New Music Roundup (Apr 24 - Apr 28)

1. GROOVY – BADGURL

2. Maiya The Don – Dusties

Emerging Brooklyn rapper Maiya The Don drops the video for her infectious single “Dusties”. Directed by Mikey & Davey, the visual shows Maiya with her girls enjoying the finer things, not fuckin’ with these dusties. Produced by Derrick Milano and Pliz Naya, Maiya’s bombastic bars paired with the bouncy up-tempo production makes for another one of Maiya’s signature catchy tracks.

This release follows her buzzing hit track and video “Telfy” that she dropped in October 2022 – the video alone garnering over 1.5 million views in just a few months  – and Maiya’s feature spot on Flo Milli’s remix for her hit single “Conceited” alongside Lola Brooke. Most recently, Maiya performed at Mercy College and attended New York Fashion Week where she performed “Telfy” at the MEFeater show in addition to attending other shows such as Laquan Smith, Kim Shui, Bronx and Banco and more.

 Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Maiya is known for her big personality and braggy punchlines, with a mission to make everyone feel as confident as she is. Maiya started her career as a makeup artist, but quickly realized her passion for music releasing a few singles that lead to the release of her biggest track to-date “Telfy.” The 21-year-old, inspired by artists before her like Jay Z, Drake, Nicki Minaj & Cardi B, is rising to stardom and she plans on being not only one of the top females in rap, but one of the greatest rappers in the game.

3. Spottie Wifi – The King's Alpha

The famous crypto-punk rapper Spottie Wifi uses his new album The King’s Alpha as a declaration that solidifies his presence in rap culture beyond the metaverse. In 2021, Spottie caught the attention of the rap world when he sold 2000 NFT albums generating $192K in under sixty seconds as an independent artist. Last year, he proved his time in rap is more than a “fifteen minutes of fame” scenario by releasing songs with the likes of Bun B and Bart Oatmeal (NBA legend Baron Davis metaverse character).

The King’s Alpha is a ten-track biography of how Spottie influenced the metaverse/cryptocurrency wave into the rap industry. The opening track has Snoop Dogg giving his praise to Spottie Wifi as an inspiration for getting him familiar with blockchain and NFTs. Bun B flips the term NFT as he rapped “To me an NFT means Nobody Fuckin’ Triller” and raps about making financial moves in the cryptocurrency sector. 

Prior to the album release, Spottie and Jim Jones released the visual for their collaboration “Buy The Dips”. Jim Jones is a known supporter of the cryptocurrency space and even premiered a video for “We Set The Trends” with Migos in 2022 in the metaverse. “Buy The Dips” is a message to the hip-hop culture that the metaverse and cryptocurrency can last in the post-COVID world. 

Additional features include Gold-Rilla, DJ Mal-Ski, Champ Medici, October London, We$, Alan Kingdom, Alec King, Bart Oatmeal, and Psalm One.

4. HUNXHO – 48 Laws Of Power

Atlanta rapper, activist, and “street poet” HUNXHO presents his highly anticipated music video for “48 Laws of Power” today. Directed by Diesel Films, the poignant visual effortlessly conveys the track’s dynamic lyrical content. 

This summer, HUNXHO joins multi-platinum artist Lil Baby on his ‘It’s Only Us’ North American tour. The 32-date trek hits major markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, and more. Tour also features Glorilla, Gloss Up, Rylo Rodriguez and The Kid Laroi

On his 22-track blockbuster body of work, HUNXHO infuses inventive production with his signature melodic flows punctuated by hard-earned knowledge and hypnotic hooks. As his most personal body of work, 22 effectively brings listeners closer than ever to HUNXHO. The number holds a special place in his heart. It signifies home as he grew up on 2nd Ave. It earmarks growth as he inked his first record deal at 22-years-old. Not to mention, the album cover features a tattoo of 22 on his stomach, while the numbers adorn his eyelids.

