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Reggaeton

Latin Pop Luminary Diego Molina Defined Romantic Sincerity in ‘What’s That Light In Your Eyes’

Posted on 18 April 2025
Diego Molina

Diego Molina’s latest single, ‘What’s That Light in Your Eyes’, subversively opens with an intimate glimpse into relationship bliss, almost like overhearing a candid conversation through an accidental pocket dial, setting a refreshingly personal context for the heartfelt fervency of the Latin pop serenade that follows, gently redefining romantic sincerity beyond physical admiration.

Hailing from Nashville, Molina wrote, produced, and mixed the track himself, drawing charismatic sentimentality from early-2000s inspirations such as U2’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind and Enrique Iglesias’ Escape. His approach carries an individuality shaped by his first visit to his Colombian roots, channelling the vibrant rhythms and spirited streets of Bogotá.

Sonically, Molina balances Latin pop traditions with synth-driven, new wave innovation. Angular guitar lines delicately ascend through the arrangement, soaring beyond the quickening heartbeat echoed by rhythmic beats. Retro-futurist synth textures amplify the emotional intensity, enveloping listeners in an atmosphere of ardent nostalgia. Molina’s diaphanous vocals, effortlessly slipping into vibrato, further amplify the authenticity and emotional depth of the love letter to sincerity and intimacy, which illuminates a romantic narrative with sophisticated yet accessible charm.

‘What’s That Light in Your Eyes’ is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

.Roy Rekindles Hedonism and Hustle in His Hip-Hop Anthem, ‘Lush’

Posted on 15 April 2025

With Afrobeat and Dancehall motifs raising the temperature in the already fiery-from-the-fervent-flows track, Lush by .Roy is a serious contender for the underground hip-hop hit of the summer. Hedonism runs rampant through the rhythms and bars, getting you in the mood to throw away inhibition, knock back your favourite vice, and pull in somebody close. With far more substance than your average party hip-hop anthem, .Roy used the track as the perfect opportunity to flex his ability to wax lyrical while hyping the instrumentals to the nth degree. Lush deserves to reverberate on dancehalls and in house parties far and wide; it’s only a matter of time before the mainstream knows the trailblazer’s name.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, .Roy filters his sonic blueprints through love and universal order while refusing to confine himself to a reality designed by someone else. With a part-time Spirit Detective mindset and a full-time hero complex, .Roy’s music isn’t just a vibe, it’s a manifesto carved from chaos and imagination. His experimental tendencies never dilute his lyrical clarity—he knows hip-hop is his home, and there’s no lease expiry in sight.

Through Lush, he proves he can blur genre lines without losing his footing. While the rhythm intoxicates, the narrative sharpens—the push-pull between carnal abandon and spiritual self-awareness is what gives this track its bite. The period in his name marks not an end but a defiant continuation—and if Lush is any indication, the next chapter is already being written at full volume.

Lush is now available to stream on all major platforms, including YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast.

Grind to the groove of ZYNOVOX & Omofaaji’s Afrobeat Hip-Hop anthem, HUSTLE

Posted on 6 April 2025

ZYNOVOX and Omofaaji’s track ‘HUSTLE’ kicks off deceptively chilled with an ambient, tropically sweet prelude, before locking listeners into a fervent rhythm that sparks a grind-to-the-groove mentality. This isn’t empty bravado or excess flash; the Nigerian-born, Essex-based artist ZYNOVOX, known for his dexterous fusions of rap, afrobeat, drill, pop, and dancehall, fuels the fire with real intention.

Taking cues from Eminem and Kanye yet pushing beyond imitation, ZYNOVOX amplifies his influences into something slick and undeniably fresh. Paired with Omofaaji’s contribution, the dual bars bring serious heat, weaving soul-driven verses with high-fire conviction. The seamless interplay intensifies the track’s infectious dancehall rhythm, steering it clear from mediocrity and towards an anthem crafted to push listeners into new life heights.

