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 or more 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 and relax to some brilliantly crafted music from around the globe.
If you dug what you hear, you can revisit our previous episodes of "The Slice" here.
Tanika Charles – "Looks At Us Now"
Soul-singer Tanika Charles kicks off this week's list on a resounding note as she drops the official video for her single "Looks At Us Now". The heartwarming record talks about standing strong in the face of adversity and being able to overcome the arduous journey of life. Armed with a commanding vocal and alluring melodies, Charles taps deep into the soul with her uplifting performance that encourages the womenfolk to celebrate themselves as achievers. The visual has a very bright and fun-filled feel and brings together women of all backgrounds in a festive mood. The track is the third single from her sophomore album The Gumption Get it on Spotify.
Salute The Sun – "All To You"
Salute The Sun is a trio made up of vocalist Rob Aros, guitarist Matt Townsend, bassist Toby Williams and drummer Sam Williams who all linked up in 2014 and have been making music since. Their new release "All To You" is a vibrant piece that blends pop, dance, hip-hop, and r&b and showcases the trio's genre-defying style. The record is groovy and ripe with catchy melodies that will keep you locked from start to finish with its uplifting energy.
Get it on Spotify.
JDub Carter x Garnett Boldin – "Father Forgive 'Em"
JDub Carter's "Father Forgive 'Em" is a harrowing look at urban decay stemming from government policies like War on Drugs, gun violence, single-parent households and much more. He details how the communities suffer from these elements but he also talks about how everyone can always find a way out. Joining Carter is singer Garnett Boldin who augments the sensitive topic with a smooth melodious hook over the cinematic/soulful beat.
The video starts with a short commentary by Carter which later switches to the artists in question as they perform the track at different spots. the video also ends with the outtakes giving it that organic feel
Sareem Poems – "No Fly Zone"
Sareem Poems and Newselph hit us with the official video for their previously released single "No Fly Zone". The solemn, reflective cut dwells on life and all the ups and downs that make us who we are. The beat by Newselph has a nice smooth drum groove which is accentuated by the jazz-infused elements that make it very reflective and alluring.
This is definitely a jam that would make you nod your head while giving you timeless gems for life.
Big Narstie & Spice – "Pony"
UK's Big Narstie and dancehall queen Spice help raise the temperature with this banging cut titled "Pony". Freshly inspired by Jamaica’s music culture and energy, Narstie returns to the forefront by mixing grime, dancehall and bashment as Spice comes through with her boisterous unrelenting vocals that made her a star. For the video, they team up with Dego Visionz who brought out the beast in the two stars from Narstie arriving in his own branded chopper to Spice stomping the grounds on horseback culminating in final scene at a barn. The video is pretty off-the-cuff
"Pony" is off Big Narstie's upcoming project Back To Yard project, which was inspired by a visit to his family roots in Jamaica for a new Channel 4 documentary. The project boasts names such as Popcaan, Sizzla and Julian Marley.
Get it Spotify
Focus The Truth – "Northside to Southside" feat. Tony Yayo
Focus The Truth 's "Northside to Southside" official video sees him teaming up with G-Unit member Tony Yayo. Backed by S Eyes Finest's cinematic, solemn backdrop, the duo break down their respective sections as they hold it down from the Northside to Southside. The video was shot by Qasquiat and also features a short comedic skit by Qasquiat notorious podcaster Queenzflip who decides to cause a little ruckus in the studio.
Get it on Spotify , iTunes and other platforms here.
Laurin Biersack – "Hopefully" (feat. Brother Brim)
Munich-based composer and producer Laurin Biersack switches up the energy on the list with his multi-faceted production on "Hopefully" which features Brother Brim on vocal duties. The song details an individual gathering strength to move on to a better relationship. The reflective solemn track stems from Biersack's own experiences while LA-based singer Brother Brim remotely laced his vocals for Biersack.
Safiyyah -"Grow"
Rising singer Safiyyah makes her debut on The Slice with her new single "Grow" which details her personal experiences and growth within a relationship. Armed with an angelic vocal and backed by elements of Neo-Soul, low-fi, contemporary R&B, and jazz she delivers a heartfelt piece that everyone can relate to.
She recently signed to Polarface Records, a London based independent label. Safiyyah’s next live performance will be 20th November at the Folklore in Hackney where she will be supporting Mercy's Carte
Get it on Spotify and Apple Music.
Fluent – "Ride Slow" (feat. Nancy Gomes & DREAM RAYNE)
Songwriter Fluent delivers an emotive, dreamy record titled "Ride Slow" which displays a different side from his usual hip-hop releases. Armed with laid-back smokey vocals, he details how love should not be rushed and things could go slow just to make it last. Along for the ride are vocalists Nancy Gomes and DREAM RAYNE who both add more emotional weight to the track. Their talents are complemented by the lush and bass-rich production from J.Glad Music (Rich The Kid, Travis Porter). Taken from his new LP, ‘Songs About You,’ which is available here.
Geno Five – "Gettin' Naked"
Geno Five's "Gettin' Naked" is a sultry record that details the dynamics between two individuals who are in a situationship. While the pressure is less in this situation, the individuals are still trying to figure out how things would go as time progresses. "Gettin' Naked" is taken from Geno Five's new EP Point Five.
SonikCuts x Guilty Simpson – "Beware"
DJ and producer SonikCuts sets it off with a cinematic track titled "Beware". The track sees him teaming up with Detroit's finest Guilty Simpson who brings his usual gritty energy over the cinematic canvass. "Beware" is the first extract of his new album POWER MOVES. The project was produced and mixed in Paris when SonikCuts used to live there
Marc E. Bassy – "Jump For X" ft. 070 Shake
Marc E. Bassy and 070 Shake team up for this off-kilter track titled "Jump For X". The record is a pretty unpredictable piece that blends Shake's alluring melodies and Bassy's thought-provoking lyrics about various topics from life, love and the drama that comes in between. The track arrangement is quite unorthodox too as it starts mellow and builds up to a climax with rock guitars and cinematic pads. Bassy starts with a lob verse before the switch comments and 070 Shake delivers a chorus-like verse as the song proceeds into a boisterous chant section
"Jump For X" is taken from his new project PMD, out now via his recently launched self-made, indie label New Gold Medal. The project boasts collaborations with artists like Mozzy, Blackbear, Bibi Bourelly, Gio Dee, and tapping heavy-hitting producers like Mike Dean, Happy Perez, Nic Nac, and Count Bassy. Get it on all platforms here.
