1. grouptherapy. – Nasty
Source:grouptherapy.
The captivating collective grouptherapy. returns with an explosive new single “Nasty” accompanied by an electrifying new music video. Signifying a new era for the group, “Nasty” sees the trio showing all the way out, reveling in their own resilience and radical self-acceptance capturing their dynamic sonic evolution. Directed by grouptherapy., the visual is an irresistible nostalgic treat, inspired by a seminal period in music that shaped the trio coalesced with their own ferocious authenticity. It’s safe to say, they have an undeniable ability to thrill – all while doing it on their own terms.
Based in Los Angeles, grouptherapy. consists of three members, Jadagrace, SWIM and TJOnline, who have been close friends and peers for over 15 years and united during tumultuous periods of their young lives. They found solace and friendship with one another while navigating the all too often murky terrain of the entertainment realm. Individually they are vast and distinct and collectively they beautifully amplify the talents of one another, resulting in an art that surpasses the confines of genre and exists unlike anything else out right now. They create from a place of love, unrelenting passion and a refreshing desire to grow and embrace the dualities that make up their DNA, producing a one-of-a-kind transformative art that not only thrills but also provides belonging to those on the margins. The young group has quickly garnered large critical acclaim from The New Yorker, Teen Vogue, i-D Magazine, Paper Magazine, Fader, Revolt, Clash Magazine, Stereogum, Flood Magazine and many more.
More to come from grouptherapy. soon.
2. Bobby Fishscale – I Might
Source:BOBBY FISHSCALE
Roc Nation hip-hop artistBobby Fishscale continues his momentum of last week’s music video drop with the premiere of his newest visual, “I Might.”
The track continues Bobby’s storytelling of the lessons learned in the streets contributing to the overhead theme of a hustler’s manual in his forthcoming full-length project, The Fishscale Way arriving next month.
Directed by Benny Flash, the music video release opens with the second hood lesson: “Never Sell Where You Rest At.” The visual opens with dialogue from a hustler confessing his daunting paranoia of being watched at his spot ashe’s depicted peeking through his window anticipating his opps to pull up. The main character does a dangerous dance of tiptoeing around his opps at the trap house before leading to his eventual demise.
Bobby is captured smoothly rapping braggadocious lyrics of the successful hustler lifestyle he leads after his come up in the same trap house and on the hood of a car parked out front.
The music video follows last week’s drop of the “Really Eat” visual, two iterations of Bobby’s personal take on the notorious Ten Crack Commandments, reflected in his upcoming album release next month.
The impending The Fishscale Way project builds off of Bobby’s lived experiences on the streets and follows his widely successful debut album, The Evolution featuring lead track “Huncho Fishscale” ft. Quavo among other notable collaborators, Juicy J, Zaytoven, DJ Paul, Ink, Mozzy, and labelmate Kalan.FrFr.
The Florida hometown hero has climbed his way to the frontlines of the South’s burgeoning rap wave, earning the co-signing support of hip hop heavyweights like Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Black, Rod Wave, and 2Chainz. Bobby is a BMI R&B and Hip Hop Social Star Award winner joining respected names like Mac Miller, Machine Gun Kelly, Zendaya, Joey Bada$$, and NLE Choppa.
3. 4L Javi – Electric
Source:4L JAVI
SoCal native 4L Javireleases a melodic new track titled “Electric” featuring fellow emerging artists Thirty2 and FBL JB. The known “Playboy” addresses having plenty of options and how that caused issues in his past relationships. But this connection is too electric to pass up, singing, “What we have is electric. They just have to respect it.”
4. Trinidad Cardona & BNYX ft. Lawson – Monkey
Source:Trinidad Cardona
R&B/Pop singer-songwriter Trinidad Cardona shares two new singles and a music video for “Monkey” and “Up and Down” via Def Jam Recordings. Inspired by the upbeat tempos of Brazilian baile funk, South African amapiano, and house music, “Monkey” and “Up and Down” showcase the diversity of Cardona’s inspirations as an artist and a taste of what to expect from his upcoming project set to release later this year. The two new tracks follow the release of “Gentle,” a collaboration from Trinidad Cardona and fellow Def Jam signee, Calabasas.
With over 10B total streams across all platforms, Trinidad Cardona has became a household name in 2022, his first year at Def Jam, with the massive worldwide success of “Hayya Hayya (Better Together).” It was first introduced on April 1st, with a live sync performance by Trinidad, Davido and Aisha as the grand finale of the global broadcast of the FIFA World Cup Draw Ceremony in Doha, Qatar. The rousing reggae-meets-EDM anthem today boasts over 103 million views. English and Spanish versions of the song were included on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Official Soundtrack album, released November 2022.
Following the viral global phenomenon of “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)”, Trinidad dropped the incandescent “Love Me Back,” a soaring torch song that melded hypnotic Afrobeats percussion and shimmering synths. “Love Me Back” (Fayahh Beat) with Robinson exploded virally in the spring of 2022, with over 3 billion views on TikTok and over 400,000 creates, over 4 million plays on Soundcloud, over 10 million streams on Spotify, and over 8 million lyric video views on YouTube. At the same time, the official “Love Me Back” videoamassed over 10 million YouTube views.
