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UD Selects: March Mixtape

UD Selects: March Mixtape

It always starts with the music! UD will be bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases. This month, our resident writers Maria Hanlon and Jojo Jones present the 10 tunes that have hit their decks – and got a reload – in March… 

Kokoroko 
We Give Thanks
(Brownswood Recordings)

For fans of… Nubiyan Twist, Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective
Why listen… Kokoroko’s recent release will brighten up your day and transport you back in time whilst still sounding fresh, original and true to their signature sound.

Eight-piece collective Kokoroko have just released new single ‘We Give Thanks’, ahead of their debut album, ‘Could We Be More’, due for release on Giles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings on 5th August 2022. Kokoroko said, “We were imagining playing live with this one – it’s definitely written with that energy we get towards the end of a set”, we can see this going down a treat on their tour which kicks off at the end of this month. (MH)

p-rallel
Vibes
4ZA Music/Black Butter Records

For fans of… Greentea Peng, IZCO, Lava La Rue
Why listen… ‘Vibes’ does exactly what it says on the tin and provides the ultimate up-beat vibes, making it a new firm favourite. 

‘Vibes’ is the third single to be released from producer p-rallel’s debut EP, ‘Forward’ which will come out on March 25th. p-rallel never disappoints and conjures up another head bopper just in time for summer. Throughout the track, the three artists work perfectly together using their individual styles to create a combined masterpiece. Venna’s saxophone, with p-rallel’s production and Sam Wise’s slick raps make this song one that will be on heavy rotation. (MH)

Joyce Wrice
Iced Tea
Joyce Wrice Music

For fans of… Ari Lennox, Lucky Daye, Snoh Alegra
Why listen… Dream team Joyce Wrice and KAYTRANADA join forces to create a refreshing head bopper.

Joyce Wrice caused a wave in 2021 with her debut album ‘Overgrown’ and now the R&B singer/songwriter is back with a bang, releasing ‘Iced Tea’ with KAYTRANADA earlier this month. Grammy award winner KAYTRANADA does what he does best – provides his unique production style for Wrices’s velvety vocals, making it a stand out track. Wrice says ‘Iced Tea’ is “a fun dance record where I’m stepping into my divine feminine with the hopes to empower women to be free and stand their ground.” (MH)

Boj
Culture
Moves Recordings

For fans of… Juls, WizKid, Burna Boy
Why listen… These artists are a match made in heaven combining Lagos and London sounds to create a meaningful and nostalgic track. 

Nigerian alté star Boj returns with a brand new single ahead of his upcoming album ‘Gbagada Express’, this time teaming up with rising star ENNY.  Considering Boj’s style and sound is usually very current, he really suits the retro feel of this song. The pair combine their own cultures and talent to provide a big tune. Boj said: “Culture is about building the bridge between Lagos and London through music. Both Enny & I are Nigerian, and on this track we decided we would talk about our culture & the many known traditions it has.(MH)

Yiigaa
Nirvana
Supernature

For fans of… Conducta, NiNE8, Miraa May
Why listen… As the warm weather approaches the Southside Songstress Yiigaa serves up another sunny song, fusing together R&B, electro and afrobeat effortlessly for fast-paced toe tapper.

Yiigaa works with long-time producer J.Ar.J again for this one, providing the sunshine vibes wherever you are. The track is about letting go and moving forwards to show the world what you’ve got. Yiigaa said “After losing your balance this is a track about entering a new space of realising your power, beauty and self worth.” Yiigaa releases this single ahead of her EP ‘Soul Tides’ which is available to pre-save and will portray the process of healing. (MH)

@mariahanlon Listen to Maria Meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 3-5pm on voicesradio.co.uk

Tiana major9
2Seater ft Smino
Zero Point Limited 

For fans of… Jazmine Sullivan, SZA, Jhene Aiko

Why Listen… Tianamajor9’s soothing storytelling and melody mixed with raspy raps from Chi-towns own Smino is a match made in heaven.

A song for lovers in the summertime, the Stormzy featured Londoner came through with a highly anticipated follow up to her no-skips ‘At Sixes and Sevens’ EP. Helped out by Chicago rapper Smino, this seemingly cute track about sharing a drive with your lover, culminates in Tiana displaying her own rapping skills defiantly ending, “yeh they said they loved ya but did they write a song for you?” (JJ)

Lex Amor, K15
Inevitable Winters 
Extra Soul Perception

For fans of… Kojey Radical, Loyle Carner, Little Simz

Why listen… Rising star Lex Amor delivers killer verse over jazzy K15 production.

Don’t be deceived; ‘Ineveitable Winters’ is full of light and sounds ready for spring. Silhouettes Project and Kojey Radical endorsed North Londoner Lex Amor raps honestly and fruitfully over the chillest jazz beat. Seriously, don’t sleep on this genre-ascending rapper. (JJ)

Ravyn Lenae
Light Me Up 
Atlantic

For fans of… Kali Ulchis, Snoh Alegra, Aaliyah
Why listen… Iconic and sexy beat meets ethereal Chicago vocals.

After only a few features and singles since her iconic 2018 ‘Crush’ EP, Chicago vocalist Ravyn Lenae celebrates sensuality and the butterflies of a new flame in this new joint. Recognisable guitars and soothing drums from Steve Lacey’s production creates a sonic match of joy. Somehow, Ravyn has captured the feeling when you catch your crush’s eye across a crowded room. (JJ)

Koffee
Shine
Promised Land Records 

For fans of… Bob Marley, Afro B, Alicai Harley  

Why Listen… Stripped back acoustic production from the Jamaican singer with a heartwarming message.

You would have found it hard to miss Koffee’s song ‘Toast’, the soundtrack to summer 2019, and now the youngster is back with a new EP, ‘Shine’. This one is for raising your lighters up and giving a slow toe step. With the help of Jae5 on production, Koffee has created a peaceful and uplifting tune about letting go of violence, amidst rising cases of gun crimes in the singer’s home country. (JJ)

Leikeli47
LL Cool J
Hardcover & RCA Records

For fans of… Billie Eilish, Mykki Blanco, Princess Nokia  
Why listen… Masked Brooklyn Bounce rapper returns with an infectious bass and snare beat – and always killer bars.

Description… Mystery surrounds the now LA-based rapper’s face, but there is an assurance in her raps that can’t be missed. Leikeli47  returns with a new single teasing her upcoming album Shape Up (due in April 2022), giving new meaning to ‘LL Cool J’ as she claims she is rocking Ladies Love Cool Jewellery over this slower, but still punchy, genreless track that just makes you want to vogue. (JJ)

Listen to Jojo Jones on the first Wednesdays of the month
1-2pm on Voicesradio.co.uk 
@jojo_j0nes  https://www.jojojones.uk/

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