STORMZY Releases ‘This is What I Mean’ Album

Published

1 year ago

November 26, 2022

STORMZY Releases 'This is What I Mean' Album

British musician Stormzy has released his highly anticipated third album, ‘This Is What I Mean’.

Over the course of his expansive, heartfelt and defiantly sprawling new album, the BRIT and Ivor Novello award-winning Stormzy has delivered an undeniable classic; effortlessly condensing any number of disparate styles and genres into music which bravely broaches any gap between modern Black British music, soul and hip-hop.

Executively Produced by British producer PRGRSHN, the album includes the top 10 single ‘Hide & Seek’; an emotive, soulful and ethereal offering and his latest release ‘Firebabe’; a beautifully delicate and deeply touching sound. An array of incredible musicians are also scattered throughout the record including vocal appearances from the likes of Sampha, Jacob Collier, Debbie and more, all of which are listed here.

A bold and courageous leap forward from his critically acclaimed previous two #1 records, ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ and ‘Heavy Is The Head’, this isn’t music simply for the pop charts but rather, an intimate and sincere love letter to music. He speaks on forgiving his absent father on the mellifluous ‘Please’ and refers to his challenges with paranoia, depression and self-doubt on penultimate track, ‘I Got My Smile Back’ – which also features a guest vocal from the incomparable India.Arie. It’s a record which showcases intensely personal and lyrical themes which in turn lay bare the vulnerabilities, regret, frailties, healing, joy and triumph in a manner and to an extent that reframes the notion of what rap artists traditionally might do and be.

In a letter posted to his social media pages last night, Stormzy wrote:

“When Tyler, The Creator released the masterpiece that is ‘IGOR’ he shared a message with it and I wanted to do the same but I was hesitant. Mainly because I would love for my music to do all the talking but I thought I’d share this message anyway.

I do a lot of interviews and I forget that everything I say will be shared far and wide, which is probably naive of me. Things that I say in real life don’t feel the same when I see it in text. I feel like I overshare, which makes me feel naked at times. But I do it so that you guys can understand me a bit better and to give the art that I make some context. I’m never ever purposely trying to defy genres or go against the grain. I’m never tryna do what is unexpected of me or what is expected of me. If I rap for 7 minutes it’s because in my spirit, in that moment, I just really wanted to fucking rap. If I sing my heart out then it’s because my soul just absolutely had to. I love music. I love, love loveeeee music. I will rap for the rest of my life, I will sing for the rest of my life, I will make art for the rest of my life. And at no point will I ever do any of those things for any other reason than I JUST WANTED TO AND IT JUST FELT GOOD. I am not a calculated mastermind with the ability to gauge what kind of music to make and when I’ll make it, I literally just feel and then let it out. People been tryna box me in for years but I hope this chapter at least makes my biggest critic say “hey, he’s shit but he loves music and I guess he’s gonna do whatever he likes” lol

I pray you listen to this album in your own time, whenever you can. Listen to it properly with no distractions. I pray you listen to this album with an open heart and if you hate it after I promise to God I’m perfectly fine with that, I’m just grateful that you listened with openness. I pray that it moves you and captures your imagination. And I pray that someone, somewhere, feels it.

This Is What I Mean.

And it’s what I’ve always meant.

God bless. Stormz x”

The confidence which drove the album stemmed from a deeper and far more spiritual place than we have seen from Stormzy previously. For all the success and awards that he has accrued during his brief, meteoric career, the lockdown that ensued from the coronavirus pandemic gave him one commodity he’d long lacked: time. And thanks to his sense of accomplishment following Glastonbury he was, for the first time, in a position to make the most of it.

Much of the creative energy that shaped the album emerged from a Stormzy music camp in Osea Island – a remote island in the Essex estuary that’s only accessible via a Roman Causeway for four hours a day at low tide. Surrounded by leading-edge producers and musicians each and every morning they would eat and pray together and then spend the rest of the time driven to creative heights by each other’s talents.

“When you hear about music camps they always sound intense and sombre,” says Stormzy. ““People saying: “We need to make an album.” “We need to make some hit records.” But this felt beautifully free. We’re all musicians but we weren’t always doing music. Some days we played football or walked around taking pictures. And the bi-product to that was very beautiful music. Because when you marry that ethos with world class musicians and the best producers, writers and artists in the world, and we’re in one space, that’s a recipe for something that no one can really imagine. You can’t even calculate what that’s going to come up with. And it came up with a big chunk of this album.”

The net result is that while ‘This Is What I Mean’ sounds very much like Stormzy, it sounds like no Stormzy album you have ever heard before.

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

Published

9 hours 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

1 day 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.

