New Music Roundup (August 12th - August 16th)

1. CDQ ft. Serenita – One Night

‘ONE NIGHT’ is the captivating new single from Nigerian indigenous rap icon CDQ, serving as his first solo single of 2024, and follow-up to his latest album Mood and Ecstasy, which was released in November last year. Featuring fast-rising South African songstress Serenita, the mesmerizing ‘One Night’ also marks a significant milestone in CDQ’s career – for the first time ever, the award-winning Nigerian rap star delivers his rap verses entirely in English, stepping away from his trademark Yoruba flows to showcase a new facet of his artistic expression. The bold move highlights CDQ’s versatility, penchant for pushing the boundaries, and commitment to taking his music across the world.

Together with the immensely talented vocalist Serenita, CDQ has created a glorious fusion of indigenous afrobeats, contemporary R&B, and hip-hop on ‘One Night’. Driven by lush acoustic guitars, infectious drum patterns, and timely trumpets, the song is held together by catchy lyrics from CDQ, Serenita’s beautiful vocal performance, and an unforgettable chorus that lingers long after the music stops. The track reveals a softer and more romantic side to CDQ that contrasts his usual street-centric themes. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a romantic evening, fuelled by infatuation and desire, as CDQ crafts a compelling tale of fleeting love and intimacy, with Serenita’s voice adding depth and emotion.

‘One Night’ is a testament to CDQ’s evolution and global outlook as an artist. It not only showcases his lyrical dexterity across languages, but also his ability to experiment with different styles and themes. The single’s catchy hook and polished production make it an instant earworm, destined to dominate airwaves and playlists throughout the summer. ‘One Night’ marks a new chapter in CDQ’s musical journey, offering fans a glimpse of his dynamic range and continued relevance in today’s evolving afrobeats music landscape. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or a newcomer to his music, ‘One Night’ is a must-listen that underscores CDQ’s status as an innovative artist, and leader in African rap music.

2. Nate Mercereau

Today, multi-instrumentalist Nate Mercereau, who is currently on André 3000’s New Blue Sun tour, announced his new album Excellent Traveler out October 11 on Third Man Records. The imaginative record is comprised of a vast array of sounds recorded by Mercereau during his travels, his day-to-day life, and his studio sessions with artists like André 3000, Shabaka Hutchings, Kamasi Washington, Carlos Niño, and more. As a creative artist at the forefront of modern sonic expression, Mercereau uses guitar-controlled samples and synthesizers to create immersive multidimensional landscapes and invites listeners to explore infinite palaces of possibility. Pre-order Excellent Traveler here.

Alongside the announcement is the release of the lead single “Sound Within Sound,” which was one of the first pieces to come together for Excellent Traveler as Mercereau sampled André 3000’s flute and Carlos Niño’s drums during a 2022 session in LA.

Listen to “Sound Within Sound” here.    

“The title ‘Sound Within Sound’ relates to how I think about some of this music, the music created with other music, as Worlds Within Worlds and Worlds Beyond… Expanded into Possible Realities. The main flute and drum sample is a moment of André 3000 and Carlos Niño when they first picked up their instruments to make sound to get levels (during a 2022 session in Hollywood), as played with my guitar later in my home studio in Tujunga,” shares Nate Mercereau. “I felt there was more to explore with this motif that they were playing, so I zoomed in on it, and created more with it. I’m grateful to both of them for being supportive of me making more music with our music. In my set up I have a microphone, which is connected to a sampler, which is controlled by the guitar. When the group is playing something I want to play, I can record what’s happening in the room, drop it into the sampler, and play the sound of the group with the guitar. It maps to the fretboard so I can play it at any pitch and speed. With this approach, Anything can become an instrument. All Possible Realities Are Available. ‘Sound Within Sound’ is a version of a Possible Reality. Reality Expanded. I’m currently on tour in Europe with André and Carlos (and Deantoni and Surya), so it feels great to introduce this new album with a piece of music featuring two of my Traveling creative brothers.”

Excellent Traveler is Mercereau’s version of a solo guitar album following the release of his critically acclaimed records Joy Techniques and SUNDAYS. As penned in the album notes by Carlos Niño, this exquisite album of spontaneous solo composition, nuanced improvisation, and exploratory world creation features living legends Laraaji, Luis Pérez Ixoneztli, Idris Ackamoor, André 3000, and frequent collaborators Carlos Niño and Surya Botofasina. Mercereau’s (3 years young) daughter Juniper is also on the album. Kamasi Washington, Shabaka Hutchings, Cavana Lee, V.C.R, Anaiah Rasheed Muhammad, Dwight Trible, Andres Renteria, and Aaron Shaw all intersect in Mercereau’s psychedelic quests and adventures as well.

“I feel like I, and we, contain the vastness of all infinite potential, and in that potential, my imagination and feelings about it go beyond words, and it’s all in the music!” Mercereau continues, “My greatest inspirations in life and music come from feeling a sense of infinite possibility, because I do believe that’s what is available in Life on Planet Earth and Beyond. I focus on opening myself up to this freedom as much as I can, and it’s something I maintain awareness of and cultivate in all aspects of my life and creativity. Freedom is very important, I offer it to myself and to others around me. I feel very alive and tuned in when experiencing, hearing, seeing and doing things that remind me that anything can happen.”

Known for his writing and production credits on records by household names such as Jay-Z, John Legend, and Leon Bridges, Nate Mercereau is currently buzzing for his contributions to André 3000’s album, New Blue Sun. At the vanguard of electroacoustic compositions, he seized the opportunity of recording duets with the Golden Gate Bridge in 2021 after reading an article on San Francisco residents complaining about the landmark’s eerie hum–see NPR piece here.

3. Fousheé – war

Fousheé expands her Pointy Heights universe with new single “war” and accompanying visualizer out everywhere now. Her second album Pointy Heights debuts September 13th on RCA Records. 

Opening with the line “bad girls don’t fuss – they’d rather be living a life of harmony,” Fousheé keeps the peace on “war.” The track, which is set to vintage calypso style instrumentals with a downbeat coastal sensibility, is perfect for those looking to embrace the calm and eke out the last few weeks of summer.

Pointy Heights was announced earlier this month alongside the Steve Lacy-produced lead single “still around,” featuring a propulsive groovy bassline and a music video shot on her family’s property in Jamaica.

The LP shares its name with the land her grandfather purchased in Jamaica, with the intention that her whole family could build homes and live there. With Pointy Heights, Fousheé zigs out of the frenetic R&B-punk of her acclaimed previous album, softCORE, as she paints an entirely new sonic palette. Playing the part of singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, we enter a world shaped by her home, where old school, indie Reggae, rhythms buoy dance-friendly melodies and a natural cool that makes her the go-to collaborator for today’s biggest artists. The album is a 180 by an artist who makes genres feel like quaint ideas of a bygone era. In Pointy Heights, Fousheé makes an entirely new sound, an effortlessly bold move from an artist who has created one of the most adventurous, melodically resonant records of the year.

Pointy Heights is rich with crackling bass lines, spangly guitar parts, and rollicking, sharp drum sounds, all anchored by the next level songwriting that has defined Fousheé since her first project – time machine – was released three years ago. Her songwriting prowess has made her one of the most sought-after collaborators of the last few years, collaborating with Childish Gambino’s Donald Glover, Steve Lacy, Teezo Touchdown, Lil Yachty, and more.

If her breakthrough hit “Deep End” introduced Fousheé to the world, softCORE brought Fousheé front and center. When it was released, 2022’s softCORE exploded out of nowhere, the equivalent of a sugar high times ten filtered through a redefining of what is expected from female artists; it was met with massive acclaim and excitement and launched Fousheé into her own lane of exceptionalism. Following its release, Fousheé won a Grammy for her work on friend and collaborator Steve Lacy’s breakthrough hit “Bad Habit,” in addition to seeing her open for Lacy throughout the world in the year that followed. Fousheé received love from the likes of Rolling Stone, GQ, Alternative Press, Office Magazine, Variety, HommeGirls, NME, The Guardian, Crack Magazine, and more around softCORE; she played NPR’s Tiny Desk; she sat front row at Paris Fashion Week at shows by Chanel, Givenchy, and more. softCORE basically brought Fousheé to the world and the world to Fousheé.

Ultimately, the path around the globe took her back to Jamaica, where her family is from; a place she had not been to since she was six years old. Fousheé had been in the middle of writing songs for her next project when the trip happened, and it literally changed everything. She scrapped the songs on which she’d been working and started anew, using elements of the music that was literally in her blood to help push her songwriting and sounds forward. The result stands uniquely, brilliantly on its own as an album unlike any other and one of the best
records of 2024.

4. Ben Böhmer – Rust

Today, award-winning artist and producer Ben Böhmer shares his newest single, “Rust.” The track continues the lead up to Böhmer’s third studio album, Bloom, arriving September 27 via Ninja Tune. 

While the previous singles serve as a quite stark departure from Ben’s signature sound—he’s determined to break out of the pre-fabricated boxes he’s been put—”Rust” is a callback for his fans who adore the sound of his previous projects. Begin Again (2021) and Breathing (2019) earned Ben immense success (nearly 1 billion plays, and 200 shows in 2022 alone), but he found himself being pulled too far in a direction that wasn’t meant to define him. Identifying more as a composer/songwriter, Ben set out to write Bloom as a reset, sharing music that shows the breadth and depth of his talent. “Rust,” within the context of the previous singles, shows that the dreamy, melodic house that his fans love, is still a key part of his sound, while he continues to branch out.  

“Rust” follows the previously released, Pitchfork-supported “Hiding,” a collaboration with award-winning dream pop icon Lykke Li, and the lead single “Best Life,” with one of Ben’s favorite collaborators, JONAH, earlier this year. The new single is a powerful, piano-led track with a steady rhythm, featuring swathes of orchestral crescendos and soft, delicate interludes, evoking the rich palette of emotions he’s known for. 

Ben is fresh off several major performances, including festivals such as Lollapalooza, Sonar by Night and Electric Forest, and serving as direct support for ODESZA at The Gorge, BMO Stadium, and Madison Square Garden. Looking ahead, he’ll round out his North American tour with a stop at Portola before embarking on an Australian tour, on track to sell out across the continent, where he’ll perform in music halls across Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne (currently sold out). Then, he’ll head back to Europe for a string of massive fall shows (46k capacity total), including a stop at the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace.

Ben’s music and live performances have earned him widespread acclaim from fans and tastemakers alike. In 2023, he completed the biggest-ever North American live touring run while reaching 4 million monthly Spotify listeners and accumulating over 1.3M social followers across all platforms. His Cercle set has surpassed 32 million views and is now one of the top 10 most viewed electronic music sets of all time on YouTube. He’s shared festival stage bills with the likes of Caribou, Four Tet, Bicep, Jamie xx, and Amelie Lens, and in 2022, launched Portraet, his four-night residency at the open-air Ibiza club Cova Santa, enlisting Barry Can’t Swim, HAAi, Sofia Kourtesis and more to play alongside him. 
 

5. Joe West – Dama Beuga

Today, rising hip-hop phenomenon, artist, and model Joe West has just dropped his latest single, “Dama Beuga,” via Akademy Records/Uptown Records/Republic Records. This track is available now on all major streaming platforms and is poised to be a defining moment in Joe West’s burgeoning career.

Listen to “DAMA BEUGA”: HERE

Joe West, the Harlem-raised recording artist of Senegalese descent, merges every aspect of his cultural background making a fun new summer anthem.  Unflinching confidence and swag pulses through his flashy lyrics about dressing fly, moving like he’s 50 Cent, and living it up with beautiful women in the club. The song title and recurring chant translates to the phrase “I want you” in Wolof, his native tongue. 

As Joe West continues to rise in the music scene, “Dama Beuga” is set to further establish his reputation as an artist who seamlessly fuses different genres and cultural influences. His journey from Harlem to the international stage is a testament to his talent and relentless drive.

The track notably follows the recent banger “TOTM,” which Joe has also performed on On The Radar platform. Watch HERE. He also released “Switch” feat. A Boogie wit da Hoodie. Beyond piling up millions of streams and counting, HipHopEargasm applauded it as a “melodic masterpiece,” while 24Hip-Hop attested, “West has swiftly soared into the limelight.” Plus, “Switch” landed in the wake of “Uno.” The latter notably entered daily rotation on “Fortnite Radio” where it reached an audience of 350 million registered users.

Following co-signs from the likes of A$AP Rocky and more, Joe recently supported Soulja Boy on a string of East Coast dates on the “SOULJAWORLD” Tour. He took the stage in Maine with A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.

