This week’s list features the likes of The Weeknd, Kodie Shane, Kamaiyah and more.
The Weeknd – After Hours
If you’re a fan of The Weeknd’s older music, you should check out his new, moody title track “After Hours.” The song is a much-needed shift from the more upbeat singles he’d been releasing lately. The Weeknd’s fourth studio album drops March 20th.
Kodie Shane – Timing
Kodie Shane blends singing and rapping and uses auto-tune to create a signature sound. The Atlanta native sings about the trickiness of love on this eerie track from her latest EP “BLOOMING VOL. 1.”
Kamaiyah – Pressure
Kamaiyah gets cocky on “Pressure,” rapping “I don’t need nobody’s help/Through that pressure make it through whatever.” This song is off her recent album “Got It Made;” her first project since leaving her record deal with Interscope. “Got It Made” represents a refreshingly free and confident sound from the Oakland native.
Jay Worthy, G Perico & The Alchemist – The Routine
Jay Worthy’s latest Two4One series features G Perico and The Alchemist. On “The Routine” Jay Worthy and G Perico rap over Alchemist production that features a strong West Coast influence — a perfect complement as the LA natives rap about their “routine.”
Trippie Redd – How I Was Raised (feat. Lil Tecca)
Trippie Redd adds seven new features to the deluxe edition of the mixtape “A Love Letter To You 4.” “How I Was Raised” features Lil Tecca, who perfectly contrasts Trippie’s melodic style of sing-rap with his fast-paced flow.
Jhene Aiko – Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E.)
Jhene Aiko takes inspiration from her song 2011 song “Hoe” off her debut mixtape “Sailing Souls.” In 2011, Jhene enlisted the help Gucci Mane and Miguel, while this time around, she switches the Gucci Mane feature for a Future verse that doesn’t disappoint.
Princess Nokia – Green Eggs & Ham
Princess Nokia reminisces about being a kid on “Green Eggs & Ham.” Although the song feels fun and radiates positive emotions, Princess Nokia raps about the duality of being a kid.
ShooterGang Kony – Ice Skating
Oak Park’s finest ShooterGang Kony dropped a classic Bay Area slap, chock-full of disrespectful bars over a high energy beat. If you’re into this type of rap, be sure to check out ShooterGang Kony’s newest album “Red Paint Reverend.”
PARTYNEXTDOOR – Split Decision
PARTYNEXTDOOR sings about getting caught cheating on his latest R&B ballad. The single “Split Decision” was produced by Alex Lustig and features chopped and pitched vocals throughout the track, giving the song a trippy feeling.
Mustafa – Stay Alive
23-year-old Mustafa dropped his first single “Stay Alive” on March 10. The James Blake and Frank Dukes video takes place in Toronto’s Regent Park with all his friends. In the single, Mustafa repeatedly begs in his raspy voice “Just stay alive, stay alive.” The track has already garnered praise from numerous music outlets and is a great way to wrap up this week’s list.