#MUSICMONDAY is a WIN-WIN for us BOTH! Enter the #FLASHINGLIGHTS COMPETITION to get yours!

#MusicMondays are a chance for YOU to put your own name in the spotlight. Through a dedicated Submission Space for you aspiring Artistes, win a total of hundreds of pounds worth of prizes from ESP! If you want to submit your track* for review** email it along with up to 2 press photos, and your single's artwork too, then you can not only win an #ESPspotlight Review worth £9.99rrp (single only); but if you drum up enough Social Media support for your feature through Shares and Likes, and earn the highest audience response of the month***, then you will also win that month's prize - up for grabs in June is...

From the ESPshowcase 'Lights' menu; the 'MegaWatts' package sees the creation and maintenance of accounts on the 5 main websites that any musical newcomer should have a voice on: Twitter, Facebook, ReverbNation, SoundCloud, and YouTube. The prize includes customised, uniform branding, tailored to your Artist Persona. All inclusive, this prize bundle is worth over £50 in the ESPstore.

Send Me Your Sounds!

And if that's not enough...Even bigger and better than before, you can also now submit your track to be played by my mate Ms Charley Jai, Real Talk Radio Presenter on Itch FM, through the ESP Website:

Click to email your tracks!

Here's A Message from Ms Charley Jai...

CALLING ALL 

SINGERS / MUSICIANS 

ON THE ESP BLOG! 

Email your NAME/BIO/Links (clean tracks only) for a (potential) opportunity to have YOUR music played on the Real Talk Radio Show UK, to feature in the Real Talent segment! 

Tweet @MsCJ80 

Entries are accepted up to 5pm every Friday, with winners announced during the following #MusicMonday, on the ESintheP Blog.

So what are you waiting for? GET ENTERING!!!
ES ;)

*    Single tracks only will be considered, mixtapes and other multitrack compilations will be ignored.
**   Winning Entrants ONLY will be reviewed.
*** Month period is 1-28 any given month.
^     Up to 3 individual entries will be considered per person, by separate entry.

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: 'MOST WANTED' EP, LAUGHTA

This young lady is set to release the first project to pique my interest in UK Hip Hop in the last six months. 23 years young; Lebanese MC and Actress Laughta is set to unleash her 5-track, sophomore EP, 'Most Wanted' this coming Monday, 24 June.

Having had more than a few listens over the last few days - whether intentional or not, what rings most clear, is how well she hits specific audiences in each of the tracks on the list.

Available from Monday via Laughta's bandcamp account

From the opening strains of 'Tool', the sound is unmistakably British, with LONDON FIRE stamped throughout each broken beat. Establishing her sound as a borderline Grime contender with a difference; the first track is an Independence Anthem / two-finger salute to the ex who took her for granted before he realised her obvious potential. There's no mistaking Laughta's 'great energy and unique, quirky sound', as described recently by fellow artist Lady Lykez. The first of several catchy hooks, you can imagine this one blaring out of car stereos everywhere.

'Hard At Work' was never a more apt title. The track showcases a rap skill, and lyrical prowess that proves this lady is nothing to laugh about. Tailor-made for homegrown airplay; one can only hope Laughta gives serious consideration to submitting this to every radio station in the lands ruled by Old Elizabeth. Was I too subtle with that one, or was the hint sledghammer-worthy?!

'What'ya Looking At' is a refreshing change of pace that, despite the calm tone of her delivery, lets you know she's no lightweight; not in her chosen musical genre, or her everyday encounters. A nice Summertime track with good production from Str8face, Laughta's cheekily comedic, storytelling abilities serve well for the scenario-favouring audiences like myself.

'Love Me Or Leave Me' is the 'take a stand' tale that begins reminiscing about the good ole days of young, new love, before the object of your affection gets a little too comfortable. Where 'Tool' marked Laughta's generic territory musically, 'Hard At Work' established her skill level amongst her peers and 'What'ya Looking At' showed her temperate versatility whilst also touching on her storytelling abilities; in 'Love Me Or Leave Me', Laughta fully focuses on drawing you into the tale she's telling, until her memory becomes one of your own. Another catchy hook, this one stays in your head hours after you've finished listening.

Title track 'Most Wanted' is a good battle jab for this early stage of her career. Fully sold on the infectious character that dominates throughout; her simple similes imply nothing but the promise of progression that you fully expect her to realise by the inevitable next project.