“Love Me Back,” plus “Love Me Back” (Fayahh Beat), along with a specialSpanish version and acoustic version, were coupled with two previously unreleased sped-up and slowed-down versions of the song (from notable TikTok producers xxtristanxo and Esteves) – for a mini-EP package released July 2022.
5. Dark Lo – Blood In My Eye
Source:PaperChaserDotCom
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dark Lo is best known for bringing his signature gritty delivery and street bars over smooth, soulful production. Also known as “The Crook”, Dark Lo spent the majority of his young adult life in and out of prison.
It wasn’t until Lo met AR-Ab that he turned his attention to hip-hop. Despite always having a passion for music, AR-Ab convinced Lo of his talent and he decided to take his craft to the next level. Over the years, Dark Lo has proceeded to release several acclaimed projects and was named one of Complex’s ‘Underground Rappers You Should Know’.
Currently, Dark Lo and AR-Ab are embroiled in two high-profile cases, with AR-Ab currently incarcerated with a 45-year sentence after he was arraigned with eight other individuals in October 2018 on trafficking and distribution charges in Philadelphia. Dark Lo began serving the remainder of his seven+ year sentence for witness tampering on September 30, 2021.
With his last project as a free man, Extreme Measures(2021), Dark Lo called upon the legendary Havoc of Mobb Deep, who produced the project in its entirety and also added his signature flow and voice on two tracks as well.
Though now incarcerated, today, Dark Lo released his new album Blood In My Eye; which is now available at all DSP’s. Lo also released a new visual for “Apostle,” which is produced by Nicholas Craven.
Dark Lo’s Blood In My Eye is now available!
6. WanMor – Mine (Remix)
Source:WanMor
Fast rising brotherly R&B group WanMor uncover the energetic music video for their new single “Mine (Remix)” via Mary J. Blige’s 300 Entertainmentimprint, Beautiful Life Productions, Inc. It notably world-premiered as part of a BET Takeover in Times Square today. Fans got to witness the premiere live in the heart of New York City on one of the city’s most iconic screens.
The star-studded and striking visual brings viewers into the quartet’s life. Point-of-view footage culled right from a smartphone showcases the boys as they wild out, kick it together, party with friends, and generally live their best lives set to a soundtrack of sizzling, scorching, and sunny R&B ready for a hot summer. Not to mention, peers such as King Combs, Cali Lynn Dream Taylor, and JD McCray join the fun with cameo appearances.
“Mine (Remix)” has just begun to pick up steam at digital streaming platforms as well. Earning critical acclaim from YouKnowIGotSoul praised it as “the next level.” Meanwhile, CBS Mornings profiled the boys on being the new era of R&B.
Earlier this year, the group dropped their anxiously awaited self-titled debut, WanMor EP. It boasted the original “Mine” as well as fan favorites “Every Pretty Girl In The City,” “Certified,” and more.
WanMor made headlines across the culture in advance of the release. They spoke to BET in-depth about their ascent, and the outlet predicted, “In 2023, the sky’s the limit for WanMor.” Additionally, they made their GRAMMY Awards debut, teaming up with the legendary Stevie Wonder to perform “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, originally by The Temptations as part of the Motown Anniversary Tribute. Essence hailed it as “captivating.”
7. Kenny Mason – Dracula
Source:Kenny Mason
Breakout Atlanta rapper Kenny Mason drops new single and video “DRACULA” via RCA Records. This release follows his EP 3 and video for “100 or Nun” featuring Tony Shhnow. Previously, Kenny released his mixtape RUFFS in September 2022, which included the tracks from his EP PUP PACK and new songs such as “SPIN N FLIP” feat. Young Nudy and “MINUTE FOREVER.”
Kenny first broke out in the rap space in 2019 with his buzzing single “Hit,” which catapulted him from Atlanta’s underground DIY scene to the national spotlight. As Kenny continued to release more music, he became increasingly known for his versatility and unique sound. His bars and genre-bending abilities that incorporates elements of 90’s punk, grunge, hip-hop and more, sets him apart from the rest. Kenny Mason has received critical acclaim from press, being included on The FADER, Entertainment Weekly and more in addition to features with Rolling Stone, XXL, VMAN and FLAUNT. His 2019 single “G.O.A.T.” was also featured in season one of HBO’s hit show, Euphoria. Kenny released his debut album Angelic Hoodrat in 2020, followed by the alternative version Angelic Hoodrat: Supercut in 2021. The latter expanded upon the themes he set forth on the original debut album, showcasing his sweeping vocal range and well-earned reputation for stretching beyond the confines of rap. The new project continues the theme of duality inherent within its title, Angelic Hoodrat representing the concepts of light within darkness, beauty within ugliness, and hope within despair.
Most recently, Kenny Mason has been working on new music and continuing to cultivate his elevation. Kenny’s latest music comes on the heels of his buzzing single “Stick,” a Dreamville collaboration with J. Cole, JID and Sheck Wes from the D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape. The “Stick” visual, which has over 5.7 million views, featured Kenny alongside the other artists on the track. This past year Kenny has been on the festival circuit with sets at Rolling Loud, Wireless Festival, Bonnaroo and more, in addition to making surprise appearances at Coachella on JID’s set and Governor’s Ball on J. Cole’s set.
