By Jaci Jedrych
Independent Nigerian-American artist hailing from Laurel, Md. Ayotemi’s latest collaboration with producer Foolie $urfin, “New Jam,” is sure to be an instant hit.
Ayotemi’s sound draws inspiration from both his Nigerian-American upbringing and his DMV roots. This open-minded artist fuses soul, hip-hop, and Afro-beats, and isn’t afraid to experiment or shy away from his power. As Ayotemi’s bio aptly notes, “He’s not stuck in a box and isn’t looking to check a box. His music is just art. He speaks directly to his peers, the youth, reminding them of their intrinsic power.”
A 23-year-old hip-hop and R&B experimentalist rooted in Oceanside, California, Foolie $urfin also lends creative expertise to the track. He made his debut in 2020 with ALL OF ME, releasing more music during the pandemic. His album STAY SAFE, which has a “tough, gritty, and vulnerable feel, encompasses who Foolie is as an artist.”
“This music is for the youth,” explains Ayotemi. “Something to energize us and nutrify us at the same time. It bangs but it’s not poisonous for the spirit. The energy was inspired by artists like Baby Keem and Migos but it carries the same high frequency that my other music carries. Any genre of music can be infused with righteousness.”
Ayotemi says the song is a manifestation of his future and his dreams, which he sees coming true before his eyes. “I’ve never given my audience this side of me at this level,” he shares. “‘New Jam’ feels like a fully immersive film condensed into 2 minutes and 51 seconds. It’s the kind of vibe you just have to live in for a while.”
“A lot of what I’m saying on this record is me manifesting my future,” he adds. “I believe very much in the power of the tongue and oftentimes I find myself stepping into songs I wrote in the past.”
Fans of Planet Giza or Kaylan Arnold should check out this track, which has been added to our Alchemical Weekly Spotify Playlist.
Jaci Jedrych is a World Politics student at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She loves going to concerts and exploring different genres, and has a passion for arts and news writing.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
