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Melvitto Produces, Frescool Seduces on Their New Single — FINAL After the success of their 2024 single “Take Control,” sonic architect Melvitto and Afrofusion talent Frescool are back to raise the temperature once again, This time with “FINAL“, a sleek, seductive cut that balances edge with finesse. From the jump, the acclaimed producer does what he does best. The production is sleek and intentional, stripped to its core but rich in texture. Every element is placed with care, giving the music space to breathe while maintaining a quiet intensity.  Frescool moves across the beat with calm precision. His melodies are smooth and suggestive, his lyrics laced with subtle control and unforced charisma. There’s a breezy confidence in his delivery, a subtle wink in every note, and a composure that perfectly complements the energy the renowned producer builds underneath. It’s a performance that feels light on its feet but leaves a lasting impression. https://urbanboxed.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ssstwitter.com_1750756179482.mp4 Visual Direction The artwork and animation comes courtesy of Duksart, a frequent collaborator known for bringing Melvitto’s sonic worlds to life. For FINAL, he delivers a provocative cover and custom animation that elevate the record’s sultry mood. With each flicker of neon, silhouettes of intertwined bodies pulse in and out of focus. The visual is bold, suggestive, and unapologetically sensual. It doesn’t just accompany the track — it propels the experience. Take Control Melvitto and Frescool first locked in on this record and the chemistry was instant.  Frescool Frescool’s music strikes a balance between smooth vocal delivery, introspective lyricism, and catchy Afrofusion rhythms. DuksArt A frequent collaborator known for bringing Melvitto’s sonic worlds to life.  FINAL is a smooth but assured reunion. It marks the second time Melvitto and Frescool have joined forces, following the undeniable chemistry of Take Control, a track that quietly earned cult favorite status among fans. With FINAL, the duo pick up right where they left off, affirming that their chemistry is anything but temporary.  “FINAL” is out now on all major platforms. Listen here A&RUrbanboxed

Odeal vs Gabzy:The Cold War For The Summer Throne Who will reign supreme? July has long held the title of London’s hottest month, and 2025 is living up to the reputation. But this year, the real heat isn’t just from rising temperatures — it’s radiating from the city’s genre-bending Titans: Odeal and Gabzy. London’s smoothest exports are turning up the heat this season, moving with precision and raising both the stakes and their stock in a silent battle for seasonal dominance. With each drop, each visual, and every calculated rollout, they’re not just releasing music — they’re shaping mood boards, influencing playlists, and staking their claim as the city’s rightful heir.  With the summer already shaping up, the season has narrowed into a two-man race to set the tone — and London is the battlefield. As the weather sizzles, so does the question: who will reign supreme?.  Both artists occupy that sweet spot between Afrobeats, R&B, and Soul — blending diaspora textures with emotional depth, and each boasting a strong female fanbase. So what happens when two of the city’s most melodic voices set their sights on the same throne?  The answer is simple. The fans get fire: sleek rollouts, amazing music, and visuals that linger. And neither artist can outrun the smoke. It trails behind every release, every visual drop, and with each milestone, the rivalry only intensifies. The tension isn’t loud — just a quiet charge under the surface. This isn’t beef. It’s a cold war. Two fanbases. Two algorithms. One throne on the line.  Gabzy’s Claim For The Throne Nigerian-British artist Gabriel Akinyemi, better known as Gabzy, earned his stripes in 2019 with the breakout Summers alongside Melvitto. That laid the groundwork for Malone, his 2020 solo debut that gave fans early classics like As Friends and Toxic. Fusing smooth R&B with Afrobeats, Gabzy carved out his lane and built a cult-like following, amplified by his sold-out headline shows — from a UK tour in 2022, multiple nights at KOKO to a rain-soaked, career-defining performance at Somerset House in 2023, where Odeal appeared as a guest. His East African tour drew 8,000 fans in Nairobi and 3,000 in Kampala, a moment that cemented his status as one of London’s most important exports. But after a less impactful 2024 that saw his