6. Iman Nunez – Current Location

Yonkers rapper Iman Nunez has produced his new single, “Current Location!” In his new song, listeners can explore the lyricism that Iman continues to share: expressing loyalty, not needing acceptance, and proving others wrong. He reflects on how he second-guesses people’s actions as “Current Location” dives into the truths of a relationship requiring a test of loyalty. 

Iman raps, “Loose tongues can’t hang around me, we cut them off, incisions. Same game, just new emotions. New lanes with newer potions. New money means newer motion… can’t make you understand I’m out for blood. Same time I was looking out for a couple of peers and was left in dust, broke the bank just to up the ranks in a different state until I pulled the plug…”

The single is produced by Haysuse and mixed by Mike Kuz. In the video, Directed By: Isaiah Sosa & Iman Nunez, Shot & Edited By: TwentyTwoTime, Iman can be seen riding around different parts of Yonkers, telling his story.

Tune into Iman Nunez for new content on his newest album, Phases, Vol. 2, Presented by On The Radar, and interviews to get to know him more. 

7. Juvenile Baby – Talm Bout

8. Okay Kaya – Check Your Face

Today, multifaceted Norwegian-American pop auteur Okay Kaya returns with her new single “Check Your Face” off her highly anticipated album, Oh My God—That’s So Me, out September 6th. Coinciding with the track is a Lou Beauchard-directed stop-motion video depicting the song’s bewildering world of emotions. To better illustrate the song’s underlying playful nature, Kaya picked out a famous quote by Australian journalist-writer Clive James: “Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.” 

She adds, “Wrote this slacker disco song about wanting to be, if not a not a brightsider, then at least a belly laugher. Sometimes tricky to access just that bliss, but if you’re happy and you know it, check your face! It was fun and warming to make this track on the island during a frigid winter. It was a quiet time without much social stimuli. If you’re gonna dance alone in your basement, might as well make a song-to-dance match.”

“Check Your Face” serves as the latest offering from the new album and joins the previously released singles “The Groke”, paired with an otherworldly visual directed by Julia Patey, and the piano-led ambiance of “Undulation Days”.

Alongside the upcoming album release, Okay Kaya will embark on her North American and European tour. The North American leg of the tour will kick off in New York on September 5 at Xanadu, with stops in Montreal, Toronto, Austin, and Atlanta before wrapping in Los Angeles on September 13 at Teragram Ballroom. The European and UK run will follow shortly after – full list of dates below. Tickets are on sale now at https://okay-kaya.com/.

Following sold-out shows in London and Berlin and now on the cusp of launching her fourth LP, Okay Kaya is an artist at the peak of ambivalent lyrical mastery. Known for a trademark style of songwriting that juxtaposes the unglamorousness, instinctiveness, and emotional toils of the human experience with saccharine sweet, rapturing vocal melodies, Kaya has pioneered an anti-poetic style of art that frees a generation from the weight of constant perception. 

An enduring ability to connect beauty with blunt day-to-day mundanity strikes Kaya’s songwriting as a once-in-a-generation skill. On Oh My God – That’s So Me, Kaya doubles down on the self-realized nature of 2022’s SAP, with much of the composition and production being led by herself, sometimes in perfect seclusion following the move to a new island home last year. Only accessible by boat, the island created a set of limitations, from collaboration opportunities to access to mainland activities, that became a tool for creating the record. Alone time enabled her to abstract concepts of multi-platform existence and the reality of navigating the make-believe in art.

9. RINI – Your Ecstacy

Today, breakout R&B artist RINI releases “Your Ecstasy,” a blissful new cut from his hotly anticipated Lucky 7 EP, due September 6. Listen to “Your Ecstasy” HERE via Warner Records. Featuring psychedelic, alt-rock vibes and moody, inviting lyrics, the after-hours anthem is the perfect addition to the crooner’s already impressive discography. It’s accompanied by a suitably evocative video -watch HERE.

“Why do I feel like I’m under your spell? Is it black magic? Can’t tell,” RINI sings over a thumping bassline and swaggering percussion. “Just do whatever you want to me.” As the sexy, soulful chorus kicks in, he belts: “Baby I stay up late, take your time, I’ll wait — come around, and around in your ecstasy.” Audacious and enthralling, it promises exciting new sonic horizons from the forthcoming Lucky 7 EP. 

The sultry tone of “Your Ecstasy” is reflected in the video, which finds RINI sharing a heart-shaped bed with a companion. With dreamy lighting, psychedelic filters, and a distinctly retro aesthetic, the visual deftly conveys the feeling of being completely and utterly under someone’s spell. Watch the video HERE.

“Your Ecstasy” arrives on the heels of RINI’s laid-back stunner “Matter to You,” as well as “Miracle,” an understated, easy-breezy jam. Those tracks represent his first new music since the release of the moody “Your Eyes” last spring. It was preceded by his critically acclaimed UltraViolet EP, which contained the pop-adjacent “Pressure” and hip-hop-leaning “Selfish” featuring BEAM. On Spotify alone, RINI’s emotional tunes have racked up more than 200 million streams. 

With the arrival of “Your Ecstasy,” RINI confirms his status as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices. 

10. Flo Milli – Toast

Today, Alabama’s very own princess of rap Flo Milli drops the official video for her new hit single “Toast” via RCA Records –  watch HERE.  The visual, directed by LEFF, is not only an anthem for the ladies, but a celebration of empowerment and style. The latest visual comes after the release of her album Fine Ho, Stay, which was the third release from her trilogy – 2022’s You Still Here Ho? and 2020’s Ho, Why Is You Here?.

The 14-track album Fine Ho, Stay, sees Flo Milli branching out – fusing more R&B and pop sounds while staying true to her roots with hard-hitting bars throughout. The new album includes her hit Platinum single “Never Lose Me” as well as a remix of the song featuring SZA & Cardi B – LISTEN HERE. Other features include Monaleo, Anycia and Gunna, the latter she joined on his headlining Bittersweet North American tour this past spring. On Spotify alone, Flo’s garnered over 1 billion streams worldwide.

2024 has been a huge year for Flo as her original version of “Never Lose Me” blew up, reaching Platinum status and peaking the #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on Billboard’s TikTok Top 50. The track debuted at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and #26 on Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs. It also earned her first top 10 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at its peak the song had 300M views a day on TikTok, with 388k creations in its first 2 days on the platform. Notably, the song was added to Spotify’s coveted playlists Today’s Top Hits, Rap Caviar and more. Flo made her late-night debut in January performing “Never Lose Me” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She most recently had an outstanding NPR Tiny Desk performance that went live in June to give Black women in music their flowers in honor of Black Music Month.

11. Montell Fish – Don't You Love Me? (COLORS Performance)

12. Hayden James – All In

Australian multi-platinum artist Hayden James has released his latest single ‘All In’ out now via Future Classic. ‘All In’ serves as the fifth and final single off James’ forthcoming third studio album We Could Be Love out September 13.

Capturing the shiny classic house rhythms and sultry pop sensibilities that fans can expect throughout James’ new album, ‘All In’ is a blissful and uplifting late-night heater. Instantly addictive, ‘All In’ floods its listeners with feelings of euphoria through James’ breezy arrangement of bright piano melodies, bouncy basslines and lustful lyricism that professes, “Since the beginning I’ve been all in”. Endearing yet energetic, ‘All In’ is driven by the dance floor motivation that defines James’ We Could Be Love era. 

“‘All In’ is a personal favorite off the album. I feel people will really connect with this one. It’s about being with that special someone all the way.. through thick and thin… all the bullshit.. this person just has your back. Kareen Lomax and I wrote this in LA last year in just one session and it all just clicked. Excited to have this one out in the world.” – Hayden James

Co-written by Kareen Lomax, ‘All In’ joins previously released singles ‘Patience’ with Karen Harding, ‘Deep Diving’ with UK songstress SHELLS, ‘Make It’ with fellow Aussie producer Kormak, and the titular ‘We Could Be Love’ with electro-pop duo AR/CO. Set to feature new collaborations with Izzy Bizu, Tudor, Ross Quinn, and more, We Could Be Love acts as a sonic capsule that stretches from his roots in Australia’s house music scene to the influences of American and UK underground sounds. Through an 11-track collection of effortless yet emotive club ready songs, We Could Be Love catalogs James’ evolution over the last decade and sees the artist blending past and present inspirations. 

Since breaking out in 2013 with ‘Permission to Love’, Hayden James has gone on to release revered platinum-certified hits ‘Numb’ feat. GRAACE, and ‘Just Friends’. James continued his run with a string of beloved singles in 2023, ‘Do You Want Me’ with Bob Moses, ‘Beggin’ You’ with SAYGRACE, and ‘Nevermind’ with Jillian Loux. 

We Could Be Love will mark James’ third album, following his ARIA-nominated 2019 debut Between Us and 2022 LIFTED. Earlier this year, James launched his new Just Friends party series in Sydney in April, with its second edition following last month in Gold Coast. This Fall, Hayden James will set out on his headline We Could Be Love Tour supported by Laurence Guy and Kormak – tickets are available here.

Stream Hayden James’ new single ‘All In’ available now on all platforms and pre-order We Could Be Love here.

13. 42 Dugg – Org

14. Thisizlondon ft. Ayra Starr & 6LACK – PINACOLADA

Grammy-nominated producer and rising global music sensation Thisizlondon has just dropped his debut single, “PINACOLADA,” featuring the dynamic Ayra Starr and the soulful 6lack. Released via Love Renaissance Records (LVRN), the 24-year-old from Kaduna, Nigeria is set to release the soundtrack of late summer, offering a refreshing blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop elements that showcase the versatility and creativity of all three artists.

“PINACOLADA” is an intoxicating blend of smooth melodies and rhythmic beats, perfect for those long summer nights. The track sees Ayra Starr delivering her signature vibrant vocals, while 6lack adds a layer of depth with his emotive lyrics, creating a sonic experience that is both invigorating and soothing.

Thisizlondon, known for his eclectic and hit-making production style, expressed his excitement about the release, saying, “With ‘PINACOLADA,’ I wanted to create a vibe that captures the essence of summer—something that’s both chill and energizing. Working with Ayra and 6lack was incredible; they each brought their unique flavor to the track, making it something truly special.”

Ayra Starr also shared her thoughts on the collaboration: “This song is everything! ‘PINACOLADA’ is a track that makes you feel good, and it was amazing working with ThisIzLondon and 6lack. We had so much fun creating this, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it and feel the same energy we felt in the studio.”

6lack added, “There’s something magical about this track. The way our voices and styles blended on ‘PINACOLADA’ was seamless. Thisizlondon crafted the perfect vibe, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I’m sure it’ll be on repeat all summer long.”

With “PINACOLADA,” ThisIzlondon continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeats and global music, solidifying his position as one of the most innovative producers in the industry. This release follows his recent contributions to Rema’s sophomore album HEIS including the hit single “Ozeba” and four tracks from Ayra Starr’s recent album including chart-topping single “Commas,” further proving his ability to craft hits that resonate worldwide.

As ThisIzlondon gears up for more releases and collaborations, “PINACOLADA” marks another milestone in his journey to redefine the sound of modern music. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms. LISTEN HERE.

15. Bay Swag ft. D Lou – Skims

Bursting with energy and innovation, Bay Swag, the dynamic voice of sexy drill, is back with his latest single, “Skims.” Following the success of popular single “Worldwide Sniper,” produced by the acclaimed Cash Cobain, Bay Swag continues to redefine the rap scene with his unparalleled style and charisma.

“Skims” is a testament to Bay Swag’s evolving sound, blending his signature nonchalant melodies with a fresh beat. The track showcases his talent for merging catchy rhythms with his distinctive playful lyricism, creating an irresistible anthem that’s set to make waves.

In addition to the new release, Bay Swag has joined Ice Spice’s highly anticipated ‘Y2K! WORLD TOUR’ for nine cities starting off last night in Chicago and wrapping up in Miami Beach. Fans will have the chance to see Bay Swag perform live alongside Ice Spice, who previously collaborated with him on the remix of his hit single, “FISHERRR.” 

From his early days influenced by JAY-Z and Lil Wayne, to his rise with hits like “FISHERRR,” Bay Swag has consistently impressed with his unique approach to sexy drill. “Skims” marks a new high point in his career, further establishing him as a leading figure in the genre.

16. Duncan Daniels – Dan Cain: Honesty & Nostalgia

Renowned artist Duncan Daniels shares his highly anticipated album, ‘Dan Cain: Honesty & Nostalgia’, a groundbreaking work that promises to redefine his musical identity. 