‘HUSTLE’ is more than radio-ready; it’s practically engineered to provoke DJs into placing it straight onto their A-lists. With rhythms built for the dancefloor and lyrical bars compelling enough to elevate your serotonin levels, this track effortlessly unites substance with groove. It doesn’t flex for applause—it authentically motivates, setting a high-energy standard that’s impossible to ignore.

‘HUSTLE’ is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

NY’s The Going Rate fuelled the feel-good fire with their ska track, ‘All This Weight’

Posted on 21 March 2025
The Going Rate

Equally as ‘special’ as The Specials, The Going Rate is ska personified, a breeze of feel-good reverberations that seduce rhythmic pulses as though they’ve never been touched before. ‘All This Weight’ is swanky, soulfully colossal, and tied together with a teasingly progressive tempo that locks you in with unflinching anticipation. Every tonal transition—whether it’s a brass solo bursting with exuberance, a showcase of sun-bleached chanteuse vocal lines bridging the material world with the divine, or quintessential staccato guitars—pulls you further into awe over The Going Rate.

Hailing from Long Island, this multi-gender, multi-racial collective has built a reputation for setting stages alight with high-calibre musicianship, enthusiasm, and an infectious commitment to keeping the dancefloor moving. Their lively horn riffs, danceable grooves, and sharp lyricism have cemented their place in the local scene, earning them spots in venues across New York and beyond, as well as well-earned traction online.

With ‘All This Weight’, they don’t just drop another ska-infused anthem; they redefine what it means to fuse energy with finesse. Whether they’re shaking up intimate clubs or delivering a record that demands repeat listens, The Going Rate ensures every groove bursts with intent. If this track is anything to go by, their mission to become a staple in the greater NYC scene is well within reach.

‘All This Weight’ is available now on all major streaming platforms. Discover your preferred way to listen via this link. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast

DAP The Contract & Suté Iwar Turn Up the Heat with the Sun-Soaked Rhythms of ‘Fàájì’

Posted on 3 March 2025

With the single, Fàájì, DAP The Contract and Suté Iwar locked into an up-tempo groove that pulses with rhythm-led euphoria, lifting you so high you’ll be waiting for the comedown.

Lauded by just about everyone that matters, DAP The Contract exudes the same stylistically luxe enlivening energy as Pharrell Williams as he finds vibe-heavy intersections between hip-hop and sun-bleached Afrobeat grooves, resulting in a sound that could light up dancehalls and dominate the streets.

DAP’s journey has never followed a straight line. From Lagos to London, from Berklee to Columbia Law School, he’s discovered a space where classical training meets raw creative instinct. Nine solo projects deep and fresh off performances alongside Burna Boy, Skepta, and Rema, he leans into his Nigerian roots on Fàájì, weaving highlife and Afrobeat elements into his ever-evolving sound.

There’s no understating the feel-good appeal that cascades straight through your speakers into your rhythmic pulses. Despite the electronic production, there’s something fundamentally human with the silky vocals sliding over the mix and taking reigns of the earworm you’ll pray won’t ever leave. DAP carries the same effortlessly stylish energy as Pharrell Williams, making every moment of the track feel alive, electrified, and impossible to resist.

With over 4.5 million streams and 1.5 million video views, DAP The Contract isn’t just gaining traction—he’s taking over, one infectious production at a time.

Fàájì is now available on all major streaming platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Adline Owens is leading a revolution in autonomous self-determination in her Afro-Fusion release, T•R•T (The Right Time)

Posted on 6 December 2024
Adline Owens

With a gravitational force that could knock the solar system out of orbit, it would be insulting to mark Adline Owen as merely just an icon; she’s a fusionist phenomenon in her own right, leading a revolution in autonomous self-determination with her latest release, T•R•T (The Right Time).

The two-track release synthesises her diverse cultural and musical influences into a compelling narrative of empowerment and self-discovery, marked by Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggaeton, RnB and Afro-Soul motifs.