At the same time, the album uncovers the full picture of who he is. Beyond music, he serves as a mentor to troubled teens who endured similar obstacles. He also exhibits an eternal thirst for knowledge himself as evinced by his musical evolution. He set the stage for 22 with “Uh Huh” [feat. Tee Grizzley]. It’s just starting to gain traction on streaming platforms. Meanwhile, HotNewHipHop raved, “The track is undeniably catchy, showcasing the raw talent and vocal tone of both artists. The production, lyrics, and overall vibe of the song are modern quintessential Atlanta rap, making it a must-listen for any fan of the genre.” Additionally, the project boasts the fan favorite “Thug Baby.”

5. Genia – Dreams

Gaining traction as an artist to watch this year, rising R&B singer and songwriter Genia shares a stirring and soulful cover of the Fleetwood Mac classic “Dreams”today via Def Jam Recordings. 

Accompanied by warm clean guitar, Genia most definitely does the original “Dreams” justice, while adding a touch of her own magic. With a nuanced and deliberate performance, she infuses the track with grit and spirit in equal measure, delivering a relevant and raw homage to this timeless anthem. In the music video, she sits atop a hill in Los Angeles and sings as if addressing the city. While the guitarist plucks the melody on a Fender Strat, Genia captivates once again. 

Everything just sets the stage for her forthcoming debut mixtape 4PM in the Ville out in June.

6. Nonso Amadi ft. Zinoleesky – Lock Up

Globally acclaimed, Canada-based Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Nonso Amadi shares the official music video for his latest single “Lock Up” ft. Zinoleesky out today via Def Jam Recordings/Polydor Records/MCA/Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. Released last month, the track appeared on major global playlists with cover placements, while picking up features in Audiomack Africa, The NATIVE Magazine and Boomplay with over 2.5 million global streams to date. 

The music video, directed by Joe Penney, was shot in Lagos, Nigeria and features Nonso with fellow afrobeats sensation, Zinoleesky, taking to the streets and getting caught up in a precarious situation. The release of the music video today kicks off the one month countdown on Nonso’s debut album release, When It Blooms, out May 26. 

“Lock Up” is shared as the fifth track released ahead of When It Blooms. Amadi skillfully teams up with globally recognized compatriot Zinoleesky to deliver this danceable, up-tempo collaboration. On the partnership, Amadi notes, “’Lock Up’ is an Afro-pop song I wrote sometime back in 2018. It is probably one of the most upbeat songs I’ve done. I bumped into Zinoleesky’s manager at a song camp in Benin Republic and had her listen to the track. Fast forward couple months later Zinoleesky drops his verse and video calls me dancing to it.” Amadi digs deeper into the meaning behind the song, “the actual theme of the song is way edgier than most of my other songs as well. Lock upin Nigerian slang translates to Shut up, so this is me acting strong telling a girl that I like her and willing to tell off anyone who might get in the way of a relationship.”

When It Blooms will arrive as the first comprehensive body of work for Amadi, celebrating years of evolution through experience both as an artist and an individual. In anticipation of the album release, Amadi alludes, “I want people to listen to this project and know who I am and what I’ve gone through. I want to make great songs that tell my story for you. When It Blooms embodies my creative and personal growth, reflecting on my journey up until this point. I feel this message is best represented in the growth from seeds to a flower, uncoiling naturally for you.” The album features four previously released singles including the song that served as the epic return after a hiatus, “Foreigner,” as well as the collaborative track “Different” ft. Majid Jordan, an alliance which has garnered over 17 million global streams, plus “Eye To Eye” which picked up praise from UPROXX, MTV, COMPLEX and the patriotic single “Ease Up.”

Earlier this year, Amadi released a remix with three-time historic JUNO Award winner Savannah Ré for her track “Closure.” Collaborations like this plus with Majid Jordan and Zinoleesky are essential not only to fueling Nonso’s creativity but are also instrumental in continuing to spread the Afrobeats genre globally. Expect many more dynamic collaborations announced with When It Blooms.  