Duncan Daniels’ latest album, ‘Dan Cain: Honesty & Nostalgia’, is a masterful blend of heartfelt introspection and rich, evocative soundscapes. This body of work marks a significant departure from his renowned Afrobeats style, venturing boldly into the realms of Alternative Rock and orchestrated compositions. The album showcases Daniels’ versatility as an artist and his unwavering commitment to musical authenticity. In today’s world, the true worth of music is often overlooked. While many artists rely on a good microphone and powerful after effects, the essence of creating timeless music demands more—sometimes even the extremes. 

Capturing that elusive lightning in a bottle means embracing the rawness of live performance. It’s not merely about the voice or the lyrics; it’s about the resonance of each key, the vibration of every string, the whisper of the wind, the heartbeat of the percussive rhythms, and the soul of each melody. It’s about depth, honesty, and a profound sense of nostalgia.

The album is deeply personal, exploring themes of authenticity and nostalgia. Collaborating with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Daniels captures a rich, timeless sound on ‘Holy Water’. The guitar solo in ‘Take My Hand’ recorded during a bomb raid in Odessa by Vitaliy Tkachuk, exemplifies resilience and dedication. Brazilian guitarist Johnatha Bastos, born without hands, delivers an incredible performance on ‘Peacock Feather’ playing with his toes. Promotional photos for the album were shot in the Sistine Chapel with mixing and mastering of one of the singles done at the legendary Abbey Road studios.

Duncan Daniels boasts of over 60,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and has amassed over 6 million streams on all DSPs. The artist has scooped three nominations at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards including in the following categories, Best US-based Male Artist (2011), Music Producer of the Year (2014), and Best Diaspora artist of the Year (2016). He has also received praise from publications like EARMILK, The Hype Magazine, and The Fader.

17. Chase Shakur ft. Destin Laurel – Passenger Seat Princess

Back with no shortage of energy, rising Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Chase Shakur shares a kinetic new single entitled “Passenger Seat Princess” out now via Def Jam Recordings. Listen—HERE.

Rapid-fire snaps set the pace for the track, racing through a shimmering synth loop. As the momentum builds, he flexes his dynamic delivery punctuated by sky-high falsetto. In between carrying the hypnotic chant, he takes a beat to wonder, “Is it enough?” Bumping with a club-ready rhythm and teeming with feeling, it brings undeniable emotion to the dancefloor.

Earlier this year, he dropped the two-pack THE STUNT-MAN PACK—consisting of “YOLANDA” and “OPTIONS.” Beyond reeling in millions of streams, it earned critical acclaim. UPROXX named it among “All The Best New R&B Music From This Week,” elaborating, “The Stunt-Man Pack delivers the uptempo ”Yolanda” and the sultry “Options” as new releases to join his impressive catalog.“ 

Chase recently wrapped up a run supporting The Kid LAROI in nine cities in front of sold out crowds.

Last year, Chase captivated audiences with it’s not you, it’s me… it’s love. Powered up by “x’s n o’s,” “slide,” “143,” and “nite,” the project has already posted over 20 million streams and counting. Attracting tastemaker praise, SHEESH hailed it’s not you, it’s me… it’s love as “everything you could ever want it to be,” going on to applaud, “Chase does a phenomenal job of showcasing his ability to excel in a breadth of songwriting styles.” Plus, HotNewHipHop proclaimed, “he is now a new and enticing voice in the R&B genre.”

18. Lithe ft. NAV – Fall Back

Following an independent explosion with hundreds of millions of streams and widespread global buzz, rising Melbourne-based singer, songwriter, and producer Lithe unveils “Fall Back” now featuring multiplatinum, hip-hop force Nav. Listen HERE via Def Jam Recordings.
 
The original version of the track, from his recently released What Would You Do? EP, catapulted him to another level of worldwide success, amassing over 100 million streams, entering the Spotify Global 50/Viral 50 in over 100 countries and hit the Billboard 100 charts. While back home it topped the ARIA Australian Hip Hop/R&B single charts, with five other songs from the Lithe catalogue also entering the chart. ‘Fall Back’ topped the Global 200 Shazam charts with over one million hits on the platform and became inescapable on social media – shooting to #1 on Instagram Reels, with the sound also being used over 2 million times on TikTok. The explosive success of ‘Fall Back’ was followed by another sold-out headline tour in Australia.
 
Rising out of Melbourne, Australia and onto the global stage, Lithe has quietly conjured up an enigmatic signature sound without comparison. Channeling the stark exhale of late-night alternative and D.I.Y. lo-fi, he instantly captivates. He gained traction with the likes of “Pictures On My Wall,” “Getaway,” and “Change” as well as his Autumn EP in 2022. Arriving as a dynamic performer, he also notably supported Lil TJay and 070 Shake on tour. He kicked off 2024 with “For You” [feat. Roy Woods] before catching fire everywhere with “Fall Back.” He has upcoming performances at Listen Out festival as well as plans for a North American tour this Fall.
 

19. Coco Jones – Sweep It Up

Today, GRAMMY-Award Winning powerhouse singer/songwriter and multi-hyphenate actress Coco Jones releases her highly anticipated second single “Sweep It Up” via High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings – listen HERE. Watch visualizer HERE. The ear-popping, anthemic track comes on the heels of Jones’s first single “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” which was released this past May. Listen to “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” HERE and watch the video for HERE. These two singles set the stage for the release of Coco’s anxiously-awaited new full length album, coming soon.

 “Sweep It Up” serves as a warning to those playing with others’ hearts, that if they can’t figure out what they want in time then somebody else may swoop in and steal it from them. Of the release, Coco says, “I am so excited to give the world an uptempo R&B bop… I’ve been waiting on this for awhile”. “Sweep It Up” was written by Courtney Jones, Lazaro Camejo, & Leon Thomas and produced by London On Da Track, Ray Keys, Jeremy “J Dot” Jones, & Cash Money AP.  

Most recently Jones performed on this year’s BET Awards as part of the Usher tribute, delivering a soulful rendition of his hit single “There Goes My Baby.” Watch HERE. Just last week she was also nominated for her first ever MTV VMA Award for MTV Push Performance of the Year for her breakout single “ICU.”

20. Big Sean – Together Forever

GRAMMY®-nominated multIplatinum artist Big Sean teams up with The Alchemist and releases new single and music video “Together Forever” from his forthcoming sixth studio album Better Me Than You (Def Jam Recordings). Listen HERE and watch HERE.
 
Lyrically, Sean opens the track talking about how he handles the pressures of his day-to-day life and the people who help him maintain his mental clarity. He keeps it blunt from the beginning, “I had to shake the little shit off.” It’s clear that getting to this point wasn’t an easy feat and Sean had to make the most of what life has thrown at him. He thanks his inner circle for inspiring his resilience over a classic The Alchemist beat. The introspection of the track is heightened with the video featuring the duo which opens with a collage of clips that resemble a film reel almost as if it was the opening of a timeless movie.
 
Big Sean first teased the track on social media reclaiming the narrative after some of his music had leaked online posting, “I’m a just start droppin this new music before they leak it all.” Fans clamored to hear the snippet on socials asking when they could expect the full version of the track.
 
With today’s release of “Together Forever,” Sean continues building the hype around his forthcoming sixth studio album Better Me Than You which is now available to pre-save.

21. Lu' – Nerves

Following the success of his debut single “Feva,” and follow up hit “Over,” Arizona Cardinals linebacker and musician Lu’ (@ottawasveryown) returns with his latest Afrobeat-infused track, “Nerves.” He’s stayed true to his artistic vision, while adapting in the world of music as a newcomer to the scene. Known for his presence both on the field and in the studio, Lu’ continues to defy expectations with his versatile talents. Stream “Nerves,” out now via United Masters here.

Building on the momentum of his previous releases, “Nerves” showcases Lu’s testament to his growth. The track dives into the nuances of relationships, capturing the relatable experience of affection and irritation coexisting. 

“‘Nerves’ to me resonates deeply because it captures the nuances of human connections—joy, pain, growth, and resilience,” Lu’ says. “It’s like a mirror reflecting our experiences and emotions, making us feel understood and less alone on this journey.”

Nerves is a track about getting on your significant other’s nerves, but loving them anyways.

Drawing inspiration from a blend of English, French, and Congolese musical influences, Lu’ crafts a sound that is uniquely his own. The track’s vibrant energy resonates, and surely will get stuck in your head. 

“I feel as an artist I’ve grown while staying true to my artistic vision & adapting,” he says. “Learning to understand the emotions, and the pulse of what resonates with listeners.

Lu’s journey from Ottawa, Ontario to Phoenix, Arizona mirrors his diverse cultural influences, reflecting in his music and athletic achievements alike. Embracing his passion for both sports and music, Lu’ continues to break barriers and redefine success on his own terms.

As Lu’ continues to evolve artistically, his dedication to authenticity and innovation solidifies his place as a rising star in both sports and music.

For more information on Lu’ and to listen to “Nerves,” visit his official channels below.

Stream “Nerves,” here.

22. TRY w/ Empress Of – With Me

Today, visionary producer duo TRY unveil their latest single “With Me” and its accompanying music video, in collaboration with Honduran-American singer, songwriter, musician, Empress Of. A tonesetting precursor to their forthcoming album, “With Me” arrives as a testament to TRY’s collaborative ethos, genre-defying sound and innovative production style, anchored by an unwavering penchant for connecting audiences to the dance floor.

Fusing ethereal lyricism with an atmospheric soundscape, “With Me” delves into the unwinding labyrinth of memory, exploring the inescapable grip of the past through a dance narrative that is equal parts haunting and hypnotic. Through a deliberate blend of Empress Of’s intoxicating vocals, TRY’s enthralling instrumental implementation and lyrics that resonate long after the music has stopped, “With Me” sonically emulates longing at the intersection of release and resilience – blurring the lines between what was, what is, and what could have been.

From TRY: “Through “With Me”, we explored memories together with Empress Of. Ghosts from our past can be people and situations that remain living in our perception. Sometimes they’re hard to let go of, even when we want to.”

The track’s cinematic component brings the echoes of the past to life using dance as a conduit for emotional storytelling, where shadows take on a life of their own. Through the interplay of lighting, silhouettes, and scrims, the choreography reveals a protagonist unknowingly haunted by these ghosts.

Traversing reverie and reality, the enthralling odyssey begins with an unsettling realization: her shadows are not a reflection of her higher self but rather separate entities reminding her that the past is never truly gone.

As she dances with these shadows, the choreography demonstrates a complex, visceral engagement with the remnants of what once was. Oscillating between moments of tender connection and intense repulsion, the music video for “With Me” captures the duality of human emotions and the cathartic unburdening of letting go.

“With Me” arrives ahead of TRY’s highly-anticipated debut album, set to drop next year. Their foremost single “Lay It Down” featuring Dreamdoll and Jay1 was quickly followed by a remixed version produced by Brazilian DJ duo Tropkillaz, which reunited Sam i with his producing partner DJ Zegon from hip-hop project N.A.S.A. Their latest tracks “What You Need” and “With Me” showcase the duo’s refined production expertise, distinct creative vision and an innovative ear for intertwining musical styles with real human emotion. With the year already off to a fantastic start, the duo is dedicated to refining their craft and pushing boundaries in ways that will further solidify their position as genre-amalgamated tastemakers forging a new lane in the world of dance music.

With careers spanning over more than two decades, Sam i and Shmuck the Loyal create tracks that have a unique interdisciplinary aura, reflective of years spent producing and songwriting award-winning television commercial soundtracks and motion pictures ranging from a collaboration with Jarina de Marco and Anitta on the song “Suéltate” for the recent Universal Pictures film WISH 2 to collaborating with Karen O on “Hello Tomorrow” which was nationally syndicated for an Adidas Spot in 2005. The upcoming next chapter in the TRY project spans a wide variety of sounds, moods and genres, bringing nothing but energy and a positive glow to the pair as a result of masterful collaboration.

“With Me” officially arrives on August 16 and will be available to stream across all platforms.

23. WanMor – The One

Gearing up for another milestone moment, R&B’s hottest new group WanMor unveil a soulful new single entitled “The One” out now via Mary J. Blige’s Beautiful Life Productions, Inc. and 300 Entertainment.

Listen HERE!

Produced by Hitmaka, Tariq Beats, & Paul Cabbin, the track channels the spirit of nineties R&B with its sultry throwback bounce. The hi-hats simmer through a hum of electric guitar. Simultaneously, the brothers lock into a smooth back-and-forth punctuated by sky-high falsetto teeming with emotion. It culminates on a catchy and confessional chorus, “I ain’t used to this, but girl you’re the one for me.” 

“The One” follows their fan favorite cover of Tevin Campbell’s “Alone With You.” That has already received critical acclaim. In addition to plugs from YouKnowIGotSoul and more, Rated R&B hailed it as a “smooth jam,” and SoulBounce attested, “’90s R&B is in WanMor’s DNA, and they continue to show and prove that they’re the future while deeply rooted in the past.”