Although this outing could have benefited well from another 2-3 tracks to strengthen the overall body of work, the precise selection of songs that showcase some of her best selling points are the obvious reasons why, when it comes to the current UK Rap game? #LaughtasMostWanted.

The 'Most Wanted' EP by Laughta is out this Monday, via bandcamp. Connect with her via Social Media (Facebook / Twitter) and, to catch her at her very best, make sure you come down to the Queen of Hoxton on the 24th July at 7PM for her first official launch party.

Click through for more details!

Make sure you Stay Tuned to this very blog for more news and reviews coming your way this week!

Until the next!
ES ;)

#UPCOMINGEVENT: LAUGHTA, 'MOST WANTED' EP RELEASE, QUEEN OF HOXTON, 24TH JULY

There's only one venue worth being at come 7pm on Wednesday, 24th July, and that's the Queen of Hoxton, for the official EP launch party for one of the brightest new talents to come out of North West London in quite some time.

Fresh off supporting US Rap heavyweight Joe Budden at his London show in March; Hip Hop MC Laughta will celebrate the long-awaited release of her second Independent EP, 'Most Wanted', as part of the High Bar Nation collective. Support on the night will come from fellow artists, Str8face, Charm, Gamal Artist, Lady Lykez, GhettoLuv, Kitty Rose Cummings and Aaron 'Roach' Bridgeman, of SB:TV fame, to name but a few....

Tickets are available in advance from the Resident Advisor website, or pay more on the door.

For more information and the latest news, be sure to follow Laughta on Facebook!

I've got my ticket - see you there!

ES ;)

Artist GPS: Can Your Audience Find You? + 'Lost In Music' Competition, March Music in the ESPspotlight

Yesterday I was interviewed for an upcoming white paper on Marketing. One of the questions touched on a topic I've been itching to bring you for awhile now. In working on another project this weekend, I came up against what is probably one of my Top 3 Pet Peeves in this Industry! Whatever your talent, if you are a Creative of any kind, WHY do people need heat-seeking missiles to find you?

This weekend, I met an Artist. When asked where I could find some of his work, he gave me a web address and forewarned: "I need to add some stuff, though...". Fair enough, when you're a one person band, it's not always possible to update everything you need to, as often as you need to do it - I can attest to that! Venturing onto the site yesterday though, I discovered that not only does he need to "add some stuff", but the only thing on it was his profile name!

Music Releases are NOT Covert Ops - they should only be a secret if you're BOWIE!

A similar occurrence happened recently, when another Performer said that I wouldn't find him or his work online, because he doesn't "like to be too 'out there', y'see...I don't like to be that accessible..." I (don't) see. Just last month, whilst scouting artists to fill some open slots in the next #FindOutFriday cycle (Coming Soon, Stay Tuned!) I eventually stopped finding it amusing and incredulous, and instead began finding it increasingly ANNOYING that so many of you have websites and profiles with NO music on them! There was contact information for bookings though... In my best McEnroe impression, I gotta say: "C'mon! You CanNOT be SERIOUS!"

Would you hire a Photographer having seen no prior examples of their work? How about a Make Up Artist, Hairdresser or Barber with no portfolio examples? I thought not. So why in the name of all that is Holy, would you expect anyone to hire you to perform, with no proof that you have the skills to justify a hire fee?

In your defence Artists, I will say, it's not just you. The whole idea for my #ESPshowcase packages, which create foundation starter  packs for businesses who have yet to venture into the online world, emanated from my not being able to find a hairdressers in the town I upped sticks and moved to at the end of last year. The huge difference is, that as Musicians, you are not bricks and mortar shops! Their main customer base already exists for one thing - they have walk-in clientèle! For another, they are restricted by locale. There is not a market in the world that if packaged correctly, you could not sell to; so there shouldn't be a corner of it that your product is not available in.

Let me dispel your confusion once and for all: Whether you are a Musician, a Designer, or an Artist of ANY kind - when you have a product to sell (which all of you do), then there is no such thing as 'remaining mysterious', by being difficult to find online; only recurring incidents of recklessly squandered sales and missed opportunities. STOP the non-sense! 

There are several easy to use, free platforms for Musicians out there, that allow you to showcase your abilities. If you're not comfortable with the ReverbNations, Soundclouds or even Facebooks of the world, online forums have evolved enough now, that you can Create Your Own à la LekLane!

