The Hard Way (EP)

by Jah-Femi Telewa

Track listing: Hooked on You (feat. Tom Savage), Good Man, Love's Sake, The Hard Way, Swollen Beast, Swollen Beast (part 2)

The Hard Way is the latest musical release by London-based artist Jah-Femi Telewa. He creates his art across multiple mediums, having written music, poetry, books, and even has a forthcoming 3D animated movie. Previous releases by Telewa have spanned genres from RnB to Rock, Electronic to Classical, Lo-Fi and more. With The Hard Way, we hear a return to RnB, a genre in which he's released several previous recordings.

This 6-song collection features several guests, including Tom Savage on the opening track "Hooked on You." Savage's deadpan vocal delivery channels Tom Waits, had he ever taken a jaunt into the realm of RnB. "Good Man," however, features an unidentified female vocalist whose voice evokes old school Mary J Blige, perhaps with a more deliberate tone a la Erykah Badu. Another anonymous vocalist takes the lead in "Love's Sake," a sweet ode to all of the things we do for Love. 

The title track clocks in at a mere 1 minute and 10 seconds--a poignant rapped lyric set against a slow, emotional musical track. The Hard Way's final two tracks are "Swollen Beast" parts 1 and 2, narratives delving into the duality within us all. The Jekyll & Hyde-esque story is a highlight of The Hard Way--Telewa's lyrics are introspective, revealing the vulnerability and authenticity found across the human aesthetic.

You can (and should) check out more of Jah-Femi Telewa's art. He's accessible across numerous social and streaming platforms but you should begin your journey at jahfemitelewa.com.

Posted on 1/29/25