We Speak Music
Silent Funk +1 drop new video/announce new LP
NYCtrue-school trio Silent Funk +1 return with a new video this morning. “U Ain’t Special (The Promo)” is an original track made solely to announce their forthcoming album, U Ain’t Special. The album will drop this July in both physical and digital formats. The album title is a direct sentiment of how the trio of Rhinoceros Funk (emcee), Silent Someone (producer) and DJ JS-1 feel about the current generation of operators in the hip-hop space. As JS-1 states, “In this modern era where tech allows ANYONE to jump in and do anything, nothing is special. Most of the people everyone puts on pedestals are not even slightly special. They are dime a dozen with fantastic engagement on social media.” Or as Rhino succinctly states “Let me remind you of what’s inside you brother..NOTHING!!! I ain’t special … and if I ain’t special you ain’t special!”
Watch official video for “U Ain’t Special”: https://youtu.be/fa8VZ4mF2VQ?si=JGEcyMJDoU17OtBh
U Ain’t Special follows last year’s LP Silence B4 Da Funk, which was the first LP as a trio, though Rhino and Silent Someone have released two prior albums as a duo (2022’s Self-titled LP and 2024’s Silent Funk 2 A Funky Silence EP). As Rhino says of the incorporation of long-time ally, DJ JS-1 “this one right here was trifecta of collaboration! Three man no tag, no disqualification no holds barred.”
Silent Someone has laced tracks for such legends as Tame One (The Artifacts) , Sadat X , John Robinson (Scienz Of Life), Craig G and Breeze Brewin (The Juggaknots). He also produced the majority of Rhinoceros Funk’s 2016 album, An Aesthetic Act Of Aggression.
Rhinoceros Funk has fifteen albums to his name. In addition to emceeing, he also produces and has been a radio host for over twenty-five years (co-helming the Guerrilla Grooves Radio with Fred Ones).
DJ JS-1 (JERMS) has toured the globe, supporting Rahzel, KRS-ONE and MC Supernatural. He has released several solo albums, break records, 12” singles and mixtapes over the past 25 years. In addition to his work on the decks, he is a member of the legendary Rock Steady Crew and thrown up over 1,000 graff pieces.
More Info:
https://www.instagram.com/rhinocerosfunk
Swiss artist Fanny Alexandra returns with “Black Pearl Summer”, a new single that finds her exploring a more open side of her alternative sound. Released via Now Listen, the track combines coastal imagery with a story about growing through grief, pressure and the experiences that can shape a person over time.
Alexandra notes that the song is relatively summery by her own standards. She has said that her music is usually darker and that she has never been particularly drawn to the typical idea of summer, preferring cold air, jackets and rugged coastlines. That gives the release a clear sense of personality from the outset.
The song centres on Alexandra’s reflections on being 19 and spending years focused on survival rather than fully living. Those experiences are presented through the image of a black pearl, which becomes a way of considering how something worthwhile can emerge from a challenging period.
What makes the track particularly effective is the balance between its subject matter and its musical approach. The production gives the song room to breathe, while Alexandra keeps the focus firmly on the story she is telling. It means the track can be enjoyed as a seasonal release while still offering more to discover in the lyrics.
There is also a clear sense of change in the way Alexandra approaches her younger self. The song is not about returning to that period or trying to erase it. Instead, it considers what can be learned from experiences that once felt overwhelming.
“Black Pearl Summer” therefore offers newcomers a useful introduction to Alexandra’s work. It shows an artist comfortable writing about serious subjects, while also demonstrating a lighter musical side that may not be as familiar to listeners who know her darker material.
It is an interesting glimpse of what Alexandra can do when she lets a little more light into the picture.
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