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

1. Gashi – Manicures on Board

Brooklyn emcee Gashi continues his hot streak of releases with a new single, “Manicures on Board,” via Orca Sound Records. 

Rhyming over a jazzy, ambient instrumental fit for a luxe beauty suite, Gashi delivers bars that are equally as smooth as a fresh coat of gel polish, classic as a french tip, and as sharp as callouses. His verses hit like bold flexes wrapped in raw admissions, blending sharp wit with unapologetic braggadocio. Even with all the flexing, Gashi doesn’t shy away from admitting the wear and tear of his meteoric rise—treating himself to well-deserved moments of luxury, like kicking back and getting a manicure on a private jet after grinding nonstop.

“Manicures on Board” continues Gashi’s run of new releases, following his sold-out performance in Paris with DJ Snake and his March-released “Halos & Dracos” and February’s “Pen Pals” ft. Jimi Banks. After years of sonic exploration and facing industry woes, he’s stepping into a new era of artistic freedom with his independent album, The Killah Whales of Gotham, coming this summer via Orca Sound Records. This isn’t just a new album—it’s a bold statement, breathing new life into the raw energy of ‘90s NY hip-hop, and a testament to the musical roots that inspired his creativity in the first place. With the new album, Gashi is reclaiming his narrative, embracing authenticity, and launching his own label to champion his creative vision.

2. tana – New Cash

Making an anxiously awaited return, gold-certified hip-hop disruptor tana is back with his brand new single and video “New Cash” out now via Galactic Records/Republic Records.

The production layers warbly keys over skittering hi-hats. In between clashing 808s, tana’s instantly recognizable flow takes hold. He proves as lyrically unpredictable as ever, alternating between counting up this “New Cash,” referencing Mike Tyson, and all kinds of flexing. It builds towards a woozy and hypnotic chant.
 
Of course, the track climaxes with one last blast of energy—would you expect anything less from tana though?
 
tana capped off 2024 by celebrating his 18^th birthday in style with the release of “18.” It has already amassed millions of streams.
 
Everything just sets the stage for more music to come very soon.
 
Last year, he also dropped the BANA EP and toured alongside multiplatinum rap superstar Lil Tecca. Along the way, he received acclaim courtesy of HipHopDX, HITS Daily Double, XXL, and more. To date, tana has impressively amassed over 2 billion total streams and counting.

3. Benicio Bryant – Postar

Today, 20-year-old artist and model Benicio Bryant has released the long awaited Popstar EP! The incredible body of work ties together some sexy pop bop bangers, irresistible beats, some stay at home jams, and some soon to be classic dance numbers.  

The full body of work features two brand new songs: “Fangs” & “Yikes” and includes previously released songs “Goodie Bag,” “Gameboy” and the title track “Popstar.” 

Switching gears but keeping the vibes, the EP includes “Gameboy” which was featured on Ones To Watch and is another gem in the Popstar masterpiece as well as “Goodie Bag.” 

The track was written because Benicio isn’t necessarily the stay-out-at-night, club kid. He wanted to write a song for all of those kids (and adults) who party the introverted way – at home! The song is for all the homebody’s out there who celebrate the school or work week with another pop culture favorite – video games. For the production, Benicio wanted to channel harsh, digital sounds to embody the digital nature of the lyrics. 

Benicio says of the writing process, “I just loved the idea of making this song a vocal trap song. Like ‘ga-a-ame.’ I liked it sounding synthetic, and very fake. Like I liked it sounding like digital. Some of the sounds are scary and abrupt, I think that’s good, it’s fun!  Pop isn’t supposed to be perfect, it’s supposed to be risky and a party.”

Rounding out the already released bangers on the EP is the title track. “Popstar” is a future club classic that is a love letter to Benicio’s inner popstar and a song that rivals the divadom of Kim Petras and Dua Lipa. Channeling club beats adjacent to Troye Sivan’s and the disco retro vibes of Conan Gray, Benicio is unapologetic with his undeniable star power.

On “Popstar,” Bryant said “‘Popstar’ is being in love with the best version of you, and future versions of you. It’s looking forward to only getting better and seeing yourself grow into more of a force, imagining the possibilities. Everybody has a pop star.” 

4. Milena Casado – Reflection of Another Self

Introducing Milena Casado, a trumpeter, composer, and producer who has already generated incredible buzz in recent years through her work with Terri Lyne Carrington, Vijay Iyer, Aaron Parks, Kris Davis, and other guiding forces in the music world. She was recently featured in the New York Times’ “5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Brazilian Jazz” (Read here).

Reflection of Another Self  is a stunning first statement that is sonically adventurous and a deeply personal exploration of her identity, overcoming personal traumas including experiencing racism growing up in Spain and grappling with her dual heritage, among other profound topics.  It is an adventurous and bold statement from a newcomer who has been honing her skill with luminaries and biding her time, constructing a debut album fit for someone destined to upend the jazz world. 

Co-produced by Casado with “one of her biggest mentors and friends,” the drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, and the wizardly multi-instrumentalist Morgan Guerin, Reflection of Another Self boasts a dream team of special guests: harpist Brandee Younger, flutist Nicole Mitchell, pianist Kris Davis, sound artist and turntablist Val Jeanty and the MC KOKAYI. Meshell Ndegeocello stops by to lay down a bassline on “Self Love,” the meditative closer of pure uplift. Alongside these artists is a core band including some of the finest improvising musicians in the game: pianist Lex Korten, bassist Kanoa Mendenhall, drummer Jongkuk Kim, and Morgan Guerin on EWI. 

The trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer Milena Casado chose to open her Candid Records debut, Reflection of Another Self, with a piece about her hair. 

Titled plainly and defiantly “THIS IS MY HAIR (!),” it’s a swirling, kaleidoscopic overture featuring the sampled voices of Casado in conversation with one of her heroines, bassist Esperanza Spalding. “I have a lot of trauma with my hair,” says Casado, a Black woman born and raised in Spain. As if eavesdropping, the listener hears these two brilliant women talk about the temptation to straighten one’s natural Afro, kowtowing to standards of beauty that shouldn’t even be considered. “This is not me,” says Casado, who has generated incredible buzz in recent years through her work with Terri Lyne Carrington, Vijay Iyer, Aaron Parks, Kris Davis and other luminaries. Reviewing a set by the pianist Zacchae’us Paul, the New York Times wrote, “Milena Casado, was a revelation.” 

Though it’s only 30 seconds long, there’s plenty to unpack in “THIS IS MY HAIR(!),” which acts as an extraordinary opening salvo to one of the most auspicious jazz debuts in recent memory. To start, Reflection of Another Self is a deep dive into one woman’s personal traumas and her journey in processing them and understanding forgiveness. But those stories — of facing down prejudice, of a journey of self discovery, and ambition — are also profoundly universal. To tell her story, Casado pursues a visionary concept. Reflection of Another Self is a layered and immersive blend of dreamlike, cinematic electronic textures with outstanding organic performances. 

Finally, Reflection of Another Self is testament to the strength of a musical community, and to a musician’s willingness to honor those figures who’ve impacted her art and life. “I really wanted to have people who I admire and who inspire me,” says Casado. “It was like, ‘I need this person on this track, and it can only be this person.’” 

Co-produced by Casado with “one of her biggest mentors and friends,” the drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, and the wizardly multi-instrumentalist Morgan Guerin, Reflection of Another Self boasts a dream team of special guests: harpist Brandee Younger, flutist Nicole Mitchell, pianist Kris Davis, sound artist and turntablist Val Jeanty and the MC Kokayi. Meshell Ndegeocello stops by to lay down a bassline on “Self Love,” the meditative closer of pure uplift. Alongside these artists is a core band including some of the finest improvising musicians in the game: pianist Lex Korten, bassist Kanoa Mendenhall, drummer Jongkuk Kim and Morgan Guerin on EWI. 

Of course Casado, a fluidly virtuosic player who attacks a groove with the graceful power of a champion boxer, could have crushed a more conventional acoustic jazz debut. “But that wasn’t what I wanted to do,” she says. “I was really trying to find these sounds that I had in my head, that I hadn’t really heard yet, and see how I could mix them with an acoustic sound, drawing inspiration from Miles’ quintet with Wayne Shorter — especially the Miles Smiles LP.”

Reflection of Another Self was “a really deep learning experience,” Casado says. With invaluable help from her co-producers — Carrington’s expertise leans toward acoustic jazz production, Guerin’s toward the postmodern — Casado set to learning studio software and even bought her first synthesizer. “Before I did the album,” she says, “I was searching for the sounds. I discovered them by doing.”

Already her exploration is paying dividends. Among the album’s highlights is a series of freely improvised “Introspection” pieces, including a stunning solo-trumpet performance and a spirited avant-garde communion between Casado and Carrington. These improvisations are a chance to play with “no fears, no expectations of anything. This is just who we are as artists, as people,” she says.

“O.C.T (Oda to the crazy times),” with powerhouse bars by Kokayi, surveys our maddening, infuriating sociopolitical age — and reflects on how the exterior world impacts the interior. “Lidia y Los Libros” includes the sampled voices of Casado’s mother and grandmother, alongside vibrant contributions from Brandee Younger and Nicole Mitchell.  The composition pays tribute to Casado’s mother and her love of reading. “For my mom,” she says, “a book means connecting to a new reality.” An arrangement of Geri Allen’s “Unconditional Love” is similarly soulful and beautiful. 

“Circles” is a nimble meld of postbop and futuristic grooves with a sampled koan from Wayne Shorter: “Look at what you’ve done,” says the late sage, amidst Val Jeanty’s perfectly placed scratching. “It tells you what to do.” Later, “Circles (Retrospection)” finds Kris Davis expertly decorating a surreal, soundscape-like reprise.    

But Casado’s debut is so much more than a collection of inspired moments. An ingenious exercise in album programming, Reflection of Another Self traverses various sections, unfolding like a novel or film. She begins with music that openly examines fears, melancholy and insecurities. Then comes “the bridge between understanding those and starting to accept and overcome them,” she says, adding that acceptance means finding “compassion for the people who caused your traumas.” That leads to tracks expressing resilience, courage and, ultimately, self-love — “which I feel is one of the most important things, to love yourself in order to be able to love others too. We need to accept who we are and believe in ourselves.” 

“I’m still in the process of that now,” she admits. 

Casado was born in Spain, and moved among small villages with her mother, a teacher. As a Black woman, “I didn’t really have any references for someone who looked like me,” she says. People could be surprisingly unkind—making remarks, laughing at her hair, and leaving behind the quiet weight of lasting trauma.

Music became her escape. “Finding the trumpet, finding music — it was somewhere where I felt accepted,” she says. “Somehow, music felt like home.” She discovered paragons in trumpeters Miles Davis, Clark Terry and Kenny Dorham, as well as Wayne Shorter and Thelonious Monk. Her talent was apparent, and immense. She moved to Barcelona to study at the Liceu Conservatory on a full scholarship, and found mentors in R.J. Miller and DJ Foster.

“They saw the potential and gave me weekly playing opportunities,” she says. “And they told me, ‘You need to go to the States.’ So when Berklee came to Barcelona to do auditions, I was like, OK, let me just try it.” Casado earned a full scholarship. One day during a Berklee ensemble class, Casado played a solo just as Carrington and a visiting friend, Jack DeJohnette, strolled down the nearby hallway. Taken aback, they had to find out who was playing, and the rest is history. She made her way to New York and settled in Brooklyn, making her name in jazz’s most demanding environment.

Reflection of Another Self is the most important achievement yet in Casado’s career, but it’s also the beginning of a bold new aesthetic. “When I began this album, I had all these expectations: It’s my first album; It needs to express exactly who I am” she says. “But now I see that it’s really just the starting point of a long exploration.”

5. Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams – Rule 4080

Rome Streetz and Conductor Williams highly anticipated collaborative project, Trainspotting, is the confluence of two artists at the apex of their respective trajectories. 

The dynamic duo has officially announced their collaborative formation with Trainspotting’s first single and video “Rule 4080,” which is now available at all DSP’s. 

Rome Streetz ascension has swelled with each successive release.  The effortlessness of his elite rhyming, his style, and the way he exudes an undeniable cool; the type of cool most superstars possess.  Rome is now in a space where when spirited debates around “top 10 emcee lists” are being held, you’re more than likely going to see his name included. 

Trainspotting verifies that Rome is on the cusp of fully realizing that potential, and he has the incomparable Conductor Williams directing the trip. 

Conductor Williams ascension has been both organic and blue collar.  A true self-made success story, Conductor has elevated from starving artist to one of the most sought-after producers in the world, a Grammy-Award winner, and his brand of sonic dissonance has become the preferred sound for the industry’s biggest names and celebrated artists (Drake, J.Cole, Tyler, The Creator, Wiz Khalifa, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Joey Bada$$, Mach Hommy, Boldy James, Russ and JID to name a few).

“You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.”  The perils of the record industry are well documented, but perhaps summed up most succinctly by A Tribe Called Quest on “Check The Rhime”; “Industry Rule #4080, Record Company People Are Shady.’  With “Rule 4080,” Rome revisits that cautionary tale with his own unique twist, and exacting precision, pointing out red flags (A&R’s pushing luxury cars and fronting like a star, and anyone who has an arm in your cookie jar, or too many hands in your pocket), while also in the same breath holding artists accountable for placing clout chasing ahead of financial literacy.

“Rule 4080” is a roadmap of some of the pitfalls that you will encounter in the music business if you don’t pay attention to your contracts.” Rome Streetz stressed.  “There are a lot of smoke and mirrors, and you have to be mindful of how the rug can be pulled out from under your feet if you’re not wise to the game.”

Conductor Williams bookends “Rule 4080” with layers of distorted, jazzy keyboard stabs and a gospel choir that sounds like the holy spirit being transported through your headphones.

“Rule 4080” is a staple of the music industry, but it also applies to life.  They say the game is to be sold, not told; Rome and I decided to flip that phrase around” Conductor Williams explains.  “Here is some free music industry game with real life application.” 

Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams’ new single “Rule 4080” is now available.

Rome Streetz & Conductor Williams Trainspotting will be released on 5.30.25 via Mass Appeal.

6. Mariah. & Raheem DeVaughn – Hold On Me (Act 2)

“HOLD ON ME” (ACT 2), arrives on heals of the success of the original version of, “HOLD ON ME”. (ACT 1) has been streamed over 4.5 million times, via all streaming and download platforms. “Hold On Me” (Act 1) and (Act 2) were written by Mariah. and Raheem DeVaughn and produced by Eddie Spencer and Brekiscus-Hollywood Jackson for Quest Productions.

