Less than a year on from the massive success of his acclaimed debut album Hypertension, which garnered over 250 million global streams and birthed hit singles including ‘New Born Fela’, ‘Contraband’, and ‘Philo’, independent afrobeats superstar and Dangbana Republik president BELLA SHMURDA is excited to announce his upcoming new EP titled DND. The abbreviation ‘DND’, which means “do not disturb”, perfectly captures Bella Shmurda’s frame of mind for 2023, as he enters a unique new musical universe in his already revered discography – a universe he began teasing at the start of the year, with songs like ‘NSV’ and ‘Ara’ that have combined for over 50 million plays online.
To accompany the announcement of his upcoming DND EP, which is set for release on July 26, Bella Shmurda has unveiled the EP lead single and title track ‘DND’ featuring award-winning afropop sensation Lil Kesh. Produced by Rewardbeatz (Davido, Kizz Daniel, Young Jonn), Bella’s ‘DND’ single is an infectious jam that is just right for this summer weather. With its lush afrobeats and amapiano fusion sensibilities, ‘DND’ offers the perfect soundscape for Bella Shmurda to share his “do not disturb” manifesto, as it relates to not wanting anybody to take his attention away from his leading lady, while Lil Kesh does what he does best and delivers a racy and unskippable guest verse.
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Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘DND’ and how the track came together, Bella Shmurda says, “Rewardbeatz crafted the instrumental, and recorded a demo in the studio with Lil Kesh. Kesh then sent the draft to me to check it out and see if I liked the track. I listened to it and immediately started recording what I was feeling at the moment, and that’s how ‘DND’ was born. The song perfectly captures my current headspace, where I don’t want to be disturbed, while I do things my own way”.
2. K Johns – Do Better
K Johns shines in his latest drop, “Do Better.” The new single reflects K Johns’ current flossy sound, which is his most refined and polished version yet. “Do Better” is a smooth and catchy track where K Johns confidently tells a girl she deserves more and can “do better,” than her current relationship. In addition to rapping throughout the song and delivering hard-hitting bars, K Johns also gives audiences a melodic hook that will undoubtedly keep the song on repeat.
“Do Better” serves as the lead single to his upcoming project One Of Them Ones, set to drop July 28. The Westmont, California native the rapper imposes his signature and distinct sound throughout the entire project, and drops off bars over West Coast melodies.
“It feels good to be in the space I’m in at the moment,” K Johns says. “I feel overly creative and at my current peak. It will sound cliché, but the music I’m making right now is my best work thus far because it is an obvious reflection of the work I’ve been putting in.”
The connection between his latest single and the upcoming project emphasizes a shift in his creative approach. “This single ties into my upcoming project because it is the basis of the inspiration behind my current sound. In the past, I was hesitant to make music for or about women because I didn’t want a certain image in the industry, but I had to realize those are the best and my most involved fans, so why not make them a priority.”
Reflecting on his artistic growth, K Johns shared insights into his journey since his first project. “I’ve learned to appreciate the gift of patience, and most of my learning in this industry has come through trial and error,” he said. “But the most important lesson I’ve learned thus far is to keep perfecting your craft until you believe in it so much that you’re willing to spend your last just to make it happen.”
With his undeniable talent and dedication to his craft, K Johns is set to captivate audiences with his upcoming project. Stay tuned for the music video for “Do Better,” dropping July 14th, and be prepared to witness the evolution of an artist who is ready to leave his mark on the music industry. In the meantime, stream “Do Better.”
3. LAYA – F'd Up
Staten Island soul sensation LAYA, unleashes her new single “F’d Up.” The bold kiss-off anthem is the perfect introduction to the songstress’s upcoming project Bet That, due later this Summer. “F’d Up” follows LAYA’s critically acclaimed Um, Hello EP from 2022.
Featuring a bodacious beat and a wicked bassline, the infectious track casts a spell from the opening line. “Got me thinkin’ ‘What’s good?’ You don’t understand what’s understood,” the rising star coos. “Out your face you’ll say to me, some shit that you know just can’t be.” She then pulls the trigger on the catchy chorus: “You got me fucked up, put you on your back.” In typical LAYA style, it’s raw, real, and utterly irresistible.
