As Waylen Roche says of new single ‘Concrete Crown’, it “portrays the journey of two artists striving for success and a balance between internal peace and the need to feel plugged into the creative industrial grind that radiates throughout the city.” Based in Brooklyn as a producer, singer-songwriter and music educator, Roche presents his daily hustle in a distinct soulful croon over gospel-style keys and alongside rapper Akinyemi, whose easy flow and creative lyrics add greater depth to this bluesy number. Directed by Travis Libin, the video itself sees Roche and Akinyemi traverses the city’s great underground network, and when the camera isn’t focussed on them, it pans to contemporary hip-hop dancer Kareem Woods. As Roche comments, Woods’ “freeform expressive movement and stylistic aesthetic truly captures the essence of the track.” ‘Concrete Crown’ is more than the story of artistic struggle, it’s also one of the syncopations that can be found within artistic collaboration. - Hannah Thacker