It’s Monday, so you know what that means! Indulge in the freshest new releases of the week, from the meditative melodies of Dutch-Afghan singer Ferdous, to Elujay’s problem-solving alternative R&B rhythms. And if rap is more your speed, we’ve got the midwest covered with Detroit’s own Allstar JR and another all-star, Chicago rapper Lil Zay Osama.
Don’t forget to share the wealth with our Spotify playlist, linked below.
Reggie Becton feat. Ryahn, “So High”
Reggie Becton can do no wrong in his orange beanie. The PG County artist is back with another single, and this time around, he taps Florida singer Ryahn for a flowy duet on “So High.” The pair are convincing lovers as they finish each other sentences and sing about their desires to be around one another. Becton will also be embarking on a fall tour alongside singer Grace Weber starting at the end of October.
Elujay & HXNS, “1080p”
On “1080p,” Elujay is searching for a resolution both literally and figuratively. Produced by HXNS, the song fuses elements of alternative R&B and dance as Elujay sings about wanting to see 1080p, seeking clarity with his lover.
Destiny Rogers feat. Flo Milli, “Simon Say”
California singer Destiny Rogers and Alabama rapper Flo Milli always get their way — as the two make crystal clear on their new single “Simon Say.” Released via RCA Records, the song subtly embodies the boss energy the Rogers intended to evoke. “This song is about being a boss, knowing what you’re capable of, and not letting anyone hold you down,” she writes in the description under the song’s visualizer on YouTube.
Allstar JR, “Sumthin”
All-star JR is maintaining Detroit’s distinct, gritty sound with his new track “Sumthin.” The song is a single off of his new mixtape Get a Bag or Go Home 3, the third in the series. Allstar JR recently created buzz on Twitter with his Icewear Vezzo-assisted hit “Ice Bag.” There’s something to be said about Detroit rap right now, and Allstar JR is proving to be a mainstay.
Grip, “Momma Told Me!”
On “Momma Told Me!,” Grip is in his fullest form. The Atlanta rapper snaps on the standout track from his debut album I Died For This!?. “N—as be sayin’ I fell off, well let’s get it back poppin’/ Talkin’ s–t but when they see me, it’s ‘Grip, aye when yo track droppin’?,” he raps for the song’s opener.
Lil Zay Osama, “Danny Block”
If the booty in the opening scene of Lil Zay Osama’s video wasn’t bouncy enough, you can count on the track’s 808s to do the trick. On “Danny Block,” Osama (whose moniker itself is inspired by his hometown’s “Chi-raq” image) is menacing, making sure his enemies know exactly who they’re dealing with. All the while, Osama remains aware of the risks associated with his rhymes, rapping, “I hope this song right here don’t get in the hands of the feds.”
Fresco Trey, “Fresh Off A Heartbreak”
Everyone falls in love sometimes, including Fresco Trey. The Memphis rapper is “Fresh Off a Heartbreak” in his latest single and like his new tattoo says: love is, indeed, scary. Trey chronicles his girl’s complaints (“I been drinking all night/ She said you gone drink your life away/ Baby girl I might”) while boasting about his rags-to-riches achievements with a melodic approach.
Project Youngin, “Love Don’t Love Nobody”
It seems heartbreak is on everyone’s minds, as Florida’s own Project Youngin laments his own betrayal in love. “A broken heart cause more pain than a broken bone that’s solid,” he raps over an emotional trap beat. In the visual, Youngin peers into his living room, watching as his love steals a stack of cash from him — and later, he leans against a window with a gunshot wound to the chest. As Janet Jackson says, that’s the way love goes.
Evann McIntosh, “TECTONIC PLATES”
On today’s episode of alternative R&B, we’re joined by up and comer, Evann McIntosh, live from their Kansas bedroom. While an unlikely origin story for a rising R&B crooner, the suburban star pulls influence from a variety of genres and artists, including Prince and Billie Eilish. McIntosh wrote “Tectonic Plates” on a flight home from Los Angeles, and was inspired by her love for the city.
Ferdous, “Tolerate”
Dutch-Afghan singer Ferdous delivers heavy life lessons wrapped in lightweight melodies on his latest single, “Tolerate.” The track feels meditative thanks to a single note loop throughout the instrumental, embellished with minimal percussion and a dark bassline.