'LekLane' is the home of Producer, Artist, Musician and Songwriter, Lekhem

When it came to setting up Lekhem's shop, we wanted to cover every medium in a way that best reflected his personality, talents and interests. Forging his own path and following none, Lekhem is a firm believer in 'Making your Own Lane'; thus when it came time to build his online HQ, there was no question as to the title...

If you're not the most technologically savvy, that's still no excuse. That 'Practice makes Perfect' saying didn't come into existence by chance; keep trying until you get comfortable or, if it's really not for you, then ask someone for a helping hand or, better still - hire a *ahem* professional! This is the point where you run out of excuses, because I'm giving you the opportunity to resolve that problem from now until Sunday. Read on for details...

Win the biggest giveaway this blog has ever had, by answering ONE easy question! Up for grabs is a complete ESP Artist Development Starter's Package (priced at £90), consisting of the following:

• ONE full #ESPshowcase package (Lights, Camera, Action! All inclusive, £40) - Rebranding your Social Media Catalogue to bring your public platforms in-line with your current message.
• ONE #ESPspotlight Press Release like this one for Lekhem and Korshun's 'ViRGO' (£9.99) - Immediately ready for  release to press, present your new project in the best packaging possible, with an introduction by Me!
• ONE #ESPspotlight Review* like this one of Singer-Songwriter Alex Mills EP and Launch Party - whether for your Music (£15) or Event (£25), I'll breakdown why my audience should be listening to, or watching what you do live.
• ONE #ESPspotlight Interview like this one with BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Ace - introducing you and your talents to a brand new audience, mine!

AND, as if all that's not enough; quote #MarchMusic at the time of ordering and get ALL of the above for £45! I don't want to say that you'd be mad to pass up this opportunity, but you wouldn't exactly be sane, now would you?!

So now you know what you get, it's time to explain how you get it:

1. Email your answer by 10:00AM tomorrow morning.

2. Tweet confirmation of your entry to ESP Ltd. on Twitter, using the #MarchMusic hashtag.

3. LIKE EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. on Facebook.

Tell me that it could be easier than that?! Ok, now have yourselves a practice run to get warmed up. In the last competition I asked you to:

Name the clothing label that Justin Timberlake co-founded?

The answer was William Rast. See? Easy!

Today's question isn't any harder, all you have to do is take yourself over to LekLane, have a goosey gander around if you haven't done so before, then come back and tell me:

What is the name of Lekhem's MUSIC Page?

What's your take on today's topic? Are you an Artist who believes restricting your content and accessibility will help your career? Why? In what way? Tell me in the Comments Box below...

Have a good short week humpday!

ES ;)

'Lost In Music' Competition Terms & Conditions:

• Only one entry per person, per day.
• Review Prize refers to ONE single/EP/Album/Event ONLY
• Applicable to Events within the London Regions ONLY. Winners outside of London and the UK will receive a Music Review*.
• Press Release will be written and provided for Winner's use. Submissions to press contacts are NOT included.
• Promotions Week runs from 22nd-31st March.
• Entrants MUST complete all stages for entries to be eligible.
• Answers should be submitted via email, with confirmation of entry tweets containing the #MarchMusic hashtag sent to ESP Ltd. on Twitter.
• Entrants must LIKE the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for entries to be considered eligible.
• All methods of entry should contain the #MarchMusic hashtag.
• The #MarchMusic promotional code must be applied to claim the 50% discount.
• Entry deadline is 10:00 on the morning after each competition post, winners will be notified via email within 24 hours.

'Grandeur Pulse' The Instrumentals Mixtape by Lekhem (playlist)

Loving EVERY minute of this; haven't stopped listening to it since it landed in my Inbox last Friday - our resident Jamerican did WELL!

Preview 90-second snippets of all 12 tracks individually OR, the whole mixtape in under 5 minutes via Lekhem's YouTube Channel; whichever your preference, just so long as you DON'T FORGET to DOWNLOAD #GrandeurPulse in full!

Thank me later! Or better still, thank Lekhem directly...

Enjoy!

ES ;o)

#ESPspotlight Review: Soneni & The Soul's 'Million Miles Away' EP

Right. Well now I want to go out on the town.

I've just had my first listen of 'Million Miles Away' - the début EP from Afrosoul band, Soneni & The Soul and it's left me in the mood for some Sunday night wine bar action. VERY bad influences, they are...