“Hold On Me encompasses the story of the power of love. Love has a magnetic and electrifying energy- consuming those in its grasp. Before a love becomes all consuming, a story behind that love manifests. Hold On Me: Act 2 takes the listener on a journey of this love affair’s beginning. The story unfolds right before your eyes; leaving the listener to realize that love has levels,” mentions Mariah.

In the coming weeks, MARIAH. will hits the road on the second leg of the “HOLD ON ME” promotional tour with stops in (Atlanta, Charlotte, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles, just to name a few. She is available for in-person interviews while in the market.

MARIAH. is an active partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in support of their “Love Music Stop Cancer” Campaign to help raise awareness and funds to save lives via the initiative #MusicGives. #LoveMusicStopCancer. Mariah. stands strong in her faith in God, and as a NICU Nurse and proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, she believes in never giving up. “Dream with your eyes wide open.”- Mariah.

MARIAH. has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Portia Show, CBS “Great Day Washington”, FOX32 Good Day Chicago, FOX5 Good Day Atlanta, CBS “Great Day Louisiana”, FOX Mornings in Chattanooga, CW’s Rise Up Charlotte, JTV Morning News (Jackson, MS), NBC’s Today In Nashville, and countless other morning shows.

7. mgk ft. Julia Wolf – Iris

Today, multi-platinum selling recording artist, mgk teams up with singer/songwriter Julia Wolf as they release a reimagined cover of the Goo Goo Dolls’ iconic 1998 single “Iris.” The reimagined track infuses mgk’s vulnerability and rawness while paying homage to the original version through live instrumentation.

8. Girl Tones – Blame

Upsurging rock and roll duo Girl Tones today release their new single and video “Blame.” In each of their early singles, the sisters Kenzie and Laila have shown the ease with which they can shapeshift through the many subgenres of rock. With “Blame,” they are able to take the remnants of youthful angst and analyze it under the more mature lens. While conflict never seems to go away, the way the band approaches it sure has — Stream. 

Kenzie shares, “Originally I wrote ‘Blame’ totally differently, it was out of teenage spite, the lyrics were blaming everyone but myself. When we brought it to the studio, being in my mid-twenties, I now have a very different outlook on life and rewrote most of it. As you get older, relationships become more complicated, truthfully who is to blame if they fail? In the song we play with that idea of right and wrong, pride and vulnerability. ‘Blame’ explores the emotional weight of unresolved conflict and how the need for accountability can clash with pride and pain. It’s difficult to pursue forgiveness in yourself and others.”

Filmed in the ‘70s wonderland that is Nashville’s Dive Motel, the official video for “Blame” is cheeky and pure sisterly fun. Directed by Casey Pierce, the vintage-tinged cut plays up the trope of sibling rivalries from pulling pranks to diving the bedroom down the middle and not crossing the line — Watch. 

With today’s release, Girl Tones have been officially announced as the first act signed to the new label Parallel Vision, a joint venture under the umbrella of Big Loud Rock, Parallel Vision was founded by Brad Shultz, Daniel Oakley and Darren Potuck. Brad Shultz, the dynamic guitarist and co-founder of the GRAMMY-winning band Cage The Elephant, infuses Parallel Vision with an extraordinary artistic flair and a keen sense of modern rock’s evolving landscape. Daniel Oakley, a veteran executive with an illustrious tenure at Beats Music, Apple Music and Spotify, coupled with extensive major label experience, brings unmatched industry acumen and strategic expertise. Darren Potuck, a multifaceted industry veteran with over 20 years of experience spanning the realms of touring, songwriting & production, artist development, and marketing, guarantees our artists connect with their fans on a deeply personal and impactful level.

Girl Tones have already had a busy year out on the road supporting Cage The Elephant in Europe, before joining The Velveteers and hey, nothing back in the states. Beginning in July, they will next head out alongside Silversun Pickups for a North American run. Along the way, Girl Tones will make their festival debut at Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees, Austin City Limits and more. 

9. S.G. Goodman – Snapping Turtle

Today, S.G. Goodman released her new single “Snapping Turtle,” the third from her forthcoming third studio album, Planting by the Signs, due out June 20 via her very own Slough Water Records / Thirty Tigers. The accompanying music video is created from early footage from Academy Award-nominated, Peabody and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Elaine McMillon Sheldon’s 2023 film King Coal. 

Listen to “Snapping Turtle” here + watch the music video here + Pre-order Planting by the Signs here. 

Goodman will also be embarking on a headline tour across the U.S. starting this September with dates including NYC’s Bowery Ballroom, L.A.’s Troubadour and Nashville’s Basement East – full dates below and more information here. 

“Snapping Turtle” is the emotional crux of the new album and one of her best songs to date.  Premiered by Brooklyn Vegan today, “Snapping Turtle” is the emotional crux of the new album and one of her best songs to date. Brooklyn Vegan praised it as “a beautiful, meditative track, and another slice of her vivid storytelling, as her stream-of-consciousness lyrics traverse small town life and childhood nostalgia, winding up back with the same titular snapping turtle.”

As usual, her  precise and unique southern imagery sear through – this track opens with S.G. twisting the script on kids taking a lick at a snapping turtle.  

Says S.G. about the track:  “My anxiety and depression had been amounting to weird realistic dreams, where I would vividly enter certain eras of my childhood and young adulthood. I upped my therapy to two, sometimes three times a week during my time at home, and the song “Snapping Turtle” is a reflection of that. 

That song came to me as seasons that have passed, and is a window into my process of understanding the impact of moving through time and in understanding how it shapes you and others, as well as reconciling with both a past and future where certain factors were out of your control. It’s a seamless story, with no true chorus, much like my persistent dreams and conversations in therapy.” 

“Snapping Turtle” follows the release of singles “Satellite” and “Fire Sign,” both of which got critical acclaim from Stereogum, FLOOD, Consequence, Pitchfork, Brooklyn Vegan and more. 

Her first album in three years, Planting by the Signs is a reminder of the Kentucky born and raised singer-songwriter’s razor-sharp lyricism, singular voice and seamless blend of indie rock and subtle rural influences.

10. Poizonnn & K Carbon – Is You Cool

K Carbon and Poizonnn, two of the hardest, up-and-coming female rappers in the game, release “Is You Cool,” today. This is the next single off the Vsnszn album, coming later this year.  

Previous singles include “Often” ft. Rick Ross, Ron E and Rain 910, and “Benjamin Crew” ft. Maliibu Miitch and Jeremih.

11. ilham – make the room look twice

Moroccan R&B artist ilham has released her new single and music video “make the room look twice,” available now on all digital platforms via The Orchard. The new release blends pop, R&B, and house, setting the tone for the playful summer season ahead. On the track, the songstress encourages listeners to move forward from their troubles and have fun.

“‘Make the room look twice’ is about that energy — when you walk into a room and people feel your presence before you even say a word,” ilham shares on the track. “That effortless confidence. It’s the kind of song you turn all the way up with the windows down, or throw on while getting ready with your girls before a night out. It’s also about not going back and forth with anyone — not even your own brain. Letting go, choosing peace, and moving forward. Summer’s approaching ya’ll — I need to see the girls and boys outside, living life. Sad girl/sad boy season is over!”

The release comes off the heels of ilham’s runway debut at New York Fashion Week and empowering single “roster,” which she recently sang for 4 Shooters Only From The Block series. Her second independent release “games” offers hazy piano riffs over a trap beat that earned praise from The New York Times. Viral sexy drill track “uhm…ok?” premiered on Zane Lowe’s Apple Music 1 Show and scored her a performance with On The Radar. The string of singles has garnered media attention from BBC, Billboard, The FADER, Hypebeast Arabia, OkayAfrica, and more. 

ilham’s seductive new-age music and dreamy visuals are influenced by R&B legends and her Moroccan heritage, offering a new take on the ever-evolving genre. Raised in New York City’s infamous Queensbridge Housing Projects, ilham’s formative years were spent studying music theory at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and graduating early from Cornell University, setting the stage for her evolution as an emerging singer and songwriter.

In 2018, ilham made waves with her debut EP 41-10, home to collaborations with Guapdad 4000, Dave East, and Arin Ray, earning early support from Billboard, VIBE, The FADER, and Earmilk. The project also received nods from Issa Rae and Raphael Saadiq who featured “none of your friends business” in the season 2 finale of HBO’s Insecure. ilham’s self-released 2019 follow-up EP with time soared to #1 on iTunes Top R&B Albums Chart and attracted the attention of industry tastemakers like Joe Budden, Travis Mills, and French Montana. Since then, the trailblazing Arab-American/North African artist has collaborated with prominent record producers including London on da Track, TBHits, and The Fisticuffs in addition to making her festival debut at Day N Vegas and Sol Blume Festival. Her discography has earned over 40 million streams across platforms and garnered media support from NPR, Marie Claire, Vogue Arabia, UPROXX, Essence, LA Weekly, Hypebae, L’OFFICIEL, Office Magazine, and Ones To Watch among others. 

There’s more music to come from ilham in the following weeks, so stay tuned!

12. Jessie J – Living My Best Life

GRAMMY- Nominated, BRIT Award-winning, multi-platinum artist Jessie J returns today with her brand-new single, “Living My Best Life,” available now via Darco Artist Partnerships (D.A.P).

Following the emotional release of last month’s “No Secrets,” Jessie J shifts the energy with “Living My Best Life,” a vibrant and joyful anthem produced by GRAMMY-winning hitmaker Ryan Tedder (Beyoncé, Adele, OneRepublic). The track is a bold celebration of self-love and happiness, serving as the perfect counterpoint to “No Secrets.”

The song was born during a drive through Los Angeles, where Jessie—blasting Whitney and Prince—was struck by a wave of inspiration. “I love the sense of moving upwards, so ‘Living My Best Life’ has that same feeling. It feels timeless, classic, 80s. It makes you want to dance,” Jessie says.

This past weekend, Jessie J wowed audiences with a powerful performance of her ballad “The Award Goes To” at the BAFTA Television Awards—marking her first TV performance in six years. Next up is a sold-out acoustic headline show at London’s Union Chapel on May 20, where fans will get an exclusive first listen to her new material, alongside fan favorites and her famously charismatic storytelling.

On June 15, Jessie J will also make her long-awaited return to Capital’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium—11 years since her last appearance on the iconic stage.

13. J.I.D – WRK

Atlanta rapper J.I.D has released the official music video for new single, “WRK.” Directed by Chad Tennies (Resolve) and produced by Satin Heart, the video explores a post-apocalyptic Atlanta where imagery of artifacts and music equipment are rounded up to be burned. Inspired by movies like “The Warriors” and “Mad Max,” J.I.D love for films continues to inspire his creative visual world with this video. Watch above or via link here.

The video comes a week after J.I.D’s recently announced album, his fourth studio album. The dynamically named project, God Does Like Ugly, is available for pre-order now and will be released this Summer, on August 8th. Fans can pre-order the album via: https://JID.lnk.to/GodDoesLikeUgly 

Giving fans a taste of what they can expect on this new album, J.I.D also released a short visual depicting scenes from a lost word, borrowing inspiration from films like The Warriors and Mad Max but as always with J.I.D, set upon the backdrop of Atlanta. Speaking on it, J.I.D shares: 

“Starting this new journey coming off The Forever Story has been a very strange, productive yet tedious process, but I live my life by the saying ‘You can only control what you can control.’ So this is the first step into a new world that I control. And. It’s. F*cking. UGLY.”

The album announcement comes on the heels of J.I.D’s most recent release called “WRK;” the “high energy offering [ushering] the start of a new era” (Hypebeast). The song which was produced by GRAMMY winning producer Pluss and longtime collaborator Christo. It centers J.I.D’s signature double time bars, infectious word plays and vocal changes that keeps the listener hooked for the length of the three-minute track. 

Though the Atlanta rapper has stayed busy with sold out tours and collaborations with Lil Yachty, Ab-Soul, NewJeans, Eminem and more — “WRK” is the first solo cut from J.I.D since the release of his critically acclaimed album, The Forever Story (Dreamville/Interscope Records, 2022). The album which Rolling Stone, Complex, NPR, GQ, XXL and more included in their “Best Albums of The Year” lists bore fruits well past its release date. Almost a year after its release, a cut from the record — the infectious track “Surround Sound” — soar to viral acclaim with its own TikTok challenge and ended the year in the #1 position across Billboard Viral 50, TikTok Viral and TikTok 50. The song featuring Atlanta natives 21 Savage and Baby Tate re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 2024 and went onto be 3x Platinum certified. 

Fans can stay on top of all new J.I.D by staying glued to: https://www.jid.world/ 

14. Lil Poppa – Start Trippin (Shawty Fine)

Jacksonville rapper and CMG signee Lil Poppa returns today with “Start Trippin (Shawty Fine)”, a fresh, bouncy new single that puts his melodic instincts and signature storytelling on full display. The single is accompanied by an official visual available for viewing now.

Arriving ahead of his upcoming full-length album, due this summer via CMG/Interscope, “Start Trippin (Shawty Fine)” continues a streak of standout releases from the rising Southern star, following his raw and confessional single “I Hate You” (1M+ views). Together, these tracks hint at the emotional range and versatility fans can expect from his next body of work.

The single also lands just as Poppa prepares to embark on his nationwide ‘Almost Normal Again’ Tour. Kicking off May 22 in Washington, DC, the 20-date run will bring him to major cities across the U.S., including New York, Atlanta, Houston, and his hometown of Jacksonville. Tickets are available for purchase here.

15. BabyDrill – Me & My

Today, breakout ATL rapper BabyDrill drops his new single and video “Me & My” – listen here / watch here. Directed by Elissa Salas, the official visual shows Drill with his girl spending money and buying her jewelry. This single and previous singles “Murk Sum,” Army Base,” and “Wicked West” are from his forthcoming album Cry For Help set to be released May 21^st via PDE Records/RCA Records – presave here.

16. untiljapan – PYRAMIDZ

Rising from Atlanta’s underground scene with a sound that’s both jagged and intimate, genre-defying newcomer untiljapan introduces his first release of 2025, “PYRAMIDZ.” The track signals the return of a distinctive voice in rap—one unafraid to be raw, experimental, and emotionally exposed. “PYRAMIDZ” also arrives alongside a new visual directed by Trey Lyons.

untiljapan first turned heads in 2022 with his independent EP WARHOL, made in his bedroom while still in high school. In 2023, his debut LP SAFE TRAVELS gained momentum online, helping him build a small but dedicated following with his breakout single “KISS N TELL” quickly earning him over one million streams. His work blends rap, melody, and storytelling in a way that feels deeply personal, often pulling from real moments and internal battles.