Recently, The Recording Academy taped WanMor for a “Reimagined” cover of Silk Sonic’s “Leave The Door Open.” The group add their own flare and fire to the track. Watch the knockout performance HERE. Plus, the guys garnered a nomination in the category of “Best Group” at the 2024 BET Awards.

Prior, “BABY” incited tastemaker applause this year. VIBE hailed it among “More New R&B to Come Home and Chill To,” and went on to rave, “The quartet has another smash on their hands with this one; it’s a great follow-up to their cover of Boyz II Men’s ‘Please Don’t Go’ produced by Mary J. Blige.

24. Mary J. Blige ft. Fabolous – Breathing

9x GRAMMY® award winning, 2x Oscar nominated and 1x Emmy award winning artist, producer, actress and entrepreneur Mary J. Blige releases a brand new single “Breathing” featuring Fabolous – listen HERE. Blige will also drop a music video for the song at 11AM EST that can be watched HERE.

The single, released through Blige’s own Beautiful Life Productions in partnership with 300 Entertainment, was produced by Shaun “S Dot” Thomas. The song was written by Mary J. Blige, Fabolous, Jocelyn “Jozzy” Donald, PurpleKBeats, and Jay Hawkins and contains samples of “Kick In The Door” by The Notorious B.I.G and “I Put A Spell On You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Blige was additionally inspired by Nina Simone’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You.”

“Breathing” is Blige’s second single since the release of Good Morning Gorgeous, her critically acclaimed 15th studio album that received six GRAMMY® nominations at the 65th GRAMMY® Awards including Album of the Year and Best R&B Album.  

Her first single following the album, “Still Believe in Love,” was released in October 2023 and spent 7 weeks at #1 on The Billboard Adult R&B Airplay Chart. This marked her eighth #1 on the chart, cementing her as having the third-most No. 1s among women artists in the chart’s 30-year history.

“Breathing” showcases Blige’s unparalleled vocals and intimate lyricism, delivering a song about what she promised, being happy where she is and reveling in it. Blige once again proves why she was heralded as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.” 

For more information, please visit https://www.maryjblige.com/.

25. DJ Snake & Fridayy – Complicated

Today, Globally renowned French DJ and multi-platinum producer DJ Snake releases new single “Complicated” featuring GRAMMY-Award nominated R&B sensation Fridayy. Listen HERE via Interscope Records.

“Tell me what you want,” Fridayy croons soulfully as the after-hours track ramps up. “Please don’t make it complicated, why do you gotta complicate it?” The tempo rises as the song approaches its hypnotic chorus: “Don’t know why you’re driving me crazy, please don’t make it complicated.” That’s followed by waves of Spanish guitar flourishes, enchanting percussion and an epic synth breakdown. Overall, the club anthem is a study in atmosphere from one of dance music’s most iconic innovators.

“Complicated” follows hot on the heels of DJ Snake’s celebrated collaboration with international hitmaker Peso Pluma for “Teka,” an infectious record that has been on heavy rotation all summer. The superstar collaboration fuses Pluma’s crisp vocals with Snake’s dynamic production skills resulting in a pulsating anthem transcendent of cultural genre boundaries.

26. Audrey Nuna – Suckin Up

Continuing to take 2024 by storm with “refreshingly thoughtful and introspective” (Office) releases, today, genre-defying Korean-American artist and songwriter Audrey Nuna unveils her new single “Suckin Up.” Listen to the single HERE and watch the music video HERE. 

Audrey shows off her musical dexterity on “Suckin Up,” effortlessly jumping between melodic vocals and playful raps. Audrey’s flow is undeniable as she laments the superficiality of modern society while name-dropping historic greats like Machiavelli and Botticelli. 

“The song references a lot of pop culture but also historic figures—Wendy Williams, Botticelli, Sakamoto, Cinderella, Machiavelli—all playing their part in illustrating my take on performative love and admiration,” Audrey says of the single. “It’s fascinating to observe this type of synthetic love & how it always plays out… I was feeling a desire to cut the cord on all of this weight and start fresh.” 

Meanwhile, the music video pays homage to Audrey’s former home of New York City, weaving together shots around current day Manhattan and otherworldly scenes. 

“We shot the video in a lot of places that have sentimental value to me – whether it was in Chinatown, near where I shot one of my first videos, ‘Souffle’—or Mitsuwa, a Japanese supermarket I grew up going to,” Audrey says of the “Suckin Up” music video. “The song is about the search for something real—so the scene with the white hair represents purity, but on the other end, so does the gritty and more raw settings that allude to my youth & adolescence.”

“Suckin Up” marks Audrey’s third single of 2024; she ushered in the year with dreamy track “Starving” featuring multi-hyphenate Teezo Touchdown, South Korean R&B visionary So!YoON! on guitar and multi-platinum pop sensation Lauv on bass. In May, Audrey debuted “Jokes On Me” alongside an exclusive collaboration with leading luxury fashion platform SYKY titled “Glamour As Armour.” The singles both showcase Audrey’s musicality—steeped in intricate layers, each borrowing from different genres. 

“Suckin Up” continues Audrey’s album-wide exploration of the concept of duality, which can be summed up by the mantra “Soft Skin, Hard Feelings.” Of this exploration, she tells Hypebeast “I want to illustrate a yearning and desire to stay soft through the underbelly of adolescence while dealing with all of the dark things that happen that can harden you as a person.” 

Audrey will soon announce a new body of work, marking a new chapter both sonically and aesthetically while serving as a testament to her evolution over the past three years. 

27. Maddie Regent – Sleeptalking

Today, Brooklyn-based pop singer and songwriter Maddie Regent returns with her new single, “Sleeptalking.”

The song marks the start of a new chapter for Maddie Regent. Since releasing her sophomore EP, ‘Girl of Your Dreams,’ in late 2023, Maddie has been hard at work compiling a new batch of meticulously crafted pop tracks. “Sleeptalking” is the first of many singles that Maddie created with her partner, producer and songwriter Cade Hoppe in their home studio in Brooklyn. “Sleeptalking” also features additional production from Harper James of Eighty Ninety. 

Layering organic instrumentation with glistening synth-pop production, “Sleeptalking” delivers a sound that’s both earthly and ethereal. Maddie’s effortlessly dreamy vocals and hypnotic melodies weave through these sonic layers, enveloping listeners in a cocoon of emotion. 

‘Sleeptalking’ is about wanting to be happy about something you should be happy about, but you aren’t,” says Maddie. “And the longer you avoid confrontation, the more you wish for things to go south so your unhappiness feels justified. It’s classic self-sabotage and you know it.”

Hailing from Toronto and now based in New York City, Maddie first started making music at the age of 12. As an introverted child, music became her tool to express herself and work through her anxieties, helping her to find power in her vulnerability. After years of honing her sound, she’s found the perfect balance between escapist pop bops and raw, honest songwriting. 

With her two EPs, MISS REGENT and Girl of Your Dreams, Maddie has captured the hearts of fans and tastemakers alike. Fueled by steadfast determination and an abundance of talent, as well as an arsenal of new songs ready to share, Maddie Regent is undoubtedly an artist to watch.

28. Paulina – everything's still

Rising pop singer & songwriter Paulina reveals her new EP, ‘everything’s still.’ Across the EP’s 3 songs, “stranger,” “funny (interlude),” and “a song I wrote,” Paulina opens up about an emotionally resonant breakup she went through.

“The title of my EP, ‘everything’s still,’ was inspired by one of my favorite Noah Kahan songs, ‘The View Between Villages,’” she says. “The closing line of the song, ‘and everything’s still,’ really resonated with me. It feels so uplifting, like it’s the moment you can finally breathe again. That’s how making this EP made me feel; I wanted to embody that feeling.”

The EP kicks off with the dark and sultry lead single, “stranger,” which grapples with her initial heartbreak and the phenomenon that the person you once loved has now become a stranger. The second track, “funny (interlude),” sees Paulina wading through the emotional whiplash of the breakup, slowly picking up the pieces of her shattered heart. She emerges with a sense of bittersweet resolution on the EP’s closing track, “a song I wrote.” 

“The final song on the EP is about questioning whether or not the person still thinks about you,” she says. “And it’s the realization that even if they don’t admit it, you know there will always be things that remind them of you — like the song you wrote that you know they’ll be listening to. It’s a sassy, mic drop conclusion to the breakup story.”

Paulina is the solo pop project of Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Paulina Ella Levitan. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, her love for music was sparked at a young age. She was classically trained in piano starting at the age of 8 and grew up performing in musical theater productions. After taking a songwriting summer camp in high school, Paulina decided to dive headfirst into making music her full-time career and enrolled at the University of Miami’s esteemed Frost School of Music. 

She made her introduction in 2023 with her first single, “best friend,” which she followed with her debut EP, ‘the show goes on.’ Working with her close collaborator and producer Sam Merkin across both EPs, Paulina has created a unique and cinematic pop sound that showcases her glistening vocals and ear-candy melodies. With the release of her second EP, ‘everything’s still,’ Paulina continues to solidify her status as a rising star. 

29. OMB Peezy – Hallways To Highways

Today, Gold-certified Hip-Hop phenomenon OMB Peezy joins forces with multi-platinum producer Will A Fool (Future, Rod Wave) for a brand-new single entitled “Hallways To Highways” via Overkill Entertainment / 300 Entertainment. The introspective track serves as the lead offering from his forthcoming mixtape, Still Too Deep, out in September. Listen to “Hallways To Highways” HERE.

“Hallwyays To Highways” hinges on a hypnotic loop tempered by airtight hi-hats and strains of cinematic piano. Propulsive verses give way to an overpowering refrain as OMB Peezy confesses, “I may forgive him, but I’m not forgetting.” His words ultimately cut deep atop Will A Fool’s rich production.

The track bulldozes the way for Still Too Deep, which serves as a sequel to his fan favorite 2021 mixtape, Too Deep For Tears. The project piled up over 10 million-plus streams, including guest spots by Rylo Rodriguez, Jacquees, Jackboy, and the late King Von.

“Hallways To Highways” lands in the wake of his acclaimed 2023 album, Le’Paris. Boasting features courtesy of Tee Grizzley, Kevin Gates, Hunxho, and more, it stacked up millions of streams and earned widespread critical acclaim, with VIBE proclaiming “Le’Paris continues to showcase OMB Peezy’s relentless rhyme spills, as a lasting impression that should set him up for even greater fanfare heading into 2024.”

OMB Peezy will embark on his 6^th Lap Tour with special guests FBL Manny and Lil Joc. The 20-city trek kicks off on August 30 at Hi Tone in Memphis making stops across North America in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, Denver and Phoenix before wrapping up at Center Stage Theater in Atlanta on September 29. Full routing below and tickets on sale HERE.

30. Rylo Rodriguez – 85 Cutlass

After stringing together formidable features this year, platinum Alabama rapper Rylo Rodriguez (Glass Window Entertainment/Motown Records) returns with his new video “85 Cutlass.” Directed by Jordan White, Rylo doesn’t run away from his problems, addressing fair-weather friends, his responsibilities to his city, and more as he ventures from the studio to his house. “I done fed niggas before they feed me, you ain’t even get the bill,” raps Rylo.”

“85 Cutlass” is Rylo’s first official release of 2024, after his breakout year in 2023. Last year, his album, Been One, debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the rap albums charts, proving why he’s the next best thing to come out of Alabama. Dubbed the Southern Prince of Rap Samples by Rolling Stone, Rylo’s triumph was matched by the success of “Thang For You” featuring No Cap, his first Hot 100 entry as a lead artist. This year, Rylo has proven to be a caliber feature artist, notching verses for Veeze (“F*cked a Fan”) and YTB Fatt (“Same” and “Pretty Brown”).

After signing to Lil Baby’s Glass Window Entertainment in 2020, Rylo Rodriguez’s penchant for flipping classic R&B songs into soulful hits became his calling card, as proven by songs like “Project Baby” and Valentines, which sample Mariah Carey and Tamia, respectively. Previously making his grand entrance on Lil Baby’s 2018 gold-certified song “No Friends,” they continued their proven chemistry on “Cost to Be Alive.” Rylo elevated his songwriting prowess when he released his debut album, G.I.H.F. He became his first top 40 entry on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 2 on the Rolling Stone Breakthrough 25 in 2020.