The announcement of a debut album builds off the momentum of a monumental 2022; between being featured as Spotify’s Radar Artist, making the top of the list for Audiomack Africa x The Beat’s “Alte Vibes” playlist, and surpassing over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The SOCAN Foundation announced Nonso Amadi as one of the winners of the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards alongside Adria Kain, AHI, Desarae Dee and Zach Zoya. Amadi cemented himself in the vanguard of the next generation artists bringing Alte and Afro-R&B to the international stage.

Nonso Amadi capped off last year with the announcement that he had been selected to be a part of the ‘VEVO DSCVR Artists to Watch 2023’ list alongside emerging superstars poised to make an impact this year including Armani White, Ice Spice, GloRilla and many more. Amadi is the first domestically signed UMC artist to be selected for this prestigious program.

7. Conway the Machine ft. Jae Skeese –

The road to Conway The Machine’s major label Shady/Interscope Records debut, God Don’t Make Mistakes, was undeniably impactful and incredibly redemptive.  Universally hailed by critics and fans alike, the album was also his commercial breakthrough, as God Don’t Make Mistakes rose to the top of DSP charts and was also his highest-charting Billboard project to date.

While God Don’t Make Mistakes was Conway’s de-facto origin story, it will also serve as the bridge to the next phase of his already decorated career; which begins with his next album Won’t He Do It. 

Now, fans won’t have to wait much longer as Conway has announced that Won’t He Do It will be released on 5-5-23.  In addition to releasing a new single, “The Chosen,” which features his emerging Drumwork Music Group artist Jae Skeese, he also released the album’s track-listing.  Won’t He Do It is now available for pre-order at all DSP’s. 

In addition to the release of Won’t He Do It’s second single. Conway also announced the Won’t He Do It Spring Tour featuring Sauce Walka and Jae Skeese, which will touch down in 18 cities starting on 5-26 in Chicago.  You can visit Conway’s digital HQ for all corresponding tour dates.

Conway The Machine’s new solo album, Won’t He Do It, will be released on May 5 via Drumwork Music Group/EMPIRE.

8. JasonMartin & Harry Fraud – Family Tree

New name, who dis…  In life, your name is your brand.  It’s the connective tissue that gives you and those around you a sense of who you are, and your place in the world.  As an artist, the overarching goal is to cultivate a trusted name and brand that symbolizes cultural value and significance to the masses.   Over the last decade, the artist FKA as Problem has achieved that and then some.  The multi-hyphenate has reached great heights as an artist, producer, film director, business owner (Dubbs Coffee Shop in Hollywood), entrepreneur (his Coffee & Kush Brand), and as a fledging actor (you can catch him in the White Men Can’t Jump Reboot on 5-19-23). 

But as the old adage goes “there is nothing permanent except change,” and change can be healthy.  As we grow it spurs new thoughts, new ideas, and new directions.  When you reach that ideological crossroads as a branded artist, you are faced with two choices; stay the course or reinvention.  Some take the road less traveled, and pave their own path; exit Problem, welcome JasonMartin.

“It was time.  Your name is everything when it comes to this business.  Calling myself Problem at this stage of my life just felt irresponsible and counterproductive; especially when my whole existence has been built off creating solutions for others” JasonMartin affirms.  “I also felt that continuing my career using the name my parents gave me was bigger for the extension of my family tree.  Thank you 2 Chainz for giving me that extra push to do it.” 

To coincide with the name change, JasonMartin is also announcing a new album titled album, I Owe Myself, which will be released on May 12, and a prelude single, “Family Tree”,’ which is produced by Harry Fraud.  “Family Tree” is now available at all DSP’s.