If you caught their #FindOutFriday interview back in March, then you'll know that these four are one of my favourite UK sounds, thus making the EP's release a highpoint of my year. Imagine my grumpy annoyance then, at being kept away from their release party Thursday before last, by the most annoyingly spiteful, entertainment-foiling, inconsiderate of my personal joy and life-living bout of Influenza in recorded history. In case the meaning of my words are more blocked than my nose, what I'm basically saying is, I was slightly irked.

Alas, I tried to mentally relive the night on my lonesome just now. As a result, I now fully place blame upon the group, for no longer wanting to sit here and work the rest of the evening away as my to-do list requires, oh no. The bass from the first bar of opening track, 'We Can Go', now has me tempted to hitchhike to quiet Country lanes where I can really put some poor, innocent driver's subwoofers to good use, before heading back to that aforementioned bar, to Azonto the night away until my little heart's content. Now I'm not going to pretend that I actually know how to do the Azonto; but if the band can play the track in a field, then who's to stop me learning in one? The pastime is officially required.

EP title track 'Million Miles Away', is a strong contender for the mixtape's best. A glimpse into the all too familiar struggle of being stuck in a job that grinds you down mentally and crushes your inner spirit - you don't even need to be the creative type to relate to this one; you just need to repel the suffocating conformity imposed by 'The Laws of The Suit'. With smooth vocals from Soneni that could be likened to singer Estelle in places (sans the ego, with the added bonus of a likeable personality); the entire track does what it says on the tin - adds mileage to your cognitive state. Just be glad it's not literal distance, no-one can afford this journey at today's petrol prices...

Now I'd like to think that 'God Bless The Creators' is a tribute that even I can take part in. The first 'Spoken Word' track in the collection, the rhyming Prayer unites all those with passion and means for turning their ideas into reality. Also a motivational speech of sorts; it's an encouraging reminder that whilst what we do may be a labour of love, that doesn't automatically make the ability come easily or naturally - and that difficulty frustrates, but connects us all.

Talking of Unity, I don't think it's honestly possible for me to ever get sick of 'Love My London'. The Spiritual uplift in honour of our tragic, post-riot, city was performed live for the first time at the 6th December release party. Featuring fellow Spoken Word artists Leroy Rose, Ms KG, Tshaka Campbell, Comfort and Alim Kamara; this is (not so) secretly the performance I was most looking forward to and equally, most gutted about missing.

Continuing the Spoken Word format, 'A Place Called eKhaya' makes me want to sit by a campfire at night, examining my true Spiritual path with a Warrior Chief...And I don't even do wildlife. Soneni talks the confusing juxtaposition that, looking back on her history begs the question: "Where's Home?" BEWARE that drum beneath her while you listen - it doesn't half lead your mind on 4 minutes and 7 seconds worth of one of those dream walks that you see people take in films to boost their mental clarity and all that...

'Siyahamba' feels like a coming of age epiphany set to a Soulful House beat. It takes the 'Back To My Roots' message of 'A Place Called eKhaya' and puts it into practice, by blending Soneni's British birthplace with her Zimbabwean heritage, before pouring the combination over one seriously infectious backing track; courtesy of Elmo's Bass, Andrew's Guitar and Boukie's delirium-inspiring Drums.

Going for a big finish, it's no wonder that 'The Zone' has garnered Soneni & The Soul so much additional interest since it's preview release some weeks back. Just when I'd started to calm down, I was unceremoniously transported to another place and my dancing shoes came along for the ride. I do love a truthful title. An accurate description of the entire project, the closing track is packed with more electric energy than a defibrillator massage to your 'sensitive' bits...

For a dance-filled trip beyond the outskirts of your imagination, 'Million Miles Away' by Soneni & The Soul is just the ticket.

Download it now...

Connect with the group via their Social Media Catalogue:

Website / Twitter / Facebook 

Get the MUSIC:

Soundcloud / Bandcamp / YouTube 

And last but definitely not least, ENJOY!

ES ;o)

LekLane: #LEKNEWS: 'GRANDEUR PULSE' ARTWORK: FIRST LOOK!

#LOVE! This artwork for 'Grandeur Pulse', the new 12-track, Instrumental mixtape from Lekhem (out next Friday), designed by the man himself. It's absolutely amazing - Well Done Lek!

