We Speak Indie Artist
Ilajide’s “SLIDE” Blends Funky Beats With Soulful Self-Reflection

Ilajide’s latest single, “SLIDE,” is a masterclass in turning introspection into a party anthem. Built around a funk-drenched Kleeer sample, the Detroit artist channels the energy of hip-hop’s golden era while delivering a message of spiritual growth and self-accountability. His flow is razor-sharp yet effortlessly smooth, weaving through the beat with a cadence that pays homage to legends like Big Daddy Kane. But this isn’t just a nostalgia trip—Ilajide’s signature futuristic production elevates “SLIDE” into a space where retro grooves meet modern sensibilities. The result is a track that grabs your attention with its rhythm and holds it with its depth.
What sets “SLIDE” apart is its duality. It’s a track that can command the dancefloor while simultaneously making you think. Ilajide’s lyrics reflect his personal journey of shedding old habits and embracing positivity, with lines like, “Spirit gettin’ clean but I’m kinda late wit it.” The hook—“Just Slide”—is both an invitation to let loose and a gentle nudge to move toward something greater. Whether you’re here for the funk, the bars, or the introspection, “SLIDE” delivers. As the lead single from his upcoming album Pocket Jams 2, this track sets the tone for what promises to be a bold, boundary-pushing project. Ilajide isn’t just making music—he’s crafting experiences that resonate long after the final beat drops.
We Speak Indie Artist
Marz Starlife Makes A Striking First Impression With Healing

Every once in a while, a debut comes along that doesn’t just introduce an artist – it reveals a soul. Marz Starlife’s first EP, Healing, is exactly that. It’s raw, it’s heartfelt, and it doesn’t pretend to have everything figured out. Instead, it leans into the messiness of real life – the mistakes, the heartbreak, the isolation – and tries to make sense of it all through music. Born in Jamaica, raised in the UK, and now back on the island, Marz brings a cross-cultural perspective to his storytelling, but at the heart of Healing is something deeply human: the need to reckon with the past in order to move forward.
Across the project’s standout tracks, Marz doesn’t hold back. In Bad Memories, he opens up about years lost to incarceration, fractured relationships, and the weight of regret. “Spent four birthdays locked up, baby remember me please,” he raps, in a tone that’s both matter-of-fact and aching. The production stays subdued and moody, letting the lyrics breathe. There’s no glorification of the streets here, only reflection. He admits to being young and caught up in the chase for fast money, but he also shows growth, making it clear that he’s not the same person he once was. It’s a track that lingers, not because it tries to be flashy, but because it feels real.
The title track, Healing, is where everything clicks. Marz taps into something almost spiritual as he raps, “I turn pain into power, darkness to light.” The song is layered with poetic lines and subtle emotional shifts, balancing toughness with tenderness. There’s a determination to rise above, even when the scars still sting. He reflects on his upbringing, his time in the streets, and the inner battles he continues to fight. “No shrink can understand how I’m feeling,” he says, and honestly, it’s hard not to believe him. The pain here is too specific, too lived-in. But instead of letting it swallow him, he uses it to fuel something greater.
What’s refreshing about Healing is that it doesn’t try to fit neatly into any one genre or narrative. Marz blends elements of UK hip-hop, Jamaican rhythm, and emotional rap into something that feels uniquely his own. He’s not here to be the loudest or the flashiest; he’s here to be honest. And in a world full of over-produced, over-polished music, that honesty stands out.
With Healing, Marz Starlife has given us more than a debut; he’s given us a mirror into his journey, and maybe even our own. Whether you’ve lived through similar struggles or are just someone who appreciates music with depth and heart, this EP is worth your time. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible, and that sometimes telling your story is the most powerful thing you can do.
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