8. T.F. & 2Eleven ft. Rome Streetz – Pill Form
Source:im__TF
While he was born in Sacramento, T.F. spent his formative years in Los Angeles. Living in a Crip-heavy neighborhood known as the “50’s,” as a young teen, he choose getting jumped in over getting jumped. An attempted bank robbery, followed by a parole violation leads the then 18-year-old to being incarcerated for the first time. While imprisoned, T.F., along with other incarcerated prisoners fought southern California wildfires, to prevent smoldering blazes from incinerating more acres, mountains, hillsides, and homes; nearly dying in the process.
Though T.F. has recorded songs dating back to as early as 2006, a final prison stint stunted his goals until he was released in 2012 and he began recording in earnest again. T.F has spent the last decade gradually ascending to become one of LA’s sharpest pens, along the way expanding his brand and catalog. A few guest appearances (including “Tookie Knows II” with Schoolboy Q) brought him early recognition and set the stage for his solo work; including Blame Kansas (2022) a collaborative project with Roc Marciano, which featured collaborations with Conway The Machine, Flee Lord, Crimeapple & Mephux, and his Skanless Levels series with producer 2 Eleven (which has featured collaborations with Larry June, Conway The Machine, Jay Worthy, G Perico and Trizz among others).
Now, T.F. and 2 Eleven have formally announced Skanless Levels 4 and released a new single, “Pill Form” featuring Rome Streetz. Skanless Levels 4 will be released on 6-23-23 and features appearances from Roc Marciano, Jay Worthy, Rome Streetz and Trizz. “Pill Form” is now available at all DSP’s.
9. Hus Kingpin – Smugglin
Source:HusKingpin
As Hus Kingpin gears up for his upcoming project with Madlib, he drops off a new street loosie entitled “Smugglin”, as he skates over the Madlib x Freddie Gibbs “Thuggin” production. Hus discusses “smuggling” from border to border, Trinidad to Brazil.
Hus Kingpin’s collaborative project with Madlib will be released this summer!
10. BenBoh ft. 2kBaby – Jealousy
Source:BenBoh
Benboh collaborated with rising star 2KBaby for new single “Jealousy” which is a nice infusion of rock and hip hop. Coming off notable features with Our Generation Music, MTV, and DJ Akademiks, BenBoh wanted to continue to rise musically with his latest release.
With an ever growing fan base and a surplus in overall support growing for his music BenBoh is enjoying the effects this brings along with the pitfalls that occurs. The DMV native is handling it well and prefers to use music to express his thoughts instead of wallowing in depression.
2KBaby’s charisma matches Ben’s carefree attitude perfectly which leads to a quality rock influenced hip hop single from the duo.
“Everything in life is how you handle it or it will handle you,” Ben states about the concept of the single. So far it seems Ben is head and shoulders above most new artist in dealing with “Jealousy!”
The single is paired with a music video set to shot by Wave Change that has multiple Dynamic effects and really shows the chemistry the two have. “Jealousy” is on all digital streaming platforms via Sloppy Vinyl.
11. Toosii – NAUJOUR
Source:Toosii
Toosii released NAUJOUR, his debut album, via South Coast Music Group/Capitol Records. The 19-track album includes the Platinum-certified “Favorite Song,” which is No. 1 at Rhythm radio and is currently top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, subsequent versions of “Favorite Song” with Khalid and Future. Download / stream NAUJOUR HERE. Hailed by Complex as one of “music’s brightest stars,” Toosii will support the album with an extensive summer headline tour. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
Born NauJour Lazier Grainger in Syracuse, NY, Toosii began focusing on music after he moved to Raleigh, NC, as a teen. Hesays, “I had always told myself that when I dropped my debut album, it would be a self-titled album. I feel like there is a difference between NauJour and Toosii and with this album, I am actually giving people the real in my life.”
On NAUJOUR, the 23-year-old artist oscillates between disarming tenderness (“Favorite Song”) and jagged cool. He trades bars with 21 Savage on “Pull Up” for an effortless blend of menace and machismo. On “Rich Ridin,” he coasts over insistent percussion as he lets loose emphatic flexes and implicit warnings for his enemies. The slow burning “FWLM” blends raw lyrics with elegant instrumentation as Toosii swings from brash and confident (“Backseat, Double R, let me set the bar”) to vulnerable (“Brought her to the studio / Just for her to break my heart and play me like a Yu-Gi-Oh!”). Toosii shot the immersive, atmospheric official video for “FWLM” in downtown Los Angeles with frequent collaborators Joan Pabon and Logan Fields (Rod Wave, Syd).
Named by Billboard as an early contender for “Song of the Summer 2023,” “Favorite Song” has amassed over 260 million combined global streams while the audio has been featured in over five million global TikTok creations, earning more than three billion combined views. XXL Magazine put “Favorite Song” (feat. Future) [Toxic Version] on its list of the best new hip-hop songs and Brooklyn Vegan observed, “It’s a syrupy slow jam that Future is perfect for.” Praising the remix with Khalid,HYPEBEAST said, “An R&B song reflecting on the woes of heartbreak, the resulting collaboration is a series of layered, drawn-out vocals, subtly punctuated with the tapping of drums.”
