The Come Up - Vol.1
By Caspar Louis @caspar_louis
This is the first of many lists of songs that I think need shouting out. It will be a reflection of my personal taste, but it’s also a collection of songs that get sent to MNRCHY or directly to myself. I won’t lie, some of my selections might be a bit weird… some songs may not seem like good songs, or some of the rappers bars might be a bit whack or off beat…. but I’ll let you know why I fuck with each song.
Before we get into the music, I have a quick announcement to make to all you upcoming/emerging artists, who want to get noticed and get on radars etc… please create a bio… give people some information about yourselves. If you are seeking the attention of a label; they want to get a better picture of who you are and what you are like. Press and media people want to know where you are from, make it easier for them to big you up! And get some photos taken… there are no photos in this article because many of the artists hadn’t supplied photos, mad ness.
All the songs mentioned below (except Throttle, which you can find here) can be found in our Spotify playlist.
1. Deanna Devore: Love Again ft. D’Zhari
Release date: 19 september 2020
This is such a good song. Damn. Sometimes you come across a song and expect it to be up there in all the playlists…but it’s not. It’s a hidden gem. The songwriting is on point and it’s such an uplifting take on moving on from a relationship. Devore and D’Zhari come together in perfect sync, what a collaboration. Beautiful song, added to a few of my personal playlists.
Listen / Instagram (Deanna Devore) / Instagram (D’Zhari)
2. Justy: Cool
Release date: 10 september 2020
Wow Justy’s voice!!! You can hear the Amy Winehouse, you can hear Erykah Badu… the Dilla inspired production. The Brooklyn born artist brings an effortlessly cool vibe with her, you just know that she is the chillest and calmest person to be around.
3. Broughton: Broughton The 1st.
Release date: 01 september 2020
This hard hitting tune from the - I don’t know where he is from because he doesn’t have a bio… - artist. His anger sounds authentic and his self depreciating lyrics combined with his positive “now its peace and love” outlook makes for an authentic listen. His flow is on point and I love the “that’s audio doo doo” bar at the end, funny but still hits hard.
4. Alfie: Sheets
Release date: 08 June 2020
This one is a weird one. I’m a big fan of weird. Alfie sets a melancholy tone from the jump, telling us how he enjoys the cold and the time alone. But then he starts longing for someone… so it sounds like a bit of a confusing time in a relationship. I don’t actually know what he’s talking about but I fuck with the vibe. The break at about 2:40 really brings you into Alfie’s scene, cold air… alone with your thoughts.
5. Khamari: That Girl
Release date: 11 SEPTEMBER 2020
The Boston based artist Khamari came to my attention STRONG with this song. His tone is calming, yet you can still hear his authentic emotion coming through. It’s a soundtrack for cuffing season. It’s a shame because we can’t go out to parties or clubs to be able to relate to this song… but we can reminisce, or look forward to summer 2021?
6. Kid Travis: Stay (Don’t Go)
Release date: 04 september 2020
Sometimes I listen to a song and think “Is this too commercial sounding?” “Is this pop?!”. And then I remember that it doesn’t matter. This song is catchy and I love it. With strong The Weeknd or Bryson Tiller vibes, Kid Travis has definitely got the voice. You can hear the authenticity in his tone, I’m a fan.
7. Mr Cutts: I Wish It Would Rain
Release date: 18 september 2020
It might be a nostalgic thing for me, or just being brought up in London… but I love rain. It brings me home and for some reason it motivates me to work. That’s what this song from Mr Cutts does to me, it’s a chilled head bopper but it carries so much nostalgia and atmosphere with it.
8. Jobaa: Olla
Release date: 31 JULY 2020
This one may have come out a few months ago… but it’s the kind of song that you’ll have on repeat for many years. Lagos artist Jobaa has an effortlessly smooth flow on this super catchy tune. In his video you can tell he is ready to be a superstar, he will be the reason a lot of people get on the dance floor.
9. Brixx: Ready
Release date: 08 September 2020
This is one hell of a partnership. This is the first I’ve heard of the Birmingham based Brixx. Born in the States and raised by Caribbean parents, she could speak patois before she could speak english, something you can really hear in her delivery. She delivers with an attitude that you have to respect, and she omits an aurora of a personality you’d love to be around. Toddla T’s production is obviously going to make this one for the club, or zoom club or whatever weird virtual hangouts people are doing.
10. Throttle: Heroes (Garrison Remix)
Release date: 10 september 2020
Future Bass is a sound we have rarely showcased on MNRCHY. Although it’s actually the reason we started in the first place. So sharing this song is a bit of a message, that there will be more electronic music coming through. This is a laid back remix, from another artist who has no bio (tut tut tut). But the song is chilled and perfectly in sync with the seasons changing. There’s something about this track that reminds me of Autumn, the optimism of a new season. I’m chatting shit, but listen and let me know if you agree.