“Family Tree” is a capsule piece.  The last 2-3 years, I’ve dealt with more losses than ever.  Best friends and family members have passed away at a rapid pace.  Restructuring my life and business all while going through the pain that comes with death has undeniably taken its toll” Jason concedes.  “Family Tree” represents perseverance.  You can’t give up when you’re living for things bigger than yourself.  You have to keep going!  Musically, I was able to reconnect with a great friend.  Harry has been one of the most genuine creators I’ve met on my journey.  It was an honor to work with him on this song.” 

While “Family Tree” gives fans an early insight into the new artistic path JasonMartin is now on, he wants to keep things close to the vest.  “I Owe Myself is far different from any other project I’ve ever released in my career.  All the music was created by a new collective of musicians (The Melodikz).  I don’t want to give to much away, but I am super proud of it

JasonMartin’s new album I Owe Myself will be released on May 12. 

9. Stonebwoy – 5th Dimension

Stonebwoy, beloved Ghanaian superstar pioneer of “Afro-Dancehall” – an infectious blend of Reggae, Dancehall, and Fusions from Africa – with over 4 millionfollowers on Instagram and over 3 million on Facebook, releases 5TH DIMENSION, his aptly titled fifth career album, available  via Def Jam Recordings.

In addition to his current tracks “Life & Money” featuring Stormzy, and “More Of You,” 5TH DIMENSION also includes “Therapy,” and “Far Away.”  “Life & Money,” in particular, is a red-hot track showing off the potent fusion of reggae, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and trap talent that has made Stonebwoy one of Africa’s most important new young artists.  Also featured on the 5D album are Shaggy, Mereba, and Davido, among others, plus world renowned multi-Grammy® winning Beninese-French artist Angelique Kidjoon 5D’s climactic closing track, “Manodzi.”  

Stonebwoy is an award-winning superstar who has been placing the continent firmly on the musical map with international touring, standout collaborations, and hugely popular singles since 2012.  He has duetted with international artists including Keri Wilson, Sean Paul, Trey Songz, Burna Boy, Alpha Blondie, and many more.  Stonebwoy has rocked some very notable stages around the world, from Spain’s Rotom Sunsplash Festival(2019) and Puerto Rico’s Afro Nation (2020), to the UK’s Yam Carnival (2021) and the more recent FIFA Fan Festival in Qatar (2022).

Stonebwoy’s numerous awards include Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards, Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, and two Billboard plaques.  He recently became the first Ghanaian artist to hit 100 million streams on the Audiomack platform.  His high-profile presence on social media, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter ensure Stonebwoy’s close connection with fans in every corner of the globe.  

10. OG Compass – Sunny

After bursting onto the Canadian rap scene with his seminal debut EP Reign, breakouts tracks including ‘Tell Me What’s Up’ and ‘Don’t Wake Me Up’, and support from the likes of Billboard, Complex and Spotify, Toronto rap artist and producer OG COMPASS took a year-long hiatus in 2022 to plot his next move, hone his craft even further, and record his sophomore project. The Ontario native is back with a glorious new single titled ‘SUNNY’, as he officially announces his long-awaited and highly anticipated sophomore EP titled Soleil, which will be released at the end of the summer.

‘SUNNY’ is the lead single from OG Compass’ upcoming Soleil EP, and it sees OG invoking sunny days as he looks forward to the summer, while waxing lyrical about being able to enjoy new summer experiences, having escaped the traumas of his past life as a street soldier. The track was written and composed by OG Compass, with production from burgeoning 16-year-old beatsmith YoungSlashProd (May Wave$, LXNER), and it is driven by funky basslines, lush guitar licks, and OG Compass’ smooth cadence and infectious melodies, which all together make for a glorious rap offering.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Sunny’, and how the track came together, OG Compass says, “this track ‘Sunny’ is inspired by summer days, it’s a street soldier’s tale about now being in his brighter days, and how I constantly need to remind myself to keep my cool, because my world is ‘Sunny’ now. The song stems from a freestyle that I made on my last birthday – I hit the studio feeling nice, I was lit, and the champagne was flowing, then the beat came on, and the lyrics just came to me. I punched in the whole thing off the top – no pen, no pad, no ‘RhymeZone’ lol”.

