Towards the end of last year, Quelle Chris touched down in Tucson, Arizona, for a special performance as part of Mello Sessions. Among the chosen songs was Alive Ain’t Always Living, which stood out as a highlight for many on his acclaimed Deathfame album, which was released in May last year. Today, Mello Music released footage of Quelle’s live rendition, which you can watch above. And if you’re still yet to hear the album in its entirety, then you can find streams and downloads on the usual platforms.
Tag: Mello Music Group
Slim’s Pickings 2022 Pt. 1
For those of you unaware, I recently published a list of my top 10 favourite hip hop and RnB albums in The Wire Magazine, as part of their end of year review issue. It was a tough list to compile because 2022 contained a multitude of stellar releases, many of which deserved further praise.
Guilt quickly set in after I’d submitted the list to my editor, not because I felt like I’d made a mistake with any of my choices, but because I wish I had been given the time and space to write about the bevy of other favourites that had been in rotation over the last 12 months. So now I’m going to attempt to summarise those remaining projects and give them the shine they deserve. But first my original list and the accompanying blurb, for those of you who missed it the first time round. I should also mention that I fucked up with the Little Simz pick. I had it in my head that SIMBI came out in early 2022, but in fact it was late 2021. I blame my own sketchy-at-best memory and the fact that her MOBO win came so late in the year. Anyway…
SHIRT: I Turned Myself Into Myself (Stream)
Very happy to see the new album from SHIRT materialise today. In the wake of the preceding singles, I Turned Myself Into Myself continues to reach the same heights and provides SHIRT with a commanding Mello Music debut. Honesty in abundance, with the perfect accompaniment from Jack Splash’s production, the album is another important release in a year already brimming over with essential rap records. Listen for yourself below, then head to Bandcamp to secure a digital or physical copy.
Continue reading “SHIRT: I Turned Myself Into Myself (Stream)”SHIRT: I Make Art
On the eve of his album release date, I’ve got another new track from SHIRT as he resumes the hype building for the arrival of I Turned Myself Into Myself. The album is produced by Jack Splash and is released tomorrow via Mello Music Group, which will (possibly) bring a close to another triumphant 12 months for the Tucson label.
Marlowe: My People
Another week and another new video from the recent Marlowe album, as L’Orange and Solemn Brigham continue to ride their much deserved wave of success. Marlow 3 is out now on Mello Music Group.
Homeboy Sandman: Satellite
Another reason to look forward to the impending album from Homeboy Sandman right here, as the Queens MC pens an ode to the NY boroughs he has called home over the years. Apparently the video footage is a highlight reel from a 30 mile walk that Sands took over the space of a day, which saw him covering the ground he talks about in the song. Satellite is produced by Deca and the track is taken from Still Champion, which arrives on 11 November via Mello Music Group.
Marlowe: Marlowe 3 (Stream)
After more than a two year wait and a steady stream of enticing singles, Friday saw the release of the third Marlowe album from L’Orange and Solemn Brigham. The answer to the question, “do you make better music with your friends?”, Marlowe have been drawing acclaim for their output since their first effort back in 2018.
Four years on and we find the same winning chemistry laying the groundwork for a hefty 18 track running time, with only a few features sprinkled into the proceedings. Blu and Joell Ortiz make an appearance on the previously released, Royal, while Deniro Farrar adds his flavour to Godfist, which stands out as a personal highlight for me. To be honest, there isn’t anything that lets the album down, which shouldn’t surprise Marlowe fans, or anyone familiar with L’Orange and Solemn’s consistency up to this point.
You can explore the album for yourself below, then get over to Bandcamp to secure your download / physical orders.
Homeboy Sandman: Radiator
More satisfying rhymes from Homeboy Sandman, as he continues the preparations for his upcoming album release. Radiator is the next leak from Still Champion, which is due to drop on 11 November and features full production from Deca. Pre-orders are available now via Mello Music.
SHIRT: Dave Chappelle Is Wrong (Beef With God)
New music from SHIRT is always welcome and this freshly cut single proves exactly why. Never one to veer away from honesty, even when it means confronting your heroes, Dave Chappelle Is Wrong is SHIRT’s public outpouring on a number of topics, including the chosen punchline fodder of the divisive comedian. Produced by Jack Splash, the track stands as the next single from SHIRT’s upcoming LP, I Turned Myself Into Myself, which emerges in full on 22 November.
Marlowe: Light Trip
Here we are with another sample from the forthcoming Marlowe album, as we edge ever closer to the full release. Light Trip is apparently one of L’Orange’s personal favourites from the project and it is easy to hear why, as Solemn Brigham brings the pace of his flows down a notch, resulting in the perfect blend of beat and bars. Marlowe 3 is due for release on 28 October via Mello Music Group.
gingerslim 