The Slice, Episode 8 [Urban Feature]

There are some of us dedicated to rummaging the inner regions of the web in search of that good alternative urban music and serving it directly to music lovers.

This initiative is what we call "The Slice" at EARMILK. Every fortnight we share with you 10 ear-grabbing songs from genres ranging from hip-hop, grime, soul, afrobeat/pop and dancehall. So let us do the digging for you while you sit back, relax to some brilliantly crafted music from around the globe.

Scott Xylo "Ariya" ft. Afronaut Zu, Catherine Sera & Marcus Joseph

Producer Scott Xylo kicks off this edition of The Slice with a massive afrobeat influenced record titled "Ariya". If my Yoruba is correct, that stands for having a good time in English and the vibe of this record shows just that. A majority of the song is sung in the Yoruba language and some ethereal vocal performance from  Catherine Sera. The record is rhythmic, and funky from start to finish. "Ariya" will also be followed by a debut LP for the label later this summer, with more details to follow soon. Get the audio on bandcamp.

Paris Love-Child "Brass Band Bitches"

DJ, the singer/songwriter/model Paris Love-Child is unbridled talent in human form. How she juggles all these roles is beyond me but as long as it works, I'm down with that. Her latest single/video "Brass Band Bitches" is a solid trap slapper revolving around the fashion world. You can immediately tell she is of a high-quality standard and doesn't fool around with anything less than that. No mercy or quarter is given for these "Brass Band Bitches". 

BBXO "Hard Road To Travel"

BBXO is the collaborative project of producer Krisz Kreuzer & spoken word artist/rapper Musa Okwonga. Together they introduce us to their unique brand of hip-hop mixed with vintage electronic vibes. Their newest record "Hard Road To Travel" is an inspirational ballad that encourages the listener to hold their head up and persevere during hard times. Over a dark, upbeat backdrop Okwonga delivers the message with a speech like flow that has commanding attributes and keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. This release brings together the world of BBXO – poetry, politics, and pop. Get the audio here

Nonso Amadi "No Crime"

Canada based Nigerian singer who goes by his government name Nonso Amadi smoothens the list with his brand of infectious afro-pop-driven R&B music. The song titled "No Crime" is a love-laden record that shows the young artists melodious vocals and well-crafted harmonies. The record serves as one of his many releases this year. Expect a video later this month.

Mari "Roll Bounce" (ft. NanaBcool)

Mari is a Chi-town based singer/producer who gifts us with this solid R&B entry titled "Roll Bounce". The track features  NanaBcool, a tribute to Motown funk thanks to the use of synth, falsetto, and drums. "Roll Bounce" is taken from his recently released self-produced EP, ‘SERVE’.

 SPRTYK "Helly Hansen"

Bronx representative SPRTYK (pronounced Sporty K) delivers a solid underground slapper titled "Helly Hansen". Teaming up with producer Amen who crafts a cinematic/soulful backdrop for the young emcee to display her unapologetically explicit lyrical assault. The video directed by Loui Nova is straightforward and shows the young emcee dipped out in the Helly Hansen brand as she kicks the gift of gab over the solid backdrop. 

Sara Diamond "Foreword"

Sara Diamond teams up with Brodi on this soul-stirring single titled "Foreword". The song sees Sara pontificating on the old feelings she had for her ex in comparison to the experienced gained from the break-up. It is pretty straightforward in terms of the subject matter but her ethereal approach on wax makes it very enticing.

Bronze "YSL"

London (UK) based hip-hop producer who goes by the name Bronze cooks up some fresh produce on the list. His newest record titled "YSL" is a mellow, lo-fi head nodder that sounds like something out of the lowest depths of the human soul. He told us that the track was made in an old castle in Tuscany, Italy and draws influence from the architecture and the surroundings of the area. The title is a slight nod to the famous fashion designer of the same name. He is currently working on his debut album Jewelz to be released later this year. 

Zilo  "Don't Waste My Time"

Our favorite rising soul singer Zilo is back with another gem in the form of her new single/video "Don't Waste My Time". As usual, in her assertive self, she delivers a you-better-come-correct and don't beat around the bush type message that everyone can relate to. Musically, she has been keeping the same fiery energy from the get-go and the hip-hop tinged soulful backdrop provided by producers Marco Bernardis & lophiile doesn't disappoint. 

Endless Waltz  "Silver Blue-Eyed Sun" (feat. Cass)

We always try to keep things funky and fresh for y'all so when we came across this record by producers Endless Waltz, we had to put it on. The song in question "Silver Blue-Eyed Sun" is dreamy, atmospheric but it's also brimming with the soul element as singer Cass delivers it by the tons.  Surrounded by lush string arrangements and undeniable bass lines, the production gives you a sense of broken beauty while transporting you to a place of hope. “Silver Blue-Eyed Sun” is featured on Black Holes in the Light, the recently released debut EP from Endless Waltz.

The Allergies  "Can't Keep Working This Hard"

We had to break our norm just this once as we deliver another extra slice of musical deliciousness for your listening pleasure. Bristol’s finest DJ team – The Allergies (made up of  DJ Moneyshot and DJ Rackabeat ) deliver a body moving funky jam titled "Can't Keep Working This Hard". An upbeat slice of sister funk, telling all you fellas out there to shape up or ship out. It’s got everything to help you keep your man in check with suitably sassy lyrics and a hook that doesn’t quit. It’s a finger waving, toe-tapping, booty shaking affair ready to move any crowd imaginable. "Can't Keep Working This Hard" is taken from their forthcoming album ‘Steal The Show’

If you dug what you heard, you can revisit our previous episodes of "The Slice" here.