NEW DROP: Vacatixn, NFTL & K A E Y

NFTL is a seamless fusion of ’90s Hip-Hop nostalgia and contemporary R&B sophistication, delivering a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. At its core, the track thrives on the compelling interplay between Vacatixn’s introspective, razor-sharp lyricism and K A E Y’s velvety, soulful vocals. Their dynamic call-and-response storytelling paints vivid emotions, effortlessly weaving personal reflections with smooth, melodic hooks.

The production is rich and immersive, layering jazzy chords, deep basslines, and a lush saxophone riff that adds an organic, almost cinematic texture. The warmth of live instrumentation enhances the track’s authenticity, evoking a golden-era feel while remaining fresh and relevant in today’s sonic landscape. The way the rap and vocals intertwine creates an undeniable synergy, pulling listeners into a deeply soulful atmosphere.

NFTL is more than just a song—it’s an experience. With its intricate wordplay, expressive melodies, and masterful blend of old-school and new-school elements, it bridges generations of music lovers. It’s a track that lingers in the mind long after the last note fades, effortlessly balancing raw emotion with musical sophistication, making it a standout in today’s evolving R&B and Hip-Hop scene.

Vacatixn’s “Evil Ways” is an evocative masterpiece that blends moody melodies, vivid storytelling, and hauntingly cinematic production to create an unforgettable listening experience. From the very first note, the track draws you into its dark, introspective world, where each layer of sound is meticulously crafted to evoke emotion and provoke thought. The dynamic progression of the song keeps listeners hooked, shifting seamlessly between moments of atmospheric calm and bursts of intense energy, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Rooted in influences from the Golden Era of Hip-Hop, Conscious Rap, and alternative genres, “Evil Ways” pays homage to the past while pushing boundaries with a modern, innovative approach. Vacatixn strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and experimentation, blending old-school authenticity with cutting-edge production techniques. The result is a soundscape that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.

The track’s production is its heartbeat—layered with intricate beats, brooding basslines, and ethereal synths that create a rich, immersive atmosphere. Vacatixn’s attention to detail shines through, with every sonic element placed with precision to amplify the emotional weight of the song. The melodies are soulful yet haunting, weaving seamlessly with the lyrics to create a profound sense of introspection. The lyrics themselves are a standout feature, offering a raw and honest exploration of themes like inner conflict, redemption, and the struggle between light and darkness. Vacatixn’s delivery is both compelling and vulnerable, pulling listeners deeper into the story with each verse.

“Evil Ways” isn’t just music—it’s a mood, a moment, and an experience. Its cinematic quality makes it the perfect soundtrack for late-night drives, reflective moments, or atmospheric playlists designed to evoke deep emotions. Whether you’re looking for something to lose yourself in or a track that speaks to your soul, “Evil Ways” delivers on every level.

Vacatixn’s ability to merge raw emotion with thought-provoking themes and a captivating soundscape solidifies his position as a rising artist to watch. “Evil Ways” is more than just a standout track—it’s a statement of artistic vision and depth. This song isn’t just a listening experience; it’s an emotional journey that stays with you long after the final note fades. Add it to your collection and prepare it to be transported.

Who’s in Town? is a masterful fusion of nostalgic 90s boom bap and contemporary hip-hop, brought to life by the talents of Vacatixn, Kieron Boothe, and producer Kyl. This track transports listeners back to the golden era of hip-hop, drawing on the smooth, head-nodding rhythms that defined East Coast rap, while introducing fresh elements that make it feel both timeless and current.

The production, handled expertly by Kyl, is rooted in jazz-infused samples and crackling drum patterns reminiscent of hip-hop’s most iconic producers, like J Dilla and Pete Rock. The beats are soulful yet gritty, providing the perfect canvas for Vacatixn and Kieron Boothe to lay down their sharp, introspective verses. Their relaxed, laid-back delivery pairs perfectly with the warm, analog feel of the production, creating a sound that is both polished and raw—a hallmark of true underground rap.

Lyrically, Who’s in Town? is a showcase of clever wordplay and sharp storytelling. Vacatixn and Boothe explore themes of identity, ambition, and navigating life in the city, all while paying homage to the roots of hip-hop culture. The chemistry between the artists is palpable, with their flows intertwining seamlessly over Kyl’s nostalgic beats, evoking the camaraderie and artistry of classic rap collectives like De La Soul.

