“Cruel Love” is a modern love story featuring the captivating vocals of Somadina and TARI1Q, who are deftly juxtaposed with ODUMODUBLVCK, Teezee and CandyBleakz on “Vex”.
Creative entrepreneur, DJ and music producer Sholz is an active force in the music industry with a wealth of experience. Facilitating innumerable and seminal moments in music culture for Nigerian youth worldwide – including School Haus Collective, which once starred Giggs and Mr Eazi in a live-streamed show – Sholz has spent his career bridging the gap between Nigeria and her diaspora. He co-founded The NATIVE Networks in 2016, launched NATIVE Sound System as a co-DJ in 2019 and inked a first-of-its-kind joint venture deal with DefJam Recordings for the new enterprise NATIVE Records last year in 2022.
Over his 15 years as a practicing producer, Sholz has worked with the likes of Kanye West, Ayra Starr, Cordae, Lojay, 070 Shake, KayCyy, Daniel Caesar, Boj, and more. With this heavy and eclectic production discography and enviable achievements as a rising music executive, Sholz is now expanding his empire, making his debut a a primary artist with a punchy 2-pack release, “Cruel Love” and “Vex.”
Cruel Love is the first in a two-pack release by artist-producer SHŌLZ. Opening with a soft chord progression, “Cruel Love” is a modern love story set with a funky electronic beat reminiscent of an MFR Souls Remix, with direct inspiration from Sweet Female Attitude’s “Flowers”. On “Cruel Love” SHŌLZ, featuring Somadina and TARI1Q, takes us through passionate themes of uncontrollable love and lust, calling forth memories of intensity of teen love, desire and heartbreak.
On the other hand “Vex” is, at it’s core, a street anthem. With heavy-hitting bars from Nigerian drill artist ODUMODUBLVCK, Alté pioneer Teezee and a commanding chorus by CandyBleakz, “Vex” is politically energetic and rousing. Reflecting the current youth sentiments in Nigeria surrounding the country’s 2023 Nigerian Elections. “Vex” is an ode to overcoming adversity, striving for better and staying true to yourself.
