few.

Apple Music x DJ Joenel Africa Now Mix Tracklist:

1. Burna Boy – On Form

2. Rema – Dnd

3. Omah Lay – Reason

4. Sarz – Happiness (feat. Asake & Gunna)

5. Zlatan X Asake – Bust Down

6. Kabza De Small, Mthunzi – Amazwe (Ft Mawhoo)

7. DJ Stokie & Eemoh – Masithokoze

8. Kelvin Momo & Babalwa M – Amalobolo (feat Stixx, Nia Pearl)

9. Wizkid – Ololufe (Audio) ft. Wande Coal

10. Young John – Big Big Things (feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez)

11. Kabza – Imithandazo (Ft Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine)

12. Shallipopi – Cast Ft Odumodublvck

13. Skepta, Portable – Tony Montana

14. Tebza De DJ – Ka Valungu (ft. DJ Nomza The King)

15. Jaivah x Marioo – Bruda

16. TitoM & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam [Ft. S.N.E & EeQue]

17. Shakes & Les and DBN Gogo – Funk 55 [Ft. Zee Nxumalo, Ceeka RSA and Chley]

18. King Promise – Paris

19. Omah Lay – Holy Ghost

20. Phyno – Do I (Remix) (feat. Burna Boy)

21. Asake – Only Me

22. Flavour – Big Baller

23. Young Jonn- Go Hard

24. Dlala Thukzin – IPlan

25. Chiké & Mohbad – Egwu

26. Kaestyle – Egberi

27. Kizz Daniel, Davido Twe (Remix)

28. Babylon ft. Victony

29. Holy Ten – Ndotokuda (ft. Kimberley Richard)

30. Diamond Platnumz – Mapoz (Ft Mr. Blue & Jay Melody)

31. Davido – NA MONEY ft. The Cavemen., Angélique Kidjo

32. Nandy – Dah (Feat Alikiba)

33. Burna Boy – Tested, Approved & Trusted

34. Azawi – Masavu

35. Kizz Daniel – Showa

36. Qing Madi – American Love

37. Joshua Baraka – Dalilah (Ft Axon)

38. AJEBO HUSTLERS- CELINE DION Ft Odumodublvck

39. Victony – Everything

40. Tyla – Jump (Ft Gunna & Skillibeng)

41. Takura – Hazvireve Rudo Handina

42. Ugaboys – SALARY (ft. Selecta Jeff)

43. Ayra Starr – Commas

44. Bien – Ma Cherie

45. M3lon – Slow Whine

46. KJ Spio – C- Undress You (Ft Sarkodie & Oxlade)

47. Bnxn & Ruger – Romeo Must Die

Check out Apple Music’s Africa Now dedicated space, including its weekly radio show and companion playlist HERE.

Apple Music is the ultimate hub to an eclectic array of independently curated DJ Mixes from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana. Apple Music’s African DJ Mix curator partners also include a wide variety of top-tier names like Balcony Mix Africa,iMullar Sound System, KUNYE, Life Of The Party, Obrigado, Pan African Music, Party In The Jungle, Soul Candi, Spin With Engage and Turntable Entertainment.

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Greykoffi drops new urban Christian music, ‘Follow Who Know Road’

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Greykoffi drops new urban Christian music, 'Follow Who Know Road'

Jerry Michelle Mishiame, artistically known as Greykoffi/ Nyeselorm is a Ghanaian – UK based Contemporary Urban and Christian musician, and songwriter. Greykoffi is a former member of a duo group “Tekyerema”.

Listen on https://audiomack.com/greykoffimusic/song/follow-who-know-road?share-user-id=2147534

Greykoffi began his recording career in 2003, where he recorded his first demo with various artistes at that time. He has performed with several Ghanaian artistes like Reggie zippy, Echo, Castro, Asase aban, Episode and many more.

In 2006, upon the death of his duo group partner, Greykoffi decided to embark on his musical journey alone. In 2016, he released his first Album titled ‘Where Grace Smile’. His career goals are to provide an atmosphere of worship for many youths to connect with God, and also to show the average artiste not to bury their dreams because of the industry standards and the challenges of life.

Greykoffi/Nyeselorm has released another single titled ‘Follow Who Know Road’. The song features one of the industry’s unique and talented musician called Kweku Afro. The song is available on all digital platforms.

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Ghanaian songstress, Elizha secures milestone feature with reggae icon Anthony B

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Ghanaian songstress Elizha is on a new dancehall adventure as she features award-winning Jamaican producer and artiste, Anthony B.

The singer/songwriter has unveiled her new single titled “Sugar” as she takes listeners on a rollercoaster dancehall ride with Anthony B, who has worked with some of the best musicians around the world.

The feature is indeed historic, as Elizha becomes the first Ghanaian female artist to feature a top Jamaican reggae and dancehall icon.

The US-based Ghanaian singer is on a mission to reassert herself as one of the budding musical stars to emerge from Ghana, and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Produced by Kros, the new jam by the American-based Ghanaian musician is her first major collaboration in her career, which has sparkled over the past months.

Elizha has had a remarkable career thus far having being adjudged the Best Female Vocalist at the 2023 Ghana Music Awards USA.

The “Sugar” single is available across various streaming platforms.

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Liv North shares new song ‘Boyfriend’ featuring Kwaw Kese

Published

3 days ago

May 1, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Rising Afrobeats sensation, Liv North unveils her latest single ‘Boyfriend,’ featuring renowned Ghanaian rapper, Kwaw Kese. The must-listen song celebrates love and appreciation for partners, showcasing Liv North’s vibrant style and knack for deeply felt lyrics in one scoop. ‘Boyfriend’ is in line to become a radio sensation. Listen to it here: https://fanlink.tv/liv-boyfriend

On ‘Boyfriend,’ Liv North again shines brightly. Her soulful vocals seamlessly flow into Kwaw Kese’s signature rap style to create an engaging sound that sounds fresh yet familiar. This beautiful synergy is made possible by the talented DatBeatGod, whose irresistible production captures the passion at stake.

“I’m excited to be releasing ‘Boyfriend’ with Kwaw Kese and DatBeatGod,” Liv North shares about her new release. “This song is very special to me and I hope it resonates with listeners as much as it does with me. It’s a celebration of love that I can’t wait for everyone to hear.”

Liv North has been a steady voice in the live music scene making exceptional covers, all of which are on her 2022 album, “The LivE Xperience, Vol. 1.” Her spicy fusion of Afrobeats and R&B has grown on fans over the years, with ‘Boyfriend’ set to become a resounding success and further solidify the singer as one of the genre’s favorites.

About Liv North

Liv North is quickly cementing herself as the new Afrobeats diva on the block. Known for her captivating vocals and infectious energy, Liv North has garnered massive attention among fans with a unique sound that blends traditional Afrobeats rhythms with contemporary influences. With each new release, her music pushes the boundaries of the genre while celebrating love, life and culture.

Stay tuned for more updates from Liv North and follow her on social media for the latest news and announcements.