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NORTHERN BASED R&B SONGSTRESS ESSY MALIYA DEBUTS WITH ADDICTIVELY SULTRY NEW SINGLE ‘SAME WAY’

Let us introduce you to a brand new R&B singer and songwriter you just need to know. South-East London vocalist Essy Maliya bursts into the scene with an incredibly alluring track “Same Way”, making her official debut. With undeniably smooth vocals and angelic harmonies, this fresh new single is the perfect gift to showcase a snapshot of what she has to offer. Lacing the soft production with a butter like performance, we’re excited to exclusively reveal this hidden gem – for your ears only!
Drawing influences from pioneering R&B artists including Summer Walker and Aaliyah, Essy Maliya prides herself to be an all-in-one offering; artist, lyricist and instrumentalist. Infusing her soothingly soulful twist to the British R&B sound, “Same Way” successfully shows off Maliya’s ability to powerfully cement herself as an artist with a distinctive flavour. Delicately layering her voice over the Rich Music produced single, listeners are pulled in by the gentle strings before being drawn into her world.
Touching on her creative process as an artist, she continues “I believe music is healing, music is everywhere. There is nothing more comforting when you’re going through a tough situation, putting on earphones and relating to someone else’s world, realising that you are not alone. I want to be able to give that to others and use my gift in music to help others how it has helped me”.
While Essy is a new artist to be introduced to the industry, she is not new to the world of making music. Writing and performing her art from as long as she can remember, Essy has grown up on the stage – singing in school talent shows, performing dramatic solos in church choirs, while going as far as performing in front of large crowds at open mics and weddings. Focusing her creative efforts on developing her compelling sound over the years through the inspiration of her upbringing within a Nigerian home, Essy Maliya infuses underlining touches of this through her musical outlet.
Describing her most creatively intimate and vulnerable moments as those spent sitting in her room with her guitar, surrounded by calming mood lights whilst writing lyrics about her life, love and the challenges she has navigating through her early 20’s, Essy Maliya’s music effortlessly reflects the anticipated birth of a fresh and exciting artist we are yet to witness in the UK – and we can’t wait for you to catch on to what’s to come from her in 2023!
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Twin Hector Drops “Special”

Platinum-selling recording artist Twin Hector releases the intoxicating and alluringly disruptive new music video for his single “Special”. Striking a perfect balance between decadent R&B soundscapes and addictive pop melodies, Twin Hector will push you over the edge with his sensual sonic daydream. Written about a divine union, “Special” is an all-enthralling love song about a deeply passionate connection.
Directed by Ben Tyler / Left Hand Films and Tai’Yon Hector himself, the visual for “Special” was inspired by R&B legend D’Angelo and captures Twin Hector in an intimate, black and bronzed aesthetic.Twin Hector takes his time, drenching you in a seductive wonderland of pulsating beats and heavenly vocals as he muses over his soulmate. “There ain’t nobody I’d choose over you.”
Watch Twin Hector’s video for “Special” for a sweltering, sultry experience that will leave your racing.
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MICHAL MICHAL WANTS YOU TO ‘KNOW ME BETTER’ ON FRESH SINGLE FEATURING JAYD

So nice, you can’t help but spin it twice. Michal Michal kept his foot on the gas with his latest love-torn offering, “KNOW ME BETTER,” on Dec. 1. Featuring JayD and production from SK THE PLUG, the new single, which is Michal’s second release this month, is yet another head-turning effort that demands more than a first listen. Layered with woozy 808s, fleeting vocals and unbridled personality, ”KNOW ME BETTER” is packed with a barrage of Michal’s raspy flairs – a distinct hallmark of his sound. Continuing to embody his youthful aura, Michal ultimately has his sights set on searching for “the one” with “KNOW ME BETTER,” as JayD’s mesmerizing hook expertly plays into the sample-clad cut. “After all these years that we’ve been together, I thought you would know me better,” it hypnotically drones, Stringing together strong performances all year, following the success of his previous track “DON’T BLAME THE KIDS” and Summer’s End, which is now his top track on Spotify and Apple Music, it’s better to know of Michal Michal before he takes off.
Check it out here!
Artist To Watch
Emerging Alt Hip-Hop Star Kembe X Shares New Song “Rolling Stoned”

Isaiah Rashad joins Windy City wordsmith Kembe X for his Hippie Sabotage produced cut “Rolling Stoned.” A thought-provoking masterpiece that cleverly disguises its depth with wordplay and ethereal Alternative Hip-Hop instrumentation, “Rolling Stoned” invites listeners to embark on a journey of hidden meanings and insights. Serving as yet another teaser to the Top Dawg Entertainment affiliate’s forthcoming ‘Sleep Paralysis’ project, it may initially appear as brash rap but the record unfurls into a profound exploration of personal growth, dreams, and self-discovery.
“When we made this song in September 2021 it felt like a reunion and an opportunity to show Hippie Sabotage, I’m not the same person who moved from Chicago to LA and crashed on their couch. It was a chance to demonstrate my newfound confidence in my creative abilities and a willingness to adopt a fresh approach to music. It’s not a reinvention of my artistry, but a shedding of old skin and a dreamy exploration of a new version of myself, deeply connected to my psychedelic discoveries,” shares the Chicago native in a press statement when asked about his “Pole Vaulting” follow-up.
Known for his work with artists such as REASON, Guapdad4000, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, Kembe X stands as a beacon of innovation in a musical landscape often mired in conformity. His music, with over 10M+ UGC views on TikTok and 5M+ views on YouTube, has ignited a cultural wave, resonating across platforms. Accumulating a staggering 30M+ Spotify streams, Kembe X’s tracks encapsulate the essence of his artistry.
Beyond mere numbers, Kembe X’s compositions, from the introspective depths of “Voices” and “Cozy Forever” to the bluesy contemplation of “Body Language” and “Anyway,” paint a poignant picture of battling depression, touching hearts and minds. His magnetic stage presence has left an indelible mark, from headlining the Hippie Sabotage Tour in 2016 to sharing the stage in the ScHoolboy Q CrasHtalk Tour in 2019, not to mention legendary performances at Rolling Loud Miami from 2014 to 2017 and Rolling Loud Los Angeles 2017, solidifying his status as a festival favorite.
Stream Kembe X’s “Rolling Stoned” on your DSP of choice via BMR / The Orchard and watch his live performance recap of “Pole Vaulting” at Red Rocks.