We Speak Indie Artist
Ten Hawkins Reveals Phenomenal New Single “Pump 3”
Ten Hawkins, the gifted rising artist hailing from Saluda, South Carolina, has dropped his electrifying new single, “Pump 3”. This track is a tantalising glimpse into his forthcoming album, The Manuel Garcia Chronicles, scheduled for release this November.
Ten has been immersed in music his whole life. From jamming to iconic artists like 69 Boyz, Uncle Luke, R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, 2Pac, Biggie and DMX with his mother as a toddler, to crafting his own rap verses in the third grade, Ten’s journey through the world of music has been marked by dedication and an unyielding desire to contribute to the culture he loves.
With a musical evolution that has spanned several projects, including Too Busy Standing Out (2014), Unwanted Melodies (2015) and Heart Collage (2017), Ten Hawkins has consistently pushed the boundaries of his artistry. His 2019 release, Inspired By You, delved deep into themes of betrayal, heartache, love and new beginnings, showcasing the artist’s growth and introspective songwriting.
Now, after a brief hiatus, Ten Hawkins returns with “Pump 3”, a track that embodies his artistic evolution and sets the stage for his upcoming album. Describing the single, Ten reveals, “This song is an escape for me. I’m constantly reflecting on the past and how it could have been different if I made different choices. But also I always feel like I bear the weight of the world on my shoulders because so many people look up to me and depend on me. So, this record represents my escape – putting 20 dollars on in my gas tank and letting it take me as far away as possible from everything that’s going on in life so I can breathe.”
The creation of “Pump 3” was a collaborative effort, with Ten Hawkins partnering with producer Sean J (Sean James) to bring the song to life. The song’s chorus was originally penned in 2019 to a different instrumental, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that the pieces fell into place. Speaking about the process, Ten shares, “Early this year I was playing it for my producer Sean J and got excited about the feel of the record and asked if he remade the beat for it, would I finish it, and I agreed. He made the beat in about 30 mins, and within an hour and a half, we had a rough version of the whole song completed.”
With its infectious beats, introspective lyrics and Ten Hawkins’ signature storytelling, “Pump 3” is a standout addition to his discography. Fans of his work can expect more of this compelling storytelling and musical growth on his upcoming album. “Pump 3” is available to buy/stream now on all platforms.
Keep up to date with the latest from Ten Hawkins:
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.
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