Toosii recently performed “Favorite Song” during the two-hour live season finale of Season 23 of NBC’s four-time Emmy Award-winning competition series “The Voice” and on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
After releasing a stream of projects between 2017 and 2019, Toosii solidified his emerging star with his South Coast Music Group debut, Platinum Heart, which included fan favorites “Love Cycle” and “Red Lights.” Poetic Pain followed, which injectedToosii into the national consciousness and earned him a spot in the 2021 XXL Freshman class. From there, he kept up his momentum with efforts like Thank You for Believing and Pretty Girls Love Toosii, which combined his sensual vocals with understated soundscapes. Released after the birth of his son, 2022’s Boys Don’t Cry saw Toosii reach even deeper into his emotions. “It’s alright as a man to tap into that emotional side,” he said at the time.
NAUJOUR is further proof of Toosii’s willingness – and his power – to succumb to the emotional compulsions the world says Black men shouldn’t acknowledge. With this comfort, he writes more earnestly while singing more passionately, signifying his total artistic control. “I want NAUJOUR to be a classic, timeless project,” Toosii says. “I want people to understand who I truly am and recognize that I am an artist that’s going to be around forever and not for the moment.”
12. Tobe Nwigwe & Nas ft. Jacob Banks – On My Soul
Source:Tobe Nwigwe
Gearing up for the release of the film next week, Tobe Nwigwe and Nas just released the music video to their TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS single, ON MY SOUL
13. HDBeenDope ft. Fergie Baby – Can’t Get Rid Of Me
Source:HDBEENDOPE
Directed by Erikson Corniel, the electrifying video has a playful edge yet provoking tone showcasing two sides of New York City meeting in the middle. With HDBeenDope and Fergie Baby’s high-energy chemistry revolutionizing the sound and look of New York rap where drill is dominating, the two are captured through dynamic shots of each rapper playing off each other’s energy lyrically and visually. Shot from a bird’s eye view, HDBeenDope and Fergie tease viewers “Can’t Get Rid of Me! Ah haaa!” through the camera lens across various locations in New York, using the city as their backdrop and playground.
HD and Fergie Baby are seen running across a bridge overlooking the city’s main overpasses as they exchange bars before switching to dark, blue-light close-up shots of HD in the studio. All throughout, the visual embeds easter eggs paying homage to films like Belly and Baby Boy. The video closes out with final scenes capturing the duo performing in front of the squad who helped produce the track with a quick cameo from the executive producer of the project, Dizzy Banko on the corner of a hometown block. Between the lyricism, movie reference, and the boroughs brought together, the video further cements Hip Hop culture on its 50th year. You can catch HD’s Genius-like breakdown of dynamic wordplay on Citizen Kane embedded within the track here.
The new track and video precludes the Brooklyn rapper’s extended project release of What Can They Say slated to drop later this month on June 16.
HD has amassed critical acclaim with co-signing recognition from DJ Khaled and Rapsody and the culmination of a decorated performance history on massive national stages like the BET Hip-Hop Awards, Rolling Loud, and performing alongside peers such as Lola Brooke, King Combs, among many others.
The single and music video release follow HD’s widely popular breakout tracks, “Locked In,” and marquee track “Mamba” from his debut EP What Can They Say which has quickly become an anthem championed by stars such as actress and entrepreneur Tia Mowry, NBA Miami Heat player Jimmy Butler, Kansas Chief Quarterback and Super Bowl Winner Patrick Mahomes, shared by LeBron James, and featured on major networks like ESPN, sports stadiums and radio stations across the country.
14. ARDN ft. femdot. – ARE U KIDDING
Source:ARDN
rising rapper ARDN releases the single “ARE U KIDDING,” the third record from his forthcoming Capitol Records debut EPThe Bronze Age.
“ARE U KIDDING” is a reflection on ARDN’s determination to succeed and his perspective on his current life experiences, which — despite the barriers he has faced — he describes as “Pinch me moments”. The chorus repeats, “Are you kidding?” to emphasize his disbelief at those who underestimated him. He is joined by Chicago rapper femdot. who delivers a complimentary verse of what it’s like to defy odds.
Just off a Canadian/European tour with Isaiah Rashad where he captivated audiences, the Canadian raised, South African-born singer/songwriter paves his own lane through honest storytelling and melodic flow. Influenced by the likes of J.Cole, Smino, and Anderson .Paak, ARDN got his big break when a snippet of “Til The Morning” went viral on TikTok in 2022. Since then, the newcomer has garnered more than 10 million TikTok views and soundtracked over 240K “creates.” His music quickly spread across the internet and ARDN now boasts more than 461K monthly Spotify listeners as well as more than 22 million total streams across platforms.
For ARDN, the title of Bronze Age has multiple meanings. His given name, Ardon, translates to “bronze” in Hebrew, and he likes the historical parallel, referencing the period of ancient history when civilization went through a huge technological shift. “I want The Bronze Age to be revolutionary” he says. “I want to have the same impact musically.” ARDN’s years spent experimenting and honing his craft behind closed doors before he let the world hear his music, have given him a steadfast belief in himself as he takes to stages to perform around the world, and ushers in the beginning of his own new era.