“You ever have somebody try you? Tried you so hard and they ain’t even know what they was talking about?” LAYA says of the deeply relatable track. “Sounds like they got you fucked up!” The solution? It’s time to stand your ground and fight back. “Nah it’s 2023, we not doing that this time,” she continues. “Time to put haters on their back and tell ’em, quit with all that cap — because you got me fucked up!”
“F’d Up” is LAYA’s first release since dropping a remix of her viral hit “Sailor Moon” with Baby Tate in the fall and partnering with Amazon Music for Women’s History Month to release a cover of Missy Elliott’s “Sock It 2 Me.”
LAYA’s boundless creativity is born from a desire to push herself. The Staten Island-born artist has worked as a singer, songwriter, producer, creative director, and visual artist—constantly shifting forms and acquiring skills, because, for her, that’s what growth looks like. Her vibrant yet vulnerable take on R&B and pop offers up a unique perspective on life and love, powered by a need for newness. The release of her EP, Um Hello, via Warner Records showcases her approach thus far, but her first single of 2022, “Brag,” with Fivio Foreign, is a retrofuturist victory lap—her slinky ’90s-indebted vocals echo gently as she flexes what she’s accomplished so far. Her 2020 breakout, “Sailor Moon,” showcased that visionary approach and broadcast her auteur status. In addition to writing the song, LAYA also shot, directed, and edited the visuals, on top of doing her own hair, makeup, and wardrobe—all skill sets that remain core to her work today.
4. Olakira – Ileke
After releasing last summer’s viral hit track ‘Polongo’, which amassed over five million global streams, afropop sensation OLAKIRA has been on a brief hiatus while recording his highly anticipated debut album that’s set for release this October – but with fans and audiences clamouring for some new music from the Nigerian star singer, songwriter and producer, Olakira is letting everyone know that he is back outside this summer with an exciting double-a side single release titled ‘ILEKE’ and ‘KISSES’ to mark his sensational return, as he prepares to head back on the road again for a mini African and European tour, with confirmed tour stops in Ethiopia, Senegal, Kenya, and the Netherlands.
Produced by Simba Tagz (Burna Boy, Mr Eazi) and Olakira himself respectively, ‘Ileke’ and ‘Kisses’ provide an immersive listening experience for fans and critics alike, which combine Olakira’s motif captivating melodies, irresistible musical soundscapes, and his unmatched artistic prowess to great effects. Frontrunner ‘Ileke’ is an upbeat feel-good song that sees Olakira waxing lyrical in both English and Yoruba languages about his feelings for his leading lady, over an outstanding afrobeats and amapiano fusion sound bed. The second a-side ‘Kisses’ reveals Olakira’s versatility as a musician and producer, as he showcases his penchant for melodies that tug at listeners’ heartstrings.
Both ‘Ileke’ and ‘Kisses’ boast infectious pop elements, lush amapiano-leaning log drums, enthralling songwriting, and glorious afrobeats sensibilities that band together to deliver songs that are sure to be strong fan-favourites, amongst Olakira’s already undeniable discography, by the end of the summer. Olakira even takes it up a notch with the exquisite music video for ‘Ileke’ that was directed by award-winning filmmaker Clarence Peters (Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Tiwa Savage), and has already amassed over a quarter of a million views on YouTube. The visual spectacle calls its viewer to join Olakira in his vibrant world that showcases the beauty and allure of African women, culture, and fashion.
5. Olakira – Kisses
6. Mariposa – Hielo
Colombian and Italian artist MARIPOSA announces her highly anticipated new project, Otro Mundo, which is slated for release on July 14th. In celebration, she shares her explosive new track “Hielo” that expands on her genre-defying sound that time after time continues to push the boundaries, of which has already gotten the young artist large critical acclaim. The track beautifully showcases MARIPOSA’s ability to bring to life deeply confessional and complex moments juxtaposed with her youthful DIY-aesthetic, resulting in a striking universe of her own creation. MARIPOSA’s compelling debut EP, Otro Mundo, houses a stunning collection of songs that delve into themes of mental health, healing, radical self love and a deep self exploration all lined with an insatiable appetite to challenge the status quo.
