Prettyboyface – ‘HighSkool’ Single Review

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Prettyboyface – ‘HighSkool’ Single Review

With a throwback boom bap beat and laid-back hooks, London’s Prettyboyface makes a splash with his first 2022 single, ‘HighSkool’.

Prettyboyface is a rising power in London’s underground rap scene and is brand new to Jeeni’s mission. He has so far contributed eight tracks to Jeeni’s hip-hop and rap channels, including three music videos, ‘Goddess’, ‘Escargot’ and the single in discussion, ‘HighSkool’. Seeing that Face is yet another Jeeni artist that is at the very early stages of their discography, Jeeni can’t wait to see what other projects Face releases in the future.

‘HighSkool’ opens with a sparkling sample that lays down the main foundation of the instrumental before the beat enters and completes it. When the percussion does enter, the composition falls into place in a satisfying and impactful fashion, ready for Face to contribute his formidable vocal talent. He opens with a title-based wordplay for the repeating, “you man went to high school, I went school, high’ hook.

Face’s rapping delivery is quickly becoming a recognisable and unique hallmark of his. His voice is recorded very close to the microphone, resulting in intense, clear and intentional performances. His voice is heard well over all other parts of the track, especially when he double-tracks his rapping when the hook re-enters. His delivery is unquestionable, commanding and confident which is refreshing when compared to other rappers who opt to slur and mumble their rapping, which although certainly has its place in corners of rap music, hasn’t got a patch on lucid and accessible alternatives, heard here in full-force from Prettyboyface.

This being the first single from Face certainly makes certain promises for the near-future of his craft and has no-doubt inspired hope in his growing fanbase. Check out Prettyboyface’s showcase on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/prettyboyface/

How can Jeeni support artists like Prettyboyface?

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JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.

• We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.
• We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.
• We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.
• Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team.

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01
Mar

WesLi D - ‘Walk Of Life’ Single Review

WesLi D’s first single of this year is an inventive and ambitious hip house banger, sure to evoke warm summer memories from all. A new addition to Jeeni, ‘Walk Of Life’ is currently the only track on WesLi D’s showcase and yet, the track still paints a vivid and inspired image of his craft and creative capabilities. We can’t wait to add more of WesLi D’s older and future tracks to Jeeni’s database of talent. Check out WesLi D on Jeeni: https://jeeni.com/showcase/ctq6hi7bzb6e/?view=about WesLi’s versatile voice and production style means that he’s able to represent a host of sub-genres and influences. His album from last year, ‘Sunny Days Ahead’ covers UK jazz rap with ‘Time Flies’, garage with ‘Pressure’ and most relevant to his newest track, WesLi dabbles with house in the last two tracks, ‘Clear Mind’ and ‘Yours To Keep’. Featuring chopped-up piano chord stabs with intense, layered beats, WesLi does so well to incorporate old-school house elements into his sound without diluting either his or his muse’s style. WesLi’s entrance into hip house is a calculated and smart transition; the final tracks to his album acted as a hint at what he’s been experimenting with lately and then, chronologically, comes ‘Walk Of Life’. The introduction for 'Walk Of Life’ is brave and very unsubtle for such a chill single; instantly the majority of the beat is heard, except without the four-to-the-floor kick drums to act as its backbone. The result is frankly, a jarring and odd display of almost random drum hits. Which is why it’s so satisfying when the kick finally does enter after four bars. The payoff for that initially weird introduction is beyond worth it, because the perfect context and explanation for those eclectic drum beats is provided in the form of steady kick drums and a commanding bassline sitting under it all. A totally effective and brilliant introduction that catches the listener off-guard and lets them know that this single isn’t standard by any means. WesLi D’s particular step into hip house feels particularly reminiscent of Channel Tres and his approach to beats and rumbling basslines. However, something that WesLi can utilise that Channel Tres struggles with is an adaptable and flexible voice. Where Channel Tres mostly just speaks softly over his beats, WesLi can confidently speak, rap and sing on his tracks. On ‘Walk Of Life’, we mostly hear WesLi’s singing voice which is as velvety as the Rhoades-esque electric piano that warbles across the entire piece. A highlight for me on this single are the choruses which completely changes the vibe from the pre-chorus which is the most pessimistic and tonally dark section of the track. In fact, the lyrical sections of this single are so clever in that they each represent mood shifts in WesLi as he processes the passing of time and trying not to let his dreams pass him by: In the verses, we see a hopeful but concerned mind-set, “I don’t know where I’m going on this walk of life, But I’m hoping that everything will be alright”, then in the pre-choruses, WesLi is in a dark and gloomy place as he says, “I’ve been searching for some time now. Tryna take some time out. Feel like I’m running out of time now”. Finally, the choruses move from minor to major in an uplifting modulation to represent WesLi D at his most optimistic, “It’s all mine, walk of life. Ain’t no dream passing me by”. A deceptively simple track from WesLi D as he seemingly masters the hip house genre in one of his first attempts. Listen on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/walk-of-life-wesli-d/ How can Jeeni support artists like WesLi D? JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience. Album review album review album review • We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make. • We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way. • We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect. • Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team.

06
Jun

Love in the Time of COVID-19: Working Apart but Creating Together.