31. Timaya – Gladiator

Nigerian music icon and afro dancehall legend TIMAYA is excited to unveil his highly anticipated ninth studio album GLADIATOR, a triumphant ode and powerful testament to his enduring musical legacy, and exciting artistic journey so far. Over a career spanning two decades, Timaya has remained an essential and unyielding force in global music, and this new album Gladiator stands as a testament to his relentlessness, consistency, and artistic evolution. The album captures the essence of Timaya’s storied career, which began with the breakout success of ‘Dem Mama’ in 2005, and solidifies his place as one of Africa’s most enduring and influential musicians. The album is a powerful narrative of Timaya’s life, reflecting the battles he has fought and the victories he has claimed, all while staying true to his roots.

Bursting with vibrant rhythms, and infectious melodies, Gladiator is a masterful blend of dancehall, soca, afrobeats and hip-hop, showcasing Timaya’s versatility and his deft ability to seamlessly fuse genres and make them his own. The 12-track album sees Timaya collaborating with the likes of indigenous rap icon Phyno, YBNL leader Olamide, afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage, and Jamaican dancehall star Konshens, and adding a rich diversity of sounds and styles that elevate the album to new heights. The production, spearheaded by frequent collaborator Young D (Gyptian, Davido), and industry heavyweights like Jonny Blaze (Shenseea, Mavado, Sean Paul) and Masterkraft (Wizkid, Flavour), creates a lush and dynamic soundscape that perfectly complements Timaya’s powerful storytelling throughout the album.

From the opening note on Gladiator, Timaya immediately draws listeners into a world where perseverance and resilience reign supreme, with each track on the album serving as a reflection of his life experiences, challenges, triumphs, and his unshakeable belief in himself. Whether it’s the energetic anthems, or the more reflective numbers, Timaya’s Gladiator offers a deep and resonant look at the man behind the music, and takes the listener on a journey through his life and times. As Timaya himself puts it, Gladiator is “a movement, a declaration of self-belief, and a call to rise above life’s challenges”. With this album, Timaya continues to inspire, uplift, and empower his listeners, proving once again why he remains a towering figure in African music and the global music landscape at large.

Gladiator opens with ‘Payback’ where Timaya turns his past struggles into a triumphant anthem of success, while ‘Sweet Us’ takes us back to Timaya’s roots with a nostalgic afro-dancehall vibe, and ‘Compozure’ adds a layer of romance and charm to the album. As the record progresses, tracks like ‘Free’ offer an introspective look into Timaya’s current state of mind, highlighting his journey of self-discovery, and others like ‘Whinin Criminal’ capture the essence of Timaya’s infectious party spirit with a high-energy dancehall sound. ‘In My Head’ infuses a touch of Spanish romance, while ‘Dey Your Dey’ stands out as a self-empowerment anthem. The album then concludes with ‘Na Money’, which explores the influence of wealth, and ‘Get Your Money Right’, a relentless anthem of hustle and determination.

Speaking about the inspiration behind Gladiator, and how the record came together, Timaya says, “this Gladiator project is more than just an album to me – it’s a movement, a testimony to self-belief, and the courage to rise above no matter the challenges. This project reflects my journey, from where I started to where I am today, and where I’m headed. Music has given me everything, and this album is my way of giving back, because I will keep giving it all I have. I want to ignite a fire within my listeners, to remind them of the power they hold within themselves, and to encourage them to keep going, no matter what life throws at them. Life comes in phases, but you can’t lose yourself – you just have to keep going”.

32. Annabel Gutherz – Showtime, Baby!

Canadian singer and songwriter Annabel Gutherz releases her new single, “Showtime, Baby!,” out today on all streaming platforms. Combining classic rock sounds with modern pop melodies, “Showtime, Baby!” glistens with a sun-soaked sentimentality as Annabel delves into the duality between her desire for validation and her need for genuine connection.

In a statement about the new single, Annabel elaborates: “If life is a stage, am I always performing? This is a central question in ‘Showtime, Baby!,’ where I explore the tension between living authentically for myself and living to meet others’ expectations. It addresses the fray of seeking approval and belonging while striving to be truly seen and understood for who I am. Ultimately, I’ve learned that prioritizing my own feelings and experiences is essential, as it’s the only way to lead my every day with purpose and meaning and foster deep happiness.”

Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Annabel Gutherz creates timeless music that speaks to the soul of what it means to be human. Characterized by her compelling storytelling, honeyed melodies, distinct vocals, and keen musical intuition, her songs take listeners on a heartfelt journey packed with raw honesty and emotional conviction.

Since the release of her 2021 album, Loose Ends, Annabel has continued to develop her sound by working with an array of esteemed collaborators, including Bleu McAuley (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers) and Bonnie Hayes (Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, David Crosby). Fiercely committed to her craft, Annabel graduated with a baccalaureate and master’s degree from Berklee College of Music. With her undeniable talent and more music in the works this year, Annabel is certainly an artist to keep on your radar. 

33. Diamond D – The Diam Piece 3: INITIUM

Grammy-winning Hip-Hop legend Diamond D released The Diam Piece album in 2014, followed by the project’s sequel, The Diam Piece 2, in 2019. Today,  the Diggin’ In The Crates Crew co-founding member shares INITIUM, the first of three parts to The Diam Piece 3, which will serve as the final installment in Diamond D’s production compilation series. With star-studded guest features such as Fatman Scoop, Skyzoo, RJ Payne, 38 Spesh, and more, INITIUM will be followed by Duo and Tria to complete The Diam Piece 3 over the course of the next 12 months.

“I would never release an album with 28 songs in this age of short attention spans. With that being said, I’ll be releasing he ‘Diam Piece III’ album in three separate parts over a 12 month timespan: ‘INITIUM’, ‘Duo’ & ‘Tria’. This will give each release a chance to breathe on its own and to be appreciated. The Diam Piece 3 album will complete the trinity for my production series. It was an honor to work with all the talented spitters on the new album. If you’re familiar with both Diam Piece parts 1 and 2 then you already know what to expect: hard hitting tracks and dope lyricism. I stand on that.” – Diamond D 

The Diam Piece 3: INITIUM arrives on all major digital streaming platforms via Dymond Mine Records/EMPIRE just a month short of the 32nd anniversary of Diamond D’s 1992 classic debut Stunts, Blunts and Hip Hop. 

Stream/purchase The Diam Piece 3: INITIUM here.

The Diam Piece 3: INITIUM can be purchased on vinyl via Fatbeats here.

34. Vlad Holiday ft. Kacey Musgraves – I Don't Wanna Party Anymore

Today, Romania-born, Nashville-based musical shapeshifter Vlad Holiday is joined by Kacey Musgraves on “I Don’t Wanna Party Anymore.” Mischievous and sultry, the track has all the jazzy, lo-fi hallmarks of a Bond song. Running Musgraves’ voice through tape delay, Holiday’s signature knack for gear experimentation gives the duet a style we’ve never heard either artist in before — Stream. 

The two artists met a few years back through mutual friends. Continually finding themselves singing together over an acoustic guitar as the sun came up after a long party, the collaboration felt natural, especially given the lyrics of “I Don’t Wanna Party Anymore.” 

Holiday shares that today’s release is, “About the feeling the day after a long bender, sick of going through the serotonin dip over and over again, realizing you should probably change your ways and be better to yourself — BUT getting pulled back in and having the process start all over again.”

Holiday’s first solo release of the year and first release via ONErpm, he’s been incredibly busy over the last few months. Most notably, he co-wrote Cage The Elephant’s “Neon Pill,” “Metaverse” and “Over Your Shoulder.” Through the month of August, he will be out on the road with Cage The Elephant, Young The Giant and Bakar for the Neon Pill Tour. He will follow these dates up with headline shows in NY, LA, Nashville and more, before playing weekend one of Austin City Limits — see all upcoming dates here.

35. Vanessa Williams – iLike Moonlight

Today, legendary, award-winning star of stage, screen, and music, Vanessa Williams, announces new details about her highly-anticipated new album, SURVIVOR, set for release on August 23, 2024 via Mellian Music / Mod Squad, LLC. The 14-track album, which marks her first new release in 15 years, is an exciting, genre-defying collection of songs that reflect Williams’ rich and diverse musical catalogue. SURVIVOR will be available as a digital album in Standard audio and also in Dolby Atmos immersive audio across all streaming platforms – available for pre-order now.

“SURVIVOR is an eclectic collection of songs that embraces my musical past and brings that history into the present and the future,” Williams shares. “It absolutely represents me musically and has something to say. I wanted to remind my loyal fans that I’m still here, don’t count me out and to bring my music to a whole new generation that might know be better for my stage and television roles.” She adds, “Playing with all of the different styles of music I’ve loved to perform over the years is just who I am as an artist, which I really attribute to my parents, who were music teachers. I listened to everything growing up and that has always inspired my diverse musical tastes.”

The announcement comes alongside the release of Wiliams’ newest track, “iLike Moonlight,” and its accompanying music video, which provides another glimpse into what fans can expect from the new music – LISTEN HERE.

The sensual, smooth R&B-inspired ballad is the third song to be released off the forthcoming album, following the first two singles – “BOP!,” featuring renowned multi-faceted artist and drag superstar, Trixie Mattel, and New York-bred electronic soul duo, LION BABE, comprised of multidisciplinary artist and Williams’ daughter Jillian Hervey and producer/DJ Lucas Goodman, also known as Astro Raw and Williams’ first pop recording in 15 years, “Legs (Keep Dancing),” which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Digital Sales chart and surpassed a million digital streams in a matter of weeks.

Written by DeValle Groove Hayes, Loris Holland and Amber Mitchell, “iLike Moonlight” was the inspiration of veteran songwriter and producer, Loris Holland, known for his work with Celine Dion, Anita Baker, and Mariah Carey. “Loris was phenomenal,” Williams adds. “The song is very dreamy and kind of percussive and sexy.”  

Holland is equally effusive about collaborating with Williams. “I grew up next to a 5-mile-wide river in the Amazon basin, moonlight hitting the water was always magical to me, always felt like the twilight zone,” says Holland, who was born in British Guiana. “This song was written for Vanessa, who is the queen of beauty and sparkle…I just envisioned her on the beach glittering like an emerald in the moonlight, soaking up the Caribbean breeze…and the idea for ‘iLike Moonlight’ was born. Her sultry, smooth, gorgeous tone and excellent melodic execution was the perfect marriage to the rhythm that brought this song to life.”

The song went through several transformations with Holland eventually bringing in his proteges – New York-based pianist Amber Noelle Mitchell and Texas-based producer DaValle “Groove” Shereef – to strike the perfect chords along with executive producer Tony Prendatt, a Grammy® Award winning engineer, who was also involved in finalizing the track. “More work went into that song than any song on the album,” he says. “And all the work was worth it. I think it’s a classic.”

36. Jean Dawson ft. Lil Yachty – Die For Me

Undeniably one of today’s most essential artists, the enigmatic polymath Jean Dawson makes his return today by announcing his highly anticipated new album Glimmer of God slated for release this upcoming October (exact date forthcoming). In celebration, he shares this captivating new track “Die For Me” featuring Lil Yachty that reveals a larger than life and deeply breathtaking direction for the young Jean. The track sees his vocal prowess front and center, soaring across his intricate production and boundless sonic range and skill as a brilliant songwriter, producer and musician. Lined with the sounds and experiences that shaped Jean’s youth, the 80’s sounds and classical arrangements that beautifully honor live instrumentation, the track was produced by Jean and his frequent collaborators Hoskins (Khalid, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Don Toliver, Wiz Khalifa), Vic Wainstein (Tyler, The Creator, Frank Ocean, Mac Miller, Odd Future), Biako (Masego, Fousheé, Fana Hues, Baby Rose) and Johnny May (Sam Short, Che Lingo) and was written by Jean and Lil Yachty. Glimmer of God will prove to be Jean’s most honest, and deeply riveting work to date as he makes his mark on the larger pop arena, firmly continuing his reign of music’s foremost visionaries today. 

The track follows an explosive era for Jean featuring his latest singles that captured his boundless and wildly thrilling nature as an ever-evolving artist that never ceases to push the boundaries of music. “Die For Me” follows his stunning Boohoo series that housed “New Age Crisis”, “Taste Like Metal,” and his first full track in Spanish, “Divino Desmadre,” which first previewed the chapter that will reveal itself on Glimmer of God.

In addition, Jean announced his headlining North American Glimmer of God Tour that will bring the new album to life for the first time. The trek kicks off October 18th in Minneapolis, touching down on over 26 cities in the US and will close out with an explosive headline show in Mexico City on December 14th – see the full route below. Tickets are available for purchase HERE. 