15. Fridayy ft. Chris Brown – Don’t Give It Away
Source:Fridayy Official
Building on a whirlwind year of unprecedented momentum that saw Grammy-nominated collaborations and SNL performances with likes of DJ Khaled and Lil Baby respectively, quickly rising star Fridayy has grabbed the title of ‘Melody God’ and established himself as the go-to hitmaker in the hip-hop/R&B space. Now, Fridayy reveals a brand new single entitled “Don’t Give It Away” featuring Chris Brown via Def Jam Recordings today.
On “Don’t Give It Away” – the first salvo from Fridayy’s forthcoming debut LP – a slick guitar loop snakes around a glitchy beat. Fridayy leans into the groove as he reminds, “Shorty, you know you can have it your way.” His simmering delivery bubbles into a fiery falsetto only for Breezy to roll through with an equally hypnotic cameo. Together, they deliver what promises to be the summer’s most undeniable up-tempo R&B anthem.
It arrives on the heels of “Know The Truth.” In addition to cracking 1 million streams, the music video has reeled in nearly 500K YouTube views. REVOLT praised it as “an ode to low inhibitions and sexually charged intentions,” andAttack The Culture raved, “His new ‘Know The Truth’ music video locks you in from the moment it starts up.”
Now, everything just sets the stage for a whole lot more to come from Fridayy.
Last year, Fridayy’s debut EP, Lost In Melody amassed millions of streams as well as praise from Billboard, XXL, Wonderland, Essence, BET, Revolt and UPROXX. Named by Ebony as one of “6 Music Artists To Know Before 2023,” Fridayy also continues to prove himself as both a producer/songwriter with artists like Coco Jones, Lil Tjay, Rod Wave and Vedo all releasing songs crafted by the hitmaker in recent months.
Not to mention, he performed with DJ Khaled at the GRAMMYs this year and scored three GRAMMY Award nominations. He also made his late-night TV debut on SNL with Lil Baby.
Already heralded in artist circles and being showered with accolades before the release of his first album, it’s still just the beginning for Fridayy…stay tuned.
16. Philly Goats – Get Off The Wall
Source:Philly Goats – Topic
Already a “song of the summer 2023 candidate” according to The FADER, rapidly rising Philadelphia “hipdance” trio Philly Goats—D Sturdy, Sou, and PGS Spence—unveil their anxiously awaited new single “Get Off The Wall”out now via Def Jam Recordings.
Just a snippet has already taken social media by storm, inspiring over 1 million TikTok creates and counting so far. The guys update the classic melody from Kool & The Gang’s “Get Down On It” and speed it up for Gen Z. As a result, it possesses the power to ignite any dancefloor with its swaggering horns, four-on-the-floor thump, and quotable rhymes. Ultimately, it issues a gleeful invitation to move, “I see you up over there on that wall, girl. You better get up off that wall!”
Philly Goats uphold a legacy of high-energy club music, yet they also pave their own lane in the modern movement with airtight rapping and soaring singalongs. It’s no wonder Pitchfork hailed them among “The Next Generation of Club Rap” and proclaimed, “It’s an escape.”
Meanwhile, last month’s banger “X Em” continues to gain traction with 557K YouTube views on the music video. Inciting widespread applause, The FADERasserted, “No matter what anyone says, the Philly Goats remain the blueprint for all-ages fun.” Pitchfork proclaimed, “Like the rest of Philly Goats’ music and videos, it’s pure, unadulterated fun.” Teen Vogue attested, “The collective has evolved the sound that upholds the essence of dollar parties, teen dance cyphers, and tangin’ to no end in a way that Gen-Z craves and TikTok can’t go without.”
It just paves the way for more from the three-piece very soon.
Over the past year, Philly Goats have captivated audiences with a sharp and show stopping style. They’ve quietly emerged as the face of the “hip dance”movement in Philadelphia. The guys have incited one viral moment after another, building up to “X EM.”Just the snippet inspired over 251K “creates” on TikTok and nearly 100 million views. Additionally. they rolled through OnTheRadar for a stunning performance of “X EM.”
“Get Off The Wall,” because Philly Goats set the tempo for summer 2023!
17. Sid Sriram – Dear Sahana
Source:Sid Sriram
Gaining traction as one of the year’s boldest breakthrough talents, singer, songwriter, performer, and Bollywood playback star, Sid Sriram reveals a new single entitled “Dear Sahana” out now via Def Jam Recordings.
First previewed in Sriram’s stunning NPR Tiny Desk performance, “Dear Sahana” illuminates his boundless border-breaking style. Sriram’s vocals alternate between soft verses and stunning falsetto on the instantly unforgettable refrain. Its delicate clean guitar and cinematic strings perfectly complement his swooning and dreamy delivery with a promise, “I’ve been thinking about you girl.”
He initially debuted the single during his NPR Tiny Desk Performance. Receiving over 782K views on TikTok and 69.3K likes, it has incited an overwhelming response from fans with thousands of comments. As such, it has given diverse audiences a new kind of love song, speaking to women of all cultures and creeds worldwide and resonating throughout the South Asian diaspora and beyond.
