There’s a lot going on in the world of hip-hop right now. There’s the Billboard R&B Hip-Hop summit that went down last week, where everyone from Usher to Moneybagg Yo showed up to reflect on the old times and discuss the new game changers of their genre. And then there’s the less fun matter of R. Kelly’s ongoing trial, still happening as you’re reading this roundup.
But with all that’s happening at the moment, one thing will always be true: Artists of all backgrounds will always continue releasing music — exemplified this week by ten must-listen tracks showcasing the sounds of New York, Pittsburgh, Britain and Sweden.
Check them out here, or in our Spotify playlist, linked below.
Tiwa Savage feat. Amaaree, “Tales by Moonlight”
Savage and Amaaree are a perfect pair on “Tales by Moonlight,” further elevating the spotlight for Afrobeats’ legion of breakthrough artists. “Tales by Moonlight” resides on Savage’s latest five-track EP Water & Garri.
Sheff G feat. Sleepy Hollow & A Boogie wit Da Hoodie, “Run It Up”
Known for his husky presence on the mic, Sheff G does a slick 180 and recruits his New York cohorts Sleepy Hallow and A Boogie for a summery tune fitting for any barbecue playlist.
Kevin Abstract feat. Ryan Beatty, “Sierra Nights”
Brockhampton frontman Kevin Abstract connects with longtime collaborator Ryan Beatty for his second release of the year. The sunny soundscape has some pop sensibilities as Beatty’s bright vocals anchor the track before Abstract ramps up the energy with his electric verse at the end.
Cleo Sol, “Promises”
Embracing motherhood can be a daunting task for any woman. Instead of languishing in despair, Cleo Sol pens a soothing lullaby of an album in Mother, equipped with jazzy, spacious rhythms, most notably “Promises.”
Kyle Dion, “Money”
Kyle Dion doesn’t care about you, his hookup, or anyone for that matter on his new track. The only thing that matters is, you guessed it: money. “Don’t call me unless it’s about the money, I don’t want to talk to anybody,” the L.A.-based singer, whose album SASSY comes out Sept. 17, chides in mesmerizing harmonies over a slow-jam beat.
Nija, “Ease My Mind (Come Over)”
Nija’s message is simple on her new track: come over. With a whomping bass and edgy vocals, the star songwriter — who’s penned hits for Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Summer Walker, Chris Brown and so many more — now has a standout song under her own name.
Finn Askew, “Adidas”
Finn Askew’s new, guitar-anchored song is super catchy, and that’s how he likes it. “I wanted to make a song where after the first listen, the listener would be able to sing back the chorus word for word,” he said in a press release statement. “It’s a proper ear worm. The rising British musician is following the lead on Gen Z’s emerging, trademark style of rap and Hip-Hop, taking after artists like Juice Wrld and Lil Peep.
Sam Ezeh, “Fantasy”
“Fantasy” is the danceable, funkadelic song you didn’t know you need as this summer comes to an end. Swedish artist Sam Ezeh’s delivers a brilliant 70s blend of taut guitar and laser gun sound warps, with the repeating lyric, “Will you dance with me?” sounding much more like a command than a question.
Kayla Rae, “Look Up”
She’s not being cocky, it’s just a fact: Kayla Rae is the one whose Instagram page you lurk on in your free time. Don’t deny it, she knows — and all that sh*t-talking you’ve been doing? She knows about that too. “To all you hoes that’s hating, it’s a celebration,” she sings over warm, shimmery synth.
My Favorite Color, “Old News”
The Pittsburgh MC once again flashes signs of brilliance on his new song “Old News.” His zany personality and frenetic flow are the main drivers of his fun-filled anthem.