counterpart take the spotlight, Gabzy’s 2025 return has been a masterclass in rollout strategy. The breezy 30 Degrees served as a low-key reset, teasing the beginning of a new chapter. Then came the After Summer tour announcement, and the spark caught fire. Six major European cities sold out within hours. TikTok amplified the frenzy, and London’s 3,000-capacity Roundhouse sold out in minutes. A second date was added at the same venue and  sold out just as quickly — 3,000 tickets gone in minutes. Then 3,000 more. Gabzy didn’t just sell out London — he sent a clear message to his competitor. With a sold-out tour on the horizon, he then followed up with So Much Sense featuring Fireboy DML, a smooth, star-studded anthem that immediately set timelines ablaze and fueled speculation around his rumored upcoming project. With a feature that bridges Lagos and London, it’s a clear signal: he isn’t just back; he’s doubling down. https://urbanboxed.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SaveClip.App_AQPz4nYOB57qZpDMzcz1GAiFksJdVhQhryeYEWo0H1p24IHVOnbdatZvpw2s8bmySn5NCLMcLGnhjPQ9-3uB0AWAhdegIKg92_Tm0C0.mp4 From the rollout to the reception, the message is clear: Gabzy’s outside, the fans are showing up, and the summer might just belong to him. After a year off the throne, Peckham’s finest is making his move and challenging Odeal, who currently sits at the top. Odeal’s Claim For The Throne Odeal’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and dominance. After years of trailing behind Gabzy, 2023 saw the tide shift. What began as a guest appearance at Gabzy’s Somerset show turned into a fire that ignited one of the most impressive career arcs in UK alt-fusion.  Born in Germany and raised between Nigeria and Europe, Odeal blends Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and Afroswing into a genre-fluid identity. His 2023 EP Thoughts I Never Said signaled a quiet evolution, a more reflective turn in his artistry. Building on earlier tracks like Coffee (Don’t Read Signs) and Be Easy, the EP’s lead single, All That It Takes, premiered on COLORS, showcasing a minimalist and emotive performance that underscored his growth as both a songwriter and vocalist. 2024 marked his defining moment. While Gabzy had a less impactful year, The London vocalist engineered one of the most intentional and dynamic runs of his career. He released two sonically distinct projects within the same year — a bold move he framed as “the duality of a man,” proving his ability to thrive in multiple sonic spaces. Sunday at Zuri’s leaned into warm Afrobeats and soul textures, birthing the undeniable summer anthem “Soh‑Soh.” In contrast, Lustropolis offered a smooth, mood-heavy R&B soundscape, featuring none other than Summer Walker and producing the standout single “Blame U.”  Alongside these came a polished collaboration with Juls and the sun-soaked anthem Take Me with Nippa. Each release felt part of a larger vision — genre-spanning, audience-aware, and strategically timed. From fan devotion to critical acclaim, Odeal’s 2024 wasn’t just consistent — it was dominant. He raised the stakes and sent a very clear message: Odeal isn’t just emerging, he is reigning.  Backed by Atlanta-based imprint LVRN, his efforts led to a BET nomination, a historic MOBO double win for Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act, and a defining performance of “Soh Soh” at the Utilita Arena. It was the kind of moment that signaled a shift from underground icon to a global-facing artist. Odeal has no plans of slowing in 2025. His latest single “London Summers” racked up over 1 million streams in ten days, paired with a cinematic short film for his upcoming album The Summer That Saved Me scheduled for release on July 11, Odeal looks poised to define the season — and perhaps, retain the crown he comfortably held last year. So, Who Will Be Crowned King of London? All roads lead to this summer — two counterparts squaring off with their highly anticipated projects. The competition may be quiet, but the stakes are clear: streaming numbers, playlist dominance, social

Frescool Keeps His 2023 Momentum with His New Release, ‘NeverLack.’ Each new release from Frescool captures and reflects his current state of mind. His 2023 Valentine’s Day pack, ‘Magical/Penty,’ set the tone for a successful year, with the viral ‘Magical’ being his most streamed solo single. He returns with his 2024 single, ‘NeverLack,’ where he recounts his progression through real-life experiences while maintaining his unagitated spirit. Frescool’s focus never drifts from the grind; he remains hopeful, steadfast, and consistent in his mission to deliver impactful, motivational music. ‘neverlack’ OUT NOW! LISTEN HERE Watch the visualiser here Stay in touch with Frescool CLICK HERE

