We Speak Indie Artist

Canetis Reveals Phenomenal New Release “JOANA”

Published

5 months ago

November 13, 2025

Music4U

Canetis is clearly having fun with his new single “JOANA,” and that sense of fun spills straight into the listener. The track arrives with a burst of Brazilian funk and house energy that wastes no time pulling you onto the dancefloor. Born in Rome, raised in Milan, and shaped by the NYC underground, Canetis brings all of those influences into a sound that feels confident and globally minded. “JOANA” is upbeat, bright, and rhythm heavy, the kind of song that instantly sets the tone for an unforgettable night out.

The lyrics sketch an irresistible character who glides through the club with long black hair, a sweet face, and a presence that makes her “a menina mais linda da pista.” There is a mix of admiration and desire in the way Canetis repeats her description, almost as if he is trying to catch up to her glow. Knowing that the inspiration came from a real crush adds an extra spark. Even better, he chose to write entirely in Portuguese after immersing himself in Brazilian culture through friends in New York. That choice gives the song an authenticity that makes it feel like more than a stylistic experiment.

Production-wise, “JOANA” hits all the right marks. The samba-rooted percussion keeps the groove alive from start to finish, while the bassline rolls underneath with enough weight to command any room. The arrangement stays catchy without becoming repetitive, letting the vocals shine at exactly the right moments. It is a track built for volume, movement, and shared energy.

“JOANA” succeeds because it feels genuine and joyful. Canetis is not showing off cultural references for the sake of aesthetics; he is celebrating a community he has grown close to and embracing the sound with respect. The result is a dance track that feels warm, inviting, and full of personality. In a world crowded with formulaic club songs, “JOANA” stands out by simply loving the beat it rides on.

We Speak Hip-Hop

NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)

Published

10 hours ago

April 14, 2026

MJ Savino

Kendu 718 is taking over the scene with his latest single “Gritty,” produced by Juxx Diamondz of Back Block Music Group LLC. The NY rapper shows off his signature blend of storytelling and lyricism woven with slick metaphors. He’s simply writing bars and putting out heat; his deliverance though is aggressive and slightly intimidating; true NY style. Stream “Gritty” and get to know Kendu 718 in the interview below.

MJ: Before we jump into your new single “Gritty,” take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.

Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs and alcohol ever since.

MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.

Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up, it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.

MJ: Let’s talk about the new single “Gritty.” What can listeners expect once they hit play?

Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks, no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build responsible, productive lives.

MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back Block Music Group LLC?

Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and from there, everything developed naturally.

MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to “Gritty?”

Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.

MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you currently working on?

Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels, and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also have some dope features on it.

MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the sound and movement behind the project.

Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.

MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music and stay connected.

Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms. Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.