Paving the way for the release, he has generated nearly 5 million views on a series of recent Instagram Reels. At the same time, he has inspired viral user-generated posts on TikTok from creators such as Melo Music, Vidya, and beyond with just shy of 2 million views.
Following the release of “Do The Dance.” The latter has clocked north of 1 million total streams, while the music video was notably filmed on location at The Malibu Hindu Temple with support of UCLA’s Raas Bataaka dance team. Stereogumpraised “Do The Dance” as “a smooth, pretty song that mostly works as a showcase for Sid Sriram’s voice. That guy can really sing.” Additionally, he recently covered the Alanis Morissette classic “Uninvited” for Reimagined byGRAMMY.com.
It all paves the way for his anxiously awaited forthcoming debut English-language album, SIDHARTH, out July 28. The album was recorded at the studio of Ryan Olson in Minneapolis with support from Justin Vernon as well. Sid will also be heading out on a string of tour dates this August supporting Bon Iver, including stops in Wisconsin, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah.
18. Loveboat Luciano & Benny The Butcher ft. DJ Clue – 2nd Strike
Source:Benny the Butcher
BIG BSF and the Buffalo Kids are back. After releasing his debut BSF project IBTS2 (Institutionalized By The Streets 2) in 2020, Loveboat Luciano has since been prominently featured and platformed on every BSF project since his initiation.
Now, Boat has announced his sophomore BSF project, Parole, and with it also released the album’s first single, “2nd Strike,” with his BSF Capo Benny The Butcher, with additional sh*t talking courtesy of the legendary DJ Clue.
Loveboat Luciano’s Parole features collaborations with Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Dave East, Che Noir, and his BSF brethren Rick Hyde, Heem and ElCamino.
Loveboat Luciano’s Parole will be released on June 23 via BS Records.
19. Kool Keith ft. Marc Live & Ice-T – The Formula
Source:Mello Music Group
Get ready for a mind-bending trip through the Hip-Hop cosmos with the one and only Kool Keith. Black Elvis is back with his long-awaited sequel.
Kool Keith takes his information-age rhymes to a whole new level, with a sound that’s equal parts street and space. Featuring collaborations with Marc Live, Raaddrr Van, Dynamite, L’Orange, J. Stylez, Agallah and the legendary Ice-T, Black Elvis 2 will leave you reeling.
The newest single from Black Elvis 2 is a partial Analog Brothers reunion featuring Marc Live (Marc Moog) and Ice-T (Ice Oscillator) alongside Kool Keith (AKA Black Elvis). Marc Live is also behind the boards for the space age trio.
Delivering chemistry akin to 9th Wonder and Buckshot, Kool Keith leads off pouring out “The Formula” for everyone, while Marc Live goes multiverse Coreleon, full-scale legion of doom, monsoon dark side with heavy wordplay raining down. With the last verse, Ice-T reveals again why he is the final level delivering in true OG form and reminding us it’s not how well you’re doing, it’s how long you’re doing well.
Black Elvis 2 will be released on June 16 via Mello Music Group.
20. Kye Colors ft. Deante’ Hitchcock & Tonye Ayeba
Source:KYE COLORS
Just like “LATELY” Kye is battling having/wanting a relationship with certain women but not having the time to dedicate that time to them. “NOW + LATER” is speaking to that with Tonye Ayeba singing “I wanted you now and later, patiently waiting”. This song could land or more mellow rap type playlists.
21. Latto ft. Cardi B – Put It On The Floor Again
Source:Latto
ATL-based Grammy nominated rapper Lattolinks up with Grammy winning rapper Cardi Bto “Put It On Da Floor Again” out now via RCA Records, the single drops alongside an official video where Latto and Cardi put it all on da floor in ATL with surprise cameos from Offset, BabyDrill and LSU Women’s Basketball star Angel Reese.
Debuted at Coachella Weekend 1 this year, the original version of this “Put It On Da Floor”remix, produced by Go Grizzly (Future), Squat & Pooh Beatz (Jack Harlow),has garnered over 15 million streamsworldwide across all platforms in addition to landing on multiple playlists including RapCaviar, Rap Life, New Music Daily and more. With over 250k TikTok video creations and counting, the track debuted #1on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart, is currently #15 on TikTok’s Hot 50 US Chart and has received co-signs from artists like Lil Nas X, Yung Miami, Lizzo, Coco Jones, Meek Mill and more.
22. Mycala – Right Now
Source:Mycala Baker
Singer, songwriter, and dancer, Mycala is thrilled to announce the release of her highly anticipated debut single “Right Now.” Mycala introduces listeners to her inner thoughts and shows us her gentle confidence in her fearless pursuit of love. She provides a captivating performance that takes listeners on a sultry yet mystical journey and showcases her songwriting and storytelling abilities through singing and rapping. In addition to her vocal performance, LA-based producer , Forrestt gives a smooth R&B sound that brings nostalgia to 90s R&B while incorporating elements of today’s R&B.