Born and raised in Toronto to first generation Ghanaian immigrants, OG Compass has always been surrounded by amazing music, culture, and heritage, which continue to influence his artistic passion, creativity, and drive. As a child, he tapped into his musical curiosities by learning to play the piano and saxophone, and through his teenage years, he picked up a pen and pad to add lyricism and songwriting to his artistic repertoire – fast forward to 2023, and both endeavours have come together perfectly for OG Compass to reveal the exciting artist and producer that he is today.

11. Slum Village ft. Larry June & The Dramatics – Just Like You

Slum Village’s influence in the underground Hip-Hop world and beyond is undeniable. And while the group’s lineup experienced significant changes over the course of nearly three decades, the Slum Village legacy has continued on the backs of OG member T3 and rapper/producer Young RJ. As the longest standing iteration of the group, their output consists of two mixtapes (2012’s Dirty Slums and 2013’s Dirty Slums 2), and two lauded albums between the years of 2013 and the second half of 2015 (Evolution and Yes!, respectively). Save for 2016’s Vol. 0— which contains early demo recordings from the group’s original trio of Baatin, J Dilla, and T3 –the current duo’s output has been reduced to mostly solo projects and individual features as of late.

Today (4/28/2023) sees those tides begin to change with the release of Slum Village’s new single “Just Like You”. Available on all major digital streaming platforms via Ne’Astra Music/Ingrooves, the smooth tune serves as the lead single from T3 and Young RJ’s first album together in over seven years, and arrives on the final leg of their Fall In Love Tour in Europe. Produced by  Young RJ, “Just Like You” features a guest verse from the Bay Area’s Larry June, and vocals from old school Detroit Soul ensemble The Dramatics. It’s the perfect groove for the advent of the warmer seasons, and retains the classic Slum Village feel.       

“Just Like You” arrives on the heels of Slum Village’s guest feature on Larry June’s “Orange Village”, a standout from his new collaborative album with The Alchemist, The Great Escape. Slum Village’s forthcoming album is slated for release in August. 

12. Aryeé The Gem – To it

The lyric, “Don’t be a hard rock when you really are a gem,” a verse in “Doo Wop (That Thing),” from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, speaks to the importance of being authentic and genuine! While Aryeé The Gem was not even born when Ms. Hill released the classic, Aryeé certainly embodies its message in her persona on and off-stage. From her musical to fashion style, Aryeé’s vibe is vibrant yet chill, low-key confident with a strong sense of self, and most importantly, authentic! The rising artist, singer/songwriter is now signed to Saint & Citizen Music Group and will release her next EP in the Summer of 2023. 

The first single from her upcoming EP, “To It,” written by Aryeé and produced by Trakmatik is a reflective song about overcoming obstacles and finding the strength to handle your business while working and building within yourself. ‘To It’ explores the uncertainty that we all go through as we grow into the person we’re meant to be. Learning to love me unconditionally was a process! I’ve been through a lot of different shifts in my life. I had a non-traditional upbringing and had to do the work to evolve into who I’ve become. In this song I pay homage to the process of getting through pain, grief, loneliness, and trauma to activate a frequency of moving forward. If the only constant thing we have in life is change, then we all must keep getting to it.

Meeting Saint & Citizen Music artist evrYwhr, on a now-defunct app called Voisey, led to a deal with the label. “I went from recording projects for SoundCloud on Garage Band to connecting with evrYwhr on Voisey. I feel at home with Saint & Citizen. I found my musical family. The energy of the music I’m creating now is way more high-quality than I could have imagined. It’s the best music I’ve made in my entire life – from the collaborative aspects of it, the intentionality, the essence. Each song has a purpose and meaning. The music I’m making now feels like it matters! It resonates!” Aryeé The Gem’s  EP will release Summer 2023.

