Thy Young, a Sierra Leonean producer based in California, released his latest single ‘Luck’ featuring Rahim, on March 28, 2024, via Survival Records, LLC. This track serves as a preview of his upcoming album, Scent of Amie, scheduled for release on June 14, 2024. Known for his exceptional production abilities, Thy Young is esteemed as one of Sierra Leone’s premier producers. His extensive portfolio includes collaborations with renowned artists such as Kontri Boss, Dom B., and Swadu Natasha Beckley. Notably, he clinched the Best Music Producer award at the Sierra Leone National Entertainment Awards (NEAs) in both 2020 and 2021. Among his notable productions is the hit ‘Champion’ by Shadow Boxxer & Mellow Seven, featured on CNN Inside Africa. Inspired by the likes of 2Pac, 50 Cent, Jimmy B., and Amie Kallon,Thy Young’s music resonates with fans of Rema, Davido, and Obongjayar, hinting at a promising trajectory in his solo career.
‘Luck’, crafted by Thy Young with collaborative mixing and mastering by Steven Glaze, showcases Rahim’s emotive vocals set against an irresistible afro-swing rhythm. Thy Young’s production is adorned with melodic guitar riffs, soulful singing, and uplifting horn arrangements, evoking a sense of jubilation.
Thy Young shared: “‘Luck’ is a song that is inspired by the love between my late mother and my father. And the bond that is between my partner and me. It is a traditional love song that aims to resonate with everyone.”
London-born Dancehall and Hip-hop artist, freelance A&R, model and actor Yung Saber has just released an infectiously feel-good new single, ‘Gucci Prada’, on January 26th, 2024. Boasting over 10 million streams across all platforms, Yung Saber stormed the UK Dancehall scene with his track ‘Tump & Kick’, which became an international hit and earned radio plays across the globe in 2021. He went on to do two remixes, the first one featuring Stylo G followed by an All-star remix featuring UK Dancehall trailblazers Big Zeeks, Shanti Force, The Rara, Doktor & Irah. Saber has performed at MADEFestival, Brighton Harbour Festival, Glastonbury, Notting Hill Carnival with Amazon, +44, and many other venues throughout the UK. He has appeared on several BBC radio shows such as Rampage, Seani B and BBC 1Xtra. In February 2023, he attended BBC Maida Vale Session with Seani B and performed his hit single ‘Karl Kani’ with a live band for BBC dancehall weekender.
Influenced by the likes of Super Cat and Vybz Kartel, Yung Saber’s sound can be compared to J Hus, Govana, MoStack, Not3s, Krept & Konan and Yxng Bane.
Read our chat with him below.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
I’ve grown up around sound system culture – my mum’s a DJ, she used to run pirate radio stations, my uncle was a sound man (one of the founders of Coxsone Sound), and my older brother Brakeman being a well-known MC in the late 90s and early 2000s (at that time with it being hard to become a household name). This is what I was surrounded by and was my inspo very early on to become an entertainer.
Tell us about your first live performance – what was it like?
My first live performance was at Burgess Park in Peckham in 2005/2006. I was 15 and all I remember was that I was nervous but at the same time having the time of my life finally doing what I love to do.
What is London’s Dancehall scene like? Have you found it easy to build community through it?
When I entered the London dancehall scene it was a mess – no love, no unity, no support, there were certain gatekeepers but me and a few others were able to build a community in which talented individuals are now getting the right exposure that they deserve.
If you could paint a picture of your unique sound, what would it look like?
My sound is a combination of UK rap with dancehall.
Take us through your songwriting process. Is it spontaneous, or do you have rituals?
I can’t tell you my process but everything is spontaneous and off the top of my dome, and I’m a heavy believer in prayer and God guides me through the process.
What do you personally consider to be the highlight of your artistic career beyond your music (as an actor, A&R or model) thus far?
Finding fresh new talent and acting, one of my goals is to do more acting and to run a successful record label for young fresh talent.
Do you have any non-musical hobbies?
I enjoy cooking and gaming with my kids.
As an artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the industry. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?
Yes, the way the females are treated the way they are sexualised and almost feel like they need to use their body just to get their foot in the door, obviously this isn’t every female’s experience but it is the vast majority.
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
Managing to create momentum around the viral hit song ‘Tump and Kick’ during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you could go back to the beginning of your career to give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Believe in yourself, have the right people around you, and don’t trust so easily.
Right off the heels of their nationwide tour, popular electronic-dance-rock duo BoomBox dropped their new album Dangerous Waters on 10 November. This wildly enjoyable offering refuses to decide between “dance” or “lounge.” BoomBox was founded in 2004 by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Zion Rock Godchaux, who for this release tapped Kinsman MacKay in for his slick beats. Stream the featured single, ‘Beunas Noches’ and the rest of the new album here:
Opening track ‘Black Linens’ leads with a firey bass line that pairs oh so well with the exuberant bongo percussions. Forming an undeniably danceable groove. The featured single ‘Buenas Noches’ comprises of a floating vocal track and hard-hitting drums, reminiscent of the Gorillaz.
‘Taut Thriller’ keeps the party going strong with an infectious groove, led by a gritty synth bass line. Godchaux described his intention for the LP; “The sound is about pulling from anything that you’d hear coming out of a boombox and distilling it into a distinctive style”. The second single ‘Searching’ takes this level of experimentation even further. Resulting in a banger of a chillout track. BoomBox discussed their new album: ‘Dangerous Waters’ is the first album [we] as brothers have made together. Its sounds are both digital and analog, and we feel it’s a further refinement of the BoomBox sound.” Godchaux candidly mentioned, “There’s a special kind of chemistry between two brothers playing music together.”
Multi-platinum producer, and DJ, R3HAB has just unleashed a new remix of Acid Arab’s infectiously boundary-breaking track, ‘Habaytak’. Better known by his moniker, the producer, Fadil El Ghoul, has remixed the likes of Rihanna, Drake, Taylor Swift, and Calvin Harris, and put out original tracks with huge collabs. He has dominated the mainstream whilst staying true to his Dutch-Moroccan heritage. Out now via [PIAS] Électronique, R3HAB gave the Eastern-inspired sound of the original track, featuring Ghizlane Melih’s vocals, a darker, faster-paced twist. Watch the freshly released Jean-Charles Charavin-directed video:
Trailblazing through the original with his vision but never forgetting to intensify Acid Arab’s existing builds and breaks, R3HAB heightens the vocal track to spine-tingling levels. Incorporating explicit House elements and throbbing electronic bass, this club banger exaggerates the source material’s production whilst keeping Ghizlane Melih’s gorgeous vocals in the spotlight. In doing so, he not only injects the beats with his unique brand of thumping House, but he also pays homage to the Morrocan diva’s heritage and influences. Listen to both the original and the new remix below:
About their exciting collaboration, the two producers had this to say, R3HAB: “I’ve been a fan of Acid Arab’s work for a long time now, so I was excited when they reached out. I had a lot of fun remixing ‘Habaytak’, it’s always a good challenge to infuse my sound into different genres and musical cultures. I loved the experience and we’re excited to finally share it with the world!”. Acid Arab: “This mix of R3HAB’s more mainstream sound with our Arabic-inspired electronic music has spawned a unique and potentially massive track. We’re honoured that R3HAB agreed to add his special touch and individual vibe to our track. We’re proud to see more musical boundaries fall.”