Born to Nigerian parents and raised in Georgia, untiljapan’s relationship with music started young but didn’t become a serious focus until college. He was studying computer science when he decided to drop out and fully commit to making music. That leap—taken without a plan, but with a lot of faith—has shaped the way he approaches everything since.

With “PYRAMIDZ,” untiljapan opens a new chapter. It’s the first in a string of new releases building toward his next body of work.

17. Snoop Dogg – Iz It A Crime?

Hip-Hop legend and cultural icon Snoop Dogg returns with his surprise new album, Iz It A Crime?, available now via Death Row Records /gamma.. The 21-track project is a fearless genre-blending statement that confronts controversy, reclaims narrative, and reasserts Snoop’s dominance and legacy in the rap world. 

Accompanying the album is a visual directed by Snoop Dogg and Dah Dah that blends music video and docuseries formats. The offering provides a unique look into Snoop’s past year leading up to the making and release of Iz It A Crime?. It delves into a wide range of personal and professional moments, including his relationship with his wife, handling naysayers and online trolls, the loss of his brother and cousin right before being on the world’s stage as a broadcaster during the Paris  Olympics, and his inspiring work with young athletes.

The album arrives during a milestone year for Snoop, following his historic overall deal with NBCUniversal, a TIME Magazine cover naming him one of the world’s most influential people, and his recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year at the 29th Annual Webby Awards.

Iz It A Crime? opens with its self-titled track, a daring reinterpretation of Sade’s classic, driven by moody minimalist production from Major 7 and AG, and elevated by haunting harmonies from October London, a rising star on the revitalized Death Row Records. Snoop sets the tone with pointed lyricism, asking, “Is it a crime for me to ask for my residuals?” as he confronts the music industry with the sharp edge that has defined his decades-long career.

Throughout the album, Snoop showcases his rare ability to connect generations and styles with a dynamic lineup of collaborators. He joins forces with longtime creative partners like Pharrell Williams on “Spot” and Wiz Khalifa on “Just the Way It Iz” while introducing fresh voices like LaRussell on “Can’t Wait,” JANE HANDCOCK on “Can’t Get Enough,” and Sexyy Red on “Me N OG Snoop.”

Production comes from celebrated names across the spectrum. Rick Rock brings thunderous energy to “SHUTYOBITCHASSUP,” a direct address to former Death Row head Suge Knight. Battlecat injects West Coast flair into “West Up” and “Sophisticated Crippin’.” Big Duke shapes the defiant “Unsung Heroes” while Nottz and Dae One provide introspective depth on tracks like “Let Me Love You” and “Life’s Journey” featuring Blaqtoven. Other standout moments include the vibrant “Joy” produced by Big D and Cainon Lamb and the funk-infused “Snoop Will Make You Dance” produced by Battlecat.

With Iz It A Crime? Snoop Dogg offers more than an album. He delivers a declaration. As the head of the reimagined Death Row Records, he continues to build a legacy, shift culture, and lead the next era with clarity and confidence. This isn’t just a moment. It’s a masterclass.

You can now find Iz It A Crime? streaming on all major platforms.

18. Theo Bleak – Bad Luck Is Two Yellow Flowers

Today, Scottish indie artist Theo Bleak shares her new EP, Bad Luck Is Two Yellow Flowers, available everywhere now via Polymoon. Co-written with close collaborators Mark Johnston, Megan McNally, and Dan Gautreau, the EP captures Theo Bleak’s signature blend of haunting melodies, poetic lyricism, layered instrumentals and emotive vocal delivery, displaying a push and pull between intellect and raw feeling.

“The EP is my imaginings of my friend’s inner life,” Theo Bleak explains. “Each song represents a different facet of our blurry friendship. The title imagery is tied to ideas of superstition, astrology, and the feeling of deep, unwavering longing.”

Following the success of last year’s introspective single “You Said I’d Feel It All Again,” “Said Like A Poet”, and “Peach Sky,” marked another chapter in Theo Bleak’s exploration of raw emotion and dreamlike soundscapes. “Said Like A Poet” serves as a perfect sign-off to the upcoming EP, a project built on themes of longing, superstition, and blurred friendship. “Peach Sky” captures the fleeting beauty of a single moment, blending wistful lyricism with the artist’s signature “goth waltz” guitar melodies and lush, layered vocals. The track delves into themes of change, longing, and the search for meaning.

“You Said I’d Feel It All Again” garnered widespread support internationally. The single was played on BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists, BBC Radio 2’s Unwinds and was also recognized by multiple Spotify editorial playlists such as New Music Friday in the USA, UK, Belgium, Sweden & Netherlands as well as Fresh Folk, All New Pop, and Next Gen Singer-Songwriters. Earlier this month, rising star Rachel Chinouriri played the track on her takeover of BBC Introducing on Radio 1. Bad Luck Is Two Yellow Flowers looks to have the same impact, adding to the young artist’s impressive repertoire. 

Earlier this year, Theo Bleak made her North American debut at New York’s New Colossus Festival. This summer, she will head to various festivals across the United Kingdom, starting tomorrow night at Brighton’s famed The Great Escape Festival.

19. Jvy King – Listen To Me

Rising singer, rapper, and songwriter Jvy King shares his debut EP “Listen To Me,” via MNRK Music Group.  The project is a heartfelt 6-track introduction that captures the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of a young artist coming into his own.

The EP isn’t about making noise — it’s about being heard. On tracks like “True To Me” and “Antidote,” Jvy reflects on identity, relationships, and personal growth, with a tone that feels both reflective and relatable. His standout track “State of Mind” now comes to life with an official video directed by Views, adding visual depth to one of the project’s most personal records.

“This is the most honest I’ve ever been in my music,” says Jvy. “It’s a way for people to get to know me — what I think, what I’ve been through, and how I see the world.”

At 19 years old, Jvy King is carving out his place in music with a sound that blends melody, introspection, and relatable storytelling. Born and raised in Southwest Philly, he’s already received early co-signs from hometown heavyweights like Fridayy, Meek Mill, and Skrilla — all recognizing his raw talent and potential. 

Influenced by a wide range of artists from Shawn Mendes to Polo G, Jvy draws from his own life to shape a sound that is mellow yet full of feeling. With “Listen To Me,” he’s not trying to be anyone but himself — and that’s exactly what makes this debut so compelling.

20. Uni-G – I'm Free

Bronx-born lyricist Uni-G breaks his musical silence with the release of his latest work “I’m Free,” a transformative single that marks both his grand return and artistic evolution. The self-produced track pulses with raw authenticity as Uni-G’s magnetic flow and precise delivery cut through carefully crafted production, creating an experience that transcends typical hip-hop boundaries. Accompanied by an equally compelling video, the track sets the tone for Uni-G’s future 2025 full length project. 

21. Tiva Fox – Hot Pickles

Rap’s new it-girl Tiva Fox gives listeners a taste of the energy and direction she’s bringing to the game with her latest single, “Hot Pickles” – stream HERE via Sincerely Yours. With a driving hook and a cucumber cool demeanor, Tiva showcases her playful side, which draws inspiration from her favorite snack of all-time. 

Speaking about the single, Tiva shares, “This song is about my first true love and it’s very near and dear to me. This was my absolute favorite song to make, I literally looked at a bag of pickle lays on my bed and the words just came to me.”

The hype for “Hot Pickles” has been growing steadily since Tiva teased the track online, building anticipation for its release through clips on social media. Short but just as effective, the content adds an engaging visual layer that perfectly matches the easygoing vibe of the song.  

Over the past few months, Tiva released her Valentine’s Day single “Ion Need Em” as well as her nonchalant entry “Don’t Wake Up.” Widely celebrated for the no-holds-barred edge that fans have come to expect from the ascendant force, Tiva maintains her momentum, proving there’s no end to her signature style of pretty girl rap. 

Stream “Hot Pickles” and stay tuned for more from Tiva Fox. 

22. Cautious Clay – The Hours: Morning

Beyond his own artistry, Cautious has established himself as a highly sought-after songwriter and producer, collaborating with Billie Eilish, John Mayer, John Legend, Khalid, Kavinsky, Melanie Martinez, Remi Wolf, and most recently, Tycho. Following the release of his acclaimed EPs Resonance and Table of Context, he delivered his full-length 2021 debut Deadpan Love, a nuanced exploration of the complexities of human connection that earned him praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Fader, PAPER, and more. With his 2023 album KARPEH, Cautious reached new artistic heights, delivering a more intentional and sonically rich project. This bold evolution offered an intimate portrayal of his journey, his past, and his family life, solidifying his place as a singular voice in modern music and one to watch. Stream the new album, catch him live this fall, and stay tuned for more news to follow.

23. MOLIY, Silent Addy, Major Lazer & Disco Neil – Shake It To The Max (FLY)[Major Lazer Remix]

Today, Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter MOLIY (real name Molly Ama Montgomery) released a vibrant new remix of her viral hit “Shake It To The Max (FLY),” this time teaming up with world renowned EDM powerhouse Major Lazer, alongside production partners Silent Addy and Disco Neil. Sure to be the ultimate summer hit, this latest remix blends MOLIY’s signature vocals with Major Lazer’s electrifying dance beats, delivering a bold, uptempo reimagining of the track that further showcases MOLIY’s genre-defying style and international appeal.

The remix of “Shake It To The Max (FLY),” featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng, has surpassed 100 million streams on YouTube and Spotify. The song ended Tyla’s 75-week reign atop the UK Afrobeats Chart and has remained at the top for the past 7 weeks. With over 50 million global Spotify streams, it is also the most Shazamed song worldwide. Currently sitting at #10 on the TikTok Viral 50, it has inspired nearly 3 million short-form video creations on the platform. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the No. 1 song on Apple Music in the Caribbean, further cementing its regional and global impact. A number of artists from across the world – Jamaica, Trinidad, the UK, Germany, Latin America, Japan, and beyond are performing their own versions of the viral song and dance.

MOLIY first made waves on the global scene with her breakout Platinum hit collaboration with Amaarae “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY”, later remixed with Kali Uchis. Her latest collaboration with Major Lazer, Silent Addy and Disco Neil builds on that momentum, reinforcing her place as one of the most exciting voices in the global music landscape. With streaming numbers soaring and her influence continuing to grow, MOLIY is proving she’s not just riding the wave, she’s helping shape the future of global music. 

Up next, the Afro-fusion trailblazer will bring her magnetic stage presence to fans worldwide as she embarks on a major international tour, with dates across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Kicking off May 23 in Paris, the tour wraps July 19 in Seattle at Blast Fest 2025. MOLIY will join a star-studded lineup of artists including Sean Paul, Uncle Waffles, Vybz Kartel, and more. A full list of tour dates is available below.

The “Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” featuring Major Lazer, Silent Addy and Disco Neil is available now on all major platforms. For more information and exclusive tour updates, follow MOLIY on Instagram at @MOLIYmusic. 

24. Raquel ft. NLE Choppa – LA LA LA

Every once in a while, an artist arrives with a sound so fluid, so fun, and so fully formed that you can’t help but take notice. That artist is Raquel (@raquelllofficial)—the genre-defying singer, songwriter, and classically trained pianist lighting up Toronto’s music scene. Her latest single, “LA LA LA,” out now, featuring hip-hop heavyweight NLE Choppa, is her boldest statement yet.

Available on all platforms, “LA LA LA” captures the essence of celebration, freedom, and connection. The track takes listeners on an euphoric journey. From the beginning of the day to the excitement of a night out. Written during a late-night session in the summer of 2024, the song was inspired by the concept of counting from 1 to 10, with each number representing both a timeline and a vibe.

When it came time to choose a collaborator, NLE Choppa was the clear choice. Known for his high-energy delivery and magnetic presence, his addition to the track brought a dynamic edge that elevated the song to new heights. The song’s release is accompanied by a glamorous, high-concept music video shot in Toronto by Raquel’s creative team at Abstract Studios. Featuring choreographed dance breaks, custom Lamborghinis, and glittering club scenes, the video is a visual representation of the song’s carefree, celebratory vibe.

The music video and song reflect Raquel’s love for fashion and storytelling, with the visuals capturing her signature high-fashion style and infectious energy. From the glitzy wardrobe to the vibrant choreography, everything about this release embodies Raquel’s unique approach to blending music, style, and creativity.

The track’s catchy chorus offers a lyrical snapshot of that carefree energy:

“At 4, 5, 6, I’m with my girls and we’re taking pics / At 7, 8, 9, we’ll hit the club tonight / So meet me at 10, ‘cause I wanna see you again.”

As for what comes next, Raquel is clear that this song marks a new era for her—one that is pop-forward, dance-driven, but still uniquely her. She’s stepping into high-energy sounds while staying true to her roots.

“LA LA LA” is a song designed to make people feel alive, to dance, and to enjoy the moment. With its catchy chorus and infectious beat, it’s the perfect soundtrack to any celebration.

25. Maddie Regent – On the phone with my mom

Indie-pop luminary Maddie Regent unveils her long-awaited debut full-length album, On the phone with my mom. Crafted in collaboration with her creative partner and significant other, producer and songwriter Cade Hoppe, the album is Maddie’s most fearless and fully realized work to date. Seamlessly blending shimmering pop melodies with razor-sharp introspection, On the phone with my mom captures her at her most raw, radiant, and self-assured.

The 14 track album features previously released singles—“Sleeptalking,” “Turtleneck,” “Miss Virgo,” “The other shoe,” “The wolf,” and “You could break my heart”—alongside eight brand-new songs. With sharp lyricism and undeniable hooks, the album dives into the messiness of human emotion, striking a delicate balance between nostalgia and newfound clarity.

At its core, On the phone with my mom is a meditation on the paradox of femininity. “The album explores the idea that girlhood feels inescapable, womanhood seems unattainable, and yet, somehow, transitioning from one to the other feels essential for survival. They either exist as entirely separate entities or blur into one indistinguishable experience,” Maddie shares.

Originally from Toronto and now based in New York City, Maddie discovered her passion for songwriting at just 12 years old, using music as a tool to navigate her anxieties and give voice to her innermost thoughts. She grew up inspired by the individuality and unfiltered honesty of artists like Nelly Furtado, Lana Del Rey, and Avril Lavigne, laying the foundation for her own distinctive sound. Since her 2021 debut, Maddie has released two EPs, MISS REGENT and Girl of Your Dreams, and has earned recognition from tastemakers like Atwood Magazine and EARMILK.

Unafraid to dig deep, challenge expectations, and turn life’s messiest moments into cathartic, unforgettable music, Maddie Regent cements herself as a bold and essential voice in indie-pop with On the phone with my mom.

26. Sabrina Claudio – Memory Foam

Today, RIAA Platinum-selling R&B singer/songwriter Sabrina Claudio announces her highly anticipated fifth studio album, Fall In Love With Her, arriving June 6 via EMPIRE. Alongside the announcement, Sabrina shares the final glimpse into the project with her soul-baring new single “Memory Foam” accompanied by a stunning official music video, live at 9 AM PST. [Watch here].

Stamped as Sabrina Claudio’s most personal project to date, Fall In Love With Her is a hazy, R&B-laced dreamscape that’s romantic, raw, and emotionally unguarded. After stepping away from the spotlight to experience life fully, Sabrina returns with a collection deeply rooted in personal growth, vulnerability, and reflection. Each track peels back another layer of her journey, inviting listeners into a world where heartbreak, healing, and sensuality blur like smoke, culminating in a narrative that feels as intimate as it is expansive.

On the album, Sabrina shares “’Fall In Love With Her’ is a reflection of growth- a journey through longing, healing, and finding alignment. It’s about letting go of who I once was to become who I’m meant to be, and trusting that in the end, I’ll meet her again. She’ll be everything I’ve worked for. And I will fall in love with her.”

“Memory Foam” is an emotional ballad that likens the heart to memory foam. With swelling guitars, rousing intensity, and soaring vocals, Sabrina captures the quiet power of bouncing back. The video reflects this with touching scenes of Sabrina and a friend basking in the healing glow of each other’s company, highlighting the strength we draw from those who know us best and the freedom it gives us to move forward.

Speaking on the single, Sabrina says: “’Memory Foam’ is a song about resilience. I take pride in the fact that despite all of the heartaches, betrayals, and pain I’ve endured in my life, my heart still has the capacity to let go and continue to love, almost as if it only strengthens the more it is threatened. This song is about grace and forgiveness, something I feel we all have to give ourselves as we navigate the ups and downs of life” 

Growing up in Miami, Florida, Claudio was enthralled by music and started writing at a young age. She shared her debut EP, Confidently Lost, and quickly followed up with her critically acclaimed debut album, About Time, in 2017. Standout tracks “Belong To You” featuring 6lack, “Unravel Me,” and “Stand Still” proved she had a bright future as R&B’s next big star and culminated in her debut performance on The Late Late Show With James Corden. Over the years, she became a seasoned artist in the genre, putting out four more projects and going on a headline tour in 2022 and festival dates, including Coachella.

Sabrina Claudio has since accumulated over 3 billion worldwide streams and clinched GRAMMY Award wins for her writing on Beyonce’s “Plastic Off The Sofa” and Chris Brown’s “Best Ever.” Recently, she’s been featured on “MAKE IT UP” with Destin Conrad,  “Settle For Less” with ZHU, “Don’t Speak” with Marshmello, and “No Question” with label mate Tyga, and she has collaborated with The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, ZAYN, Alicia Keys, Wale, Diplo, Sir, Khalid, The Chainsmokers, Mario, Black Coffee, and many more.

27. Aminé – 13 Months of Sunshine

Aminé releases his third full-length solo studio album 13 Months of Sunshine via 10K Projects. The follow-up to his 2020 album Limbo includes his previously released singles “Arc de Triomphe,” “Vacay” and “Familiar” and finds him perfecting the experimentation he displayed across his TWOPOINTFIVE mixtape and collaborative LP KAYTRAMINÉ with KAYTRANADA where he explored the nexus of rap and dance/electronic music. To celebrate the album’s release, he’ll be hosting album release parties in New York City and Los Angeles next week, both of which sold out in three minutes.

The album’s title is a play on the Gregorian 13-month calendar that Aminé’s native Ethiopia and Eritrea follow, as well as a direct reference to the Western marketing campaigns to entice tourists to visit Ethiopia in the 60’s and 70’s. “They came up with this slogan to show people that there was so much more to Ethiopia than what is advertised,” the rapper shared, “I related so heavily to it, because on this album, I am showing that there’s so much more than what everyone assumes about my music—myself included.” Guided by intimate conversations with family members, specifically his father, and the strong ties to his East African heritage, 13 Months of Sunshine sees the rapper reevaluate his meteoric success and the legacy he wants to leave behind through intentional storytelling.

Executive produced by Dahi (Ravyn Lenae, SZA, Kendrick Lamar), every line on the 16-song album passes the “small reading room test” through lyrics that he “would be proud to read, without music and in front of 30 people,” Aminé explains, “Every line had to pass that test.” From the Waxahatchee-featuring indie pop beauty of “History” to the psych-synth invocation of Toro y Moi-assisted album closer “Images” on 13 Months of Sunshine, the rapper presents his most exacting vision to date as well as a ferocious appetite as both a listener and curator of sound. 

Ahead of the album’s release, Aminé has stayed busy in the years between, releasing his TWOPOINTFIVE mixtape in 2021 and acclaimed, collaborative full-length KAYTRAMINÉ with KAYTRANADA in 2023. An avid participant in the world of fashion, he’s designed two pairs of sneakers as part of his ongoing collaboration with New Balance as well as fostered close relationships with Louis Vuitton, Jacquemus, and Thom Browne. In 2022, he embarked on 2022’s The Best Tour Ever Tour and launched his inaugural hometown festival, The Best Day Ever, in Portland in 2024, which featured stellar performances from beloved collaborators such as BADBADNOTGOOD, KAYTRANADA, Ravyn Lenae, and more. 

Listen to 13 Months of Sunshine above now and stay tuned for more from Aminé soon.

28. Morgan Wallen – I'm The Problem

Morgan Wallen’s highly-anticipated fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, which has already notched three No. 1’s at Country radio and six top 10’s on the Billboard Hot 100 chart ahead of its release, is available now via Big Loud / Mercury. Listen HERE.
 
Spanning 37 tracks, I’m The Problem combines Wallen’s country, cross and dirt-rock influences, and features collaborations with pop superstars Post Malone and Tate McRae, plus close friends Eric Church, ERNEST and HARDY.
 
Having spent nearly a year writing and refining the tracklist from his farm just outside of Nashville with core collaborators, including producers Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome, the process was reflective for Wallen, taking inventory of where he’s been and where he’s headed – and not shying away from the past.
 
The album opens with the title track, “I’m The Problem,” a cutting double-edged confession that reveals the complexities of a relationship at its lowest point. It concludes with “I’m A Little Crazy,” a quiet, self-reflective song that looks inward while examining the world outside. As with Wallen’s other albums, his eclectic taste in music creeps into his songs. But with this album, he’s really honed his ability to integrate those influences, drawing on guitar sounds of Indie bands like The War On Drugs, country greats like Keith Whitley and hip-hop drum tracks. Between all of that, Wallen also reaches listeners on a granular level.
 
“There were three styles on the last album that I had in my head, and I went with that same approach with this album,” Wallen reflects on the process of interpolating different sounds into the project. “We had straight up country songs, which I always do, and then we had more of an alternative-indie approach on a few of them. Those songs end up being a little bit countrified, just because that’s who we are and that’s how we do them. And then the more cross-genre approach might end up on a multi-genre radio station, just because of all the influences that I’ve had throughout my life, listening to every single type of music. I think I’ve stuck to that approach with I’m The Problem,  getting an anchor song for each style and once we have those anchor songs dialed in, we fill up those buckets.
 
“We recorded around 50 songs for this album and ended up cutting 13,” he adds. “I feel like we accomplished what I had in mind, and a huge shoutout to my close collaborators on this too. They came in ready and fired up every single day, and they inspire me as much as anything else.”
 
While Wallen co-wrote 22 of the tracks, he tapped into 49 songwriters, curating a tracklist that’s both deeply personal and resonant, viewing life events through a different lens than he’s used in the past. The result is a product that’s both more vulnerable and more resolute than ever before.
 
Previously released songs “Lies Lies Lies,” “Love Somebody” and “I’m The Problem” have already reached No. 1 at Country radio, as praise rolled in early for the project, with Billboard declaring Wallen “the biggest country star in the world” amid chart success.
 
Throughout the course of the album, Wallen digs in, unafraid to acknowledge his past with songs like “Superman,” dedicated to his son, the contemplative “Genesis” and his deeply personal “I Got Better,” which Wallen says most reflects where he is now.
 
“‘I got better since you got gone’ would be how I feel right now,” Wallen shares. “I’d say that’s one that really came from my heart, and it can mean many things. It’s not just a song to a girl, it could be a song to anything that’s holding you back. That’s why I like that song so much, for a long time I had a lot of things holding me back. I’ve finally said goodbye to a lot of those things, and I’m proud of the results that have come from doing that. So, I’d say ‘I Got Better’ is my most personal song right now.”
 
Amid all of the highs and lows reflected throughout the album, Wallen remained centered on one thing: his fans.
 
“The work that it takes for me, my team, my songwriters, and the sacrifices it takes from them to get a 37 song album – we don’t just do that strictly because that’s what we want to do, we see that the demand is there and we are happy to meet that demand,” Wallen remarks. “I hope people don’t think that we just threw 37 songs together like it was some haphazard thing. It really was a fully immersed project, and I hope people can tell that.”
 
Wallen’s coinciding 2025 I’m The Problem Tour kicks off June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The 20-show run will include stops in Seattle, Washington; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Toronto, Ontario and more. With a second stop added in Madison, Wisconsin, Wallen’s appearances will mark the first time an artist has played two consecutive nights at Camp Randall Stadium.
 
A rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel join in direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as first-of-three across select dates. Coupled with Wallen’s Sand In My Boots Festival this weekend and a special one-night-only album release celebration show on May 28 at Roundhouse in London, these 22 shows are the only place to see the superstar in 2025.

29. Farrah Fawx – But Did You Die

Singer, rapper, songwriter, and creative force Farrah Fawx steps into a bold new chapter with the release of her most personal and electrifying project to date, But Did You Die, out now. This six-track EP turns pain into power, delivering a fearless blend of raw emotion, sharp lyricism, and high-voltage sound.

Written during one of the most difficult periods of her life, the title But Did You Die was born from a moment of self-confrontation. It became a mantra,  not just a comeback but a reminder that even in the unraveling chaos, you can still pull yourself together and rise louder than before.

On the meaning behind the album, Farrah shares “‘But Did You Die’ represents me getting back to myself after coming out of a season where everything that could’ve broken me…TRIED to! This music is me being intentional about my boundaries, putting aside the negative self-talk, and reminding myself who TF I AM. I made it on my own terms and with people I love and respect in real life. Creating this sound has been a journey for me, literally and figuratively and it’s been fun to push past my own creative limits and external expectations.”

The release follows a run of boundary-pushing singles that have steadily built anticipation. From the commanding energy of “Stretch” to the cheeky power of “HI MY NAME IS” featuring Spanish rapper Carly Gibert, and the gritty urgency of “Chop Chop,” Farrah has been laying the groundwork for a project that refuses to play it safe.

At the core of the EP is the focus track “Slippery,” an audacious and addictive track that flips the script on control, desirability, and independence. Over a slick, club-ready beat, Farrah delivers razor-sharp bars with lines like “Hot bitch but I can get cold, don’t get gassed it ain’t Texaco” and “Use more tongue when you slob my feet, all my girls bite but they don’t use teeth.”  The result is both seductive and satirical. A declaration of power wrapped in wit and rhythm.

Musically, But Did You Die pulls from Farrah’s deep well of influences. Jungle, drum and bass, alt-pop, and Southern-rooted hip hop all collide in a sound that is as unique as her voice. Inspired by legends like Missy Elliott, Teena Marie, and Shy FX, Farrah’s style feels nostalgic and futuristic all at once.

Born in Washington, DC and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Farrah began writing songs at six years old and recording herself at thirteen using winter coats for soundproofing. Now based in Los Angeles, she has built an impressive resume that includes collaborations with Aluna, Duckwrth, Rochelle Jordan, and Qveen Herby, has lent background vocals for Ab-Soul, and landed songwriting credits for television, film, and major label artists. This year, her momentum hit new heights with a performance at Coachella on the Party In My Living Room stage, and later this year she will be performing on the legendary Rock The Bells stage marking another milestone in her career. 

But Did You Die is Farrah Fawx fully unleashed. It is a soundtrack for survival, a celebration of strength, and a reminder that healing can be loud, demanding, and magnetic.  

Stay tuned for more to come from the disruptive rising artist. 

30. Rj Pasin w/ Sophie Powers – XO

Pop disruptor Sophie Powers teams up with genre-defying artist and producer RJ Pasin on “XO,” an explosive new single that plunges into a chaotic, cinematic soundscape where hyperpop’s frenetic energy collides with the raw power of metalcore.

“XO” captures the emotional volatility of a generation overwhelmed by societal pressure but unwilling to stay silent. With piercing, unapologetic vocals and a sharp lyrical perspective, Sophie cuts through the noise with fearless clarity. The result is a track that feels both defiant and cathartic, grounded in Sophie’s emotionally unfiltered delivery and signature melodic punch.

“‘XO’ is pure femme fatale energy—like kissing destruction on the mouth,” Sophie shares. “Working with RJ Pasin unlocked this wild sonic tension I’ve been chasing for a while. It’s the sound of me stepping into womanhood, claiming my power, and still recklessly chasing chaos like it’s love. As Hannah Montana said, sometimes you really do get the best of both worlds—and this song is proof. My voice wraps around RJ’s guitar in a way that feels both raw and hypnotic, but it’s that mysterious, unhinged energy that gives ‘XO’ it’s heartbeat.”

Driving the track’s sonic intensity is RJ Pasin, the multi-hyphenate producer known for fusing cinematic metalcore with emo rap and electronic math rock. RJ injects “XO” with glitch-heavy textures, punishing breakdowns, and a jolt of unpredictability. With over 300 million solo streams and credits alongside Sexy Redd, Flo Milli, Bring Me The Horizon, and more, RJ brings both subcultural grit and forward-thinking precision to the collaboration, amplifying Sophie’s voice without ever overshadowing it.

Sophie Powers is a sonic disruptor, a style innovator, and an unfiltered voice for a generation that refuses to be boxed in. At just 20 years old, the Toronto-born, Los Angeles-based artist is carving out space for sharp-minded, creative outcasts. Since her 2022 debut, Sophie has earned acclaim from PAPER, The FADER, Alternative Press, and Stereogum for her boundary-pushing sound and bold visuals.

31. Latto – Somebody

Today, ATL-based 3x Grammy nominated Queen of the Souf rapper Latto kicks off summer with her new single and video “Somebody” out now via RCA Records – click here to listen.

Most recently, Latto announced that she’ll be going on a European festival circuit run this summer starting on June 7^th – click HERE to purchase tickets for all shows and meet & greets. She also upgraded her London shows in June to a larger venue, Roundhouse, due to high demand. To purchase tickets for the UK shows, click HERE.

Earlier this year, Latto dropped the alternate version of “Blick Sum” featuring Playboi Carti (click here to listen / click here to watch) and within the past year she’s made history with her critically acclaimed third studio album Sugar Honey Iced Tea as the first solo female rapper from Atlanta to ever have a #1 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart, debut or otherwise. The album also earned Big Mama a top 15 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Overall, she was only the second female rapper in 2024 to have a #1 Rap Album debut and Top 15 Billboard 200 debut. To support her latest album, she went on her first North American Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour last year with special guests Mariah The Scientist and Karrahbooo. 

With the release of her new single and over 4.3 billion streams worldwide across all platforms, on top of accolades continuing to rack up from her success, Latto has full command of the stage to become a global superstar and this next chapter of Latto’s career spotlights her new music, new creative vibrant visuals and gives more big energy from The Biggest aka Big Latto.

32. Maggie Andrew – How to Sing for Money

Alt-pop powerhouseMaggie Andrew returns with “How to Sing for Money,” an anthemic new single that’s as fun and energetic as it is raw, authentic, and emotionally honest. With this release, Maggie doubles down on her signature blend of bold hooks, tongue-in-cheek lyricism, and innovative production, once again proving her ability to push the limits of pop music.

On “How to Sing for Money,” Maggie Andrew pulls back the curtain on the emotional toll behind the spectacle of stardom. Over a pounding beat and soaring ‘80s-inspired guitar riffs, her syrupy pop melodies dance atop razor-sharp commentary about the music industry’s commodification of pain. But there’s also another layer of ache: a closer look at the lyrics reveals that Maggie is offering to teach the person who broke her heart—the same heartbreak she’s turning into pop songs!—how to cash in, too. And so, the 15-minutes-of-fame cycle begins anew. “How to Sing for Money” is as ironic as it is irresistible—calling out the absurdity of turning heartbreak into hits, and then doing exactly that with style to spare.

“It’s kind of funny how being an artist is mostly just singing about your misfortunes in life and people relating to them,” Maggie shares. “This song is written from the perspective of speaking to someone who did you dirty, and now they’re crawling back to you because you’re famous and make cool songs. So, you go ahead and teach them how to do it too.”

Hailing from Nova Scotia, Maggie Andrew brings a creative and rebellious spirit to everything she does. Her musical journey began with a dream and a leap of faith. After sending her first song to her brother, artist and Olympic snowboarder Trevor Andrew, she was encouraged to fly to L.A. to turn her dream into something real. From there, she dove headfirst into the scene, collaborating with industry trailblazers like blackbear, Ash Riser (Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul), Doc McKinney (The Weeknd, Drake), and Yeti Beats (Doja Cat, SZA).

With over 6 million streams and glowing praise from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Alternative Press, Maggie has quickly become a standout voice in the alt-pop space. Over the past year, she won CBC Music’s Searchlight, headlined major stages at SOMMO Festival and the JUNO Block Party, performed at The Great Escape and BreakOut West, and received multiple awards, including back-to-back ECMA awards for African Canadian Artist of the Year (2024 and 2025), as well as Rock/Alternative Release of the Year in 2025.

Maggie Andrew’s songs are rooted in lived experience, exploring relationships, womanhood, identity, and the pursuit of confidence through chaos. With a sound that’s vivid, fearless, and unfiltered, she continues to push pop forward on her own terms.

33. Che Noir ft. Elzhi – Who's The Greatest?

After recently giving birth to her first child, Buffalo’s own return act is The Color Chocolate 2, which will be released on 6.20.25 via Perfect Time Music Group.  The album’s first single, “Who’s The Greatest?” features the intricate wordplay of none other than Elzhi.  “Who’s The Greatest” is now available. 

This builds on her momentum as one of the industry’s top rising talents and multi-hyphenates. Che Noir’s organic rise rose to new levels with the release of The Lotus Child (2024), and her breakout single, “Black Girl,” featuring Rapsody. 

The Color Chocolate 2 continues to showcase Che Noir’s lyrical prowess, storytelling ability and dexterity as a producer.  “This is a song and beat I wrote and worked on for The Lotus Child, that I fully produced.  I didn’t feel it fit the sound for that project, so I archived it until I could find a home for it,” Che explained.  “After working on The Color Chocolate 2, I knew it was perfect for this album; it just screams ‘black woman,” and ‘black excellence,’ which correlates with the album title.”

With a rapidly growing fan base and an uncompromising artistic vision, Che Noir continues to push boundaries in Hip-Hop. 

Che Noir’s The Color Chocolate 2 will be released on 6.20.25 via Perfect Time Music Group.

34. J-Haze ft. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – Stay Strapped

J-Haze has announced his first new project in over three years with the aptly-titled No Tomorrow, which will be released on 5.27.25.  You can now also stream two new singles, a non-LP cut, “Stay Strapped,” featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again and “Whole Thing” which features Baby Byron.  Both singles are now available at DSP’s. 

After previously collaborating with artists such as 21 Savage, DJ Khaled, Yo Gotti, Conway The Machine, Trae The Truth and Glasses Malone, J now links up with bonafide superstar YoungBoy Never Broke Again for “Stay Strapped,” and flexes his double-time flow with “Whole Thing.”   

Pittsburgh, PA’s own, J-Haze was born in Beltzhoover section of Pittsburgh (known notoriously as South Zhoove). J, like many, overcame many hardships, none more difficult than being diagnosed with spinal Meningitis at a young age, a deadly disease he survived.  Haze grew up hustling and dabbling in rap, and by the time he was a teenager, he had a significant buzz in Steel City and attracted the interest of major labels. Haze eventually signed a deal with Cash Money Records artist Glasses Malone, who mentored him until his dalliance with Torey Lanez One Umbrella Records imprint, and  Nashawn Carter’s (Jay-Z’s cousin) Iconic Music Group Label; until Haze recently started his own Indy imprint ShowOff Gang, which is distributed through EMPIRE. 

J-Haze’s No Tomorrow will be released on 5.27.25 via ShowOff Gang/EMPIRE. 

35. Chuck D – Chuck D Present Enemy Radio: Radio Armageddon

Hip hop revolutionary and Public Enemy co-founder Chuck D has released “Chuck D Presents Enemy Radio: Radio Armageddon” via Def Jam Recordings on May 16. “Radio Armageddon” is the return of the voice that never left as Chuck D delivers a seismic broadcast of truth, rhythm and resistance, uniting hip hop’s pioneers and new gens alike in a militant soundtrack for the times. This is revolution on wax. A 14-track broadcast of beats, bars and fearlessness, “Radio Armageddon” assembles a legendary lineup to deliver its message in full stereo. Special guests include Daddy-O of Stetsasonic, Schoolly D, Philadelphia hip hop legend Phill Most Chill, Donald D and Jazzy Jay of the Universal Zulu Nation, hip hop’s first hype woman 1/2 Pint, ULTRAMAG7, NYC’s Miranda Writes and artists from Chuck’s own SpitSLAM Record Label Group: The Impossebulls and Blak Madeen.“Chuck D Presents Enemy Radio: Radio Armageddon” is now streaming on all major platforms and available in both vinyl and CD. Listen HERE.
 
“Radio Armageddon is not just an album, it’s a frequency,” says Chuck D. “This project is a broadcast of resistance, revolution and rhythm. I’m proud to have these warriors alongside me on the dial.”
 
From the opening salvo “Radio Armageddon” to the electric “Black Don’t Dead” where Chuck matches wits with Philadelphia’s DJ Too Tuff, from the inimitable Daddy-O on “New Gens” to the no-holds-barred finale “Signing Off” with Schoolly D, the album cuts through noise and speaks truth with volume. The first single off the album, “New Gens,” was released on April 18, with Rolling Stone describing “Its music is a wild, febrile tapestry of soulful horns, dubby echoes, and old-school beats that recall Chuck’s Bomb Squad days…”
 
The album was produced and mixed by C-Doc for DefBeat Posse Productions, ID! and co-produced and deconstructed by DJ MROK for Philly Wicked Productions with vocal engineering and additional production by JP Hesser at Castaway 7 Studios, Ventura, CA

36. Jerry – Love N Losses

DMV artist Jerry just dropped his most personal project yet — Love N Losses, a soulful five-track EP that peels back the layers on pain, growth, and the grind for peace of mind. Now live on all platforms, the tape is a heartfelt dive into the ups, downs, and in-betweens of chasing success while trying to protect your peace.

Coming outta PG County with a sound that blurs lines and hits home, Jerry’s known for his honest pen and smooth melodies. But on Love N Losses, he taps in deeper than ever. This one’s straight from the chest — a mix of vulnerable storytelling, catchy hooks, and confident reflection. Think journal entries turned into bangers.

“This project is really my journal,” Jerry shares. “I went through a lot in silence, and these songs helped me process everything — love, betrayal, growth, and leveling up mentally. I wanted people to hear that and feel less alone.”

The slick vibes of “Luxury Habits” juxtaposes the realness of “Ain’t Lackin” Jerry which perfectly showcases to balance pain and perseverance. Whether he’s speaking on love lost or the pressure of being next up, his authenticity cuts through — making him one of the DMV’s most compelling rising voices.

Love N Losses ain’t just an EP — it’s a moment. And for Jerry, it’s both a breakthrough and the start of something bigger.

37. Laura Pieri – Sea of Tragedy (On The Dancefloor)

Rising pop artist Laura Pieri returns today with “Sea of Tragedy (On The Dancefloor),” a dance-driven reimagining of the emotionally raw fan favorite from her 2024 Frankie EP. The track arrives hot on the heels of her recent release, “Flown Away,” and will appear on Frankie On The Dancefloor, the forthcoming expanded edition of Frankie, set for release this summer.

Produced by Skyler Cocco and YXSH, this remix leans into Pieri’s love of pulsing rhythms, shimmering synths, and cathartic pop hooks—transforming melancholy into movement. “‘Sea of Tragedy’ is one of those songs that started in total heartbreak and disillusion,” Pieri shares. “But on this version, she’s got glitter on her cheeks. She may still be crying, but she’s crying in the club now—and that’s kind of the magic of pop music to me.”

“Sea of Tragedy (On The Dancefloor)” captures the emotional whiplash of post-breakup nights out. Pieri adds, “If Flown Away was the montage of a breakup, this one’s the chaotic night out right after. It’s sad, sparkly, and kind of unhinged, but in the best way. Basically? She’s tragedy… but make it hot.”

Born in São Paulo and now splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles, Laura Pieri balances the rigor of an MBA program by day with the high-energy world of pop stardom by night. Infusing sleek pop production with the rhythmic heartbeat of her Brazilian heritage, she’s crafting music that moves people both emotionally and on the dancefloor.

Originally released in May 2024, Pieri’s EP Frankie and its accompanying short film told the story of a woman reclaiming her voice and power. Co-written by an all-female team and executive produced by Skyler Cocco, the project marked a turning point for Pieri—an artistic rebirth born from the brink of walking away. Now, with the forthcoming release of Frankie On The Dancefloor, she’s not just back—she’s in full command.

38. TDJ & Clara Kimera – On and On (You Lie)

Today, Montreal-based multi-hyphenate TDJ unveils her first single of the year, a soft-focus, serotonin-tinged collaboration with Clara Kimera. “On and On (You Lie)” is out now via Collection Disques Durs/All Night Long. 

The track carries TDJ’s unmistakable blend of trance-pop nostalgia and emotional clarity—gentle, but driven by just enough dancefloor propulsion to make you want to throw your hands in the air. It’s a glimmering prelude to what’s next from an artist who continues to reach for something bigger, brighter, and unfiltered.

A singer, lyricist, and producer in her own right, Clara Kimera brings vulnerability to the track. Her lyrics—“I waste my life for us / You lie / Don’t wake me”—feel suspended between dream and disillusionment. Together, TDJ and Kimera craft something intimate yet expansive: a delicate anthem for anyone who’s ever longed to stay inside a beautiful illusion just a little longer. The accompanying video builds on that feeling, starring both artists in a hazy, magic-hour odyssey with Sailor Moon energy and the emotional core of a coming-of-age fantasy. Soft lighting and surreal flourishes make the video feel like a memory just out of reach, equal parts joy and melancholy. 

In the ethereal realm of dance music, TDJ emerges as a luminary, crafting a sonic universe that marries melancholy with bittersweet euphoria. Co-signed by tastemakers such as Pitchfork, Beatportal, DJ Mag, and Wonderland, Geneviève Ryan-Martel, aka TDJ, blends years of composing guitar ballads and experimenting with electronic production. She’s influenced by the rush of trance classics as well as the raw emotion of emo. As a producer, songwriter, singer, DJ, and star of her own videos, Ryan-Martel holds the scepter of her own destiny as an artist, invoking elaborate, nostalgic concepts that manifest audibly, visually, and within. 

39. Bossman Dlow ft. Gucci Mane – Hit

BOSSMAN DLOW – the breakout rap star of 2024 who last week received 2025 BET Award nominations for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best New Artist – releases his brand new single + video, “HIT” featuring Gucci Mane, today via Alamo Records.

“HIT” marks the long-awaited debut collaboration between Dlow and Atlanta’s multi-platinum legend Gucci Mane. The duo teased the official release of “HIT” early this week with a stripped down performance on buzzing YouTube platform From The Block.

“HIT” follows last month’s “Money Talks” as Dlow gets Summer 2025 officially going with a bang. Capping off a breakout year in 2024 with the release of his official debut album DLOW CURRY, Bossman Dlow enlisted some of the hottest names in rap to join him, including Glorilla, Ice Spice, French Montana, Lil Baby, NoCap, and BabyFace Ray.

Dlow’s hot streak has been undeniable. In March, he took home Best New Hip-Hop Artist at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Celebrating his nomination for Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist, Dlow performed a medley of his smash hits “Shake Dat Ass” and “Get In With Me” at the 2024 BET Hip-Hop Awards. Dlow was also named to XXL’s Freshmen Class, Billboard’s ‘Rookie Of The Month,”, BET’s Amplified artist program and a ‘Best New Artist’ nomination at the 2024 BET Awards. 

Following his massive breakthrough mixtape Mr. Beat The Road, Dlow has released a flurry of Billboard Hot 100 hits this year, including the #1 Urban radio banger “Shake Dat Ass (Twerk Song),” and “PJ,” featuring Lil Baby.

“Get In With Me” – the lead single from Mr. Beat The Road and Dlow’s biggest track to date – hit #1 at Urban Radio, was certified platinum by the RIAA, ranked #25 on Billboard’s Top 200 Rap Songs of the year, and #14 on Complex’s ‘Best Songs Of The Year (So Far).’ Mr. Beat The Road tracks “Mr. Pot Scraper,”“Finesse” and “Talk My Shit” have all been certified gold.

40. Devine Carama & Amadeus360 ft. Sadat X – Respect Due

Emmy-nominated Hip-Hop luminary Devine Carama has earned his stripes both inside and outside the recording booth. Whether he’s going viral for teaching emotional intelligence to young boys, rapping outside in the cold for 48 hours straight to raise awareness and coats for children in need, or making monumental strides towards gun violence prevention in his native Lexington, Kentucky community, Devine makes it his life mission to pay it forward. Add 15 full-length albums spanning a 20 year-long Rap career, and it’s clear that Devine has done more than enough to prove himself as one of Rap’s unsung heroes. “Respect Due”– a record that finds Devine ruminating alongside Hip-Hop legend Sadat X on ideas of aging gracefully, earning respect through longevity, and helping the next generation –is befitting. Released today (5/16/2025) on all major digital streaming platforms via Soulspazm, the song serves as the second single from Devine’s forthcoming collaborative album with producer Amadeus360, Guardians of the Boom Bap.

Guardians of the Boom Bap is due out on June 13 and will serve as the full-length follow-up to the fourth installment from Devine’s critically acclaimed Kingtucky series, as well as Amadeus360’s 2023 magnum opus The MPC Jedi.

41. EthanUno – EL CAPARAZÓN

Today, genre-smashing San Diego artist and producer EthanUno drops “EL CAPARAZÓN,” a dancefloor-ready new single out now via Friends Keep Secrets / Interscope. Both sonically and lyrically, the breezy track aims to get listeners out of their shells and into a world of possibility. Listen here and watch the visualizer here.

With “EL CAPARAZÓN,” the rising San Diego singer and songwriter seamlessly weaves various styles and sounds into a buoyant mix that carries us from the bedroom studio to the packed club to the beach party. Across dance-punk bass lines, glitched vocal layers, electro-rap bump, and acoustic Latin guitar, EthanUno delivers an enticing message: “Sé que la vida te ha jodido el corazón / Ya no crees en los cuentos de hadas del amor / Y tus dudas tienen sentido, pero cuando estás conmigo / Baby, puedes quitarte el caparazón.”

Translated into English: “I know life has messed up your heart / You don’t believe in fairy tales of love anymore / And your doubts make sense, but when you’re with me / Baby, you can come out of your shell.”

EthanUno spoke on the origins of his new single: “I ate carne asada tacos and was listening to a bunch of merengue before hitting this studio, so by the time I loaded up a new project file, it felt like ‘EL CAPARAZÓN’ just flew out of me. I started with the lyrics and melody and wrote it over the cowbell at that fast BPM just ’cause the energy felt right. By then, the song had a lot of momentum, so I just rode it out from there.”

“EL CAPARAZÓN” is his second song sung almost entirely in Spanish following April’s reggaetón-inflected “MALA MÍA” — both written, produced, performed, and recorded entirely by EthanUno. Melodic Magazine interviewed the young artist upon the latter’s release, sharing a chat that shed light on his DIY mentality and drive to keep a steady stream of inventive new music flowing. As EthanUno put it, “I’m huge on capturing the entire feeling of the song and its release while it still feels fresh; it’s like serving food while it’s still hot.” 

EthanUno’s other releases for 2025 (so far) include February party-starter “phase 1” and January’s necesidad EP, featuring tracks like the pleading/pulsating “DQTC” and the lovelorn but bubbly “las mañanas” — prime examples of his signature sad-happy blend of hyperpop, R&B, Latin croon, and lo-fi dance. Other highlights among many from the past several months include tropical pop&B bop “quemar” — co-created with Happy Perez (benny blanco, Halsey, Miguel) — and “tattoo,” which hit playlists ranging from ET to Ones to Watch.

Older self-released EthanUno songs like “tu” and “pensando en ti” have picked up plenty of fans, too — some famous. “pensando en ti” got an early cosign from Frank Ocean, who played it on Homer Radio, and was embraced last year by Rosalía, who included the cut on her Interview Magazine “Birthday Bangers” playlist. Meanwhile, EthanUno is growing an army of followers across social media who eagerly devour each confection he drops. “EL CAPARAZÓN” asserts his pied-piper status ahead of more sonic surprises to come.

42. TiaCorine – Ironic

Today, genre-bending rap phenom TiaCorine returns with “IRONIC,” a flex-packed track produced by Kenny Beats out now via Interscope Records. The new single finds the North Carolina artist celebrating herself in style over a psychedelic, funk-dipped score. Listen HERE.

“IRONIC” spills over with goopy synths, rubbery bass, and snapping drums, and TiaCorine rides that sonic wave with ease. Her effortless bars are packed with quotable boasts and vicious disses. In one verse, she flaunts, “Designer drip, Prada pimp, they look forward to my fit.” In the next one, she vows, “Buy yo block, then sell it to yo opp, this s— gon’ never stop.”

Meanwhile, the “IRONIC” video unfolds in and around an unusual pink building. Inside, TiaCorine moves through a series of strange scenes that burst with color and bizarre phenomena. There are mysterious magnetic forces, an intricate Rube Goldberg machine, a small army of ladies in fuzzy hats, and a possibly gravity-defying yo-yo, among other sources of chaos. In the end, though, our heroine comes out on top.

This is TiaCorine’s second hard-hitting offering of the year following “ATE,” a bass-blasted, drill-infused single that celebrates the fact that she’s eating while her rivals struggle to keep up. That one also came with a distinct video version that leans into the song’s ballroom appeal with vogue performances and musical contributions from Jus10 and Byrell The Great — watch HERE. Before that came the kaleidoscopic “Different Color Stones.”

TiaCorine is coming off a monumental 2024 in which she dropped her critically acclaimed Almost There EP, shared the scorching hot “Shamone” music video, teamed with Luh Tyler for “Yung Joc,” and let loose a wild verse alongside A$AP Ferg on Denzel Curry’s summer single “HOT ONE.” Following the EP release, Rolling Stone spoke to TiaCorine for an in-depth interview, and The FADER applauded how Almost There “highlights just how far her chameleonic versatility can stretch.” She also embarked on her first-ever headlining US tour.

It all started with TiaCorine’s debut album, I Can’t Wait, led by breakout track “FreakyT,” which inspired a viral dance trend and soared up the Urban Mainstream and Billboard Hip Hop/R&B charts. Her momentum grew across 2023, when she made the XXL Freshman Class and scored “Artist to Watch” nods from Rolling Stone, COMPLEX, Pigeons & Planes, Zane Lowe, Our Generation Music, and more. Cosigns from the likes of Drake, Flo Milli, and the late, great Gangsta Boo followed, as well a direct support slot with Key Glock and festival appearances including Dreamville Festival, Rolling Loud Miami, Day N Vegas, and Rolling Loud NYC.

43. DC The Don – Get Naked

DC The Don is the life of the party. The ascendant rap rockstar marks his first independent release of the year with the hypnotic party anthem, “GET NAKED.” Fueled by heavy-hitting bass and unapologetic swagger, the song creates a feeling of instant nostalgia with an interpolation of the iconic “Hollaback Girl” hook. 

“GET NAKED” is available now on all digital streaming platforms via LETTER 5 LLC & Create Music Group. 

Speaking on the inspiration behind the new single, DC The Don shares: “Summers really here. I been tapped in heavy, city to city, same energy everywhere. Everybody chasing a high, a moment, something real. That’s what ‘Get Naked’ is. I meet all these women — different looks, different stories — but they all move the same. Fast life. No breaks. Just tryna party, get lit, forget everything. And I’m right there with ‘em.”

Right out the gate, the Milwaukee firebrand gets straight to the point, owning the spotlight and making it clear who’s calling the shots. “GET NAKED” is full of quotable flexes that speaks to the romantic possibilities of summer nights, which at times are fun but short-lived.

The new single follows March’s “BACK ROAD SWANGIN” and arrives in the wake of the “MELODY OF A MEMORY Tour” with Eem Triplin & 76Tutes. The 28-date run will make landfall in major markets across the country including Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, and more before wrapping in New York June 13. 

DC The Don recently previewed “GET NAKED” live during his show last week, building on the momentum he’s already created with the myriad of social media snippets that have surfaced online, accumulating over 10 million impressions on TikTok. The Letter 5 designer had the crowd singing along word-for-word, fueling the hype for the song’s official release. And now, it’s finally here. 

44. Madilyn Mei – What's Going On?!

Breaking stylistic barriers, Madilyn Mei’s music circulates through a whirlwind of feelings, with theatrical inflection stretching from moments of vulnerability to expressions of vitality. Today, the singer, songwriter, and visual artist unveils her quirky and fantastical new single “What’s Going On?!” via Mercury Records. Listen HERE.

Produced by her longtime creative collaborator Jesse Dill (aka Scrawny), “What’s Going On?!” revolves around a vaudevillian piano melody accented by theremin, synths, guitar, and bass. Along the way, it pulls listeners under the big top and into her whimsically otherworldly sonic circus. Adopting the role of both puppet and puppeteer, Madilyn’s high register instantly transfixes, and she proclaims, “I am an alien, my rocket ship is human bone and skin,” a lyric that sparked a viral fever on TikTok and Instagram, with over 8,000 uses and countless fan-made animations.

The accompanying animated visual nods to classic eighties and nineties claymation, and telling a story just as captivating as the song itself. It embodies themes of loneliness and anxiety, giving viewers a front row seat to the manifestation of these feelings from the perspective of a relatable protagonist on-screen.

Known for building creative worlds around her music, the concept of the video was Madilyn Mei’s brainchild and brought to life by stop-motion animator and co-director Callum Scott-Dyson- watch HERE.

About the single, she shared, “‘What’s Going On?!’ is about feeling different and therefore having a hard time connecting to other people. It also addresses body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria. While writing it, I was exploring some very deep feelings that I’ve personally struggled with. It’s alien-themed, but also more personal than ever.”

Next up, she will support AJR on a massive summer amphitheater tour alongside fellow special guests Quinn XCII, Chelsea Cutler, Cavetown, Goth Babe, and Valley. It kicks off on July 20 at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA, visits major markets coast-to-coast, and concludes on October 4 at Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA. Check out the full confirmed itinerary below.

Earlier this year, Madilyn dropped “Poppin Skittles,” which quickly amassed over 1.1 million Spotify streams. Independently, she has impressively reeled in over 100 million streams total. Now, she amplifies her vision in widescreen with more music to come.

45. Alice Phoebe Lou – The Surface

Continuing to open her treasure trove of tucked away storytelling from the last decade, globally adored singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou today releases “The Surface.” A story told in reverse, the acoustic offering unfolds like a rose, petal by petal, until the heart is on full display. In all forms, Alice Phoebe Lou no longer feels the need to fear vulnerability — Stream. 

“‘The Surface’ is a stream of conscious love song about the deep and contradictory feelings that rise up when exploring a connection with someone you feel strongly about,” she articulates. “It goes through the many phases of holding back and then giving in, starting at the end when someone is finally all in. It talks of the hardships that one has gone through in order to arrive at a place where there is promise of a future and a deep connection and trust. It’s the melting away of our hard outer shells to reach the softer place beneath where we let go and allow ourselves to love and be loved. With just voice and guitar, the music is stripped down and bare like the song.”

In April, Lou made her first ever self-produced release with the tender “You and I.” She shared that these are, “Songs that didn’t make it into other albums, some songs I never thought would see the light of day. I am embarking on the brave and thrilling journey of recording these songs as they are, with love and playfulness, simple and all my own. Leaning into imperfection and taking inspiration from some of my biggest influences who have made timeless folk acoustic albums.”

Last month, Lou also played 3 sold-out nights in Los Angeles before joining Remi Wolf at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. She is now on her European tour, playing magical sold-out shows across the continent. In 2024, Lou toured alongside Clairo on the strikingly intimate Charm Tour with headline shows of her own mixed in. See all upcoming dates here.

46. ILLENIUM & HAYLA – In My Arms

Today, Grammy nominated, dance producer, and songwriter, ILLENIUM, with acclaimed singer-songwriter, HAYLA, release a brand-new single “In My Arms” via Republic Records.

“In My Arms” emotes raw emotion that builds from an irresistible pulsing beat, marking a return to ILLENIUM’s electronic roots.  Alongside the vast production, HAYLA’s soaring vocals elevate you to new heights, creating an electric feeling that takes over with each listen.

ILLENIUM comments on the new single, “Back to making electronic vibes babyyyy. So happy with how this track turned out- raw emotion from start to finish. @Hayla ur voice is magnetic and took this to another level. Hope u all lovvveee it ❤️​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.”

HAYLA adds, “In My Arms is all about that electricity you get when you’re with somebody that you feel at home with. The sparks you feel bubbling under your skin when you’re together, but also knowing that you will be that person’s safe space, home and confidant whenever they need. ‘If you’re tired of being alone, if you need a heart to hold, I take you where you wanna go, I know it’s in my arms.’ Working with Illenium and co-writing “In My Arms” has been incredible. Illenium’s immense production and sound elevates this song’s meaning to even higher heights! This is a track that literally holds the listener in its arms. Music can also be a home. I hope that when you hear this song you feel at home too.”

The release of “In My Arms” signals a new chapter for ILLENIUM, who recently announced his new partnership with Republic Records.  With more to share soon, he has tirelessly been working in the studio crafting his most ambitious project to date. 
 

47. Nate Sib – for us

Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Nate Sib releases his new EP for us. The EP contains the single “tonight,” which arrived in February during Nate’s run opening for his frequent collaborator 2hollis. Nate joined Apple Music’s New Music Daily to speak with Zane Lowe and debut another EP cut, “tonight.”  This EP comes on the heels of Nate’s surprise appearance during 2hollis’ Coachella set where they performed their catchy collaboration “afraid.” A testament to his demand, Sib will follow up the EP release with his own run of headline shows which have already completely sold out.
 
The EP also contains a new 2hollis collaboration titled “back & forth” and overall the EP stands as a statement for Sib’s disruptive take on pop music defined by the unusual marriage of dystopian sugar-high beats with his silky-smooth, boyband vocals. Combining the energy of underground dance music with a predilection for alternative experimentation, Sib’s influences range from Skrillex to Bladee, but paired with pipes that wouldn’t be out of place on top 40 radio.
 
Sib first introduced himself as an artist with “why can’t you see” and then went on to drop the for you EP highlighted by “down” and “wish.” He then maintained his momentum with “famous” which led to him inking a deal with Republic. At the beginning of 2025, he hit the road touring alongside fellow buzzing breakout 2hollis. After piling up millions of streams and views independently, the newly-signed artist will soon embark on his own sold out headline shows in Chicago, Toronto, New York City, Oakland and his hometown of Los Angeles.

48. Erick the Architect

Erick the Architect — the celebrated solo artist and founding member/primary producer of influential Brooklyn rap trio Flatbush Zombies — releases his surprise new EP ARCSTRUMENTALS 3 today. The 3-track project finds Erick exploring a fresh, R&B-heavy dance and DJ sound, inspired by recent collaborations with Jungle and L’Imperatrice, as well as his genre-bending work with artists like James Blake. The EP was created and produced entirely in Erick’s Los Angeles studio over the past year and picks up on sonic threads from his 2024 solo full-length debut — including the mid-tempo club jam “Ambrosia” featuring Channel Tres.

To celebrate the release, Erick has also shared a live DJ visual of the full ARCSTRUMENTALS 3 EP, filmed at sunrise on a rooftop overlooking the scenic California hills. The set showcases Erick’s dynamic performance style and the joyful energy of the project, offering fans an immersive visual and sonic experience of the new music. Watch HERE.

“As the third release of ARCSTRUMENTALS, I decided to release (3) records that are resemblant of the music I’ve been playing most recently,” says Erick. “I was searching for a way to be uplifted and reminded that it’s okay to smile and enjoy yourself. In typical ARCSTRUMENTALS fashion, I’ve landed on a concept and produced these songs as an introduction to a style of music I’ve always loved. The songs feature a myriad of live instruments and force you to get up on your feet!”

This marks Erick’s first release of 2025, following a prolific 2024 that included his acclaimed solo debut I’ve Never Been Here Before and its deluxe edition. The project was hailed by Rolling Stone as “a winding, perilous and deeply personal body of work that celebrates [Erick’s] mastery as both a storyteller and conductor of his own authentic sound” and earned additional praise from The Fader, Stereogum, Hypebeast, SPIN, The New York Times, Consequence, Billboard, and others. The album featured Joey Bada$$, Westside Boogie, George Clinton, Channel Tres, Kimbra, Lalah Hathaway, RUDE CAT, Boy Boy, Pale Jay and FARR, with production from James Blake, Linden Jay and T Minus. Erick toured across the U.S. and internationally in support of the album, including a standout live set for KEXP.

Erick first introduced his ARCSTRUMENTALS series in 2015, and released a second volume in 2018 – freewheeling, exploratory collections of beats and studio work that he has revived in 2025 with a new sonic direction in ARCSTRUMENTALS 3.  

Erick will also perform at Wonderfront Festival in San Diego on the EP’s release day, May 16. 

49. OBN Jay ft. Snug & Khris James – New BR

Baton Rouge’s own OBN Jay returns with “New BR,” a hard-hitting, high-energy anthem that puts the spotlight on the next generation of his city’s rap scene. Featuring hometown standouts Snug and Khris James, the track delivers an unfiltered dose of raw street energy paired with that signature southern bounce, painting a vivid picture of life in the New Baton Rouge.

Anchored by bold production and the undeniable chemistry of three of the city’s rising stars, “New BR” captures the hunger, grit, and ambition fueling Baton Rouge’s evolving hip-hop landscape. It’s not just a song—it’s a statement. This is the new wave, and OBN Jay is leading the charge.

“New BR” marks the first release from OBN Jay’s forthcoming project, building on the momentum of his critically acclaimed Lit Rocket album and his breakout debut No Commercial Breaks. Known for hits like “Big Ole,” “No Weakness,” and “Chess Not Checkers,” OBN Jay continues to carve out his lane with authentic storytelling, charismatic delivery, and a relentless work ethic that reflects the very city he represents.

Earlier this year, OBN Jay hit the road as an opening act on the“F#K A FRIEND ZONE TOUR” alongside Jacquees and Dej Loaf, further solidifying his presence as a must-watch name in the Southern rap scene.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning.

50. Seth MacFarlane – Give Me The Simple Life

Today, 5x GRAMMY®-nominated vocalist and Academy Award®-nominated writer, actor, director, and producer, Seth MacFarlane returns with a new song, “Give Me The Simple Life,” off his upcoming studio album Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements, out June 6th via Verve Records / Republic Records.
 
“Give Me The Simple Life” features an original arrangement by Nelson Riddle with music by Rube Bloom and lyrics by Harry Ruby. The song follows MacFarlane’s previous track, “Lush Life,” released last month to critical praise from the likes of Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, NME, and more. Listen to “Give Me The Simple Life” out now HERE.
 
Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements is a one-of-a-kind album that includes twelve never-before-heard arrangements originally created for Frank Sinatra by his legendary collaborators Riddle, Billy May, and Don Costa. Written for some of Sinatra’s most classic and celebrated albums, these historic arrangements remained in the private collection of the Sinatra family, unheard — until now. All together, the twelve tracks on Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements are much more than a tribute to Frank Sinatra — they are a time capsule of rich musical history, opened for the first time, of undiscovered American treasures, in which MacFarlane’s warm, expressive vocals breathe new life into these carefully preserved arrangements. See a behind-the-scenes look at Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements HERE. See the full Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements album tracklist below.
 
In collaboration with the Sinatra family and estate, MacFarlane acquired the entire Sinatra music archive in 2018, and has brought these twelve remarkable arrangements to life with a 70-piece orchestra, featuring world-renowned musicians from Los Angeles and London, conducted by acclaimed British conductor John Wilson, and produced by MacFarlane’s longtime musical collaborator Joel McNeely. Every song on the album was recorded as a live performance with this ensemble at George Lucas’ famed Skywalker Sound Studios in Marin County, California.
 
Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements is MacFarlane’s ninth studio album. His critically acclaimed albums In Full Swing [2018], No One Ever Tells You [2016], and Music Is Better Than Words [2012] all received GRAMMY® Award nominations for “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album”. Throughout his illustrious career across music, television, film, and comedy, MacFarlane is recognized for his passion and dedication to preserving orchestral music in modern entertainment and bringing classic sounds to modern audiences.
 
In July, MacFarlane and his orchestra will unveil some never-before-heard arrangements from Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements for an unforgettable weekend at Voltaire at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on Thursday, July 3rd, Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th on sale now. Next year, he’ll also bring the album to the stage with a live performance at Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall on February 17th, 2026, on sale now.

51. Xzibit – Kingmaker

Xzibit is back and bolder than ever. An icon of West Coast hip hop, his first album in 12 years, Kingmaker, features collaborations with the most iconic names in the genre, including Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Redman, B-Real and Ty Dolla $ign, and is released today, May 16th via Greenback Records.

Dropping alongside a new music video for the title track, Kingmaker authentically captures the perspective of one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, 28 years deep in the game. X has reached his final form, not pandering to trends but perfectly delivering a sound that best represents him in this moment. While he’s previously had to make music in an environment of “chaos”, now X’s music derives from a more relaxed place where he can “gather his thoughts and shoot them directly,” making for an authentic body of work.

Showcased through key moments like the trap track ‘Genesis’—a first for Xzibit—and the hard-hitting topical ‘Crash’ ft. Royce da 5′9, X draws on a vast reservoir of experience, revealing a vulnerable, through mature, thoughtful writing that illustrates significant personal and artistic growth while staying true to his craft. 

There’s a dual meaning behind Kingmaker. In one way, it’s about giving new talent, like Compton AV, Guapdad4000 and Tre Capital, a platform or a cosign, helping make them into a king. In another sense, it’s about a king teaching his disciples, with each track conveying a lesson or principle that has contributed to Xzibit’s success. “A Kingmaker is someone who helps others rise—whether it’s through collaboration, mentorship, or opening doors,”he explains. “I’ve had a lot of people do that for me. Now, I want to be able to do the same thing for the next generation.”

So far from Kingmaker – an album that was nearly scrapped five times, according to X – fans have heard the album opener ‘Play This At My Funeral’, the soulful ‘Been A Long Time Pt. 2’, dressed in the sweet vocals of Jenn Em, the powerful ‘Everywhere I Go’ (ft. Dem Jointz), followed by funky-yet-fierce ‘Shut Yo Mouth’ featuring Compton Av. & Butch Cassidy. In May, to mark the album release comes the hotly-awaited focus single ‘Leave Me Alone’, a collab with the Grammy-nominated Ty Dolla $ign and legendary producer Dr Dre.

In the lead-up to Kingmaker, Xzibit has been opening up on some of the world’s biggest media platforms, diving deep into his legacy, challenges, and evolution. On the podcast Drink Champs, he reflected on his ability to connect with both underground and mainstream audiences, the struggles of West Coast artists during East Coast dominance, and the lessons learned from the iconic Up in Smoke tour.

On the podcast Bootleg Kev, Xzibit opened up about personal and professional milestones, including Kendrick Lamar’s influence, his experiences with Dr. Dre, and the impact of his divorce. Meanwhile, in his ABC Newsinterview, he explored the vulnerability woven into Kingmaker, emphasising how his personal struggles and triumphs shaped an album that fans can truly relate to. 

The incredible Kingmaker by Xzibit drops on May 16th, alongside single ‘Leave Me Alone’ ft. Dr. Dre and Ty Dolla $ign.

52. Frankie Grande – Boys

Today, multi-hyphenate performer, singer, songwriter, actor, and activist Frankie Grande shares a brand new single and music video entitled “Boys” out now via Casablanca Records. Listen HERE. Watch HERE. It sets the stage for his forthcoming debut album, Hotel Rock Bottom, out June 27^th. Pre-order/pre-save HERE.
 
“Boys” pops off as a dancefloor-ready party-starter powered up by head-nodding synths and Frankie’s seismic vocal delivery. He gets flirty, lacing double entendre into the verses. However, the energy practically overflows once he hits the hook, “Boys, wanna have a little fun, wanna fake a little love.” The video was produced in partnership with MISTR, the largest LGBTQ+ telehealth platform for sexual health, delivering 100% free PrEP and DoxyPEP. The video was directed and produced by MISTR creative director, Philip Henry. Producer and editor Ron Katagiri was tapped in as well. The visual draws the spotlight to Frankie, with wild editing bouncing between the gym to the sauna with no shortage of powerhouse choreography.
 
He has effectively transformed the Cyndi Lauper classic “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” into “boys just wanna get some”, creating an LGBTQ+ banger tailormade to heat up summer 2025.
 
He comments, “‘Boys’ is my unapologetically queer twist on a pop classic—because boys just wanna get some! I wrote it about a magical trip to Fire Island for Pride where I felt totally free, fierce, and fabulous. This track is a ‘gay Pride’ summer anthem for anyone who’s ever danced all night, kissed under the stars, and lived their truth out loud!”
 
The new single arrives on the heels of “Rhythm of Love.” Since releasing in March, the latter continues to buzz with over 1M streams. Queerty praised the track as an “dazzling debut” while Gayety proclaimed the single, “is a celebration of life, resilience, and the powerful connection music has to the human spirit.”
 
In other news, Frankie will be performing at OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride during the weekend of May 31^st. Taking place at West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, CA, he will perform alongside other queer and ally artists such as Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Honey Dijon, Paris Hilton, and Kim Petras. He will then perform at OUTLOUD Music Festival in Boston, MA on June 21^st, sharing the stage with Kim Petras, Trixie Mattel, Flo Milli, and more. See more information and purchase tickets HERE.

53. Asiahn – FREE

Asiahn has released her most heartfelt and daring body of work yet with the arrival of her third studio album, FREE. As a fully independent artist, the three-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter now answers the question: What does it truly mean to be FREE?

For Asiahn, it’s more than just a word—it’s a revelation. A shedding of past heartaches, a release from the weight of the world’s expectations, and an awakening to love in its purest form.

“Welcome to my world where R&B meets liberation. Each note and each lyric is a step towards freedom—freedom from the past, freedom from unlearned lessons, and freedom to embrace love without restraint.” – Asiahn

Of the album, Asiahn notes, “This isn’t just an album. It’s an experience. A sonic escape where vocal acrobatics dance over lush melodies, emotions spill into every chord, and the weight of the world disappears—if only for a moment.”

FREE isn’t just Asiahn’s story. It’s yours too.

54. Lecrae & Miles Minnick – Get Well Soon!

4X GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, author, actor and activist Lecrae teams up with Bay Area’s Miles Minnick to release their new collaborative mixtape Get Well Soon. The 7-track project is a testament to the healing power of music, and their proven chemistry, featuring guest appearances from E-40, YeloHill, DJ Mal-Ski, Tommy Zuko, and CJ Emulous. 

Get Well Soon is available now on all digital streaming platforms via Reach Records. Alongside the mixtape, Lecrae and Miles premiere the music video for the track “The Method” featuring E-40 – Watch HERE. 

Lecrae and Miles have been releasing singles from the mixtape, leading up to its release, including “On Time” and “Heaven Sent,” the latter of which premiered at Rolling Loud California. The rollout also saw them foster a direct relationship with their audience through interactive fan experiences. From launching a scavenger hunt that revealed the project’s tracklist, to hosting two immersive playback sessions – one in Los Angeles, curated by DJ Hed, and the other in Atlanta – making the community an integral part of the process was just as important as the music itself. 

4X GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, author, actor and activist Lecrae teams up with Bay Area’s Miles Minnick to release their new collaborative mixtape Get Well Soon. The 7-track project is a testament to the healing power of music, and their proven chemistry, featuring guest appearances from E-40, YeloHill, DJ Mal-Ski, Tommy Zuko, and CJ Emulous. 

Get Well Soon is available now on all digital streaming platforms via Reach Records. Alongside the mixtape, Lecrae and Miles premiere the music video for the track “The Method” featuring E-40 – Watch HERE. 

Lecrae and Miles have been releasing singles from the mixtape, leading up to its release, including “On Time” and “Heaven Sent,” the latter of which premiered at Rolling Loud California. The rollout also saw them foster a direct relationship with their audience through interactive fan experiences. From launching a scavenger hunt that revealed the project’s tracklist, to hosting two immersive playback sessions – one in Los Angeles, curated by DJ Hed, and the other in Atlanta – making the community an integral part of the process was just as important as the music itself. 

55. Bktherula, Ty Dolla $ign & 9lives – BBGIRLGOSLOW

 BKTHERULA, the genre-defying alt-rap powerhouse from Atlanta, continues to push sonic and visual boundaries with her latest single, “BBGIRLGOSLOW,” featuring Grammy-nominated artist Ty Dolla $ign. Out now via Warner Records and available on all major streaming platforms — listen HERE.

Produced by SimmyAuto, a previous collaborator of BK’s, alongside New Zealand-born, South African multidisciplinary artist 9lives, “BBGIRLGOSLOW” builds on the momentum of BK’s recent release, “DELILAH,” layering a heavy bassline with her signature melodic bars. The track channels the spirit of BK’s LVL5 era — a nod to the mafia lifestyle and freedom that comes with life on the road. It’s a celebration of chasing new energy in unfamiliar cities, connecting with dope women, and making unforgettable memories by letting the night lead the way. The track is brought to life with a sleek visualizer — now available to watch HERE. 

“BBGIRLGOSLOW” sets the tone for what’s ahead in 2025 as BK builds momentum toward her highly anticipated album, LUCY, slated for release in late June. This summer, she’ll embark on a mini tour in Australia beginning in late May, followed by a performance at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash in Chicago. With over 395M global streams and a growing global fanbase, BK isn’t just riding the wave of hip-hop’s future — she’s carving her own lane, establishing herself as a standout artist to watch

56. Annie Tracy – Accessory

With her highly anticipated Scared of Heights EP arriving June 27, rising R&B sensation Annie Tracy sets the tone for a bold new era with “Accessory” — a slinky club anthem about the finer things in life, out now via Warner Records. Listen HERE. The sultry track finds the North Carolina singer and songwriter trading in her designer labels for some warm-blooded arm candy. Filmed on the streets of NYC, watch the fittingly stylish video HERE.

Powered by lush atmosphere and propulsive rhythm, Annie’s new single feels appropriately rich as she leans into the luxury theme. But “Accessory” quickly makes it clear that for her, the right companion is the ultimate drip. “Rock me baby, make this a dream / Take it off, even the jewelry,” she purrs over soulful, bedroom beats on the hook, “You’ll be my favorite accessory.” 

“The idea for ‘Accessory’ came to me after locking eyes with my new favorite accessory and trying to visualize what it would look like on me,” Annie says of her new release. That prompted thoughts of another kind of adornment. “As much as I will forever be an accessory girl and love putting together a killer fit before going out, there is something about walking into the function with ‘that’ person by your side that will always hit harder than even my best fit.”

That notion is conveyed in the suitably glamorous video, which captures Annie in her element—commanding the camera on a fire escape, glowing under the bodega lights, and serving looks that double as declarations of self-worth.

“Accessory” follows the idyllic ballad “To Love and Be Loved,” a comforting tribute to true companionship, and her enchanting and heartfelt winter release, “December (Live).” Earlier in 2024, Annie released the ACT II EP, which notably included the visceral breakup ballad “Close to You,” featuring Robin Thicke, and the explosively soulful viral TikTok hit “Music Taste,” a warning to an ex’s new partner that went on to amass over 6.75 million streams.

Naturally, 2023 brought ACT I with the breakout single “Times It by Two,” produced by D’Mile — the hitmaker behind tracks for Silk Sonic, H.E.R., Chris Brown, and Victoria Monét — which has garnered over 3.4 million streams. Mentored by R&B visionary Tricky Stewart — known for his work with Frank Ocean, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Mariah Carey — Annie is building toward a new project that promises to be one of the year’s most intoxicating collections of soulful songs. 

57. Kenny Muney – Back In That Bach

Rising from South Memphis to the top of his city’s rap game, Kenny Muney has been grinding his whole life. The Paper Route Empire signee looks to put his stamp on the summer with “Back In That Bach,” his first new single of the year. Produced by Yung Hurricane, “Back In That Back” combines a haunting violin melody with thudding Tennessee trap percussion to give Kenny a canvas on which to paint his pictures. The young rapper dives in with his trademark head-nodding flow, packing bars with low-key flexes and sneering dismissals of his naysayers. In the video, Kenny hops out of his Escalade and into his Maybach truck, as he evades the cops in a high-speed pursuit.

“Back In That Bach” is Kenny Muney’s first new single since the release of his 2024 album The Blue Seasons Super Deluxe. An expansion of his spring 2024 album The Blue Seasons, the Super Deluxe adds 12 songs, including collaborations with fellow PRE standout Big Moochie Grape on “Gigantic Muney.” Cycling through all four seasons with panache, the album is a showcase for Kenny’s rocksteady flow and exquisite taste in instrumentals. In addition the album features earlier hits like the Key Glock collaboration “Paper Route” and the rich life anthems “I Ain’t Roddy” and “Jacuzzi On The Roof.” Kenny took a vacation to Scandinavia to celebrate the album’s release, resulting in ice cold videos like “My $eason,” and “4Ever or 4 The Moment.” Featuring production from Tay Keith, Bandplay, and more, and additional guest spots from BEO Lil Kenny and CEO Jizzle, The Blue Seasons Super Deluxe is available everywhere via Paper Route Empire.

Emerging from hibernation as the weather warms, it’s about to be Kenny Muney season. Stay tuned for much more from the rapper in the coming weeks and months.

58. VALÉ – vueltas

Powerhouse vocalist and songwriter VALÉ returns with her magnetic new single “vueltas.” Following the success of her debut EP, under the sun, the Barranquilla-born artist kicks off a bold new chapter with this bilingual breakup anthem—a hypnotic track about being caught in an emotional loop with someone who wants your love but won’t return it. Spinning between frustration and clarity, VALÉ captures the dizzying push-pull of toxic love—and the moment you finally say enough. Listen HERE and watch the visualizer HERE. 

VALÉ shares, “‘vueltas’ was born from an idea I had stuck in my head for the vocal chop part on the last, exhausting day of a writing trip in Colombia. It took nearly a year to finish, but I’m really proud of how it captures the feeling of a looping, cyclical relationship—hence the title, which means ‘going in circles’ in Spanish. The song’s structure mirrors that emotional loop, with its parts flowing like a run-on sentence.”

“vueltas” showcases the evolution of VALÉ’s sound: confident, genre-blurring, and emotionally real. With swirling melodies, sharp lyricism, and her signature blend of pop, R&B, and Latin elements, the track invites listeners into a new era—one that promises more music, more honesty, and more power.

Last year, VALÉ dropped her debut project under the sun, featuring viral fan favorites like “fit mami,” “coco water,” and “chill like that.” The EP—created in her hometown with longtime collaborators The Fund—earned praise from Rolling Stone, PAPER Magazine, ¡Hola!, Galore Magazine, Ones To Watch, and more. She was named one of PEOPLE’s Spring Emerging Artists and hit the road as direct support for The Driver Era’s sold-out North American tour, solidifying her place as one of pop’s most exciting new voices.

“vueltas” is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more music, visuals, and surprises from VALÉ in the coming months.

59. Penelope Road – Out Tonight

Today, Atlanta-based genre-blurring band Penelope Road announce their signing to Warner Records with their new single “Out Tonight.” Listen HERE and watch the video HERE.

“This feels like the song that started it all,” the group explains. “We’re so excited to get this song out into the world and show our fans how much we’ve grown over the last year.”

Penelope Road’s unique blend of ‘70s rock, funk, soul, and pop rooted in vocal harmonies has already helped them carve out a distinct identity in the music scene and an organic online following. The viral success of “Out Tonight” demonstrates the buzzing, widespread appeal of the band, with the track accumulating millions of views leading up to its release and gaining the band over 600 thousand new followers across socials.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with many bands over my career, but there is a distinct magic in the air when the 5 members of Penelope Road gather together,” says the band’s manager, Lindsay Brandt. “They represent the kind of soul and harmony the world needs right now.”

“We pride ourselves on being the home of best-in-class artist development at Warner Records, and Penelope Road is a prime example of the type of young band that excites us,” shares Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-chairman/CEO of Warner Records. “They are an incredibly compelling live act, highlighted by their perfect harmonies and true musicianship, which has catapulted their rapidly growing and dedicated fanbase. We are thrilled to welcome Penelope Road to the Warner family and expect a lot of success together.”

The five-piece channels inspiration from contemporaries like Mk.gee and iconic artists like Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, and the Eagles, crafting a sound defined by their harmonies, musicality, and notoriously energetic live performances. Their undeniable talent is already drawing impressive crowds of all ages across the country, and they’re embarking on their first national headline tour starting next month.

Kicking off on June 12 in Charleston, their summer headline tour includes stops at iconic venues throughout the US like Antone’s in Austin, The Troubadour in Los Angeles, and Bowery Ballroom in New York, before wrapping up in Louisville on August 29. The band will then play a three-show run supporting Lake Street Dive and a duo of dates supporting Goose in amphitheaters this September. See the full list of dates below and click HERE for ticket information.

Penelope Road is comprised of Max Moore (lead vocals/guitar), Charles Eastman (lead vocals/keys), Koan Roy-Meighoo (vocals/guitar), James Kopp (bass), and Anthony Smith (drums). Formed serendipitously when they all lived on the same street in Atlanta—Penelope Road—the group released their debut four-track EP Penelope Road last year, laying the foundation for their evolving artistry. As they continue to release this next chapter of new music, their sonic identity shines through, proving that their sound is something special.

60. AZ Chike – Game Time

Today, burgeoning South Central rapper AZ Chike drops his blazing new single, “Game Time,” a showcase for venomous bars dedicated to never letting up when the goal is in sight. The track arrives accompanied by a provocative music video that ensures that the West Coast talent only continues to build on his blockbuster 2024 wins, which include a standout verse on Kendrick Lamar’s “Peakaboo.” Listen HERE and watch HERE via Warner Records.

“Game Time” is held down by a spare beat courtesy of GotDamnitDupri — a focused blend of minimalism giving AZ Chike plenty of space to shine. He locks into the pocket immediately, voice low and eyes on the prize as he lets loose lines calling out broke copycats, counting up his blessings, and staying alert for both opps and opportunities. The music video is equally provocative, featuring a Maybach truck in flames and Chike fencing for sport—sword in hand, dressed in an official suit and mask. He includes a nod to his recent cultural crossover moment — watching Lamar rap his “Chike E. Cheese” line from “Peekaboo” at Super Bowl LIX: “This ain’t happen overnight, b—-, it take time / You seen the Super Bowl, the cheat code, b—-, it’s game time.”

AZ Chike spoke on the new cut’s origin: “‘Game Time’ is something I created in the midst of all the good chaos. Instead of getting caught up in the glitz and the glamour and thinking it’s time to kick back, it’s game time. It’s time to go into second gear. That applies to all and everything. The whistle is blown. The ball is hiked. It’s jump ball. It’s game time, at all times. All gas, no brakes!”

AZ Chike has been one to watch, but his moment is now. “Game Time” follows his Warner Records debut, “Whatx2,” a flex-heavy track that left behind a trail of broken rivals, hearts, and budgets.

Now with the arrival of “Game Time,” AZ Chike confirms that he’s headed for the top of 2025’s rap league.

61. 33 Below – Mash Up

Today, artist, producer, and DJ 33 Below releases “Mash Up,” his hard-driving debut single for Major Recordings / Warner Records. The rising electronic innovator recently previewed the song as “nightmare-inducing UKG,” but the track is so much more, with a strong dancehall influence and addictive drops. Listen HERE.

“Mash Up” is aptly titled, showcasing 33 Below’s signature approach to winding various strains of inventive dance music around a fundamental core of UK garage, gleeful sound design, and crowd-moving bass. The song is powered by a creative restlessness that’s equally electrifying in earphones or over a PA, with the vocal promising, “We mash up a dance like Wu-Tang Clan.”

Along the way, 33 Below has collaborated with the likes of Notion, MPH, and Sammy Virji. Press raves and features have followed, too, from Remix Magazine, EDM.com, MILKY, Complex UK, and Rolling Stone Australia, among others.

Clearly, though, his Major Recordings / Warner arrival shows that he’s just getting started.

62. Zzz. – Somebody Else

Today, Miami artist Zzz. drops his explosive new single “Somebody Else.” With a newly inspired pop punk sound, the track shows off not only his expansive musical vision but also his powerfully emotive vocals. Listen HERE via Warner Records. 

“Somebody Else” bursts out of the gate with crashing drums and guitars, and Zzz. has no problem meeting the moment. The track features soaring vocals and lyrics that capture the push and pull between his romantic loyalties and artistic ambitions: “I’m up in the mountains, and you’re across the world where the clubs are the loudest.” He openly worries that his partner will find somebody else”—but when the music swells again for the hook, he bares all, transforming insecurity into confidence: “Girl, I’m not somebody else.”

Zzz. shared his thoughts on “Somebody Else” ahead of the song’s release: “Somebody Else is a reminder to someone that you love that no matter who else they search for, that person will never be able to love the same way you can. This is a personal experience of mine that I believe connects with the world, which is exactly why I wrote this very song. It explains a real-life situation of mine that other people can connect with. This is one of my favorite songs as well as my first release with one of my favorite producers, John Feldman. Hope y’all enjoy!”

The transcendent new song is a fitting follow-up to April’s euphoric “1,” a constantly evolving mix of grunge guitar, bright synths, and yearning vocals that signaled a new era. Before that came the vulnerable and visceral “scared to fall asleep” and the heartbroken “u don’t care no more” — companion pieces that captured his raw talent and intensity.

With a dynamic voice that packs an emotional punch and a unique ability to bend genre, Zzz.’s established himself as a rule-breaker with a knack for creating bold soundscapes for his wholly unfiltered anthems. “Somebody Else” feels like the start of something new.