Happy Monday! We’re delivering scorching-hot songs to carry you through the unofficial start of the summer. From Detroit rap bangers from G.T. and Babyface Ray to sultry R&B melodies from Fousheé and Remi Wolf, our round-up will have a track for every mood of the week.
Don’t forget to share the wealth with our Spotify playlist, linked below.
Young Rog, “Destiny”
On “Destiny,” Young Rog longs for his lover of the same name. The song is his latest offering since dropping “Bulls–t” with fellow LVRN artist Summer Walker back in February. Rog fuses elements of R&B and neo-soul into his music, and with the handful of singles already under his belt, he is proving to be one to watch on LVRN’s roster.
Pa Salieu ft. slowthai, “Glidin’”
British rappers Pa Salieu and slowthai teamed up for a new single called “Glidin’.” The two also released a rambunctious accompanying video which finds them beating a piñata, wearing straitjackets in a soundproof cell and glowing-in-the-dark in a striped blacklight room. While it might sound wild, this eclectic style of artistry has evidently worked in favor for both artists. Back in January, Pa Salieu won BBC Music’s Sound of 2021 award — while a month later, slowthai’s sophomore album Tyron reached No. 1 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, not too long after its release. The two are clearly doing something right.
Calinnah feat. ferg.JP, “Writing You a Letter”
LA-based singer Calinnah tapped ferg.JP for her latest single “Writing You A Letter.” The pensive song touches on a feeling that is relatable for many of us: “This one talks about how you can’t figure out the right words to say, so you write it out to get those feelings out,” she explained in an Instagram post.
G.T. feat. Babyface Ray, “Going Long”
The city of Detroit boasts a plethora of hip-hop’s heavy-hitters, and emerging Eastside rappers G.T. and Babyface Ray are forging their own paths in that category. The two linked for the former’s new single “Going Long,” the second single off of his forthcoming project. G.T. and Babyface Ray trade verses and rap with a sense of pride, a common theme amongst Motor City artists.
Duvy & Murda Beatz, “Outside”
Toronto rapper Duvy finally released his Murda Beatz-produced track “Outside.” The song was seemingly teased as early as January of this year and features a piano-laced, hi-hat heavy beat. The rising artist seems to have Drake’s attention, though, since his 2019 hit “Shlime Talk” was played during the return episode of OVO Sound Radio back in March.
Sam Austins, “KILOS”
“KILOS,” the first single from Sam Austins’ label debut project, HOMELESS STAR, is part Blood Orange, part Tame Impala, yet entirely Austins. The avant-garde storyteller paints a picture of Detroit in the summer, juxtaposing a soothing, laid-back delivery with troubling lines like, “I haven’t slept in a month/ These fireworks are like the fourth of July.” The track is met halfway through with a thick, theatrical bridge, building tension and momentum before closing out with Austins’ uncomplicated yet infectious chorus.
James Vickery feat. EARTHGANG, “You Comfort Me”
Roc Nation’s James Vickery delivers the quintessential anti-hot girl summer anthem with “You Comfort Me.” With ’90s R&B-style lines like, “And every time that I’m on my knees/ You take the weight off my shoulders/ When I’m in need, and so you comfort me,” Vickery’s velvety vocals fill listeners with the urge to leave the streets behind, spending the summer instead under the trance of that special someone.
Remi Wolf, “Liz”
In a perfectly neo-soul-infused number, singer Remi Wolf brings all the feel-good energy with her latest single, “Liz.” With gorgeous falsetto harmonies floating throughout the track, Wolf elevates listeners to a carefree place, reminiscent of the Californian artist’s own aura. Following her 2014 American Idol appearance, Wolf is successfully redefining her image.
Sleepy Hallow, “Scrub”
Sampling TLC’s classic “No Scrubs,” Sleepy Hallow presents a noteworthy rendition of the late-’90s cultural staple. Adding snappy trap drums and hard-hitting 808s, the Brooklyn rapper revitalizes the R&B hit, ready to hit every 2021 summer playlist. The track is featured on Hallow’s latest project, Still Sleep?
Fousheé, “2 L8”
In another revival of a classic, ethereal fave Fousheé offers a perfectly delicate update of Carole King’s 1971 singer/songwriter standard “It’s Too Late.” Between the multi-faceted songstress’ layered, key-switching melodies, she delivers an ultra-relatable rap, reflecting on lost love after the quarantine. “You cut me open, cut me deep, you got my lung in hand/ And for my sanity, I’ll never fall in love again/ I changed your name to “Don’t pick up the f–kin’ phone again,” she whispers over the gentle acoustic instrumental.
