We Speak Music

Von Venn Return With New Album “Forgetting the Fall”

Published

2 months ago

February 3, 2026

Emily

Von Venn have returned with new album “Forgetting the Fall” and it is one I have had on repeat. The album opens with “Still Falling,” and right away you can hear where Cox is coming from. There’s this sense of looking back at who you used to be, before the world showed you its harsher edges. It sets up everything that follows: a journey from naïveté to a more clear-eyed understanding of how things actually work.

Cox handles disillusionment without tipping into bitterness. “Mainstream” might be the best example of this. The song takes on media bias and institutional failure, topics that could easily sound preachy or heavy handed, but instead it comes across as honest frustration from someone who expected better. That saxophone solo from Rebecca Lane cuts right through the middle of the track and gives it this urgency that lifts the whole thing.

The relationship songs here feel grown up in a way you don’t hear often. “You Can Talk to Me” deals with actual communication breakdowns between people who care about each other, not some romanticized version of love. “Only In The Night” hits different late at night when you’re alone with your thoughts. Cox sings like he’s right there in the room with you, offering genuine comfort rather than empty platitudes.

The production from Terry Doyle at Soundcaster Studios lets everything breathe. Nothing feels cluttered or overdone. Also, the keyboards and synths add texture without overwhelming the songs, and Mark Wogan’s drumming pushes things forward without being showy about it. Ciara Henry’s vocal contributions add depth in all the right places.

“Forgetting the Fall” is the kind of album that reveals more with each listen. First time through, you pick up on the melodies and the general mood. By the third or fourth spin, you’re catching lyrics you missed before and noticing small details in the arrangements. It’s a record about losing innocence but finding clarity, and it manages to do that without losing hope entirely.

You can listen here.

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We Speak Hip-Hop

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

Published

10 hours 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.