LekLane: #LEKNEWS: 'GRANDEUR PULSE' ARTWORK: FIRST LOOK!: #LEKNEWS: 'GRANDEUR PULSE' ARTWORK: FIRST LOOK! Here is your FIRST LOOK at the artwork for 'Grandeur Pulse', Lekhem's Instrumental mi...

A true 'Lekhem Project' from start to finish, Subscribe to LekLane by MIDNIGHT MONDAY to ensure that you receive this brilliant new project (I've heard it, take my authoritative word)!

UPCOMING EVENT: SONENI & THE SOUL EP LAUNCH

They've finally gone and done it...Well at least they will have, a week today, anyway!

Long-time friends of ESP Soneni & The Soul release their début EP 'Million Miles Away' next Thursday; which they plan to celebrate with a mahoosive launch performance, supported by a few friends...

If you recall, the super-talented acoustic group graced the 'ES in the P' blog with a #FindOutFriday feature back in March (...that long ago? Really?) When we discussed their EP plans and also their amazing 'Love My London' collaboration inspired by last Summer's horrific riots. The track is going to be performed with the full, 6-name strong line up for the first time ever, so that's double the incentive for you to catch the show!

The first thing you should absolutely do is have a read of the article with some great underground talent and the second, is head straight over to their Facebook event page and pick yourself up all the details that you'll need to make it down to the show.

It's £5 otd and the line up on the night promise to over deliver for your money - so what you waiting for?

I might just see you there...

ES ;o)

#ESPspotlight Review - 'ViRGO'

Times like these are a bit rough for poor Lekhem. There's the sense of accomplishment in completing a new project and experiencing how it goes down with the core audience he has worked so hard to build, but there's a tougher still river to cross. This moment right here - the very real and unbiased analysis of one of his biggest, yet most critical supporters.

'ViRGO' is a much-anticipated project that Yours Truly was honoured to be a part of, almost from the outset. But as I am constantly telling the (almost) Birthday Boy; the packaging is only the shiny bauble to catch passing eyes. Once unwrapped, the content is what has to stand the test of time, so every release needs to show a tangible progression.

When I learned of the partnership with 'cocky Korshun', I knew it   would give each an added incentive to shine, as they would be mirroring traits and talents that both know they have in abundance. The only question would be how well. Lekhem has wordplay and imagery down to a fine art, but an odd degree of hesitance at times prevents his confidence from coming through at the level it should. 'Konversely', with Korshun, the confidence is unmistakable, but has overshadowed his huge writing talents in the past. Where I am already (well) familiar with most aspects of Lekhem's character and personality, 'ViRGO' afforded me an opportunity to better familiarise myself with (UK Rapper) Darkman's son. Not only did the time spent teach me what a hugely talented, entertaining and hysterically funny young man Korshun is; but I also developed a new level of respect for the strong character who still showed up to every planning meeting and gave 1000% amidst two tragic deaths in the family, without one utterance of complaint.

'Character' is actually an apt description of both when it came to this mixtape; because not only did they show their true, dedicated nature in preparing for it, but the traits that took centre stage throughout this 12-track episode are funny, charming and braggadocious caricatures of their real-life counterparts. Don't believe me? Let's examine the evidence track-by-track...

'September'

I'm not going to deny that the first time I heard this, I wondered where exactly Lekhem was going with it. I loved the piano strains and the jazzy throwback to the 'Days of Doris' (though not her on the vocal, it is reminiscent of), but  whatever I was expecting as the opener based on the project meetings beforehand, this wasn't it! I thought the use of several 'expert' vocal clips giving an insight into the traits, beliefs and misconceptions was a clever approach - and not just because it was quirky to have someone other than themselves, offer up definitions in the typical fashion. Being someone who does not follow horoscopes, I had no idea what the origins or traits that defined the Zodiac sign were, prior to researching the concept a few months back. As a standalone listen first heard about a week before the release, it was enough to get me hyped for the rest. Quite possibly one of my favourite intro's on any release to date, purely for that 'In September' loop.

'The Sixth Sense'

Originally entitled 'The Sixth Sign' in keeping with the tape's concept, the track is such a sensory overload that it was renamed in keeping with it's effect. The visual imagery Lekhem opens with is vivid and I will continue to claim an influence for one lyric in particular! Even though the tempo is not the fastest, there's a driving force behind the pace and lyrics of both that signify a journey is beginning. Very hard opening from Lekhem that displays his all-round growth well.