Jean is a leader amongst a newly-born generation of kids straddling multiple cultures and worlds, operating comfortably within their own skin resulting in a worldwide cult following. He invites listeners to see themselves through his art, as his music provides a score for the life-and-times of kids like him (us). His singular sound and impact on the current music landscape have caught the attention of notable artists such as SZA and A$AP Rocky who later collaborated with Jean on explosive tracks. Through the release of his extraordinary projects, Pixel Bath, Bad Sports, and CHAOS NOW*, Jean has amassed millions of streams and garnered large critical acclaim by The New York Times, NPR, i-D, Fader, Paper Magazine, V Magazine, Pigeons & Planes, NME, MTV, Hypebeast, Essence, Nylon, Remezcla and many more. 

28-year-old Jean Dawson is equal parts musician and visual artist. Half Mexican and half Black, he was raised in Tijuana and San Diego near the border. His love for music was ignited during his daily five-hour treks across the Mexican / American border to attend school in the US. He came up listening to the rock and rap that his parents loved, as well as the Latin sounds that lined his home. Raised by a single working-class Mexican mother, he poured himself into his art which he used to challenge notions of hyper-masculinity and the social norms that line Mexican and Black cultures. To this day, his art remains rooted in these values and is intently shaped by his extraordinary life journey.

JEAN DAWSON ON “DIE FOR ME”:

“Knowledge speaks & wisdom listens – I don’t know anything but this feeling I’m chasing and the closer I get the further it seems. I don’t want to talk anymore. When I was younger I was so excited, so talkative now I’m no longer excited, just obsessed. I no longer have words except for in the songs I write. I hope you feel something.”

37. Rob49 ft. Skilla Baby & GloRilla – Mama (Remix)

Riding the wave of his explosive 2024 success, Rob49 drops his highly anticipated remix of his track “Mama,” now featuring the GRAMMY-nominated recording artist GloRilla. This release follows closely on the heels of Rob49’s collaboration with Cardi B on the heavy-hitting single “On Dat Money,” further establishing him as one of the hottest new artists in the game. This new remix has been gaining major momentum on social platforms, having fans begging for its release for over 6 months since Rob49 first teased it. Listen to “Mama (Remix)” HERE.

Rob49’s momentum has been unstoppable this year. Fresh off his nearly sold-out “Vultures Eat The Most” tour alongside Skilla Baby, Rob49 captivated his hometown of New Orleans by selling out the 15,000-capacity Smoothie King Center for his Annual Vulture Island Experience show, which featured major artists like Sexyy Red, Moneybagg Yo, and Fredo Bang.

With each release, including the recent “Homebody” (remix), Rob49 continues to cement his status as the next big star out of Louisiana. The “Mama” remix featuring Glorilla is poised to be another major hit, blending Rob49’s New Orleans roots with his dynamic, industry-shaking talent.

38. Bb trickz ft. KARRAHBOOO – Pharrell

Following her high-profile performance at Coachella 2024, Spanish rap sensation Bb trickz has linked with ATL star KARRAHBOOO for their new single “Pharrell” — out now along with an accompanying music video. The track marks the first offering from her forthcoming EP Sum’er pack and arrives amidst a hot streak for Bb trickz — Charli xcx recently tapped her to heat up Brat Summer, teasing an unreleased, Bb-featuring remix of her song “Club classics” at her latest Boiler Room set. Defined by a colorful visual and equally vibrant bars, “Pharrell” is an irresistible late summer heater filled with candy-coated hooks and a carefree aura. Recent months have also seen her release the Kevin AMF-assisted “Jálale alv” (105M Streams), which marks her biggest song to date (it recently achieved Gold certified status in Mexico), “Soy la Más Mala de España (30M+ Streams) alongside Bryant LR, and “Trickstar” (8M+ Streams) with El Baby R, with whom she also collaborated on the Omar Montes and Tino JJ-featuring “Yo Soy el Mas Chulo de España” (4M Streams). The tracks stamped the artist’s first offerings since her Sadtrickz EP, released last year.

2023 proved to be a momentous year for Bb trickz, who has taken the internet by storm with her standout blend of tongue-in-cheek lyricism, polished vocals, and playful aesthetic, initially showcased on “Missionsuicida” (17M Streams) from her debut EP Trickstar. Continuing to cement herself as a singular force within pop culture by flexing her widespread international appeal, Bb trickz has since accumulated over 2 million monthly listeners and earned co-signs from the likes of Rosalía, Karol G and Veeze. Now with new single “Pharrell”(feat. KARRAHBOOO), Bb trickz is entering her next era — and turning her unorthodox sound into a worldwide movement in the process.

39. Tre Loaded – Loaded

With a niche for bouncy trap beats and old school swagger reminiscent of Memphis’ rap legends, Tre Loaded is one of many exciting prospects to emerge from Bluff City. Ready to push his career to the next level, Tre is gearing up for his upcoming LOADED, a 12-track offering of confident Southern bangers that’ll be sure to pass your car speaker test. Including a feature from That Mexican OT on Stereogum-approved “The Ticket,” LOADED is out everywhere via Loaded 4 Life Records/Connect Music/PULSE Records. 

In addition to the new mixtape, Tre shares the video for my personal favorite track, “Look Like Money.” Tre’s confident and charismatic vocal delivery cuts through a resonant bassline and atmospheric synth melodies like a hot knife through butter, blending smooth flows and emphatic rhymes that balance humility and unapologetic braggadocio. He sprinkles witty, flex-worthy quotables throughout the track, subtly nodding to fellow Southern riser BossMan Dlow’s viral hit: “If I take you to the 50th floor, you eating more than hibachi/turned my life into a movie, so like popcorn I’ma pop it.” The video, set on a yacht in Miami, captures Tre kicking it with his crew and a few baddies, flaunting his success while reinforcing his message that he makes money—it doesn’t make him. 

LOADED is a strong display of Tre’s knack for delivering memorable lines, seamlessly flowing over upbeat, catchy piano-driven instrumentals. The new mixtape features Tre’s latest singles, including “Another Whip,” which has amassed over 3.7 million streams across platforms and received a co-sign from Kiyan Anthony, rising athlete and son of Carmelo Anthony. The project also includes hits like “Push Start,” “Don’t Panic,” and “Wanna Be P,” as well as new standout tracks like “Rick Owens” and “Before The Deal.”

Tre Loaded is on a meteoric rise from East Memphis, deeply rooted in the music scene from his childhood studio sessions with Don Trip. He started rhyming at 15, inspired by hometown rap heroes, lyrical artists like Rod Wave and Ralo, and his mom’s impressive R&B collection. By 18, Tre was fully immersed in his craft, independently recording and uploading his music. After the success of “Vo Flow” in 2022 (6 million streams to date), Tre dropped three mixtapes in rapid succession: Made In Memphis (September 2022), Loaded 4 Life (July 2023), and All Bout Profit (November 2023). These projects highlight Tre’s skillful storytelling about life in East Memphis, touching on his experiences as a young father and his relationships with family and friends. With LOADED, Tre is set to cement his place among Memphis’ rap legends. Check out his latest interviews with Genius and The Tennessee Tribune, where he discusses LOADED, his upbringing in East Memphis, and plans for the rest of 2024.

40. RZA – A Ballet Through Mud

Famed artist RZA has today announced the release of the title track of “A Ballet Through Mud,” an original composition and orchestration via Platoon and 36 Chambers. The full album will be available on all streaming platforms on August 30th. Originally performed by the Colorado Symphony, “A Ballet Through Mud” is a poignant coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of love, the bonds of friendship, and personal growth.

RZA found this project during the pandemic, when during lockdown he came across old lyrical notebooks he’d filled as a teen. Inspired by his early musings, RZA explored what would become his first classical album, then ballet, bringing it to life onstage in 2023.

Featuring characters named for Greek musical scales, the piece echoes RZA’s journey from Staten Island project housing to refined concert halls – weaving in tales of love, loss, exploration, Buddhist monks, and a journey “through mud.”

“I have been composing my whole life, although I didn’t know initially that was what I was doing. The inspiration for ‘A Ballet Through Mud’ comes from my earliest creative output as a teenager, but its themes are universal—love, exploration, and adventure,” said RZA. “I hope people use it to score their own lives, to transform a drive to the grocery store or sharing a meal with loved ones into something magical, to be inspired and let their imaginations take them into a different chamber, if only for a moment.”
 
An emotional tale, the composition beautifully transports the listener across time and space without losing the energy and power RZA has become known for in his music – whether it’s Wu-Tang or the soundtrack to Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2. Profoundly influenced by his philosophical journey towards Chan Buddhism, “A Ballet Through Mud” oscillates between idealism and orchestration while remaining grounded enough to be enjoyed by a wide audience.

“A Ballet Through Mud,” the title track, can be heard here. Video assets from Platoon can be found here.

Composed and produced by RZA, “A Ballet Through Mud” was performed by the Colorado Symphony and was conducted by Christopher Dragon. Pietro Rossi mixed and mastered the work, with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus providing the Dolby Atmos Mix. Additional orchestration by Ming-Hsueh Lin, Scott O’Neil, Tan Onwimon, and Joseph Colmenero. RZA and Joseph Colmenero directed the musical. Project coordinators on the project were Joseph Colmenero and Tareef Michael. Yusha-Marie Sorzano served as choreographer in the original performance, alongside Sarah Lozoff who provided intimacy direction.

This is the first partnership between RZA and Platoon. “A Ballet Through Mud” will be available to stream officially on August 30 via Platoon.

41. Laila! – Not My Problem

Today, fast-rising Billboard and TikTok chart-topping singer, songwriter, producer and 18-year-old, gen-z, R&B musical iconoclast LAILA! (aka “Baby Genius”) unveils the globally anticipated music video for her uber-viral summer smash single “Not My Problem” out now. Watch HERE. The single is from Laila!’s forthcoming debut album “Gap Year!” which will release on September 6th and is available for pre-order today HERE via label IIIXL Studio distributed in partnership with Soundcloud.

Following her #1 TikTok hit “Like That!,” which debuted this spring on Billboard’s TikTok Top 50 chart and reigned in the top five of the charts for six weeks straight, “Not My Problem” also soared to #1, as well as charted on Billboard’s “Hot R&B Songs” chart. The single has garnered over 100 million plays via reels, shorts and stories across social platforms while piling up over 36 million streams to date on dsp’s with 20 million plays on Spotify alone.

The visual, directed by Otmara Marrero follows Laila! on a dream-filled, 90’s themed, boss-girl journey as she provides the remedy to easily dismissing things that aren’t one’s problem. “Not My Problem” began as a freestyle I made after making the beat first” says Laila! “I played it for my sister and she said ‘that’s hard.’ I just started singing the hook and it worked. It’s more of a mantra about letting go and not taking on things that really aren’t your problem.”

Written, produced and performed exclusively by Laila!, “Not My Problem” has quickly become one of this summer’s most globally viral songs while also inspiring some of music’s hottest artists and producers in Hip Hop such as 6lack, Flo Milli, Big Sean and Fabolous among dozens of other hitmakers to drop verses and remixes on IG and TikTok thanks to Laila!’s SoundCloud Remix Producer Challenge inviting people to create remixes of her single. Laila! and winner of her remix producer challenge, hit-making producer Cash Cobain, collaborated on “Problem” the official remix to her hit single which released earlier this week.

Receiving favorable press in Billboard, Complex, Nylon, On the Radar, Rolling Stone, and Way Up with Angela Yee among others thus far, Lyrical Lemonade stated about Laila!: “While tons of artists each day sit around and scratch their heads about how to make it all make sense, Brooklyn based singer, songwriter, and producer, Laila!, is running laps around them as she’s seemingly figured this all out before even graduating high school.”

42. Aáyanna & ASTN – Only For Your Eyes

On Tuesday, 8/13 breakout R&B star ASTN releases his new duet with Chicago-bred songstress Aáyanna. Titled “Only For Your Eyes,” out now via Interlude Records/ATG. 

LISTEN HERE. 

The new collaborative single follows on from the July-released gem “Crush” featuring Sunkis & Bren Joy. A modern boy-meets-girl love ballad, the way ASTN’s verse shimmers is balanced by Aáyanna’s sun-kissed melodies on the chorus. Together, their musical synergy is undeniable, amounting to a doe-eyed love song that lives in the complexity of feelings towards the person you love. 

With each release, ASTN continues to shine as one of the fresh voices ushering in a new wave of R&B. In addition to April’s return single, “Soul, Body & Mind,” everything paves the way for his upcoming EP, What A Night To Be In Love. The anticipated release, due this fall, is the follow-up to 2023’s Where Do We Go From Here? EP – which has clocked over 25 million streams across platforms and received media praise from V Magazine, VIBE, Entertainment Tonight, and Rated R&B to name a few. 

