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Blem – Errks

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Chinese-Jamaican Uses Multiple Influences to Bring Thought-Provoking Art to the World

BROOKLYN, NY – When most people meet Odeis Stephenson, they are not quite sure where to place him; when they learn of his musical creativity, they are even more intrigued. He is actually of Chinese-Jamaican ancestry, and as soon as people listen to his unique style of conscious reggae music, everything starts to make sense. It’s out of that blend of sounds and influences that his nickname, now stage name, was developed – Blem – a name that he says stands for the mix of all the races and sounds that he brings to the table.

More than anything, Blem expresses himself through his music but wants to be known more for his conscious poetics. He has a passion for reggae and has been surrounded by it all of his life. Growing up around his older cousin, I Kong, a popular international reggae artist, gave Blem the confidence to nurture his writing and musical abilities. Today, his art is inspired by his many different experiences, and his unique sound and style lends itself to multiple genres, not just one. Through it all, he creates music that is thought-provoking and gives people more of a conscious self-awareness of the world around them.

“I’m not trying to push my message on anybody. I’m just expressing my thoughts and as such, it’s not up for debate. It’s just what I think,” says Blem. “That’s why I often think of my music as more of a conscious thing that encourages people to be self-aware and not worry about how others might think about or perceive them. Most times, I stand politically incorrect by myself…like my off-guard experience on Queenzflip’s favorite episode on YouTube. I am RASTA – Righteous African Stand Tall Alone – because my way won’t be like everybody else’s way, and it’s not supposed to be…because it’s my way.”

The most recent example of that kind of stand through art and music comes with Blem’s new single “Reggae Wise.” It’s a song that he says is a conscious take on dancehall that provides a close look at the influences of society. He considers himself to be more of a “chanter” than a singer or rapper, coming front-and-center with this new song. His unique cadence and flow is perfectly suited to reason with the listener through his music, almost as if he’s having a conversation that leads to conscious, eye-opening, new ideas.

“‘Reggae Wise’ is for people who are awake in today’s society,” says Blem. “It’s the first of seven songs I have coming out this summer, all of which will be on all major streaming platforms. And through it all, you’ll see that my voice is something completely original. I express my thoughts through my lyrics. The main reason to release this form of art is offset the negative influences out there in society and because I believe music can have a huge impact on individuals and generations to come.”  

Another single, “Errks,” released on June 18th, is aimed towards a younger audience. The reggae song with a trap, hip hop-flare features Blem lyricizing in his usual Jamaican Patois. The title of the song refers to an expression that means “a sudden stop – errks – like the sound of car tires screeching to a halt.” He’s using the term to help young people confront the masks they tend to wear – the fake personas that often come with trying to gain attention and popularity from the masses or even just within their own group of peers.

Blem’s music is available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Pandora, etc. To follow him on social media, please visit:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSqDDfOHtOxqSF-saDGqaNg
https://soundcloud.com/truerebelmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/truerebelmusic/ 
https://www.facebook.com/Truerebelones
https://twitter.com/TrueRebelMusic 
https://truerebelmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/album/7f9wCYBuWPwfeJOQnhVrLT

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Music

(Video) MUMU FRESH – “MY WHY” @maimounayoussef

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Grammy-nominated Washington, D.C.-based singer/songwriter/emcee Mumu Fresh presents her new single “My Why”. Produced by Carvin Haggins and Johhny Smith, “My Why” will appear on The Healing, Mumu’s forthcoming album which will also feature contributions from DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nile Hargrove, 14KT, Daniel Crawford, Vidal Davis, DJ Dummy and more. Mumu has collaborated with Lil Wayne & Tech N9ne (stream “Too Good”), Busta Rhymes, Salaam Remi & Black Thought of The Roots (watch the music video for “No Peace”) and Common (watch Mumu Fresh and Common perform “I Used To Love H.E.R.” live) and Tobi Nwigwe (watch the music video for “Tundah Fiyah”). Mumu has performed on two separate NPR Tiny Desk concerts (watch Mumu Fresh featuring Black Thought of The Roots & DJ Dummy on NPR’s Tiny Desk) and has performed worldwide at events like the Essence Music Festival, Montreux Switzerland’s Jazz Festival and Dubai’s Sole Fest DBX. “State of Emergency” marks another chapter in a career of self-described “art activism” for the Baltimore native who has performed and given lectures within the US prison system, The Congressional Black Caucus, I.M.A.N. Central in Chicago & Atlanta, The W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Ford Foundation and The Indigenous People’s Movement. Mumu is co-creator of the Recording Academy’s “Best Song For Social Change” trustee award which went live in 2023 at the 66th GRAMMY awards show and was presented by The First Lady, Jill Biden. The winner of Indigenous Music, Washington Area Music (WAMMIE) and Urban World Music Video awards, Mumu has served as Musical and Cultural Ambassador for the US State Department, Ambassador of The Black Music Collective and is a former elected governor of the DC chapter of The Recording Academy. Mumu describes “My Why” as “a tribute to that person(s), place, or thing in your life that is your “WHY”. Your reason not to give up. Your reason to keep trying and to push a little harder than you thought you could. You why reminds you of what you’re made of and brings out the best in you.” The Healing drops April 19.

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Santa Sallet X Nemizzo (MSP) – “Big Hands”

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DMV-based rapper/producer Santa Sallet and France-based producer Nemizzo are MSP, presenting their new single “Big Hands”. Sallet has been busy showcasing his brand of East Coast braggadocious rap across a slew of recent singles like “Camouflage” (watch on Youtube), “I Get Money” (watch on Youtube), “Championship Ring” (watch on Youtube) and “Chinese Funk” (watch on Youtube) in preparation for the release of Plutography, Sallet’s forthcoming album which blends salsa beats, southern trap, and eastern jazz with classic and conventional rap samples, reflecting Sallet’s international upbringing across South Africa, Dominica and the US. Sallet is planning a series of full-length releases, among them C.R.E.A.M. which recounts his journey from broke to financially free, and Women and R.A.P. which describe his pursuit of success in relationships and the music industry respectively. “This is the song that really started MSP Tunes,” Santa says. “Nemizzo had laid down his verse and I was like, let me try something on this and I just talked about what I knew. What I think is funny, the outro is actually me recording a bunch of potential beat tags. There was a miscommunication and Nemizzo extended the beat and made it the outro. I like it though lol.” Check out Santa Sallet merch here.

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(EP) 38 Hauncho – “First 38”

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In a momentous stride forward, rising rap sensation 38 Hauncho has unveiled his latest EP, “First 38”, a bold testament to his unparalleled artistry and unyielding dedication to his craft. After spending the last 8 months incarcerated, 38 Hauncho came home and got straight to work. Within the first 38 hours of being released, these songs were created. Hence the title, First 38.

Crafted with precision and passion, “First 38” serves as a placeholder for his highly anticipated next project featuring his single “Smooth Nigga” and “Alter Ego”. The EP encapsulates his distinctive style, blending infectious beats with reflection of 38 Hauncho’s journey, drawing from his personal experiences and aspirations.

Featuring a dynamic fusion of tracks, each song within “First 38” showcases 38 Hauncho’s versatility as an artist, effortlessly navigating through various themes and emotions. From his gritty street narratives , the EP offers a multifaceted glimpse into the artist’s world, inviting audiences to immerse themselves into his trap.

Available now on all major streaming platforms, “First 38” is set to make waves across the industry, solidifying 38 Hauncho’s position as an artist to watch in 2024 and beyond.

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