The opening track, ‘In Yeah’ evocatively explores relationship dynamics, considering how ‘good enough’ should never be enough if you know your worth and urging listeners to recognise their own value through its Afro-Soul vocals and the energetic pulse of dancehall. When it comes to pairing introspection with infectious beats, Owens reigns supreme.

The second single, ‘Dem Wah Know,’ turns up the heat with its Reggaeton rhythms and bold, assertive vocals that command attention. Owens’ fierce delivery and the track’s vibrant energy make it an anthem of self-assurance and resilience, encapsulating her refusal to be confined by her roots or her haters’ expectations.

With T•R•T, Adline Owens not only cements her status as a dynamic fusion artist but also as a visionary capable of weaving her diverse musical heritage into a fresh, invigorating sound that resonates well beyond its Afro-Soul roots.

Adline Owens Said

“T•R•T is a project that holds great personal significance for me, showcasing my range across Afrobeats, Dancehall, and R&B, which underlines my identity as a fusion artist.

Track 1, ‘In Yeah’, explores the love and understanding shared in a relationship that still leaves you wanting more effort. This track vocalises the need for personal growth and the tough decisions you must sometimes make for your sanity. It portrays the protagonist’s struggle with a partner who lacks ambition and motivation—essentially a dead weight needing to be let go.

Track 2, Dem Wah Know, I wrote while reflecting on obstacles and my journey as an artist. It focuses on resilience, self-belief, and the importance of stepping up despite the odds being stacked against you. It’s an empowering anthem and a reminder not to let haters dictate your success.”

Follow Adline Owens on Instagram and discover her discography on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get high with the Dancehall rhythms in Yugí’s RnB release, CHEMSEX

Posted on 10 September 2024

Stan Smith, known artistically as Yugí, intoxicated through his fluid fusion of RnB, Dancehall, and trap in his latest single CHEMSEX. The Melbourne-based, French-English artist weaved his cross-continental influences into the track that locks you into its groove and gets you in the mood. Yugí’s unique sonic identity in CHEMSEX is imbued with the salacious magnetism you would expect from a track so provocatively named; it’s a red-hot escapade into the sensory depths of Dancehall.

At just 25 years old, Yugí, who began his musical journey in Le Chesnay, France, has evolved from a casual experimentationist into a defining voice within the modern music landscape. CHEMSEX encapsulates Yugí’s daringness to defy and his ability to synthesise a sound unmistakably his own. This track is not merely a nod to influential giants like The Weeknd; it’s a bold statement of individuality and artistic sovereignty.

Yugí’s artistic palette is broad, drawing inspiration from a spectrum of genres and icons—from the emotive power of Billie Eilish to the raw intensity of XXXTentacion. Yet, with CHEMSEX, he firmly establishes himself not just as a follower of trends but as a pioneer of modern soul with infectious rhythms to literally and metaphorically move his audience.

CHEMSEX was officially released on August 23rd and is now available to stream on Spotify and Soundcloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: London’s Princess Wonda continues to hold dominion over Afro-Fusion with the sensuously soul-awakening rhythms in Shooby Doo’

Posted on 6 July 2024

London’s Princess Wonda reached the pinnacle of luxuriant radiance with her latest installation of Afro-Fusion, Shooby Doo. With melodies which wash over you with sublime elegance, harmonious harmonies and rhythmically kinetic grooves, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more elevated release than this.

The sensuous, sun-kissed, and sublime on the senses single fuses traditional African instrumentation with elements of modern dancehall and an aura of lush transcendence to envelop the listener in a sense of soul-awakening serenity. The UK-born Nigerian Afro-Fusion icon’s radiant presence shines through, making it an emotionally euphonious experience that surpasses sound.

Recorded at Pirate Studio, with engineering by Dami Bones and production by Mofizzay and Mr Marz, Shooby Doo is set to be the rhapsodic sound of the summer. It’s a testament to Princess Wonda’s artistry, celebrating Afrobeat’s rich cultural heritage while inviting listeners to rekindle their zest for life.