Elsewhere, ASTN is gearing up for his 2024 ‘What A Night To Be On Tour.’ The 7-city headlining tour officially kicks off on September 5th in Chicago and will make landfall in key markets including New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco before wrapping up in Los Angeles on September 17th at The Echo. 

TICKETS: Fans can access tickets at whatanighttobeinlove.com. 

What A Night To Be In Love promises to bring ASTN’s velvety vocals and heart-on-sleeve lyricism, seen on already-released tracks like May’s “The Makeup Song.” With each song building off of the next, he’s bound to level up again this year. 

Stream “Only For Your Eyes” above and stay tuned for more announcements from ASTN coming soon. 

43. Skylar Simone – Permission

Today, R&B/Pop star on the rise Skylar Simone releases her highly anticipated new EP, Shiver via Def Jam Recordings. The launch comes with the premiere of the steamy viusalizer for album focus track “Permission” – watch the visualizer HERE and listen to the five-track EP Shiver HERE.

“Permission” stands out with its suggestive guitar riff and Skylar’s silky vocals as she invites a future lover to cross the line. Singing “every day of the week, get me weak in the knees/ Can you do that for me? Cuz I want your addiction,” she’s the embodiment of flirtation. The visualizer captures a game of chess with an expansive city skyline backdrop—you can’t take your eyes off Skylar as she takes pieces off the board.

Watch Skylar’s recent live performance of the track on KTLA HERE.

Shiver, produced by the legendary D’Mile (Bruno Mars, Silk Sonic, Victoria Monet), Scribz Riley (Doja Cat, 21 Savage), and Trackside (Khamari), is a testament to Skylar’s artistic growth and evolution. Exploring themes of love of another and the self, and acting from a place of heartbreak and confidence—as well as finding the latter through the pain of the former—the project embodies the contrasts of human emotion, inviting listeners on a visceral journey of self-discovery. Each track showcases Skylar’s range and prowess as both a vocalist and a storyteller. Previously released singles “Shiver” and “Shut Up” have been met with critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard, VIBE, BET, Rated R&B, and many more, setting the tone and building momentum towards a highly successful EP launch, primed to make a mark with fans everywhere. 

Skylar Simone has emerged as one to watch – blending raw authenticity with impeccable control to create a sound that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. A self-taught instrumentalist with a silky smooth voice to match, she burst onto the scene at 13 years old with her debut album This Is Me. Now, with two albums under her belt and a new deal with Def Jam Recordings, Skylar has re-entered the spotlight with a newly refined R&B sound, which Billboard praises as a “well-crafted ode to the sweetest pop&B confections of the late ’90s and early ’00s.”

Stay tuned for more from Skylar in 2024.

44. EST Gee ft. Selfpaid Savage – Never Need

Today, Louisville hip-hop star EST Gee makes a triumphant return with new single “NEVER NEED” featuring Selfpaid Savage. Boasting frenetic bars amid piano-laced percussion, the track showcases Gee’s no-holds-barred storytelling and incomparable edge that fans have come to expect. Stream “NEVER NEED” HERE via CMG / Interscope Records. Watch official music video HERE.

“Sometimes you gotta end the start knowing that hurt my heart,” Gee begins the track, before eviscerating opps with each following bar. “Little bro ain’t never play a sport but he can work his fork,” he spits. “He’ll never go against big bro, I helped him get his start.” Arkansas breakout Selfpaid Savage then steps up to the mic, claiming: “I put that heat on him but he froze like a popsicle.”  

Razor sharp and unflinching, “NEVER NEED” brings fiery rage and raw, palpable honesty. It’s Gee’s first single since dropping his acclaimed album El Toro 2 last summer. That was preceded by MAD, the mixtape that established Gee’s reputation as one of rap’s most poignant writers, and Gangsta Art, a CMG compilation that features the label’s all-star roster. Before that, Gee’s joint album with 42 Dugg, Last Ones Left, was met with near-universal praise and debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. Before that came his blockbuster debut studio album, 2022’s I Never Felt Nun, which was also celebrated by critics and reached No. 8 on the same Billboard chart, setting the tone for a stellar rap career.

Now, with “NEVER NEED,” Gee puts everyone on notice and underlines why he is one of rap’s most vital and important voices.

45. T.I. ft. Kirk Franklin, Young Dro & Sunday Service Choir – Thank God

Today T.I. and Kirk Franklin deliver an introspective single “Thank God” with Young Dro and Sunday Service.  This single follows up “LLOGCLAY” by T.I. and NBA YoungBoy released in May, which is an ode to his big brother, manager, mentor, and patna Clay Evans who unfortunately passed away last year.  “Thank God” opens up with a powerful verse from Young Dro, who opens up about his battle with substance abuse and celebrating two years of sobriety after surviving an overdose.  “Thank God” can give hope to others facing similar battles.

Through an illustrious 21+ year career, T.I. has faced his fair share of adversity but always has kept his faith in God.  On social media, he shared, “If I’ve learned anything it’s to trust God through it all… while knowing that fear and faith can’t exist in the same place!”  He also further wanted to elaborate, “& YES THIS IS STILL TRAP MUZIK!”  The popular sub-genre of Trap Muzik, created by T.I., celebrated its 20th anniversary last year which closed out with a two-night performance with the Atlanta Pops back in December.

Having T.I., Young Dro, Kirk Franklin, and Sunday Service led by conductor Jason White all under one roof, the energy at T.I.’s Super Sound Studios in Atlanta was magical; bridging Trap Muzik with Gospel.  T.I. and Young Dro will be releasing more new music soon, as their group P$C have been busy back in the studio working on new music.  Recently this year, they released “RICO” during Memorial Day Weekend.

46. Big Moochie Grape – Send Em A Message

Making a name for himself in the busy Memphis rap game, Big Moochie Grape is no stranger to the grind. Today, the Paper Route Empire rapper shares “Send Em A Message,” the first single from his upcoming project Eat or Get Ate 2. Atop haunting keys and thumping 808s, Moochie affirms his status as Memphis’ top dog, making a statement about what happens if you get in his way: “Stay over there, we ain’t tryna hear the fool sh*t / Ya n***a pull up on your block with a pool stick / Steppin’ on n****s, f*ck what you think / Sendin’ a blitz, I bet you get the message.” In the video, Moochie is confident as ever, posted up in a PRE throne where he counts his cash before heading out to spend it at the Supreme store.

“Send Em A Message” will appear on Moochie upcoming album Eat or Get Ate 2, the sequel to his acclaimed 2020 project Eat or Get Ate. The album, set to be released this fall, arrives as Big Moochie Grape heads out on the road  with his PRE counterpart Kenny Muney for the ‘Gigantic Muney Tour.’ Eat or Get Ate 2 will be Moochie’s first album of 2024, following last year’s East Haiti Baby: Incarcerated, the follow-up to 2022’s acclaimed East Haiti Baby. The high-octane  mixtape welcomes guest verses exclusively from other incarcerated rappers, including YFN Lucci, Rio Da Yung OG, C-Murder, and Bankroll Freddie. Most recently, Moochie has been sharing a streak of high quality music videos, including his first day out anthem “Wake Em Up” and the Young Dolph-featuring “Fun.”

With Eat or Get Ate 2 on the way, Big Moochie Grape is well on his way to becoming the biggest in the rap game. Stay tuned for more from PRE this year.

47. Bebe Rexha – I'm The Drama

Today, Diamond and multi-Platinum certified hitmaker and 4x-Grammy nominated global superstar Bebe Rexha shares the official music video for her latest single, “I’m The Drama.” Watch HERE and listen to the dance-floor-ready banger HERE.

Rexha notably debuted the song live on stage during her critically acclaimed set at Coachella in April, taking the mainstage by storm for her Sunday evening sunset slot. It lands in the wake of previous single “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da),” produced by Chris Lake, Sammy Virji, Punctual, and Marco Straus, which recently hit #1 at Dance Radio.

“I’m The Drama” and “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” arrive after the release of Bebe’s third studio album, Bebe, last year. The album was stacked with hits including the smash “I’m Good (Blue)” with David Guetta, which became Bebe’s fourth hit to crack Billboard’s top 10, was #1 at Dance radio for a record-breaking 53 weeks, earned her a GRAMMY nomination, and has amassed a staggering 2 billion streams globally. Rexha and Guetta teamed up once again with their massive follow-up track last summer, “One In A Million,” which earned them a GRAMMY nomination at this year’s awards in the new category of Best Pop Dance Recording.

48. The Blessed Madonna & Kylie Minogue – Edge Of Saturday Night

The Blessed Madonna has joined forces with trailblazing pop icon, Kylie Minogue, on the hugely-anticipated “Edge Of Saturday Night” — listen HERE.

Kylie says, “Almost 30 years after my first stay at Pikes Hotel in Ibiza, it was a total joy to revisit this iconic destination. I loved sharing this unforgettable moment with The Blessed Madonna and am so happy the excitement and energy of this hot August club adventure was captured in the video for ‘Edge Of Saturday Night’. I was so delighted to be asked by Marea to be part of this track and can’t wait for fans to hear it.”

Teased for the last few weeks and while the duo were together in Ibiza, “Edge Of Saturday Night” was first conceived as an idea on the cusp of lockdown back in 2020 and inspired by a DJ set in Berlin. The song took almost four years to fully crystallize as a record, with the addition of Kylie’s vocals breathing new life into the track — now a centerpiece of The Blessed Madonna’s forthcoming debut album, Godspeed. 

“This story is about edges”, explains The Blessed Madonna. “When I was given the opportunity to begin an album, we were on the edge of lockdown. When I sat down to write lyrics for the very first time, I was on the edge of a brand new life. When I programmed and wrote the music that would become this song, I was on the edge of the next big leap into producing. When I made the friends, who became the lifeblood of this record, I was on the edge of a world of love and creativity that I barely hoped to dream of. 

And so it’s fitting that this song is about an equally important edge in my life. It was a morning that magically turned into night. It was a dawn when instead of the party ending, we shut the blinds and began again. It might have been a beautiful February Monday, but in a very special room in Berlin, we found ourselves again on the edge of a Saturday night. 

But that’s just where the story begins. 

You see, then there was Kylie. Yes THE Kylie. When she came into my life through this song, it was even more surprising than dawn turning to dusk. She breathed an energy into Edge and into me. So here we are together, Marge and Kiki… and all of you are invited.

Start again.

Shut the blinds. 

Let the music save your life. 

We’re on the edge of a Saturday night.”

After meeting for the first time in person in Ibiza last month, the pair immediately struck up a friendship, with Kylie scaling the DJ booth at DC-10 during The Blessed Madonna’s set at Circoloco and following suit at legendary Ibiza hotel, Pikes — setting for Wham!’s classic 1983 ‘Club Tropicana’ video — where the duo continued the party the following night. Kylie and The Blessed Madonna embraced the storied music heritage of the hotel, choosing Pikes’ iconic swimming pool and Freddie’s Club as fitting backdrops for the forthcoming official video. 

Landing as the latest single from The Blessed Madonna’s 24-track debut LP, Godspeed — due for release on October 11th — “Edge Of Saturday Night” already bears all the hallmarks of an iconic, summer-defining record. Look out for the official video launching on Friday, August 23rd. 

The accompanying single artwork — the third image to be revealed from Godspeed’s overall creative direction, overseen by acclaimed DIY bootlegger artists, Sports Banger — is also a talking point. Tapping back into the album and its twin flames of rave and religion, the image pays homage to the unlikely duality between tent revival Pentecostal Christianity and underground rave culture.

49. Maude Lautor – Sugar Water

Heralded by NYLON as a “bold new voice in pop music,” artist-to-watch Maude Latour shares her debut album Sugar Water, out now via Warner Records. The 12-track record makes its highly-anticipated debut to acclaim from the likes of Stereogum, ELLE, PAPER, V Magazine, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and many more. Listen to Sugar Water HERE.

With undeniable cosmic-pop hooks and a philosophical grounding in its lyrics, the new LP was co-produced alongside longtime collaborator Mike Adubato, plus hitmakers Austen Healey (Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo), Zhone (Kesha, Troye Sivan), and Alex Chapman (Troye Sivan, Kim Petras). It features recently released singles “Whirlpool,” “Too Slow”, “Cursed Romantics,” and “Comedown,” plus 8 new songs, including the euphoric opening track “Officially Mine” and title track “Sugar Water.”

About the project, Maude explains, “My debut album is about growing up and learning how to lose things, people, and love— all parts of getting older. This album is an attempt at trying to hold onto the sweetness of this short life while it is still happening. It’s my most existential, deepest thoughts coated in pop music. I hope it takes you on the journey of a lifetime.”