Born and raised in Louisville, KY, Mycala has had a passion for the arts for as long as she can remember. She attended Louisville’s Youth Performing Arts School as a dance major and studied dance throughout Louisville, KY and Los Angeles, CA. Her songwriting began at age 5 and her introduction to singing started in the church choir. After losing her Uncle in 2022, she realized that life was not promised to anyone and the best time to make her dreams a reality is RIGHT NOW!
“Right Now” is available for streaming and purchasing on all major platforms found in the link below https://linktr.ee/mycalabaker
Please contact [email protected] for interviews, guest lists and further information.
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/mycalabaker
23. Breez Kennedy – Love Crazy (Blowing Up Your Phone)
Source:Breez Kennedy
Following major A-list co-signs from the likes of Lil Baby, Brent Faiyaz and millions of views on social media, 17-year-old singer, songwriter, and R&B upstart Breez Kennedy officially introduces himself with his anxiously awaited debut single “Love Crazy (Blowing Up Your Phone)” out now via Standard Records/Def Jam Recordings.
The track’s silky guitar line echoes through a hazy soundscape. Meanwhile, his inimitable vocals melt into the beat, highlighting expansive range punctuated by a hypnotic high register. As the hook resounds, he reluctantly pleads, “Tell me that you love me, but I’m knowing that you don’t.”
Stay tuned for the premiere of a striking music video to accompany the song.
He initially teased the track on TikTok with a series of viral posts. Prior to an official release, he caught the attention of not only Lil Baby (who vibed to just a clip on Instagram!), but also Swae Lee, Rod Wave, Toosii, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and more. This clip has already posted up 2 million views and counting. He meets the demand with the track today!
Right from the jump, he affirmed himself as a self-sufficient phenomenon by writing, recording, and producing the bulk of his music by himself. He has quietly buzzed out of St. Petersburg, FL with a signature style, balancing Bryson Tiller’s adventurousness with pop magnetism a la Justin Bieber.
Now, he’s preparing more music for release this summer!
Get “Love Crazy” with Breez Kennedy in 2023.
24. Wan Billz ft. Internet Money – What’s The Difference
Source:Wan Billz
Poised as New York City’s next heavyweight contender, rising Bronx-born rapper Wan Billz shares his new single “What’s The Difference” [feat. Internet Money] on all DSPs today via Demon Time Ent. / Def Jam Recordings.
On the track, Internet Money’s Cxdy [Juice WRLD, The Weeknd, The Kid LAROI] layers old school cell phone chirps and head-nodding bass over a sample of Cam’Ron’s “Down And Out” [feat. Kanye West & Syleena Johnson]. Wan unleashes a barrage of unbreakable bars with uncontainable drill energy. Throughout, he ponders street code in a gruff cadence, “Snatch his chain just for free, but I won’t take her purse.” The accompanying visual by director Benny Max follows the buzzing phenom and his crew as they run the streets of their neighborhood.
It only paves the way for Wan Billz to make major moves this summer as he reveals his anxiously awaited full-length debut, Blacc Sheep, coming soon.
Since his emergence in 2021, Wan Billz has asserted himself as “The Voice of Monterrey,”repping The Bronx’s Monterey Housing Projects. He has generated millions of streams and YouTube views, popping off with favorites such as “I Can’t Help It” [feat. B-Lovee]. AllHipHop.com hailed the latter as “a raucous and grimey drill inspired track,” while The Hype Magazine plugged the 2022 standout “Red Light, Green Light” [with C Blu].
Signing to Def Jam in 2023, Wan Billz is on the verge of a breakthrough now.
25. Jay-Way & Marc E. Bassy – Running Out Of Love (Remix)
Source:JayWayTheAlien
IVAV recording artist Jay-Way remixes “Running Out of Love” with an assist from Marc E. Bassy, dropping the fresh track today (6/2) across all platforms — listen to “Running Out of Love (feat. Marc E. Bassy)”. In addition, Jay-Way and Bassy are set to premiere an official music video next Friday, June 9, at 10 a.m. CT. Filmed at a home outside of Nashville, the all-new visual was directed and produced by Mike Folabi, who helmed previous videos for Jay-Way’s “Ice Cold” and “Shawty Goodnight.”
Jay-Way first debuted “Running Out of Love” in March across nine different showcases at this year’s SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas. Capturing the feeling of navigating a relationship on the rocks, the rhythmic song reflects the singer’s last-ditch efforts to save the connection despite knowing it’s already slipping away. For the exclusive remix, the Amsterdam-based act enlisted San Francisco Bay Area singer/songwriter Marc E. Bassy, who holds co-writing credit on the single with Jay-Way, Ty Brasel, and track producer Sajan Nauriyal. This all-new iteration of “Running Out of Love” builds on the diverse sonic elements captured in the original — a collision of hip-hop, rock, and pop that continues to define Jay-Way’s trailblazing musical trajectory.
A brand ambassador for PUMA and Dr. Martens, the innovative artist recently signed as a model under APL Models Worldwide. Additionally, Jay-Way just wrapped a run of sold-out dates opening for RINI on the European leg of the Filipino-born R&B singer’s “Past The Naked Eye Tour.” He’s currently in the studio working on his next full-length project — his first LP in partnership with IVAV (a division of Curb Records.)