'Cool Down ViRGO'

First heard in August as part of a special preview for Lekhem's website members, I must admit that the full force of this didn't really hit me until I listened to it in context with the rest of the mixtape; despite it being over one of my favourite beats in history (90s babies, if you know your RnB and your Old Skool Hip Hop, you'll be able to name both tracks this pre-dating this one)!

Although something about Korshun is magnetic on this, from the alphabet intro through to the first of many hooks that stay in your head for HOURS afterwards; up until that point, this one slipped through the nets for me. At first I put that down to his cockier side coming through, which was a bit of a turn-off for me but, what you don't necessarily have time to get to in this track is the comical side which, once you become aware of, actually makes the bravado more appealing. It's a very odd combination that he handles far differently to most, in that Korshun finds a slick way to turn what should be a minus into a big positive for the entire release. Clearly forced to come out of his usually more humble and calm demeanour; Lekhem definitely brought the 'Alien Resident' out to play in the antagonistic bars and wordplay on this one!

'Prometheus'

This one blew me out of the water. When I first discussed the origins of the star sign with both a few months ago, I heard the wheels turning in the minds of both, but could never have imagined this would be the result. There's a lot to love about this and you literally do get the feel of that fire that their 'Virgo brother' stole and gifted to Man (see that pretty little booklet that accompanies the mixtape for the full back story, I've heard tell it's quite a good read...). There's something sinister about the intro that really sums up the full force of what the combination of these two is really about. Korshun's hook on this stopped me in my tracks on first listen, then laughing at every one since! Make sure you pay attention to the lyrics; he literally had me envisioning a black Chucky doll dropping the bars...

Although Lekhem plays hard on this, both lyrically and through skilful delivery, the style of the track, combined with those lyrics and the shock factor make 'Prometheus' all Korshun's, overall.

Play 'Prometheus' on TwitMusic

'Serving That'

I've already told both Lekhem and Korshun that his track has 'Stadium performance' Dr-Marten stomped all over it, it's that epic. Warn your neighbours first - you'll do the song a disservice if it's not blaring at speaker level: 'Windblown'.

Far more than an arrogant tale of the groupie riches that coming with being talented artists, 'Serving That' paints the ugly picture of the evils that the music industry can bring you. Another infectious hook from Korshun (I told you there were many and we're not even halfway yet) where the cockiness is at 100 - but in the right way. His use of autotune is a nice touch that doesn't inspire that 'tear out your own eardrums' reflex that comes when you think of T-Pain. Imagery is everything in the lyrics of both and Lekhem on his "Lenny Kravitz" is something you want to hear more of. Definitely the storytelling track of the mixtape, the boys done good!

'Look Easy'

Trying to find fault with this one is near impossible. If you follow me on Social Media, then you will already know that 'Look Easy' is one of the standout tracks of the entire mixtape, in my humble opinion. And since learning who of the mastermind behind 80% of it was in this week's interview, I have to say a massive 'Well Done' to Korshun! This one grabbed me from the very first listen, when it forever sealed Korshun as 'Kormari' in my book. His comical, egotistical, confidence paired with the autotune vocals make it clear what you get if you dared put Kanye Omari West and Omarion in a test tube, Nutty Professor style. Whereas you need time to acclimatise to the arrogance in 'Cool Down', with 'Look Easy', Korshun finds the perfect balance. Humility really has no business in this scenario and by Lekhem's arrival, the swagger goes International. If I really have to find fault to maintain neutrality here, it would only be that Lekhem probably could have added a little more, maybe taken a chorus, to balance out Korshun's overall dominance, but that's really all I have! One of the best songs of I've heard from the UK, US or beyond all year. OFFICIAL CLUB / CAR / LIFE BANGER.

'Dance With Me'

One of the few older tracks on the mixtape, 'Dance With Me' was probably the first collaboration I heard from just the two, back in February for Korshun's 'Valenrhymes' mixtape. This one does a lot for both, because where Korshun calms the ego down to 'endearing'  on the scale and demonstrates a level of vulnerability that you find surprising based on other works; Lekhem goes full on into what I consider his strongest, but most under-used area - the 'Lexington' persona. A real 'Ladykiller' at his finest, it's the US-native's equivalent of shaking his money-maker (yes I said 'money-maker') and it never fails! Ladies - this one is ALL yours; make sure your collar is well-ventilated prior to playing, though...