Instagram: livnorthmusic
Twitter/X: @livnorthmusic1
Facebook: Liv North

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Prince Bright and Stonebwoy unveil their forthcoming EP with electrifying new song ‘Back To Sender (Taamiawu)’

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

With a joint EP on the way, Prince Bright and Stonebwoy give us a sneak peek of what to expect; enter ‘Back To Sender (Taamiawu).’ This electrifying mid-tempo Afrobeats anthem is guaranteed to keep bad energy at bay, making it the perfect daily companion. Stream or download ‘Back To Sender (Taamiawu)’ across all major digital platforms here: https://ampl.ink/XApb2

Just as an apple a day keeps the doctor away, ‘Back To Sender (Taamiawu)’ keeps negativity and its associated headaches a mile away. The song acts like a talisman, attracting positive vibrations to the listener through an indulging wave of frequencies that engross, and its charm extends beyond the lively production.

Prince Bright and Stonebwoy’s dynamic vocals are equally powerful in repelling traces of negativity. They light up the track with a strong gust of optimism as the two stars uplift their audience through lyrics like “You dey wish for my downfall say make I enter for the gutter. Naaey” and “Say my bread I go always butter/Jah rise and me enemy scatter.”

According to Prince Bright, ‘Back To Sender (Taamiawu)’ is meant to address the struggles we go through. It is also the first single taken off his forthcoming EP, “Infinity,” with Stonebwoy. This heavily-anticipated collaboration will arrive later this year and promises to have something for everyone. But till then, this is the song to beat.

CONNECT WITH PRINCE BRIGHT AND STONEBWOY:

Twitter: @PrinceBright_NY

Instagram: princebright

Facebook: Prince Bright Buk Bak

Twitter: @stonebwoy

Instagram: stonebwoy

Facebook: Stonebwoy

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Amerado drops new single titled ‘Tin Ton Tan’

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Renowned Ghanaian music sensation, Amerado, is gearing up to thrill fans with his latest Afrobeat-infused single, “Tin Ton Tan.” Produced by the TGMA producer of the year nominee IzJoe Beatz, this track promises to be a chart-topper, bringing together Amerado’s lyrical prowess with IzJoe Beatz’s infectious rhythms.

Amerado, known for his sharp wit and magnetic stage presence, has once again raised the bar with “Tin Ton Tan.” This song is not just a mere release; it’s a cultural phenomenon that encapsulates the essence of contemporary Ghanaian music. With his signature blend of Twi and English lyrics, Amerado delivers a message that resonates with audiences across the nation.

“Tin Ton Tan” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a celebration of Ghanaian resilience and determination. Amerado’s verses, intertwined with IzJoe Beatz’s masterful production, create a sonic experience that is as uplifting as it is irresistible.

The visualizer which can be found on Amerado’s YouTube was shot and directed in USA by Isaa Obuobi for Creative House TV.

Watch/Stream Amerado – Tin Ton Tan via:

Others DSPs: https://onerpm.link/tintontan

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Ogee Xeng drops ‘Agege Baby’ EP

Published

4 days ago

April 29, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

The fusion of diverse genres has become a hallmark of creativity in today’s music.Afrobeat and Amapiano stands out as a vibrant concoction.AGEGE BABY has the infectious groove of Afrobeat seamlessly blended with the infectious energy of Amapiano.

The EP opens with a transcendent track that sets the tone for the entire experience.
Each track on the EP expect track 4 (benk3 me interlude) offers a unique exploration of the Afro-Amapiano fusion.
One standout track on the EP is track 2 (Gbogbo(wall))The Ga language could weave intricate patterns, seamlessly blending with the rhythmic groove of the Amapiano beat. The lyrics tell a story of perseverance conveying a sense upliftment to the listener.

Another highlight of the EP is track 3 (Power) A powerful expression of frustration, disillusionment, and a call for accountability as the beat kicks in, it’s driven by pounding drums and deep basslines that give the music a sense of urgency.The lyrics are raw and unapologetic.

As the EP draws to a close, the final track (Agboo ayee) leaves listeners wanting more, its infectious groove lingering in their minds with its seamless blend of Afrobeat and Amapiano.

Links

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/00S01BO3P1bu0lgAUsqTxs?si=2QS9HdYfSaGHhyVbSkh64A

Apple Musichttps://music.apple.com/us/album/agege-baby-ep/1734643633

Boomplay https://www.boomplay.com/share/album/86312562?srModel=COPYLINK&srList=IOS

Audiomack https://audiomack.com/ogee-xeng/album/agege-baby?share-user-id=7383633

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Yankee Beatz and TRzemmi gear up for new collaborative EP with lead single “Slow Down”

Published

4 days ago

April 29, 2024

VJ Scaro

Yankee Beatz, the dynamic and multi-talented Composer, Music Producer, Songwriter, and Artist, thrills audiences with his latest release, “Slow Down,” featuring the talented TRzemmi. (more…)