(Rapper 2KBABY in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Prince Williams/Wireimage via Getty Images))
2KBABY – Pregame Rituals
2KBaby recently dropped his debut EP, “Pregame Rituals.” The project features the likes of G Herbo, YFN Lucci and Lil Durk. The Louisville rapper first gained notoriety with the release of his viral hit “Old Streets” which showcased his vocal range, a knack for creating infectious melodies and impeccable storytelling about his life in Louisville. Regardless your background, “Pregame Rituals” is worth a listen.
Best tracks: FAXTS, ROLLING STONE, OLD STREETS feat. Lil Durk
Kari Faux – Lowkey Superstar
Kari Faux’s follow up to 2019’s “Cry 4 Help” is finally here. Faux’s latest mixtape, “Lowkey Superstar” marks a change in the artist’s career, with her most playful and confident project yet. The Arkansas rapper plays with different flows and production styles, demanding your unwavering attention, and to be quite frank, she deserves it.
Best tracks: StickUp!, McGrady, Chattin’ shit
KeiyaA – Forever, Ya Girl
At its core, KeiyaA’s music is ethereal, the Chicago-raised and NY-based artist shares dreamy r&b vocals and dexterous raps all over “Forever, Ya Girl.” If you ever needed some music that is both grounding and vibrant, then KeiyaA’s latest project “Forever, Ya Girl” is for you.
Best tracks: Recitifya, Do Yourself a Favor, Negus Poem 1 & 2
Everything Is Recorded – FRIDAY FOREVER
XL Recording CEO, musician and producer Richard Russell released his second collaborative project under his Everything Is Recorded alias. “FRIDAY FOREVER” chronologically tells the story of a Friday night out in London, with each song marked with a timestamp and a track that reflects the time accurately. Russell enlists the likes of Ghostface Killah, A.K. Paul and more for a long night of raging UK club culture.
Best tracks: 03:15AM / CAVIAR, 05:10 AM / DREAM I NEVER HAD, 10:02 AM / BURNT TOAST
Pink Siifu – NEGRO
It’s almost been two years since Pink Siifu’s album “ensley” came out, however, the Los Angeles-based artist has kept busy. He released two different collab projects, one with Akai Solo and the other with Yungmorpheus, since “ensley” dropped. Siifu’s latest release, “NEGRO” takes a more experimental approach, as the rapper ventures into black punk music. An ode to the African-American experience, Siifu channels his inner frustrations surrounding black life. The project is exclusively available on Bandcamp, while select songs are available through the album’s website which acts as an archival space for Siifu’s perspective on black life.
Best tracks: SMD, we need mo color. Abundance, dirt ft Na-Kel