This week Mick Jenkins rolls up a “Percy”, Girl Ultra invites us to play a game of “Ruleta”, and Samm Henshaw teaches us all a lesson in accountability – don’t miss out on our top tracks!
Girl Ultra – Ruleta
Mexico’s Girl Ultra poetically elucidates the feeling of dancing good fortune into your life on her newest track “Ruleta (Roulette)”. Over the course of this catchy tune, she harnesses a sultry falsetto to remind us all that “No somos eternos (we are not eternal)” and further that, “no nos pertenece el tiempo (life does not belong to us)” – therefore, we shouldn’t treat it like a game of roulette.
FOR FANS OF: Biig Piig
Alina Baraz – To Me
Ohio’s Alina Baraz sings a soliloquy to herself on her newest release “To Me”. Over a dainty, dissonant acoustic guitar instrumental Baraz tells the story of re-building herself after separating from her lover, as she delicately incants that her self-revaluating epiphany came in understanding that she was “not asking for too much”, but simply just “asking the wrong motherf*cker”.
FOR FANS OF: Jhene Aiko, Lolo Zouai
Mick Jenkins – “Percy” ft. Qari
You’re going to have to bring your own weed to the party for Mick Jenkin’s newest drop “Percy”, as the Chicago rapper showcases his world-renowned lyrical wordplay to innovate a new slang term that describes the feeling of smoking solo. Jenkins is joined by rapper Qari and lo-fi producer Green Sllime – whose respective musical proficiencies bolster this chilled out smokers’ anthem.
FOR FANS OF: Freddie Gibbs, Ab-Soul
AMA – Destination
Newcomer AMA’s experimental R&B sound is taking her to places she never knew on “Destination”. Over a dynamic and synthy instrumental, the 19-year-old West Londoner sings about relinquishing her fears, living in the now, being hopeful and above all making sure that when she’s reaches her goals, she’s prepared to “come through”.
FOR FANS OF: Ama Lou, Mabel
Stormzy – Wiley Flow
*WARNING* THIS VIDEO CONTAINS FLASHING LIGHTS WHICH MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR PHOTOSENSITIVE EPILEPSY.
Fresh off of his historical Glastonbury headliner, Stormzy is back teasing his new album “Heavy Is The Head”; in amongst paying homage to the Godfather of Grime on the upcoming project’s sophomore single “Wiley Flow”. Over the punchy and infectious production of E.Y, AdotSkitz & !llmind, the South London rapper spits a charismatic, boasty cipher about his plight to the top.
FOR FANS OF: BBK, Wiley
Roy Woods – Bubbly
Roy Wood’s is back with a bouncy R&B offering for all you bottle-poppers out there on his newest single “Bubbly”. Throughout the track, Woods showcases his distinct and melodic vocal tonality as he sings about “f*ckin up the club”; its’ sonic highlight coming in the form of Woods’ seamless lyrical sampling of Nelly’s “Ride With Me” on the song’s bridge. (Baby if you wanna come and take a ride with me/come and slide with me/get high with me/it’s alright).
FOR FANS OF: A Boogie Wit A Hoodie, Col3trane
Samm Henshaw – Only One to Blame
Samm Henshaw never disappoints, and on his newest track “Only One To Blame” he’s giving us all a lesson in accountability, as he faces all the “demons on [his] brain” and holds up his hands in admitting being to blame for the demise of his relationship. Henshaw’s warm vocals amalgamated with uplifting gospel choir accompaniment, further bolstered by a guiding trumpet part encompassing, results in the most jazziest, feel-good apology you’ll ever hear.
FOR FANS OF: Anderson Paak, Masego
maye – Tú
The soundscape provided by Maye’s newest release “Tú” will transport you to another world. The glorious ballad – centered around the object of Maye’s affections – sounds as if it’s set on a tropical island, as Maye softly incants “Y tú me das todo lo demás (and you give me everything)/Yo quiero estar donde tú estas (I want to be where you are) /Amor eres tú, solo tú (love you, only you)”. Sonically, it’s as if the Venezuelan songstress set out to create the perfect song to escape to with your significant other.
FOR FANS OF: Elohim
Raveena – Stronger / Still Dreaming / Lovers Rock
New York’s Raveena is back with a fresh visual for her tracks “Stronger” and “Still Dreaming” from her debut album “Lucid”. However, this live rendition comes with a twist, as she creates a medley of the two the tracks, and flawlessly incorporates a surprise cover of Sade’s “Lovers Rock”. In true Raveena fashion, the melodies are soft and emotive, showcasing the songstress’s impressive vocal versatility and inescapable charm.
FOR FANS OF: Sade, Solange
Abi Ocia – Easy to Love
Abi Ocia is gearing up to release her debut EP, and on her latest single “Easy to Love” her affecting vocal echoes and lingers over a sparse and dissonant electric guitar arrangement, as the talented Londoner laments over the object of her affections, “You’re not easy to love, because you’ll never be the one to show it”. Ocia is a poet like no other, and if this track is anything to go by, it’s safe to say her debut EP is already one to watch out for!
FOR FANS OF: Amaal Nuux, Nao
By: Tahirah Thomas
