Focus the Truth - "As the Horn Blows" Music Video

"It's the reeaaaaaaal! Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop..."

I've never been to London but I have a special affinity for the place. There's something in the water there that nurtures good Hip-Hop genes. Whether you've been paying attention to music or not, you have to have realized that some of the biggest stars of popular music over the last 10 years were products of London town. It is no surprise then that Jamaica, Queens born Focus the Truth has greatly improved his craft there and is proving such on this new release "As the Horn Blows."

I met Focus the Truth on a radio show last year and he gave me his new, at the time, mixtape 'The Last of the Greats' to listen to. I was very impressed with the opening number "Number One Woman" but was underwhelmed with the rest of the project. Even still, you could clearly hear that Focus the Truth is serious about the art of Rap and is damn good at it.

That desire to grow as an artist is made more apparent in this new video. Focus delivers a straight forward but poignant performance. It's Hip-Hop as we used to know it; beats and rhymes. This is the Focus that I first heard and the one that I hope we hear more of.

Look for his new mixtape 'Something From the Pavement' in the near future. Free stream and download below the video.

Lianne La Havas - "Lost & Found" Music Video

I ... LOVE ... this woman's work! The weather is far less than ideal today; it's cold and rainy. However, Lianne La Havas' stunning beauty and talent have completely warmed me up. I've watched this video 6 times in a row.

The UK singer/songwriter has been making waves in the US and continuing the trend of UK based soul singers who are keeping "Old Soul" alive while our home grown "R&B" artists venture out into Pop and Dance music. Lianne's 'Lost & Found' EP will release on April 30th but is available for pre-order now. 'Lost & Found' is a re-release of the UK only 4 track EP from October of last year. Adding 2 new tracks and remixes, she plans to continue her push into worldwide prominence.

Get into this beautiful song and video and let me know what you think in the comments.

Reggiimental - "Like You" Music Video

image via artist's facebook page

This nice little gem was dropped on me yesterday. A special delivery all the way from the UK. Reggiimental is totally new to me but I'm digging the Euro spin on the classic Boom Bap sound.

"Like You" is a love like letter to a lady that the artist has his eyes and heart set on. Very smooth and soulful production by Wizard and straight and honest lyricism from Reggiimental. Definitely appreciating Rusty Jay for putting me on to this one.

Check the video below and free download and stream below that.

Rubee Rayne - "Not Alone" (Single Remix)

 

 The UK has been bubblin' heavy for over a decade now and their music scene has been at the forefront of Great Britain's new appeal. This young artist is next in the vein of triple threat females that pumped M.I.A. and Santigold. On this remix to the slightly dated "Single", Double R puts her own twist on the syrupy Omen and 40 produced track.

This girl is right up my musical alley and I can't wait to hear more from her. Which reminds me that I really need to go visit London. That's another discussion though. Click. Listen. Enjoy.

Follow Rubee Rayne on twitter!

Afrikan Boy - "What Took You So Long" Mixtape

I'm a big fan of M.I.A. and almost anything she touches. I discovered Afrikan Boy listening to her KALA album. I remember first listening to "Hussel" and hearing Afrikan Boy's verse and thinking, "Damn, he might work." His style is quirky and definitely not easy to adjust to, but he makes good music.

After years of features here and there, he's finally dropped a full project. Take a trip to the UK by way of Nigeria and see how it works out for you. Certainly works for me! Free download and stream below.

WHAT TOOK YOU SOO LONG? ( MIXTAPE ) by AFRIKANBOY