Guestlist Issue 88 | Page 38

38 HIP HOP & RNB ISSUE 88 / 2016 TRACK OF THE MONTH: DMX FEAT. STYLES P - STILL SCRATCHING The reformed hellraiser has released some new music in the wake of his recent comeback DMX has just released a new track called ‘Still Scratching’ featuring Styles P. it’s classic DMX with an old school beat with bell rings and gangsta piano lines and of course no track would be complete without the signature barks throughout. Announcing a new album with longtime collaborator Swiss Beatz we hope this is a new beginning for the reformed superstar and we are eagerly awaiting the follow up. ONE TO WATCH: MAKA Nigerian soul singer, songwriter and musician Maka has been hailed as one of Africa’s best kept musical secrets Off the back of critically acclaimed introductory singles last year ‘Ife (Love)’ and ‘Mu Na Gi (You And I)’, The Truth EP is a rich, resounding and assured debut EP offering from the Nigerian native. Backed by glorious hip hop and soul musical backdrops, provided by hip hop DJ/producer Teck-Zilla, Maka bares her heart on love, life and everything in between in a uniquely sincere and relatable fashion, all underpinned by her signature Afrocentric and soulful style. From the opening track ‘Forever’, which samples Chaka Khan’s ‘Stronger Than Pride’ to glorious effect, and her soulful hip-hop ode to her hometown ‘Lagos’, to the triumphant and life-affirming ‘FMH (Feeling My High)’ and the already well-received ‘Mu Na Gi’, every song on this EP contributes to what makes for a captivating listening experience and an exceptional body of work from Maka. ALBUM OF THE MONTH: CHENEY 21-year old singer, songwriter and musician Cheney is one of the most exciting young voices capturing the hearts and minds of music lovers in 2016. With an exciting sound that has been described as a cross between The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey, over half a million streams on Soundcloud already under her belt, early support from the likes of BBC 1Xtra, Hype Machine and iHeart Radio, and collaborations with Obeson, Blinkie and Kasbo, Cheney looks set to make 2016 her year! Presented by exciting new Londonbased independent label The Good Vibe, London native Cheney is proud to announce her debut EPThe Coming, which is due for release on June 17. Already buoyed by previously released offering ‘All About You’, The Coming EP also boasts the brand new single titled ‘Astronomy’, produced by emerging London musician and producer Sound Of Fractures (Ritual,RAYE, Jay Prince, Aiden Grimshaw). Led by a gloriously ethereal and gripping musical backdrop of dense basslines, tinkering drum patterns and brooding vocal melodies, ‘Astronomy’ sees Cheney bemoaning her ex-lover and all of his ‘drama’ in [the most] fiery and relatable fashion, as she sings, “I don’t want another f**kboi […] I need myself a man”. Underpinning the captivating music and her relatable lyrics, Cheney’s soothing tone and beautiful vocals come to the fore, to excellent effect. Speaking about ‘Astronomy’ and its inspiration, Cheney said, “I wrote ‘Astronomy’ for the ladies. Reminiscing over the boy-drama I’ve had, and how over it I was, I was thinking about how a lot of girls let boys determine their worth, when that isn’t how it should be. I wanted to write a song for girls to realise that they determine their self worth, and nobody else. I want them to know it and own it”. NEW RELEASES More and More Wiz Khalifa Death Row Chain The Game Wrist Logic feat. Pusha T Local Time Mos Def Hendrix Wyclef Jean Back To The Sun Lavender BADBADNOTGOOD feat. KayTranada Saint Pablo Kanye West feat. Sampha All Nite Clams Casino feat. Vince Staples Customer Service Jurassic 5 4PM In Calabasas Drake 16 Shots Vic Mensa Wale