We Speak Indie Artist

Rising US Popstar Lánre Unveils New Hit Song “No Bodies”

Published

4 years ago

February 19, 2022

Atlanta’s newest breakout artist Lánre kicks off his 2022 with new single “No Bodies” (feat. Reed Willy). The track was produced by hitmaker Mileage (2 Chainz, LightSkinKeisha, Coca Vango). Coming off the success of previous single “LA”, which received great reviews and was placed on Tidal’s Future Sound editorial playlist alongside the likes of The Weeknd and BTS, Lánre looks set to continue his impressive rise with this latest release.

The track features fellow Atlanta singer-songwriter Reed Willy, who showcases his sultry vocals alongside Lánre’s smooth tonality that fans have grown to love. The two artists use comical metaphors and imagery to tell the story of the lengths people will go to to keep their relationships private and why.

Speaking more on the release, Lánre says, “The concept of ‘No Bodies’ came to me one day when I was scrolling through a comments section on Instagram. I kept seeing this phrase ‘no face, no case’, which basically means that if you don’t post the face/body of the person you’re going out with, you won’t be held accountable to call them your boyfriend/girlfriend. I thought this was hilarious and a really good song idea. Personally, I’m always dodging questions from my friends and family about who I’m dating or if I’m dating at all. Part of the song is about me keeping that side of my life private for now, so the title can also be read as ‘No Bodies’ business.”

This interesting take on modern dating paired with the song’s catchy hook and infectious melodies proves why Lánre has been receiving so much buzz. Having recently performed at the iconic SOB’s in New York, expect to see and hear plenty more from Lánre as he prepares to perform live shows in Austin (during SXSW week), Atlanta, Denver, NYC and LA beginning in March 2022. In the meantime, “No Bodies” is available to buy/stream now on all platforms: https://lanre.lnk.to/nobodies.

We Speak Hip-Hop

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

Published

4 days 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.