We always love to see these UK x US collabs happen, and the new Illa J and Harleighblu single Soulsearching has been on repeat. It’s the first offering from their upcoming collaborative album ‘Hideout’, expected to be released later this year.
Harleighblu is a captivating songstress hailing from Nottingham, paving her own lane in the underground UK scene with her eclectic fusion of Soul, Hip-Hop, and Jazz. Her path crossed with Illa J, the younger brother of legendary American producer J Dilla, and an incredible artist, producer, and songwriter on his own merit, in 2017, when they were both filming performances at COLORS Berlin around the same time. They quickly became friends and fans of each other. This eventually led to them creating Hideout in just 10 days at the famous Hideout Studio in Las Vegas.
In Soulsearchnig, Harleighblu’s signature richly stacked harmonies are perfectly complemented by Illa J’s groovy production and jazzy rap in their joint search for positivity, peace, and tranquility. It goes without saying that we felt that when Harleighblu said, “I’m trying to break free from all the f*ckery“!
The visuals radiate good vibes, with Illa J and Harleighblu living their best lives in what seems like a pool house in Las Vegas. They almost make us want to pack our bags and catch the next plane to Nevada! Get into this summer anthem and listen to Soulsearching below.
We are excited for what’s to come from Harleighblu and Illa J and we can’t wait to hear the full project!
Other new music we’re loving…
Bellah – Prototype
Mysie – gin + juice
Dylan Sinclair – Open
UMI – moonlit room
95ANTNY – less is more
bLaCk pArTy – hotline
Muni Long – Pain
Brandon Banks – Wonderland