THE CURIOUS CASE OF TEMS AND HER LEGACY-DEFINING DEBUT ALBUM. Tems may not have much left to prove, but the outcome of her debut album could ultimately shape her legacy. Ever since her breakthrough into the mainstream in 2018, Tems has experienced a meteoric rise to stardom. The Nigerian singer and songwriter released her self-produced debut single, ‘Mr. Rebel,’ shortly after leaving her job to pursue a music career. This bold move not only kickstarted her illustrious journey but also cultivated a dedicated fan base now known as the ‘Rebel Gang.’ The following year, she graced us with the stirring ‘Try Me,’ a track that captivated a wider audience and earned her rave reviews. In 2020, she released her debut EP ‘For Broken Eyes,’ which she primarily produced. The lead single ‘Damages’ became another hit and peaked at number one on the Nigerian Apple Music chart, amassing five million YouTube views by the end of the year. INTERNATIONAL TEMS That same year, she scored a feature on Wizkid’s international smash hit ‘Essence’ off his ground-breaking album, Made in Lagos. The song went on to have a Justin Bieber remix the following year, 2021 and peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Earning her first Grammy Award nomination. Her second EP, If Orange Was a Place, was released after she signed a record deal with RCA Records. Ghanaian producer GuiltyBeatz primarily produced the EP with additional production from Jonah Christian and Brent Faiyaz as the only guest artist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlqnBKlHLgA&list=PLsAk6h4n-dS3NMMfvL9cpEfuH6ikDUyLO She was featured by Drake on ‘Fountain’ on his 2021 album ‘Certified Lover Boy’. In 2022, she went on to be featured on Future’s smash-hit ‘Wait For U’ alongside Drake which debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian artist to top the chart. The song earned her a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.  Tems was announced as a guest artist on Beyoncé’s album Renaissance, collaborating on the song “Move” with Grace Jones, which went on to be her fifth entry on the Hot 100. In the same year she covered Bob Marley‘s “No Woman, No Cry” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack album in July 2022 and in the same month, her song “Free Mind” from her debut EP which debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 46 and breaking the female record for longest charting number one song on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. She also co-wrote the song “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna, which earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. TIMELINE OF THE DEBUT ALBUM Conversations about Tems’ debut album are certainly not new; she initially hinted at plans for a 2022 release on X (formerly Twitter) in 2021. This revelation came during a Q&A session with her fans on Thursday, the 9th of September 2021, just a day before the release of ‘Crazy Tings.’ While Tems maintained a relatively low profile regarding the album for most of the year, an interested fan took to Twitter to inquire about the status of the debut studio album. They wanted to know when the serial award-winning songstress would be releasing it after a successful 2022. Responding, Tems wrote, “Next Year! 💯🥇”. 2023 was a year of accolades for Tems, from her nomination at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards for “Best Original Song — Motion Picture” for “Lift Me Up” from the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to her  Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U. Making her the first female Nigerian artiste to win a Grammy Award. Tems was invited to fashion’s biggest night out, the Met Gala. With so much activity outside of music, the conversations about the album went under the radar as she didn’t release music for most of the year, however, in the last quarter, Tems returned with  “Me & U“, her first solo output since If Orange Was a Place, excluding her cover of Bob Marley‘s “No Woman, No Cry“. Three months later Tems released her second single of the year, “Not an Angel“. Both singles were met with favourable reviews and a great reception.   