London-via-Rome multi-talent Shunaji returns with her latest track and video for ‘Why Don’t You’ featuring Birmingham-based rapper, Ayy. ‘Why Don’t You’ sees Shunaji restating her commitment to knowledge and social justice, as she challenges her audience to seek the truth – be that within ourselves, through history or in current affairs. Shunaji invites us to “Come up and see the comet”, traveling to an other-worldly reality made of opportunity, transformation and extravagance. To hesitation and diffidence Shunaji asks, “Why don’t you?”, as she reveals the power of self-determination and pride in being an outsider. Combining hard-hitting issues with her tongue-in-cheek humour, Shunaji wraps the track in avant-garde and cosmic sounds as she uniquely delivers a witty and observant commentary on modern society. Accompanied by a 6-track baritone sax, her bars range from mainstream media-inspired satire to a more in-depth commentary on cryptocurrency and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), with a critique of the ever-present “commodification of everything” which in many ways affects individual artists and the music industry as a whole. The single drops with a creative visual, self-directed by Shunaji in collaboration with Director of Photography Alex Janaszewski. Known for her imaginative and immersive approach to her creativity, the video features original Shunaji-devised characters, Princess Solo (seen preparing for a show, representing the mundane and private side of an artist), Sick Ranchez (Shunaji’s rap alter ego representing the direct connection between the artist and the audience) and An Alien (an eccentric balaclava-wearing persona representing the outsider, that makes an artist stand out). With these characters, the visual explores the distinct and interlinked aspects of being an artist through Shunaji’s lens. Speaking on the premise of the track, Shunaji said, “I wanted to bring other like minded people onboard through my lyricism and raise consciousness around issues that I care about – especially around race and class.”
Atlanta rapper, singer, and self-love savant Baby Tate returns with a glowing two-song bundle including ‘Yasss Queen’ and ‘Dancing Queen.’ The genre-shifting artist’s latest offerings find her doing what she does best: dropping bars, affirming her fans, and being the life of the party. ‘Dancing Queen’ comes with a colorful music video that evolves into a fierce dance battle. [via Urban Mag]
ShaSimone has provided us with an all-new single titled ‘Lock Off’ with visuals. Since appearing on Dave’s album We’re All Alone In This Together last year, a lot of eyes have been on ShaSimone and the rising east Londoner proves why she’s one to watch once again on ‘Lock Off’ – a lively TK-produced cut. The visuals come courtesy of GM who showcases ShaSimone locking things off at the Leake Street Arches in London. [via GRM Daily]
