Blood Orange’s new record Negro Swan has arrived. It’s the fourth album that producer/composer/multi-instrumentalist Devonté Hynes has released under the alias and is jam packed with features from Puff Daddy, Tei Shi and Steve Lacy, and contributions from the likes of Zuri Marley, Aaron Maine, and Kelsey Lu. The 16-track record includes previously released singles ‘Charcoal Baby’, ‘Jewelry’ and ‘Chewing Gum’ which features an A$AP Rocky collaboration. The British artist’s previous album, Freetown Sound, mused the topics of immigrant parents, merging political activism with melancholia for late 1980s queer NYC life. Negro Swan has continued the conversation by navigating the experience of black depression, exploring the corners of black existence, and highlighting the ongoing anxieties of queer people and people of colour in the current global and political landscape. All of this done by culminating the alternative sounds of progressive R&B, indie, hip hop, and minimalist chill wave.
If you’re a fan of Kaytranada or GoldLink, known for their upbeat, eclectic hip hop infused with dance grooves, then you’ll love Melbourne producer Tentendo, who has linked up with fellow Billy Davis collaborator Jordan Dennis on a groovy, high energy cut, called ‘Dance With Me’. The pair had history working together alongside Davis, before launching into their own solo careers over the past 12 months. Although going separate ways, the chemistry between Dennis and Tentendo clearly remained strong enough to create the feel-good track, just in time for the soon approaching summer and festival season. Its production stays true to the sounds of both artists; featuring thick synths, thumping bass, percussion and catchy lyricism. Tentendo has a diverse background in music, studying bass guitar and music performance before a wrist injury turned his attention to production. Jordan Dennis has also been busy on his solo venture, having recently released a single called ‘Crumbs’, which features vocals from frequent collaborator Blasko.
Rising star Fresh Violet is an artist to be reckoned with in the Australian hip hop scene. To prove it, she’s back with deadly single, ‘Natural Born Killers’, featuring Mr. Ruckman. The track is a taste of her soon to be released studio album, 50 Shades of Violet. Fresh Violet has always been one to push the boundaries creatively and has done so by releasing an accompanying music video in the form of a short film. The production pays homage to the style of American writer and filmmaker, Oliver Stone, recreating several kidnapping and violent scenes as Violet and Ruckman set out on a trail of destruction. Violet says the video is channelling the rage that females everywhere are feeling right now, having seen and felt the effect of violence and inequality towards women. After receiving industry praise for her debut EP, ACKBARS, released in May this year, 50 Shades Of Violet is expected to drop later this year.
