The Come Up - Vol.3
By Caspar Louis (@caspar_louis)
There’s such a focus on the ‘long game’ with developing artists, putting out singles and evolving with each release. As someone who works in the music industry, it’s easy for me to get lost in the game when scouting for new music. We view each song as a building block to success, neglecting the importance of the artists’ expression within the song they’ve poured their soul into. I’m very guilty of that myself but I guess I’m writing this as a reminder for us all to appreciate what we have in front of us.
If this is your first time reading The Come Up, let me give you a quick introduction:
Every month I select 10 songs that have stood out to me for whatever reason… it might be the smallest thing within a song that grabs my attention but I want to highlight the potential within each artist.
As always, this months selection is in no particular order. You can listen to The Come Up playlist on Spotify (or scroll down to listen while you read). Be sure to save the track to your library as the list will change every month.
1. Deca - High Wire (Feat. Ciggy)
Release date: 23 October 2020
Psychedelically sublime and chilled in vibe, High Wire is a meditative head bopper from New York emcee/producer Deca. The song features some incredibly smooth and seductive vocals from Ciggy. Loving this whole album, listen from start to finish… but this track stands out to me. Deca and Ciggy are a great match and it would be cool to hear more from them together.
2. Brit Fox - Fire + Wood
Release date: 06 November 2020
This song is a VIBE. Brit Fox’s debut release has got me hooked as a fan already. It’s moody, it’s smooth but it’s got a head bopping attitude to it. I love how she’s not afraid to come out with her debut release without revealing her real voice. The pitch shift is a real vibe but if you want a peak you can hear her incredible voice on her collab with Drew.
3. A. TIBBZ - UR WAVE PT.II
Release date: 30 october 2020
I love the cheek of releasing a 50 second song that cuts out just at you are fully vibing with it and ready for the drums to kick in. Hats off to A.Tibbz because he has successfully teased me for his upcoming album. Some kind of musical George Lucas revealing the second part of the song before the first… I love it, he’s doing things differently and that’s exactly what I’m here for.
4. Mak 10 - Mad In The Fete (feat. Bala Bala Boyz)
Release date: 09 October 2020
This one is mad nostalgic for me. Reminds me of the days when I was 16 going to those bait clubs in random cities in the UK, letting loose to those club anthems from people like Lethal Bizzle. I selected this song for our international audience to recognise the energy that UK funky brings. Mad In The Fete says it right on the tin, listen for mindless hype and good times. This track is making me miss going OUT OUT man….. bang this tune in your house, close your eyes and have a great night IN.
5. Emanuel - Black Woman
Release date: 26 October 2020
Emanuel celebrates the black woman in his life and around the world, it’s a round of applause for their strength, it’s a praise… but it’s also an apology. The emotion behind his voice is so raw and authentic, you’d think he’s singing this right in the moment. Speaking about the song Emanuel said “People might think this song was written as a response to the moment right now but it's saying the exact same thing it was saying when it was written a year ago - 'I see you, I recognise you, I appreciate you and I love you'“.
6. NYNE - What’s Going On (Feat. hamley)
Release date: 23 October 2020
Having toured with artists like Mallrat, NYNE releases her debut EP as she builds her name in her homeland of Australia. This track is my favourite from the release… it’s smooth and sexy but lurks in the shadows. I feel like there’s some unspoken darkness behind the lust in the lyrics. It’s exciting to hear sounds like this coming out of Australia… I’m all ears.
7. OG The Story - Irish Resident
Release date: 23 October 2020
One of the founding members of Dublin hip hop and afrobeats collective Millaz, Olusegun Gbadebo returns with his solo project as OG The Story. You can hear his influence in Rakim and Biggie, OG has class and has a very authentic outlook with his rap. The Irish accent on the classic beat make for a unique sound combined with his honest perspective of his upbringing and identity. Give the video a watch and get a feel for his world.
8. Alisha Raval - Fancy Dreams
Release date: 27 October 2020
This is niiiiice. It’s a song exploring the story of a girl who chooses her work over her lover. It makes you feel the perspective of the lover as you see the girl (Alisha Raval?) stacking up success and leaving you behind. It’s such a beautiful sounding song but it makes you feel the pain and emptiness of being left behind by someone… as they ride off with success.
9. Sudders - Breathe
Release date: 24 September 2020
I love the vocal layers on this. UK backpack style hip hop doesn’t hit with me most of the time, but this track hits deeper. Sudders’ tone and emotion comes through authentically with his honest and humble lyrics. It’s not a song I’d have on repeat, but I can hear his talent and there’s potential for him to venture out into something really unique. The video is dope, some impressive shots in there.
10. Ricky Lake - Lithium (feat. Mr. Muthaf*ckin' eXquire)
Release date: 27 October 2020
This one’s a bit wild. I don’t really know where to place it. It kinda sounds like the Far East Movement meets The Black Eyed Peas but then the rap comes in and brings it into today’s sound. It’s an impressive combination of styles that doesn’t fall into the cheesy world that you’d think it would. Ricky has a very dope catalogue, he’s not following anybody with his style and has some very dope unique sounds, check it.