13. Baby Rose – Through And Through

Firmly one of the decade’s most striking voices, Baby Rose releases her highly anticipated sophomore album, Through and Through via Secretly today. In celebration, Rose shares a stirring new video for her striking single “Dance With Me,” which is directed by Eric Saulsberry.

Featuring explosive collaborations with Smino and Georgia Anne Muldrow, Through and Through shows Rose like we have never seen or heard her before. Sonically, the album sees Rose carving out a lane for herself that is unrestricted by genres and showcases her extraordinary range as a skilled singer, songwriter and executive producer. Paired with her one-of-a-kind voice, Through and Through exists like nothing else in music at the moment. The album has already received critical acclaim from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, People Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, V Magazine, FADER, ESSENCE, Complex, MTV and more.  

Additionally, Rose will be embarking on her co-headlining Through The Soul tour with beloved artist Q. The unprecedented run will bring to life the spectacular sonic worlds of both artists through one-of-a-kind performances spanning across their respective dynamic catalogs. The trek will kick off on May 28th in Toronto, ON and wrap on June 25th in Washington, DC.

14. Tee Grizzley & Skilla Baby – Controversy

Representing the union of two of Motor City’s finest lyricists and leading superstars, multiplatinum Detroit storyteller Tee Grizzley and rising hip-hop phenom Skilla Baby proudly present their anxiously awaited joint mixtape, Controversy, out now via 300 Entertainment/Grizzley Gang. 

In tandem with the project’s arrival, they just uncovered the music video for the standout single “Striker Music.” A melodic piano loop snakes around a glitchy beat as the rappers serve up one of the most chantable choruses on the project with stomping intensity.

Cinematic flare has defined the rollout of Controversy though. “B&E Part 1” hinges on a conversation between Tee Grizzley and Skilla as they find themselves in the midst of a home invasion and robbery gone horribly wrong. At first, Tee urges, “Let’s get back to the crib and add up what we got,” only to realize, “This shit a chase.” By the time the police swarm the scene, he argues with his cohort, “Let’s change our clothes and walk up like we’re nosy that’s the coldest play.” The video displays this action in real-time.

The 12-track body of work proves unprecedented. It unexpectedly brings together two Detroit luminaries, crossing perceived lines and teaming up to deliver one of the year’s hottest collaborations. About their union,

Tee commented, “Me and Skilla went and made something we can both be proud of for our city, and we ain’t stopping with this.”

Skilla agreed, “At grizzley camp we eat the most… This project should separate us from the competition.”

Fittingly, the project begins with the title track “Controversy.” Over ominous piano, Tee declares, “They can’t fuck with me, and they can’t fuck with Skilla”—as they only consistently prove this statement throughout the duration of the mixtape. “Gorgeous” showcases another side of their chemistry as Skilla muses, “I keep on talking to my wrist like you gorgeous.” It’s on “Grizzley Camp” that Tee sums it up best, “Anywhere that me and Skilla pop out, that bitch going up!”

They set the stage for Controversy with the single “Dropped The Lo.” Immediately, REVOLT hailed their “undeniable musical chemistry.”

In advance of the release, Tee and Skilla gave away Playstation 5 consoles to fans in Detroit, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Brooklyn. Additionally, they have been doing Call of Duty voucher giveaways for their fans.

Last month, Tee Grizzley and Skilla Baby electrified the stage together at 313 Day in Detroit. Alongside the likes of Babyface Ray, Tay B, and Sada Baby, the energetic pair ignited crowds, while celebrating the city’s spirit at the historical Fillmore Detroit. “Dropped The Lo” lands in the wake of Tee Grizzley’s epic 2022 LP, Chapters of the Trenches. 

15. RJAE – Her Favorite Jhené Aiko Song

New Orleans hip hop and R&B artist, RJAE has dropped his newest single, “Her Favorite Jhene Aiko Song.” 

