Kano’s “It’s A War” was the fifth single from the Italian disco group assembled by producers and musicians Luciano Ninzatti, Stefano Pulga, and Matteo Bonsanto. A cavalcade of synthesizers, humming guitar, and a foot-stomping beat invited everyone to dance while echoing the tension and drama of a war scene. The song’s overwhelming volume nearly drowned out Glen White’s vocals, which emerged like a whimper, expressing the sadness of violent conflict. Dance music was not known for having any kind of social message outside of promoting universal love for all. “It’s A War” seemed to be critical of war in general without saying much in the way of the lyrics. The approach to the topic in this way protected its appeal, especially with people who just wanted to dance. The song charted at number two on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, proving that it had support in the clubs, thereby reaching its intended audience. The group recorded three albums in the ’80s and “It’s A War” is on the first one, released in 1980. Stefano Pulga recorded new music for Kano during the pandemic and their fourth album, No Cents…Go Funky, was released in 2021. 

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Philadelphia’s Bahamadia has connected with Canadian producers Potatohead People and their fellow countryman, singer-rapper Slippery Elm for “Up Close.” The ’90s underground legend’s flow is still smooth and unbothered after all these years. She maps out the plan for an intimate relationship with each step explained verse by verse. The vibe of “Up Close” is very similar to Slum Village’s flavor and Slippery Elm even enunciates like Young RJ. The single is included on Potatohead People’s Emerald Tablet album that comes out on July 11th. 

LL Cool J has new visuals from his native New York City in the video for “30 Decembers,” featuring The Overlordian. He takes a tour of the subway, Queens, and Manhattan and realizes how much things have changed literally over the time span of 30 Decembers. The subway no longer uses tokens and people no longer read newspapers because they are playing with their smartphones. He can walk around freely because he has on a mask. This is the latest video from The FORCE that was released in 2024 and is exclusively produced by Q-Tip and one of the best albums of LL’s career.