We Speak Indie Artist
Jéermain Returns With Infectious New Single “Long Time No See”
Rising Ghanaian artist Jéermain has once again captured the hearts of music lovers with the release of his latest single, “Long Time No See”. Known for his unique blend of Afrobeats, indie-pop and R&B, Jéermain’s music reflects the experiences of introverted, soft-hearted loners navigating life in an African society. His introspective lyrics draw from personal experiences, exploring the complexities of youth, love and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
“Long Time No See” delves into the universal theme of life choices and the pursuit of happiness. In the song, Jéermain invites listeners to reflect on their own life decisions, acknowledging that every choice comes with its set of pros and cons. The track encourages a sense of contentment in the paths we choose, resonating with those who have faced the challenging task of balancing creativity and societal expectations.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the single, Jéermain revealed that it was born from a candid conversation with a friend about the struggles of pursuing a creative career in a traditional African society. He shared, “In my bedroom, with a producer friend, we were talking about the difficulties of being a creative in a traditional African society. I was telling him that my mom wants me to come home and get a more sensible job and finish my degree. He was telling me how difficult it is to find people who value him and to get paid fairly. Anyway, that’s what the song talks about. It’s kind of me imagining what would happen if I had chosen the more traditional sensible route and had a good-paying job that I may or may not have been miserable at vs what I’m doing now surviving on music, part-time jobs and vibes.”
“Long Time No See” is poised to resonate with audiences globally, capturing the essence of embracing one’s choices and finding contentment in the journey. Jéermain continues to inspire listeners with his distinctive sound and thought-provoking lyrics, solidifying his position as one of Africa’s emerging musical talents to watch. “Long Time No See” is available to buy/stream now on all platforms.
Keep up to date with the latest from Jéermain:
We Speak Hip-Hop
NY Rapper Kendu 718 Defines “Gritty” (Single & Exclusive Interview)
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.

Stream “Gritty” on preferred platforms – Gritty
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