Bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases, Jojo Jones and Maria Hanlon present 10 tunes that have hit their decks – and got a reload – in September. Starring ROZZQWEEN, Kenzie TTH, Mansur Brown, Manny Norté, FLO, Stormzy, Pip Millet, Greentea Peng, Santino Le Saint and Jaz Karis…
ROZZQWEEN
Lost 4 Wordz
Horus Music Limited
For fans of… IAMDDB, Doechii, Jorja Smith
Why listen… Piano chords, a trap beat and a powerful Brummie soul voice.
In the first release since her 2019 track ‘Sunday Afternoon‘, ROZZQWEEN is back with trademark raspy vocals and trap/ jazz influences. This tune has a powerful edge both in the weight of ROZZQWEEN’s voice and the emotionally vulnerable vocals. This tune is a shout out to that feeling when you put effort into a relationship and don’t feel it reciprocated, a meaningful and much needed message to the many. (JJ)
Kenzie TTH
Icarus
BBYTH
For fans of… SZA, Lava La Rue, Kelela
Why listen… A ballad-esque movie worthy track from rising star Kenzie TTH.
A part of her new EP We Stayed Too Long, Kenzie TTH brings soul vocals and indie inspired strings together on this track ‘Icarus’. Coming right at the close of summer, this nostalgic track is full of feeling and heart, with lyrics of holding on too tight and being told they’ll regret it. The story of flying too close to the sun lives on in a fresh new take from Kenzie TTH, who’s curated a habit of delving into deeper topics with her songs like this one. (JJ)
Mansur Brown
No Way
Amai Records
For fans of… Jordan Rakei, Kokoroko, Khruangbin
Why listen… Instrumental heaven from new wave jazz Brixton producer & artist.
This song sounds like how a day out in London in September feels. With remnants of summer energy, the slightly ominous guitar line and almost afro-beat esque percussion makes for a beautiful instrumental track. You can always trust Mansur Brown, a new wave jazz producer & artist hailing from Brixton. And at only 24, he has reached new heights with this track ‘No Way’ and ‘Rise’, teasing his upcoming EP Naqi Vol 1. (JJ)
Manny Norté
Worth my While ft Ayra Starr, Tianamajor9 and Stalk Ashley
Universal
For fans of… Darkoo, Rema, Tems
Why listen… Afrobeats heaven, packed with all-star female vocalists from around the globe.
Manny Norté had huge success with his debut single ‘4AM’, a track with equal all-star quality featuring 6BLACK, Rema and Tion Wayne. Norté is clearly a professional vibe curator, as he is a DJ, producer & artist, he clearly knows how to bring the best together. For this one he has recruited some of the best up and coming singers from around the world; Tianamajor9 is British R&B royalty, Stalk Ashley hails from Jamaica and Ayra Starr from Nigeria. A perfect tune to finish off summer too, with a catchy, melody and of course stellar vocals. (JJ)
FLO
Not My Job
Island Records
For fans of… Aaliyah, Ashanti, Destiny’s Child
Why listen… new wave R&B realness with nostalgic 90’s tones.
FLO, a new three piece vocal group have been hailed as the next generation of British R&B. Ironically presenting an incredibly nostalgic and old school feel to their music, the influences of Destiny’s Child in particular can’t be missed. But with vocal harmonies this good, and with empowering lyrics about shaking off unnecessary responsibility, FLO are not one to sleep on. As countless Tiktok comments celebrating this song read, “In FLO we trust”. (JJ)
Stormzy
Mel Made Me Do It
UMG (on behalf of 0207 Def Jam)
For fans of… Dave, Skepta, J Hus
Why listen… Stormzy returns with his first solo single in nearly three years which is, as expected, an absolute show stopper.
Stormzy is back with a new single called ‘Mel Made Me Do It’, in reference to the influence of his long-time stylist Melissa’s Wardrobe. The seven minute track opens with Stormzy rapping “I’ve been the goat for so long I guess it’s not exciting when I win. So of course, they don’t like me, I’m the king.” Along with the new song comes a cameo-packed music video which features 30 much-loved celebrities including Little Simz, JME, Jonathan Ross, Louis Theroux & José Mourinho. The single is said to appear on Stormzy’s third album, thought to be out later this year. (MH)
Pip Millet
Walk Away
Dream Life Records
For fans of… Mahalia, Joy Crookes, Greentea Peng
Why listen… Pip Millet continues to deliver with her latest chilled out, yet upbeat release, ‘Walk Away’, showcasing her signature soulful voice.
Manchester’s Pip Millet has released her latest single ahead of her debut album ‘When Everything Is Better, I’ll Let You Know’ which will come out on 21st October. Millett has built a reputation for delivering heartfelt lyrics with a soulful sound, inspired by her experiences and ‘Walk Away’ is the perfect example of this. The song is about cutting off relationships where you find yourself giving everything and getting nothing in return. The lyrics are also super empowering, making it a must-have addition to your playlists. (MH)
Greentea Peng
My Love
Universal Music
For fans of… Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu, IAMDDB
Why listen… Greentea Peng’s beautiful new jazzy laid-back track from her latest mixtape, GREENZONE 108.
Greentea Peng describes her new mixtape as “a free-flowing, open field of expression,”. Speaking about the 10 track mixtape she adds “GREENZONE108 is freer, less formed, and more of an open dialogue/ space exploring all different types of topics from spirituality and originality to mental health and politricks hence why this is a mixtape and not an album.” With some notable features including Nat Powers, Jon Mills, St Francis Hotel, MJ Cole and Swindle, this mixtape is a masterpiece, exploring live instrumentation and unconventional sounds. (MH)
Santino Le Saint
Goodbye Paris
Cloud X / Empire
For fans of… The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, Blood Orange
Why listen… Brixton’s Santino Le Saint rounds off summer with his soulful new song, an absolute must-listen.
Santino Le Saint’s guitar driven track ‘Goodbye Paris’ is about saying goodbye to a past lover and features his emotional heartfelt vocal. The singer marries soft rock with R&B creating his own identity and individuality. He says “I’ve never been one to create straight R&B. It’s always needed to be rockier or have an edge to it”. He co-produced the track alongside Oren Yoel and ends the track with a stunning guitar solo. We’re hoping this single marks the start of a new season of releases for Santino Le Saint. (MH)
Jaz Karis
SIDE OF YOU
Jaz Karis
For fans of… Cleo Sol, Sinéad Harnett, Snoh Aalegra
Why listen… Jaz Karis’s new single features silky production and exhibits her flawless vocals.
Over the last few years South London songstress Jaz Karis has become a shining light in the UK music scene. Bringing elements of R&B, jazz & neo-soul, Karis has created a fresh and stand out sound, occupying a space somewhere between classical and contemporary. Her previous project, ‘All Eyes On U’, was self recorded gaining her a reputation as a DIY artist who can quite literally do it all. Her latest track ‘SIDE OF YOU’ is taken from newly-announced EP ‘Dear Jaz’ which will be released on October 13th. (MH)
Words by Jojo Jones (JJ) Listen to Jojo Jones on the first Wednesday of the month 1-2pm voicesradio.co.uk @jojo_j0nes
Words by Maria Hanlon (MH) Listen to @mariahanlon Maria Meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 3-5pm on voicesradio.co.uk