In the track, the NOLA artist explores the depth of recent heartbreak. Within the track, RJAE vulnerably shares his struggle being left behind and iced out by a former lover. RJAE’s story tells his reflections through harmonizing vocals against the backdrop of lo-fi beats. While he shares he’s “still getting used to this pain,” he remains optimistic “praying that it all works out” – tapping into a spiritual side to heal he learned from none other than the one that broke his heart. 

The emotional track continues to showcase RJAE’s lyrical depth and explores more deeply his vocal range which can also be heard in his recent freestyle cover of Jhene Aiko’s “W.A.Y.S.” 

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 just last week. No stranger to performing on the road, RJAE has also opened for No Cap during his nationwide Mr. Crawford Tour and has hit the nation’s hottest festival stages like Rolling Loud.  

RJAE was joined by P Yungin, Rojay MLP, NBA Herm, Quando Rondo, Meechy Baby among others on YoungBoy’s Never Broke Again 2022 project, Green Flag Activity.  

The multifaceted artist has also received public cosigns by genre heavyweights like mentors A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. RJAE continues to rapidly ascend as the next leading breakout star from the NBA camp. 

16. Heem ft. Conway the Machine & Stove God Cooks – Cocaine County

BIG BSF IS BACK!  Thriving in his closer role, Heem put a bow on BSF’s 2020 with his Long Story Short project with Green Lantern & DJ Shay.  Curated and championed by the late, great DJ Shay and Hosted by DJ Green Lantern, Long Story Short featured appearances from Benny The Butcher, Rick Hyde & Boldy James, along with production from DJ Shay, Jansport J and DJ Green Lantern. 

More recently, Heem appeared on the standout track from BSF’s Long Live DJ Shay project, “Times Is Rough,” which also featured Benny The Butcher and Rick Hyde and was produced by DJ Premier. 

Now, Heem returns with the announcement of his sophomore BSF project, From The Cradle To The Game, and the project’s lead single “Cocaine County,” which also features Conway The Machine & Stove God Cooks.  “Cocaine County” is now available at all DSP’s. 

Heem’s From The Cradle To The Game will be released on May 12 via BSF/MNRK Records

17. Pap Chanel – Left Right

Atlanta’s finest, Pap Chanel, is back with her latest music video release for “LEFT RIGHT” today via 4th & Broadway/1865/Def Jam Recordings.  

The music video, directed Young Chang, vividly displays celebrations of H.B.C.U. culture with a backdrop of marching bands and majorettes as the most popular in class, Pap Chanel exudes confident verses & high-packed energy. Pap, in her latest visual, rallies in jubilation as she paves the road for her highly anticipated new project PAPTIVITIES, set to be released on May 12. 

The call-to-action, the party-enticing track “LEFT RIGHT” is now met with a larger-than-life visual to match as Pap Chanel showcases her Pretty & Paid principles and effortless swagger. Given the natural, irresistible base-booming beat aided by a cheer-like chant, Pap brings the world to her school of thought in literal form. “LEFT RIGHT” was released earlier this year and received a heavy dose of praise. The track was coined one of the best Hip Hop releases via XXL as Billboard stated, “If you want to be pretty and paid, take a page out of Pap Chanel’s book. Luckily, the budding Atlanta rapper is handing out free game on her latest offering, “Left, Right.” The track carries a militant theme, as Pap Chanel lets it be known that she’s keeping everyone in line” via the publications R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks column of the week. 

After releasing a string of smash singles, her most recent project, Pretty & Paid 2.0(2020), and today’s music video release of “LEFT RIGHT,” listeners will want to stay tuned for more news on #PAPTIVITIES! 

18. Big Freedia ft. Ciara – $100 Bill

Big Freedia is back with more hotness bound to get listeners booty-shakin. Today the NOLA Bounce icon unleashed a fiery new single “$100 Bill”featuring Ciara via her label Queen Diva (ADA Worldwide).