'Romantic Illusions'

Something about the beat on this one has you thinking about 70s love songs - even if you weren't born then. The two give a level of appreciation to their female counterparts, showing that despite the bravado, when all is said and done, these Virgoan men love hard and fierce. It's the closest either come to the everyday personalities I know and I think that's what makes the song's chemistry work. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a straight, 'lovey-dovey' moment where they get lost in sop. Far from it! Both still keep their hard edge by admitting they can be difficult, but the degree of recognition and appreciation takes the 'illusion' out of the equation. It took me a few listens to understand what is so different about Lekhem in this one. Aside from finally getting a dedicated 'Girl Track' out of him (I salute my own long-running harassment for that one, I've been pushing for it since 'Know You' on his 'Str8 Out Da Oven' début); it dawned on me that he finally ventured into the emotive side of romantic relationships. As a very private person, he has always shunned that area, but it is something he has been more than capable of, for a very long time. It's all very well and good talking about confidence in approaching women and the skill with which he claims to handle them; but someone with his writing abilities has the potential to go so much farther and has been doing himself an injustice by not exploring that aspect before now. VERY pleased at the foray and the result. KEEP IT UP!

'Music'

The 'Music' interlude is obviously not meant to be taken seriously (right?!) But, does fully depict the comical side of Korshun that I've come to know to it's fullest - hysterically funny, a bit mad and borderline intoxicated at all times! It actually serves as the perfect opener for my (close) second favourite track. Absolutely love Lekhem's hook on this, great lyrics that cover every scenario and reason to love the artform. Korshun has you picturing embarrassing childhood dance moves with his sister, captured on an old camcorder in sepia...More than anything though, 'Music' makes you realise where Summer went. All three minutes of British mid-year joy it is captured right here. You can't decide whether you want to get to your place in the queue by the grill, or go for a ride with the top down, in a car that you don't own - legally, of course. For the record: I'm in no way advocating car theft. Purely that you cruise to this track in a car with the legal vehicle owner, because it makes you feel sunny inside, that's all.

Play 'Music' on TwitMusic

'Smoking Weed'

Plane take-off for an intro, In. Deed. There's no real confusion over the concept for this one. It's about exactly what it says on the tin. Taking Kendrick Lamar's backing track in a different direction from his original, you can't not be taken with Lekhem's versatility on this one. Running the gamut of all his accents, playing with speed (tempo, not substance abuse) and lacing it with his knack for visual wordplay, you can't deny the boy's nice on this. Again, love that Korshun tones down the ego and goes inward, to that edge of darkness again. He shows that diversity in  his bars that takes me back to 'Had To Leave', one of the best tracks from R2S's 'The Rebelution: Part 1'. His lyricism is top-notch at the best of times, but especially when he strips right back, as he does here.

'Sticky Dancefloor'

This fan favourite - if feedback is anything to go by, is actually my least favourite on the entire mixtape - but then I do like to be different! I like the fanfare intro that signals you should be paying attention to what's coming, the 'club night' picture that Lekhem paints very well; the way that Korshun messes around with the speed of his delivery and the way that both bring that cockiness back to finish out the entire project. Unfortunately, it's the only one that doesn't hold my attention hostage, despite being the strong 'party' finish that a mixtape like 'ViRGO' absolutely needed to have.

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In the words of ESP's resident Jamerican - "and there you have it!" 'ViRGO', in it's entirety, iced with the thoughts of an insider. All in all, even if this were an external project unrelated to me, I would still endorse it as a solid body of work that not only demonstrates progressive talent in both artists, but a level of delivery and passion for what they do, far exceeding their contemporaries.

But don't just take my word for it - download a copy for yourselves from 'The Food' at LekLane. You're doing yourselves an injustice if you don't!

Download the 'ViRGO' mixtape:

'ViRGO'

Read and Download the 8-page, media storybook accompanying the mixtape:

 'ViRGO - The Story of Korshun, Lekhem and Prometheus'

Let them know your take on their works - CONNECT with Lekhem and Korshun via their Social Media Catalogue:

Korshun:

Twitter / Facebook / ReverbNation

Lekhem:

Twitter (personal) / Twitter (news and updates) / Facebook

LekLane (website)

Enjoy your week!

ES ;o)