By Sammie Venn Jeeni's Official Writer, Columnist and Blogger. Here at Jeeni.com we celebrate and support all musicians and performers, and poetry has its own dedicated channel for artists and performers to showcase their work and earn 100% of their sales, ticketing, merchandise and donations. Today, Jeeni has returned to Crowdcube to raise more funds for helping new talent. If you want to see our pitch click HERE. Today we showcase Sammie Venn as a very talented and creative writer. “No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it” – H.E Luccock Sammie says, "Creativity brings people together. Artists, poets, writers and musicians have been forced apart, to distance, to isolate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet collaboration has flourished. Adversity has brought us together to create in new and innovative ways. I have learnt over the years that it is not possible to be great at everything. Different skills that blend and morph with each other are key to an effective alliance. That’s where the magic happens. I have forged a new partnership with a UK-based award winning sound designer to launch a series of poetry short films – I call them “Poetry Porn” – on YouTube as a prelude to publishing an anthology of work in the autumn. Joe Churchman and I have worked on various projects together over the years. She wrote and co-directed the multi-award winning short film “Gloop” and collaborated with Sir David Attenborough. Joe has worked with MC Saatchi and the BBC, her talents and eye for creativity know no bounds . Where once we joined forces over the kitchen table, enjoying a glass of wine, we have been forced by the pandemic to find new ways of working together, including our latest venture. We both have a thirst for learning and a need to enthusiastically share and impart the wisdom we have gained. Creating during COVID-19 has been an exhilarating and challenging experience for us both, but one we have overcome and enjoyed with fervour and passion. Never before have Zoom, WhatsApp and the desire to teleport been at the forefront of our combined creativity. Despite the 50 plus miles between our respective homes the soul sister bond that we have nurtured over the years has never been lost. The verve for all things lyrical has surfaced again whilst working on the Poetry films. Having created a series of 100 poems, I am now in the editorial process: altering verses, changing words and making sure rhythm, beat and iambic pentameter all synchronise. The work embodies the emotive journey of womanhood: traversing sorrow, despair, anger and liberation. The natural environment heals all woes and this journey is told through the changes in season. Death, loss, renewal and growth are all subjects covered within the poems and the films. Winter teaches us how to be patient, to rest, hibernate and prepare for growth. Autumn helps us to embrace the process of letting go. Spring is a period of regrowth and birth. Whilst Summer is our time to blossom and burst into the most vibrant versions of ourselves. In the depths of winter combined with a broken heart, “Kiss the Tinder” was born. Poetry was and still is my solace, it helped me to rediscover compassion, serenity and hope. I was lucky enough to meet a fellow poet and songwriter via the writing community on Instagram a couple of years ago, Renée is from Texas, so we have only ever virtually met but he kindly agreed to record this poem. A true gift. I woke one morning to his dulcet tones in my inbox, and with a voice of liquid silk, he is the soundscape to this film. This Poetry Short is therefore a true collaboration. Global restraints from continental distance to COVID-19 have not curbed our resourcefulness. The project has only just begun. This poem was published in June in American Journal “The Starlight Emporium” along with a collection of my other work. “Kiss the Tinder” by Sammie Venn Kiss the tinder, fall in love with the ashesThe storm destroys the pain with lashesIndigo shards, incandescent stainsLife blood flowing, ripped like veins.Lightening shreds the Arial skyIt punches, spits and angrily criesGlorifying the night with celestial screamsMother Nature voices her savage dreams.Dancing with Hope, thunder follows alongside,For now, there is nowhere in the world to hide.Like a love-lorn couple, they rampantly combustTears of anguish wash away rage and lust. Click HERE to visit or return to jeeni.com

26
Apr

Profiiit ‘Alexander’ Album Review

This indulgent and impressive album from East Coast rapper, Profiiit might be his most creatively realised and polished project yet. Relatively new to Jeeni, Connecticut rapper, Profiiit has taken the hip-hop and rap channels to another level with his hard-hitting and thoughtful brand of introspective US rap music. He has recently contributed the entirety of this new album, ‘Alexander’ to his showcase. Check out his showcase on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/profiiit/ Throughout ‘Alexander’, Profiiit refuses to fall into the rut that so many rappers succumb to; repetitive beats, aimless song structures and uninspired lyrics. The way that Profiiit crafts these tracks, gives the impression that they’re important and demand your attention. Sometimes, Profiiit won’t feature his vocals until halfway through a track, because he’s not afraid to allow other components, features and instruments to shine and have their own moment before he contributes his poignant lyrics and flow to the pieces. Possibly inspired by Kendrick Lamar, recorded spoken word samples heard throughout add an intimate and real level of substance and insight into Profiiit’s life and backstory. Something that makes a huge difference compared to other artists is Profiiit’s evident prowess in editing down tracks, trimming off fat and streamlining his work. The songs get to the point when necessary and take their time at other moments, depending on the tempo and momentum held in the album’s listen. A tasteful and moving use of samples can be expected across this album, particularly in closers ‘Sodapop’ and ‘Red Baron’. Instead of just chopping up samples to construct the instrumental/beat and repeating sections over and over, samples are sometimes played unaccompanied for impact and as an effective means of progressing the tone and mood of the songs, this can be heard in ‘Yale (Josephine)’. A perfect selection and amount of featured talent embellish ‘Alexander’ without distracting or diminishing from Profiiit. Peso Dollaz provides a melodic, trap-esque verse for the second half of ‘sant_thegod’ that does well do diversify both the track and the entire album. East London Jeeni artist Jada Freeman provides her soulful singing for some essential backing vocals and hooks in ‘Triggaotto’. And the talented and upcoming Cool Que gives a semi-sung mumble-rap verse on ‘D.R.E’ which is a fantastic contrast from Profiiit’s clear, and distinct rapping. A fantastic and layered project from Profiiit, listen to it in full on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/profiiit/ How can Jeeni support artists like Profiiit? JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience. • We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make. • We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way. • We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect. • Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team.

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