Fans of boom bap and classic hip-hop will find plenty to love here. The track is a refreshing reminder of the power of lyricism and stripped-back production in an era dominated by flashy, overproduced beats. 

Who’s in Town? isn’t just a throwback—it’s a celebration of hip-hop’s enduring influence, offering a modern twist on a vintage sound. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just discovering its roots, this collaboration is a must-listen, breathing new life into a timeless style of music.

Scarlett Andrews is a singer, songwriter, and musician from Leicester. 

Growth is something Scarlett does not shy away from as we have seen in the music she has released in her career so far. Coming from a humble background, Scarlett has always used music as "her way of escape" which can be heard in her writing. 

Influenced by old-school jazz, classical music, and UK rap, Scarlett is one to keep an eye out for in the UK music scene as she’s not afraid to merge the boundaries of genres, creating a wonderful synergy between soulful and popular music.

Scarlett marks another significant step in her music journey with her new single "Sunday (On Repeat)". The track’s nostalgic undertone, infused with soulful rhythms and dynamic production, makes it an ideal addition to playlists that celebrate creativity and sonic ingenuity. 

‘Sunday (On Repeat)’ sees Scarlett dive deeper into her signature style, delivering seamless, soulful vocals over a groovy, 70s-inspired instrumental that effortlessly bridges the gap between retro and contemporary soundscapes.

Building on the momentum of previous releases that we have seen from Scarlett this year, ‘Reasons Why’ and her feature on Vacatixn’s “Gemini Flow” EP in their popular track “Fly”, Scarlett continues to deliver music that resonates with both heart and creativity solidifying her place as one to watch in the alternative pop scene.

As they continue to tease towards their joint project, frequent collaborators Tony Bones The

Producer and Jackson B newly join forces with rising British/Nigerian wordsmith, AKS

(pronounced “Ay-Kay-Ess”), to release the nostalgia infused joint single "Whatever It Is" - a

track that blends the soulful essence of 90s hip-hop with a modern-day edge.

Leading with its infectious boom-bap rhythms, live saxophone elements, and

thought-provoking lyrics, the new single is a nod to golden-era Hip-Hop, reminiscent of icons

like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest - melding nostalgia with innovation in a way that

speaks to both the old school and the new generation of listeners

Tony Bones The Producer, fast gaining a reputation for his ability to craft timeless,

soul-infused beats, lays the foundation of the track. Drawing inspiration from the jazz, funk,

and boom-bap that defined the 90s hip-hop sound, Tony’s production exudes warmth and

groove, paying homage to the roots of the genre while maintaining a contemporary edge.

What sets "Whatever It Is" apart is the live instrumentation provided by Jackson B, a

multi-instrumentalist and saxophonist. His smooth saxophone lines and melancholy

keys breathe life into the track, adding an organic, jazz-inspired texture that elevates the

song to new heights. Jackson B’s improvisational style is a nod to jazz legends, effortlessly

blending with the hip-hop production to create a unique listening experience.

Playing front-man for this effort is wordsmith AKS, a critically acclaimed UK based rapper

whose lyrical finesse and effortless flow perfectly complement the classic feel of the beat.

Known for his introspective and motivational rhymes, AKS delivers verses that reflect

themes of resilience, growth, and self-discovery. His bars speak to the listener’s soul,

encouraging them to trust in their journey and embrace their individuality. A testament

compounded by the artistry evidently on display here as he finds a way to merge the heavy

with the cheerful whilst getting you singing along.

Together, the trio have crafted a vibrant, feel-good song that evokes something

more, “Whatever It Is”....it’s a sonic journey that reflects on the past while embracing the

future. Tony Bones’ production, combined with Jackson B’s instrumentation and AKS’s

introspective lyrics, results in a track that is as much a nod to the past as it is a statement of

intention for the enduring legacy of Hip-Hop. This collaboration is a reminder that the genre’s

heart and soul are still thriving, with timeless themes that continue to resonate with both

long-time fans and new generations alike.

"Whatever it Is" is available for streaming/download on major digital platforms and offers a

brilliant insight into Jackson B x Tony Bones The Producer’s forthcoming joint album. As a

true collaboration the record will also feature on AKS’ forthcoming “Departures & Arrivals:

As Plane as Day” project as he closes out his “Modes of Transport” series.