BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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What’s hot and what’s not? We’ve taken the time to listen to and review the latest music releases from artists this week and we’ve realized that one thing is consistent: these stars are pushing the boundaries of their craft, and there’s no stopping them in sight.
Did we find hits, misses, or surprises?
There’s only one way to find out – keep reading.
Drake’s Last-Minute October Drop: Promo or Teaser?
October is Drake’s month, and he knows exactly how to leave a mark.
So, waiting until the very last day to casually drop one of the year’s rawest and grittiest videos; a collaboration with his clothing brand and record label, October’s Very Own (OVO).
The one-minute and eleven-second video is a moving piece of art featuring Drake alongside a crew of individuals: video vixens clad in black or white sweatsuits, each adorned with OVO’s iconic owl emblem.
The video’s very structure raises plenty of questions.
Is it a mere promotional clip? A preview of an electrifying new streetwear line? Or could it be a mysterious teaser for music we didn’t see coming? We will find out soon!
A Haunting Collaboration: The Weeknd and Anitta’s ‘São Paulo’ is the Perfect Halloween Soundtrack
It is Halloween season. A period typically marked by the wearing of horrific guises and the telling of spine-chilling tales accompanied by the most eerie and unsettling sounds. Certainly, The Weeknd and Anitta bore all these details in mind as they worked on creating the exciting Halloween thriller São Paulo.
The acclaimed Canadian maestro and the multitalented Brazilian singer and dancer came together to create the eccentric musical piece best described as Brazilian funk and it is quite the song.
Though exciting and fast-paced, the song maintains a sinister undertone, creating an atmosphere that is both thrilling and ominous.
Produced by Mike Dean, Sean Solymar and The Weeknd himself, the song is a seamless mix with obvious signs that indicate the touch of experts.
The song’s video, released simultaneously with the song a day before Halloween, further highlights the song’s unsettling aura, even described by some as diabolical.
The video shows Anitta confidently sashaying through the streets of São Paulo with a prominently visible baby bump.
At first glance, all you see is a woman, proudly showing off her unborn child. But things take a bizarre turn when her belly sprouts a nose and mouth that appear to sing The Weeknd’s lyrics, a sight equal parts unsettling and entrancing
Certainly, If Anitta showed up at my door for trick-or-treat, I’d be torn between handing over my entire candy stash or simply fainting on the spot.
In the end, São Paulo delivers exactly what a Halloween release should; pure, chilling exhilaration.
When Pluto Meets the Streets: Shallipopi and Olamide’s Order Is Here To Take Over
Listen up! Shallipopi has a talent for making hits. By now, you’ve probably heard the unique sound of the self-proclaimed “Pluto President,” so you know this is no exaggeration. And then there’s Olamide, the legendary “King of the Street” who has never missed dropping a street anthem. Now, in a highly anticipated collab, we have both artists on the same track. Fast-paced and high-energy. Order is primed to dominate the clubs and pretty much anywhere there’s dancing.
With a hyper-fast, high-energy beat called Mara, this track sits right in the Afrobeat genre while adding an edge that’s a perfect fusion of uniquely different sounds. Shallipopi’s distinctive style, heavily layered with core Benin lingo, merges seamlessly with Olamide’s trademark street sound and potent punchlines, delivered in his signature classy style. It’s no wonder this track, less than 24 hours old, is already buzzing.
Both artists have had an outstanding year in music, and as 2024 draws to a close, they’ll likely look back fondly. Shallipopi kicked off the year with his sophomore album, Shakespopi, in April, followed by a string of collaborations with top names like Rema, Victony, King Promise, and Tion Wayne. After his single Free Service in October, Order was released on the 1st of November, adding another highlight to his year. Meanwhile, Olamide has been on multiple hit songs, collaborating with artists like Pheelz, Ckay, Lojay, and Timaya, to name a few. In June, he blessed fans with his project, Ikigai, a seven-track gem from the YBNL godfather.
There’s no doubt both Shallipopi and Olamide have raised the bar this year. And as they continue to shape the sound of Afrobeat, we can only hope there’s more magic to come from this dynamic duo in the future.
Crayon & Young Jonn Cast a Spell with Soulful New Single ‘You’
Crayon and Young Jonn’s latest release, dropped just in time for the close of October, is a soulful symphony that immediately pulls you in, wrapping your senses in warmth and nostalgia. With its sonorous, soothing quality, this track caresses the ears while evoking a flood of fuzzy feelings. At just 2 minutes and 51 seconds, it feels almost unfairly brief you can’t help but hit replay, immersing yourself again and again.
Crayon has always shown a unique talent for creating music that resonates deeply with the emotional core of his listeners. His sound is perfect for making new memories or basking in the glow of old ones. It’s almost impossible to listen to “You ” and not think of someone special, past or present. The lyrics effortlessly stir the heart, making you want to fall in love, maybe for the first time, or perhaps all over again. Crayon’s music borders on the magical; a beautiful kind of sorcery.
Young Jonn, too, brings his signature magic to the track. His tremulous voice and jaunty style blend Yoruba, Pidgin, and English seamlessly, breathing life and character into every line. He’s never met a song he couldn’t enhance, and this track is no exception.
Together, these two artists create something special. The smooth, silky tone of the beat, expertly crafted by the producer London, coupled with simple, relatable lyrics and a chorus that echoes something universally felt, make this song nothing short of perfect. This is the kind of music that sinks in, resonates, and reminds you of emotions shared with someone, somewhere, at some point in life.
This track by Crayon and Young Jonn is more than just a song, it’s an experience, one that lingers in the mind and heart long after it ends. With every listen, “You” becomes a reminder of love’s timeless magic, a soundtrack to the moments and memories we hold close.
This is music that speaks to the soul, inviting us to feel deeply and remember fondly.
Which of these tracks will be on repeat for you? Let us know in the comments