Me & U peaked at number 1 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart and number 34 on the UK Singles Chart while in the United States, it reached number 10 on Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart while Not an Angel peaked at No. 9 on the US Billboard World Digital Song Sales,[14] No. 23 on the US Hot R&B Songs chart and No. 28 on the New Zealand Hot Singles chart. BORN IN THE WILD 2 years, 7 months, 6 days after her initial tease via X, Tems officially announced her debut album Born in the Wild on April 15, a day after her Coachella performance. The singer-songwriter posted a one-minute visual teasing her album, which initially announced to be released in May, before revealing a new date June 7 for the full-length via RCA/Since ’93.  The clip presumably shows scenes from back home, with children running around the beach that evoke memories from Tems’ childhood.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8twy7b_6D0 Expectations for Tems’ debut album have been building for almost 3 years. Already released singles have now given us a glimpse of what the singer is set to deliver. THE tracklist & tour The Grammy-winner revealed an expansive world tour in support of the upcoming album. From mid-June, the singer will perform in venues across five continents, starting off at London’s Eventim Apollo. Tems will traverse through Europe until mid-July, then run through North America from late August to early October. On the North American dates, she will be supported by Canadian R&B songbird Naomi Sharon and Nigerian American singer Lekan on select dates. THE COMPETITION As we await Tems’ debut release this Friday, her team is likely aware of the various competitors around her. For the first time since the ‘Afrobeats to the World’ movement gained global momentum, three female leads are taking center stage in a male-dominated arena. The meteoric rise of the Southern African Grammy-winning sensation Tyla, and the strong

SuperJazzClub Still Making Waves with Their Latest Release ‘OFF’ The Ghanaian Music Collective is Still Riding High From Their First Single of the Year. SuperJazzClub kicked off a new era after earning a distribution deal from US-based distribution and artist services company, Human Re-Sources, home to British-Ghanaian singer, RAYE, who recently won six awards at the Brit Awards. To celebrate this milestone, the alternative super group released their first single of the year, ‘OFF’, which has amassed over 100k streams and views combined on Spotify and YouTube. ‘OFF’ OUT NOW! LISTEN HERE The track, crafted by two members of the collective, Øbed and Ansah Live, along with additional production by DUKE, embodies the distinctive sound honed by the group over their career span. The track is influenced by ’90s hip hop and UK garage, infused with elements of jazz and contemporary Afrobeats. Watch the visualiser here For more CLICK HERE

Jaye IV Announces “GoodThing, BadTiming” Ahead of His Highly Anticipated Release. jaye iv gears up to drop his highly anticipated release Lagos, Nigeria – Jaye IV, a rising star in the Hip-hop/Afrofusion scene, is set to release his latest single “GoodThing BadTiming” on February 28, 2024, in collaboration with his team Uncommon Grounds. The Afrofusion track blends dancehall rhythm, Afrobeat melodies, and the rapper’s distinct hip-hop cadence. GoodThing BadTiming is set to put listeners in a happy mood, with its synth and electric guitar riffs. Jaye IV easily expresses himself using a simple and apt phrase that seems to justify the moment we currently live in. get familiar “I’m a songwriter and a music producer, rap just happens to be My favorite form of expression because it allows Me to say more while exploring more than enough vocabularies. – Jaye IV who is jaye iv? Jaye IV is a fresh and attentive Hip-Hop/Afrofusion rapper hailing from Lagos, Nigeria. He has a profound appreciation for the art of storytelling and a keen understanding of the music business. Drawing inspiration from the Hip-Hop moguls of the 2000s, Jaye IV infuses his craft with cultural influences from Afrobeat, Afrobeats, and its various sub-genres. His music reflects a fusion of styles that sets him apart in the vibrant music scene, capturing the essence of both his local roots and global influences. catalogue LISTEN HERE The prodigy is also an alumnus of London’s prestigious Institute of Contemporary Music Performance where he honed his craft in creativemusic performance and took music business classes. He has recently described his music as an evolutionary tool even though his approach and move can seem rather revolutionary. pre-save Pre-save the highly anticipated single dropping on the 28th of February. PRE-SAVE HERE Stay updated on Jaye IV’s activities here.