26. RJAE ft. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – Remember That
Source:RJAE
Roc Nation Label has announced the signing of NOLA native artist, RJAE. Blending sharp wordplay and lyricism with soulful harmonies, the multi-genre artist has underscored his mastery of two signature styles as the next leading artist to break out from the south.
“We are excited to have RJAE join the team,” said Shari Bryant, co-president of Roc Nation label. “RJAE’s passion for his art, along with his versatility proves that he is an artist here to stay.”
“The only two words I can think of is blessed and surreal,” says RJAE on his record label deal. “I’m still trying to soak it all in. It’s crazy to think that someone can come up from where I’m from can find success like this.”
In celebration of the new record label deal, RJAE today has debuted his brand new single, “Remember That” featuring platinum, award-nominated rapper and close mentor, A Boogie Wit A Hoodie. The track explores the infatuation experienced in love and the desire to remain by a lover’s side. The accompanying music video directed by Gerard Victor captures RJAE getting up close and personal with his summertime romance. The visual showcases RJAE picking up his girl on a New York corner block before hitting up a rooftop party as the two set the dance floor ablaze with their electrifying chemistry. The video also incorporates shots of A Boogie and RJAE exchanging slick verses on a rooftop overlooking New York City’s evening skyline.
On the process of collaborating with A Boogie Wit A Hoodie, RJAE continues, “The process was a waiting game. I had to be very patient because I didn’t want to force a record. We’ve known each other for over four years already and we have records but we never really sat down to launch something big until now. When he heard the record he immediately went into it. It was organic and the time was right – just like how our first link up went down. It all came full circle. That’s the record fans get to listen to today.”
The new single release previews RJAE’s highly anticipated album release project, You’re The Problem with lead focus track, “Too Gone” featuring the NOLA artist’s close collaborator, NBA YoungBoy dropping June 16.
Fee Banks, CEO of Good Money Global and management veteran to the South’s biggest stars like Lil Wayne, Kevin Gates, YoungBoy alongside RJAE shares, “I’m really appreciative of having Roc Nation and Good Forever as dependable labels I can count on when it comes to making the right move for RJAE. We have a great chemistry between management and marketing, I feel those two things are vital to artist success backed by the Roc.”
The new track and music video release arrives off the heels of RJAE’s recent opening appearance on hip hop legend Lil Wayne’s Welcome To Tha Carter Tour. No stranger to performing on the road, RJAE has also opened for No Cap during his nationwide Mr. Crawford Tour.
RJAE has showcased his versatility on the Never Broke Again tapes AIN’T 2 LONG, Never Broke Again: The Compilation Volume 1, and Never Broke Again Presents: Green Flag Activity with artists P Yungin, Rojay MLP, NBA Herm, NoCap, Quando Rondo, Meechy Baby, among others.
RJAE gained momentum after his serendipitous discovery and eventual mentorship from A Boogie Wit A Hoodie after uploading a 2016 track named after A Boogie himself. After sending shockwaves through his hometown city with a debut performance at the House of Blues New Orleans, RJAE joined the Highbridge Crew to tour across North America. Upon his return in 2020, RJAE linked up with Good Money Global – home to YoungBoy Never Broke Again.
Prior to Roc Nation’s official signing, RJAE had already accrued over 20 million streams and views independently and capturing waves of support from urban and rhythmic radio formats from all across the south.
27. LA’DY – Love Me Down
Source:DARE Records
All-black female R&B band, LA’DYreleases their debut single titled “Love Me Down” produced by Harmony “H-Money” Samuels. Soulful singer Ashley Kimbrae leads the melodic track while band members Kris Callazo, Zuri Appleby, Michel’Le Baptiste, and Ari O’Neal slay the keys, bass, drums, and guitar. It’s the first single from LA’DY’s forthcoming EP, which is slated to deliver later this year.
“We are extremely excited for our first single ‘Love Me Down’ to be released,” says LA’DY. “We hope everyone enjoys this sultry R&B single and can’t wait to give y’all more! We’re appreciative to Dare Records for believing in us and pushing this record!”
The world’s newest, all black female band, LA’DY is composed of five musical powerhouses. Social media brought the ladies together, through each of their pure musical talents and sonic attraction to each other. The band was officially formed in 2019 and joined by Kris Callazo on keys, Zuri Appleby on bass, Michel’Le Baptiste on drums, and Ari O’Neal on guitar. As seasoned musicians who worked together previously with many of the industry’s top artists, the ladies felt inspired to bring their artistry to the forefront. LA’DY’s debut EP is forthcoming with the sultry track “Love Me Down” as the lead single. LA’DY’s talent is not only on stage, but they excel in the studio as composers and songwriters as well.
Each member of LA’DY, hailing from each end of the US, has a long history of music from childhood. They grew up singing and playing in their respective hometown church choirs and bands. Their combined experience includes working with top music artists such as Kanye West, Lizzo, Nick Jonas, Beyonce, Jay-Z and SZA. Their classic R&B sound is infused with refreshing upbeat tempos and instrumentation that has no comparison to any bands from the past or present. LA’DY represents the union and unconditional collaboration of women. As they hold their instruments (together), they are ignited to empower generations of girls who never see women of color rock out.