The upbeat dance track – driven by sunny guitars, funky basslines, and bouncy beats – is the perfect ego boost anthem. The lyrics are full of positive affirmations to hype anyone’s inner baddie, with Freedia gassing up audiences chanting “So fresh, so clean! Lookin expensive!” while Ciara confidently sings, “Walkin lookin like a 100-dollar bill, new money that’s how I feel”.

“’$100 Bill’ is about feelin like new money hot off the press! Big money! Feelin fresh and extra fabulous, but mostly about feeling good in your own skin. Owning your walk, your talk, your scent, your ride, anything that makes you feel like your best self”, says Big Freedia and adds, “Ciara and I have been talking about working together for a while, so this track was perfect with her.”

Ciara adds, “The first time I heard this song I thought the melodies were infectious. But also, even before that, Freedia and I have had such an amazing chemistry since we met, we both talked about working together. I asked Freedia to join my song ‘Winning’, and we definitely had winning energy on that record, and I feel like that energy has continued on $100 Bill. The record is melodic, it’s a song for everyone from little kids to the grandmas, it just makes you feel joy.”

The new single comes at the heels of Freedia’s twerk anthem and celebration of everything New Orleans, “Central City Freestyle.” The dance-floor ready tune provided fans a small taste of what Big Freedia has in store this year. Press hailed “Central City Freestyle” as “exhilarating” (Paper) and “a vehicle for Freedia’s irresistible charm” (Consequence), with Billboard summing it up best: “Quite simply, if you’re not dancing by the end of this song, then you just weren’t listening close enough.”

Everyone is excited about what she’s doing for music and the culture. In mid-April Freedia was also tapped for a special partnership with Netflix for their Strong Black Lead sub-brand to create a “Hey, Queen” bounce remix tied to the streamer’s forthcoming project, “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.” This month she also made history as the first bounce artist to collaborate with an orchestra, joining the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for a performance at the Orpheum Theatre.

With more music, tour dates, and incredible partnerships in the wings, fans should keep their ears to the ground for what the living legend known as Big Freedia does next

19. Danileigh – Tasty

Back with a bang, billion-streaming buzzworthy singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer, and producer DaniLeigh serves up a scorching new single entitled “Tasty” today via Def Jam Recordings. It marks her first release of 2023. 
She turns up the heat on top of a thick bass line as her vocals drip over the seductive beat. The Miami phenomenon unapologetically delivers a ton of double entendre during raw and raunchy verses topped off with the hook, “I’m tasty,” and a command, “Savor it.” This arrestingly catchy anthem might just be her boldest to date…

Last year, she captivated with the critical and fan favorite MY SIDE EP. Highlighted by “Dead To Me”and “Heartbreaker,” it has generated over 10 million cumulative streams and counting. In addition to plugs from Complex and more, Rated R&B praised, “My Side is by far DaniLeigh’s most forthcoming project to date,” and HotNewHipHop noted, “The project chronicles her heartache as well as perspective.”

Danileigh kicks off her most confident and charismatic chapter yet now. Get ready!

“Tasty” is just the beginning.

20. Amir Obè – After

Amir Obè, the Detroit singer and songwriter, returns with after, his long-awaited debut album via Def Jam Recordings available today. With after, Obè reintroduces himself to the current musical landscape by blending auto-tuned theatrics with wistful reflection about the past few years, yet still showing an ability to continue to craft progressive R&B hooks that emulate the peak dance-pop acts of the late ’80s.  Collaborators include songwriter and Max Martin, protégé Elof Loelv, Brooklyn producer Dot Da Genius, and Obè’s day-one collaborator NYLZ.  Ahead of the album release, Obé shared a 3-track bundle before. featuring PartyNextDoor on “Talk To Me Nice.” Speaking on the album Obé says, “It’s more of a reintroduction to my artistry and an introspective project…but it’s me evolving to the sound of now.  It’s very moody, but I think it’s presented in a way that’s not dour and more flattering, with short storytelling elements.”