EP REVIEW: QING MADI’S SELF-TITLED EP “Qing Madi’s success didn’t happen overnight, she spent her whole life preparing for this.” Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, popularly known as Qing Madi, has come a long way from her early days taking center stage in her local church in Benin. It was within these sacred walls that she diligently honed her skills and meticulously refined her craft as a singer. This pivotal chapter in her musical journey laid the foundation for what would later become this distinctive and flourishing career trajectory we’re witnessing. Benin has proven to be a breeding ground for stars like Rema and Shallipopi who have successfully propelled the city onto the Afrobeats map, both on international and local scales. Qing Madi is the next prodigy in line from Benin heritage to storm into the music industry with hopes to add her her own flavour into the mix. QING MADI EP – UNWRAPPING THE GOODS Following the success of her 2022 single, “See Finish,” recorded at the age of 16, Qing Madi escalated her momentum in 2023 with the viral hit single, “Ole,” featuring Bnxn (formerly known as Buju). The track has garnered remarkable traction, accumulating over 10 million streams on Spotify and surpassing 6 million views on YouTube as of the time of writing this review. On her debut EP, Qing Madi aims to establish her presence in discussions surrounding the emerging stars of the new Afrobeats era. In a scene where talents like Taves, Yarden, Kold AF, YKB, Yinka Bernie, Mikun, and many others are all gaining traction, Qing Madi seeks to carve her niche alongside these artists to assert her unique presence. The project opens with the Ktizo-produced R&B number “Madi’s Medley,” where Qing Madi soulfully delves into her ambitions and dreams while remaining aware of her detractors. She assuredly sings about preparing herself for challenges that may come her way, painting a vivid picture of her mindset regarding her career. Her breakout single, “Ole,” arguably the most important song of the project, takes its place on track two. The Bnxn-assisted number blends seamlessly with the other songs, setting the tone for the EP. She displays more soulful singing on the third track, “Vision,” as she laments about her love interest and getting her priorities messed up. This particular record features some of the best songwriting on the project, showcasing a concise pen-to-image approach. Qing Madi, whose music fuses Afrobeats, pop, soul, and R&B, continues in this fine tradition on her debut project. The three-track run from tracks four to six—American Love, Chargie, and Why—leans heavily toward the Afrobeats space, providing room for her to blend her vocal prowess and melodies with the vibe that comes with Afrobeats sonics, before closing out the project with her 2022 viral single, See Finish. VERDICT Qing Madi‘s success didn’t happen overnight, she spent her whole life preparing for this. From her early days singing in church choirs as a child, to later joining the ranks of renowned Nigerian artists such as Wavy The Creator, Rema, Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, and Tems to be named on Apple Music’s Up Next, a prestigious artist development program launched in 2017 for spotlighting and supporting emerging talents. EDITOR’S NOTE Qing Madi’s debut project not only marks her emergence as a teen sensation, but also showcases the immense potential for her evolution into a mature stalwart in the music industry.