Next up, Maude will join FLETCHER on her upcoming US tour next month, making stops at iconic venues across the country, including Radio City Music Hall in her hometown New York City and the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. See a full list of dates below, and tickets are available now at www.maudelatour.com.

50. Benson Boone – Pretty Slowly

Today, global pop sensation Benson Boone returns with his highly anticipated new single “Pretty Slowly.” Listen HERE via Night Street Records/Warner Records. The track became an instant fan-favorite as a standout moment in Boone’s set at Lollapalooza and his Fireworks & Rollerblades world tour. 

“Pretty Slowly” follows Boone’s latest track “Death Wish Love” from the Twisters movie soundtrack and the staggering global success of “Beautiful Things” — which is now RIAA certified 3x Platinum — from his acclaimed debut album Fireworks & Rollerblades. The viral smash logged an impressive 7 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, hit #1 at Top 40 and Hot AC radio, and vaulted to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also recently joined the “Billions Club” on Spotify and has amassed over 2 billion total streams to date. 

Fireworks & Rollerblades also includes the fan-favorite tracks “Cry,” “What Do You Want,” and the rapidly-rising “Slow It Down,” which is currently in the top 20 at Top 40 and Hot AC radio, the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and climbing.

Fireworks & Rollerblades continues a trend of big moments for Benson. He has been nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Alternative for “Beautiful Things” and PUSH Performance of the Year for “In The Stars.” In June, he opened for Taylor Swift’s ERAS Tour in London at Wembley stadium, following a performance with Lana Del Rey at Hangout Festival in May. Earlier this year, Boone launched his fully sold-out Fireworks & Rollerblades Tour, playing shows across the globe. See a full list of upcoming tour dates below and click HERE for tickets.

In February, iHeartRadio named him an On The Verge Artist, and last year, he was named an Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist and MTV’s Global PUSH Artist for October. Meanwhile, his PULSE EP generated tens of millions of streams for tracks like “What Was,” “Little Runaway,” and “Sugar Sweet.”

51. Mother Mother – Devil Town

To announce their North American co-headline tour, alt-rockers Mother Mother posted a cover of tourmate Cavetown’s “Devil Town” to their socials.  Fan reaction was immediate, and overwhelmingly positive, prompting the band to record a studio version – listen here now.  In a later social media collaboration, the bands joined forces on a brand new mashup of Mother Mother’s 2005 fan-favorite track “Dirty Town” and Cavetown’s hit song “Devil Town” – listen to “Dirty Devil Town” here.    

The release of these two tracks follows Mother Mother and Cavetown’s incredibly successful North American tour, which saw them co-headline iconic venues such as Red Rocks in Colorado, The Greek in Berkeley, and Budweiser Stage in Toronto, to name a few.  Mother Mother also returned to Vancouver for a triumphant homecoming performance at the sold-out Rogers Arena. The band will return to the road this fall with a string of dates across the US before heading to South America and Australia, as well as to Asia for their debut in the market.  The magic with Cavetown continues, as the two bands  will kick off 2025 with an eleven-date cross-Canada tour, with Cannons supporting.  See below for a full list of dates.

52. Mother Mother & Cavetown – Dirty Devil Town

53. Sofía Valdés ft. Cuco – How's That Working Out?

Acclaimed Panamanian singer-songwriter Sofía Valdés teams up with Cuco on her dreamy new single “How’s That Working Out?” out now via Warner Records. Showcasing her future-facing blend of pop, Latin, and R&B, she joins forces with powerhouse producer Alex Goose (Childish Gambino, BROCKHAMPTON, Aaron Frazer) on the track.

“How’s That Working Out?” follows the release of her acclaimed Silvia EP, a striking celebration of her family’s deep, multi-generational connection to music. As the first installment of her forthcoming debut album arriving later this year, the 5-song set was produced by frequent collaborator Michael Uzowuru (Rosalia’s Motomami, SZA’s Ctrl, and Frank Ocean’s Blonde) and boasted contributions from Carter Lang, John Hill, Ryan Hahn, and Diana Gordon. Her catalog to date — including her previous EPs In Bloom and Ventura — has received a long list of critical acclaim from the likes of NPR, W Magazine, Interview Magazine, NYLON, Ones To Watch, and more for her beautifully original blend of bossa nova, folk, and pop.

54. Cartel Bo – Make Em Pay You

Today, Houston’s Cartel Bo makes his major-label debut with the anthemic new single “Make Em Pay You.” Listen HERE via Warner Records. Spitting fire over menacing chords and booming percussion with an equally steamy music video coupled with the track, it’s easy to see why he’s making waves in the rap game. As the first artist under Maxo Kream’s Persona Money Global label, Cartel Bo is putting his skills, magnetic charisma, and showmanship on full display. Watch it HERE. 

Bold and confronting yet empowering and real, “Make Em Pay You” showcases Bo’s commanding presence and raw star power. In the accompanying video and soon to be strip-club anthem, amid images of luxury cars, stacks of bills, and gyrating bodies, the rapper puts on a show and works the assembled crowd with ease. Appearing at notable spots around Houston, including Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park and The Penthouse strip club, Bo showcases the poise and charm that sets him apart in the crowded hip-hop world. Watch it HERE. 

After making a name for himself with tracks like “Hoova” feat. Maxo Kream and “Fresh Out Tha Fedz,” Bo honed his lyricism and built a ferocious following in the Houston area, and then, well beyond it. Now, with the release of “Make Em Pay You,” Cartel Bo he makes it clear that he’s ready to level up and take his sound to the masses.

55. Bandmanrill – Rock

Today, Newark hip-hop and Jersey club phenom Bandmanrill unleashes the irresistible new single “Rock.” Listen HERE via Warner Records. Aggressive, minimalist, and audacious, the club-ready anthem showcases the up-and-comer’s immense talent while also hinting at drill’s enormous appeal with artists like Bandman pushing the culture forward. The banger is accompanied by a suitably explosive video. Watch it HERE. 

That electricity is reflected in the Todd Uno-directed video, which finds the rising hitmaker and his crew zipping around the streets in an array of sports cars. They also indulge in a little nighttime drifting and bring the party wherever they go. Watch the dynamic visual HERE. 

“Rock” follows Shots, his collaborative EP with Tay Spades, and loosies like “GET RIGHT!” and “KEEP UP.” They were preceded by singles like “Jiggy in Jersey, Pt 3” with Sha Ek and featuring MCVERTT, “Ball Out,” and “Mr. D.C.T., Pt 2” with Maiya The Don. Prior to that, he dropped the 3-track EP, President Obandman, which was preceded by his acclaimed debut mixtape, Club Godfather. Each release exemplifies a tighter, more pointed sound that speaks to his roots and his aspirations.

For fans of Bandman, this evolution is far from a surprise, considering his meticulous choices and work ethic. Fusing drill music, its Jersey club sounds exclusive to his home state, with rap nods to hip-hop’s wild house-party beginnings, where it was all about keeping the energy high. Needless to say, Bandman has become a bona fide master at this. Now, with “Rock,” he unleashes a track that drips with confidence and crossover appeal.

56. Lil Zay Osama ft. Polo G – How I Grew Up

Today, Chicago’s Lil Zay Osama releases the introspective new single “How I Grew Up” featuring Polo G. On the track, Zay shares his tumultuous upbringing with references to enduring violence and nurturing big dreams. It’s included on his forthcoming EP, Streets Calling My Name, which drops August 23rd. To mark the occasion, Zay also unveils a touching music video. Listen to “How I Grew Up” HERE and watch it HERE. 

In the accompanying visual, Zay and Polo G look directly at the camera while sharing their stories amid a collage of Chicago skylines, crammed parties, and throwback scenes between kids just trying to get by. It’s a raw and sentimental nod to their past and a reminder that its impact on their art still lingers. Watch it HERE.

“How I Grew Up” is Zay’s first single since the release of Hood Bible 2, which included tracks like “Go” Ft. BabyDrill, “Favorite Girl,” and “I Made It.” It followed in the wake of his 4 The Trenches mixtape, which arrived just months prior. That came after a 2023 singles run that drove home just how prolific Zay can be. “Changed Up” and “Fuck My Cousin Pt. II” ft. Lil Durk became RIAA certified Gold, while tracks like “Glah Glah,” “Humble,” and “Had Nun” made an impact.

With presence and raw honesty, Zay knows how to turn heads with his tracks. Now, with “How I Grew Up” and Streets Calling My Name set for release, he’s primed for another level up. 

57. Paper Route Woo – Bubblegum

Respected in the Memphis streets, Paper Route Woo reps his hometown with pride. Getting ready to release his upcoming project Slime Dunkin’, Woo shares “Bubblegum,” the first single from the project. Over hypnotic keys and a steady bass line, the Paper Route Empire rapper calls out the people who try to fake a life of luxury: “N****s broke as f* ck, who the hell they think they foolin’ / B*tches fake bougie, she just want her reposado and she want her Hooters.” In the video, directed by Wolfe Productions, Woo posts up in his neighborhood wearing head to toe Gucci, linking with his crew at a convenience store while he flexes about the perks that come with being one of Memphis’ hottest risers.

“Bubblegum” is the first single from Paper Route Woo’s upcoming project Slime Dunkin’, set to arrive later this year. Featuring a cover inspired by his mentor Young Dolph’s first mixtape (Paper Route Campaign), Slime Dunkin’ will be Woo’s first project since BOYZ IN THE HOOD, his 2022 collaborative project with fellow PRE hotshot SNUPE BANDZ. Even before BOYZ IN THE HOOD, Paper Route Woo had been making a name for himself in the Memphis rap game, dating back to 2020 with “In My Bag” and continuing through 2021’s “Pop Out,” which drew 2 million YouTube views. He also joined his mentor Young Dolph on “Nothing To Me,” a standout single from the 2021 PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi mixtape, generating over 10 million views.

With Slime Dunkin’ on the way, keep your eyes on Paper Route Woo as he looks to make 2024 his biggest year yet.

58. Fatima Al Qadiri – Skincare (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Milan Records today releases SKINCARE (ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK) with music by Kuwaiti composer and artist FATIMA AL QADIRI. Available everywhere now, the album features original music written by Al Qadiri for the thrilling drama, which follows a Hollywood facialist on a path of obsessive destruction over a rival business owner. Opening with a soothing palette of delicate harps and strings to reflect the story’s spa-like atmosphere, the soundtrack progressively expands to encompass dark, foreboding synthwork, acting as a sonic companion to the main character’s descent into paranoia and obsession. Directed by Austin Peters and starring Elizabeth Banks, Nathan Fillion, Lewis Pullman, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Luis Gerrado Méndez, Skincare arrives in theaters today from IFC Films – watch the trailer.

Of the soundtrack, composer FATIMA AL QADIRI says, “The score to Skincare starts out in a fragile harp and wellness-oriented vibe that quickly descends into a dark and pumping synth paranoia that reflects the main character’s spiral.”

59. Orville Peck – Permanently Lonely

Today, trailblazing country artist Orville Peck releases new original song “Permanently Lonely” from IFC Films Skincare. Listen HERE.

It’s been a monumental week for Peck who earlier this week earned his first ever #1 on the Current Country Albums Chart, first #1 on the Americana / Folk Albums chart and first Top 5 on the Overall Vinyl Albums Chart with his new duets album Stampede which was released on August 2nd. He also received his first ever People’s Choice Country Award nominations for “The Cover Song of 2024” (“Cowboys Are Frequently Fond of Each Other” with Willie Nelson) and “The Crossover Song of 2024” (“Midnight Ride” with Kylie Minogue & Diplo), both from Stampede.

Stampede also includes the single “Death Valley High” alongside Beck which was recently #1 most added at Alternative and Triple A radio. The project pushes the boundaries of country music by creating a unique, genre-blurring blend of styles with each collaborator. Other standouts include the soaring ballad “How Far Will We Take It” with Noah Cyrus, the brooding “Chemical Sunset” with Allison Russell, and album closer “Rhinestone Cowboy” alongside TJ Osborne, Waylon Payne and Fancy Hagood. Additionally, the album features collaborations with Elton John, Margo Price, Teddy Swims, Mickey Guyton, Midland, Nathaniel Rateliff, Debbii Dawson, Bu Cuaron, and Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway.

Orville Peck’s 6th annual Rodeo is coming to Nashville later this month, featuring performances from Medium Build, Mickey Guyton, Reyna Roberts, The Nude Party and more, in addition to a headline set from Peck & Tanya Tucker. Hosted by John Waters, the rodeo will take place on August 24 at Ascend Amphitheater, with a kickoff party at Basement East on August 23 and a closing party at Brooklyn Bowl on August 25. Click HERE for tickets.

Peck’s Stampede Tour is underway now across North America. See full list of dates below and click HERE for more information.