We Speak Music

Ross Learmonth’s ‘Opposites’ Is a Catchy Love Letter to the Beautiful Mess of Relationships

Published

1 year ago

April 15, 2025

If you’ve ever fallen for someone totally different from you—and somehow it just works—then Ross Learmonth’s new single “Opposites” will hit you right in the feels. The Johannesburg-born artist, best known as the former frontman of Prime Circle, is in full solo stride, and this latest release is as catchy as it is heartfelt.

“Opposites” has that special kind of spark: it’s playful, emotional, and seriously addictive. Think Hozier meets Imagine Dragons, with a touch of that raw storytelling vibe that makes Jeremy Loops and Matthew Mole so beloved. It’s easy to sing along to, but the lyrics will sneak up on you and make you think.

Inspired by his parents’ love story and his own romantic rollercoasters, Ross dives into the complexities of how different personalities can actually bring out the best (and sometimes worst) in each other. “It’s not always the case, but sometimes, opposites attract—and it’s magical,” he says. Honestly? Relatable.

The way the track came together is also kinda beautiful. Ross describes the song like it was just floating in the air, waiting to be caught. “It was in the room, and it wanted to be written,” he says, crediting his engineer Mark Beiling for helping him lock it down in the moment. Shoutout to the dream team, Rusti Rossouw and Tristan Carmichael (working from the UK!), who helped polish this one into the radio hit it’s becoming.

Speaking of which, “Opposites” has already been charting across some of South Africa’s top stations and made it onto big Apple Music playlists. And if you’ve been lucky enough to catch Ross live lately—maybe at Kirstenbosch or even opening for The Goo Goo Dolls (yes, those Goo Goo Dolls!)—you’ll know just how electric this track feels on stage.

Ross has a string of live dates this April and May, with a stop in Cyprus later this year (big moves!). And there’s more to come: a moodier single is dropping in May, followed by a full album either later this year or early next.

For now, though, “Opposites” is the perfect reminder that love is weird, wild, and worth it—even if it doesn’t make perfect sense on paper.

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We Speak Hip-Hop

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

Published

2 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.