Aggy: A Sound Investment in UK R&B’s Rising Stocks. AFRO-R&B IN THE UK The UK Afro R&B movement is currently undergoing a remarkable surge, and its momentum shows no signs of slowing down. In the last few years within this vibrant and diverse musical landscape, artists such as Gabzy, Odeal, and JayO have emerged as frontrunners, in that order. Each of these artists, with a fair share of similarities albeit with their own distinct flair, is carving out paths for themselves, further propelling the genre. Their sounds not only reflect the cultural dynamism of the movement but also contribute to the evolving narrative of Afro-R&B in the UK, making them stand out as true flagbearers of the sound.  This sound reverberates within the underground scene, serving as inspiration for the emerging talents of the next generation. Amidst the buzz and excitement, one name stands out prominently – Aggy, who is quickly ascending the ranks as a rising star, positioning himself as the artist to closely watch in 2024.  BUBBLING UNDER Aggy is undeniably one to watch in the underground music scene. He has been putting in work for some time now, skillfully blending R&B, Afrobeats, and Afro-Swing into a signature sound. Slowly, he is carving out a reputation for himself with his soulful vocals and emotive storytelling. With a rapidly growing fan base and high acclaim within the Reading music community, he is poised for a breakthrough in the music scene sooner or later. WHO IS AGGY? Aggy is a 19-year-old artist born in Slough, located in the South East of England, before moving to Reading at the age of 7, where he cultivated his love for music. Infused with the vibes of the late ’90s and early 2000s, his musical palette spans R&B, old-school soul, Afrobeats, and Hip-Hop/Rap. Demonstrating a versatile and expansive approach to his craft, Aggy is creating his own lane, paved by the surging R&B climate in the UK. Hip-hop laid the foundation for Aggy’s journey. He kickstarted his career by penning down rap verses, which he shared with his friends before finding solace in soulful melodies. Since then, he has continued to hone his sound, blending his hip-hop influences with R&B, Afrobeats, and Afroswing into his signature style. As his artistic style continues to evolve, Aggy demonstrates a talent for effortlessly exploring and fusing different genres, and his added skill as a pianist points to a promising and dynamic path in the music industry. THE ALICIA KEYS COSIGN His mastery of black and white keys not only showcases his exceptional talent but also garnered a significant cosign from the legendary Alicia Keys. This recognition reached its pinnacle with a virtual duet on TikTok, where Aggy skillfully played the grand piano, accompanied by the Grammy-winning legend singing her award-winning song, “If I Ain’t Got You.” AWAY FROM THE MUSIC Aggy is an all-around artist. Aside from music, he is a solid actor who has made several on-camera appearances. Notably, he was part of the #DefytheNoise ad campaign by BeatsbyDre, sharing the screen with football/soccer stars like Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry, and PSG’s Kingsley Coman. Additionally, he made a cameo in NSG’s recent music video for “Lonely,” featuring Sarkodie. CATALOGUE Listen here I Wanna Real Love Aggy’s artistry goes beyond just music; it’s a brand that celebrates authenticity and individuality. With a debut single that captured the attention of many, he successfully launched his professional career as a musician and has maintained an upward trajectory ever since. Desire His second official single, “Desire,” released earlier this year, was accompanied by an emotionally charged performance video that has not only accumulated over 25,000 views on both Instagram and YouTube but also serves as a testament to the growing potential Aggy possesses. This substantial viewership underscores the widespread appeal of his work across these popular platforms, shedding light on the promising trajectory of Aggy’s burgeoning career. Desire Acoustic Version Following the warm reception received, Aggy is poised to release the acoustic version of the viral single “Desire,” which is a more soulful take on the Afro-R&B single. He showcases his exceptional vocal range and songwriting prowess. This version takes listeners on an emotional journey, as he sings about navigating through the complexities of desire and longing. The video is directed by ESE Studios and Shot in the iconic National Opera Studio in London, UK. The video provides a visual feast that perfectly complements the soulful audio experience. Watch trailer below on the rise As audiences continue to connect with his sound, the excitement builds with Aggy’s upcoming plans, including the release of the acoustic version of “Desire” and the promise of more singles in the coming year. With high hopes of possibly releasing a debut EP, Aggy is undoubtedly poised to make a huge mark soon. His unquestionable talent positions him as one of the standout contenders for the second edition of On The Rise in 2024, solidifying his status as an artist to watch and anticipate in 2024.