Princess Wonda, known as the “Queen of Afro-Fusion,” continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeat with this release, shattering stereotypes and championing the role of women in African music. With multiple UK chart entries, including two number ones on the UK World Music Chart and a sold-out headline show in London, she has established herself as a formidable force.

Following her successful debut album, Fantasy Fair, and her hit singles, Bust My Mind, and My Body, Shooby Doo adds another sublime layer to her impressive repertoire. As we look forward to her upcoming EP in 2024, Princess Wonda’s journey remains as promising as ever.

Princess Wonda Said

“The inspiration behind ‘Shooby Doo’ stems from a deep appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Afrobeat and the dynamic energy of contemporary music. The lyrics resonate with themes of love, passion, and pleasure, inviting listeners to embrace the positive energy as the pulsating beats and sultry vocals capture the aura of joy and celebration.” 

Shooby Doo was officially released on July 5th, stream the single on Spotify and Soundcloud now.

To ensure you never miss a release, follow Princess Wonda on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

GeeMarr ignited a carnal flame with his exotically expansive RnB hit, Fire & Desire

Posted on 8 April 2024

GeeMarr, the UK’s RnB firebrand, ignited the genre with his latest single ‘Fire & Desire‘. The stylistic fusion of RnB, afrobeat, pop, and soul elements showcases GeeMarr’s versatility and creativity when blending diverse musical influences.

The intro of ‘Fire & Desire’ is a nostalgic nod to the 80s era of RnB, setting the stage for a contemporary twist that GeeMarr executes flawlessly. The track pulsates with modern cuts, seamlessly integrating autotuned reggaeton-esque vocal lines with sun-pierced melodies. The sax lines spill soul by the smorgasbord, weaving through the song and adding a rich, emotive layer to the already vibrant soundscape.

GeeMarr’s lyrics in ‘Fire & Desire’ resonate like mantras, creating a heady sonic haven that you’ll want to occupy all summer and ensuring that the midtempo vignette captures the sweetness of finding someone who evokes feelings of both love and lust. Even if you’re riding solo, you’ll get a taste of how sweet adding fuel to your carnal fire is.

Born in Jamaica and raised in South London, GeeMarr’s global influences are evident in his music. His repertoire spans Afrobeats, R&B, and Soul, and ‘Fire & Desire’ is a culmination of his artistic evolution. After a 5-year hiatus and a series of captivating freestyles on social media, GeeMarr is not just making a comeback; he’s redefining his sound.

GeeMarr’s involvement in every stage of his music, from writing and producing to mixing and mastering, ensures that his sonic signature blazes through ‘Fire & Desire’. This track is a must-listen for fans of RnB and anyone looking for a summer anthem that combines the best of global beats with the soulful depth of RnB.

Stream the official music video for Fire & Desire which dropped on March 28th on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sojourn to Tijuana with The Dream X’s Latest Serving of Hip-Hop Exoticism

Posted on 2 April 2024

After The Dream X racked up over 600k Spotify streams with his sophomore single, Tijuana, we had to know what the hype was about, and we quickly found it within the instrumental exoticism of the vibrant sojourn of a release which will leave you riding high on the waves of the oceanic production.

With the hazy melodies working in contrast to the bitter-sweet lyricism which explores the anti-climax of post-breakup hook-ups, there are as many layers to the emotions as there are to the genre-fluid instrumentals which fuse Latin guitars with a pseudo-trap backbeat and afrobeat colour.

Tijuana is the kind of track you’ll hit play on and feel the compulsion to crank up the volume until it’s slamming through your speakers and melodiously reverberating through you so you can savour the honeyed elixir which pours from The Dream X’s vocal harmonies which groove between his rap bars.

The Utah-based rapper, singer, producer, and actor is a fucking phenomenon, and we’re already desperate to hear what comes next.

Stream Tijuana on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast