We Speak Indie Artist

Ilajide’s “SLIDE” Blends Funky Beats With Soulful Self-Reflection

Published

3 months ago

January 7, 2025

Music4U

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

Rapper 4t9 Sets The Tone For His Career With Powerful Debut Single “Freedom”

Published

6 days ago

March 25, 2025

Music4U

North London’s 4t9 isn’t just stepping into the UK rap scene – he’s kicking the door wide open with his debut single, “Freedom”. Blending hard-hitting drill beats with motivational lyricism, 4t9’s arrival feels bold, intentional, and impossible to ignore. While drill music often leans on themes of street life and bravado, “Freedom” carves out its own lane, focusing on self-belief, focus, and determination.

From the opening bars, 4t9’s delivery is sharp and direct. His tone carries a hunger that feels authentic, as he weaves between gritty observations and personal affirmations. The hook – “It’s been about freedom, it’s been about racks” – becomes a powerful mantra, embodying 4t9’s belief in chasing success on his own terms. There’s no reliance on empty bravado here; instead, 4t9 taps into the mindset of someone who’s faced challenges but refuses to let them define his path.

His verses showcase a knack for clever wordplay. Lines like “In Paris riding the metro / I’ve been wavy from the get-go / I still compete and I get gold / That’s the 9 on me like Crespo” highlight his ability to blend cultural references with sharp storytelling. He paints pictures of grind and grit, but it’s always laced with a forward-thinking attitude.

The track’s production matches this energy, with a brooding instrumental that balances dark, rolling basslines with crisp percussion. It’s the kind of beat that demands attention, creating the perfect backdrop for 4t9’s powerful delivery. Meanwhile, the track’s structure keeps momentum high, with the hook acting as a grounding point that ties the themes together.

Adding to the track’s impact is its visually striking music video, directed by ODXC. The visuals mirror the song’s intensity, capturing 4t9’s commanding presence as he delivers each bar with conviction. The sleek visuals, combined with the track’s unrelenting energy, make “Freedom” feel like a real statement piece.

With this debut release, 4t9 shows he’s not here to follow trends – he’s here to create his own lane. His blend of raw authenticity, sharp lyricism, and motivational energy makes this debut impossible to overlook. If “Freedom” is just the starting point, there’s no telling how far 4t9’s ambition will take him.