EP REVIEW: D.B.I.N.C.B. BY BEGHO & INÇI “Begho and Inçi execute a sonic synergy fueled by sincere emotions, as the two share chemistry in and out of the recording studio.” Begho has had a substantial presence over some time in the Abuja music scene. The Abuja rapper and producer is held in high regard by the local hip-hop community, thanks to his longstanding involvement. He has collaborated with numerous well-known heavy hitters in Abuja, including EESKAY, Zilla Oaks, and Psycho YP, who all contributed to his widely praised EP, “Midnight Run, Vol. 1.“ Inçi is another gem from the Abuja talent crown. She’s a singer-songwriter, whose soothing vocals make her one to watch in the resurging R&B genre. She gained recognition for her covers of Nigerian artists’ songs in 2019. Since then, she’s been actively collaborating with a diverse array of artists, lending her distinctive voice in the background. DON’T BOTHER, I’M NOT COMING BACK EP – UNWRAPPING THE GOODS The Abuja natives joined creative forces to craft a sublime R&B project. Begho takes the lead, steering the ship with his alternative twist to Hip-hop, and Inçi steps in gracefully, introducing a more familiar R&B sound that not only enhances the project but also allows both Begho and Inçi execute a sonic synergy fueled by sincere emotions, as the two share chemistry in and out of the recording studio. “Inçi’s contribution adds a touch of modern R&B charm to the mix, creating a delightful balance with Begho’s calm approach to Hip-hop.” The project kicks off with the intense “AMPHETAMINE,” a passionate reflection of their aforementioned chemistry. This track sets the tone for the entire project, immediately immersing the listener in the emotional depth and fervor that underpin their collaborative journey. “DISTANCE” delves into the heart-wrenching ache of love’s physical and emotional separation. The project’s lead single “RIDE4U” lays emphasis on unwavering commitment to one another, where they both reiterate the strength of their bond and the depth of their devotion. “KNACKZZZZZ” stirs desire with its seductive energy while “ALWAYSYUU” explores the complexities of strained love. The last song on the project, “OUTRO” brings a reflective conclusion to the project narrative. VERDICT Each track paints a vivid emotional canvas, creating a memorable experience. Inçi’s contribution adds a touch of modern R&B charm to the mix, creating a delightful balance with Begho’s calm approach to Hip-hop. EDITOR’S NOTE Begho and Inçi’s collaborative project proves to be a rewarding effort, attributed to the remarkable chemistry they share. This chemistry not only breathes life into the project but also captivates and deeply resonates with the audience.

EP REVIEW: DAYOR’S HIGH LIFE “Dayor finally takes flight with his highly impressive debut project” Dayor is no stranger to the UK music scene, he’s undoubtedly one of UK’s budding R&B prospects. He’s already built himself quite a reputation strongly because of his standout appearances on tracks like Gabzy‘s “Way Too Much” and his soul-stirring performance on Melvitto‘s “Driftin’ Thru.” The 22-year-old British-Nigerian shows no signs of slowing down in 2023, continuing his ascent after being crowned as a “one to watch” in i-D’s “Royalty” issue last year. While he might have spent the last few years building his music catalog and preparing his runway, Dayor finally takes flight with his highly impressive debut project. On his recent release, Dayor delves into an introspective journey in search of deeper meanings of his aspirations and dreams. HIGH LIFE EP – UNWRAPPING THE GOODS “I grew up in the city on the east side and it was all I knew all I knew to life.” Dayor on high life The 4-track EP starts with Take Flight, a song with dreamy synths and minimal percussion, produced by TK. The gentle and uplifting track captures Dayor’s vivid imagery as he sings about breaking free from the chaos of life. On High Life, the project’s lead single Dayor reveals his longing to leave home, explore new experiences, and let the world see his desires and aspirations. The third track On Fire leans more towards sensual lyricism capitalizing on YZ‘s dark subtle and emotive production. This synergy between Dayor‘s lyrical prowess and YZ‘s intricate production adds depth and intrigue to the song, drawing listeners into its seductive atmosphere. In Until The World is Mine, Dayor collaborates with LeMav for the project’s closing track. Here he broadens his horizons, finding clarity in his personal journey and wholeheartedly embracing the path that leads to his destination. VERDICT The UK R&B movement has experienced a remarkable surge, and its momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Within this vibrant and diverse music scene, artists like Gabzy, Odeal, and JayO have taken the lead, carving their own paths and captivating audiences with their unique sounds. Their influence resonates deeply in the underground scene, making a significant impact on the next generation acts such as Aggy, Segun Aniyi and many others. EDITOR’S NOTE Dayor’s debut project, High Life, is an ambitious and purposeful project that effectively establishes the tone for what is already a promising and exciting career ahead.