To celebrate the release of the new project, MARIPOSA will be hosting a special event on July 14th in her hometown of Amsterdam at Skatecafe. RSVP and details are HERE.
The Amsterdam-based trilingual artist MARIPOSA taught herself how to make music and record from scratch as a vehicle for self-expression and healing. She is at the forefront of a movement shifting the music landscape to be more fluid and inclusive. With the teen Y2K aesthetic juxtaposed, MARIPOSA’s menacing raps speaks on mental health, pushing up against social norms and empowerment. Continuing to redefine the landscape of Latin rap, MARIPOSA pushes the boundaries with her genre-defying sound. She represents a new generation that thrives at the intersection of cultures, languages, and genres, placing her multidimensional identities at the forefront of artistic expression. MARIPOSA’s music is rooted in immense honesty and transparency about her journey in hopes of uplifting others.
“‘Hielo’ is the second song I have ever made. This song was created after my producer and I had our first discussion. We had that discussion before going to the studio, so everything was created on that ‘frustrated’ feeling. Pepe Boks created the beat before I got to the studio, and when I heard it, the lyrics just came easily. ‘Hielo’ is the perfect summary of what is going on in my head. My energetic and aggressive side meet on this song.”
7. Albee Al – Sturdy
Fresh off the release of his I’m From Marion deluxe album, Albee Al provides fans with a new visual to the energetic song “Sturdy.” The Nimi Hendrix shot visual has Albee in game mode as he turns a casual basketball game into a lively halftime show. Everyone from Albee to the cheerleaders, the basketball players, and the crowd was getting sturdy. The “sturdy” dance is an evolution of the “woo walk” popularized by the late Pop Smoke and became synonymical with the modern-day drill rap scene.
Albee raps about how he’ll never agree with his opposition and how he runs game to women worthy of his time. The Jersey City Gladiator talks like a king as he denies regular women and the competition of his time and attention. “Sturdy” is a celebratory song of Al’s high status in hip-hop today.
8. Valee & Harry Fraud ft. Action Bronson – Vibrant
Valee returns—and this time he’s back with Harry Fraud.
Personally hand-picked by Kanye West and signed to his G.O.O.D. Music imprint, it didn’t take long for Valee to make an impression. Not only was Valee named Rolling Stone’s “Hot Rapper Of the Year,” he was also awarded Single of the Year by Spin Magazine for “Womp Womp” (which went Gold) featuring Jeremih.
Yet, what separates Valee from his peers, is that his completely original, unorthodox rap sketches are virtually a sub-genre of their own; one that inspired some of the culture’s biggest heavyweights to dissect, emulate, and copy his soft-spoken style and flow. For fans of clever lyrics, effortless style, and endless swag, Valee’s artistry resembles trap music for the connoisseur.
After a successful stint on G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam, Valee opted to embark on an independent career, one that would give the rising Chicago South Sider more opportunity to create as freely as possible.
Now the rising star embarks on the next phase of his career with the announcement of Virtuoso, Valee’s forthcoming collaborative album with Harry Fraud. Harry Fraud thrives on being entrusted with artists’ most personal statements; recently, producing chart-topping projects for Curren$y (Vices), French Montana (Montega,which hit Billboard’s Top 200 chart), Dave East (Hoffa), Lil Peep (High Fashion), Benny The Butcher (The Plugs I Met 2), Jim Jones (The Fraud Department), Jay Worthy’s You Take The Credit, We’ll Take The Check and 38 Spesh’s Beyond Belief.
In addition to the announcement of Virtuoso, the pair has also offered the album’s first single, “Vibrant,” which features Action Bronson. “Vibrant” is now available at all DSP’s.
“We’ve been quietly working on this project, and it’s finally ready for the world. It will be unlike anything you’ve ever heard; so expect the unexpected” Valee commented.
“Valee has been one of my favorite artists since the first time I heard him, and it’s always been a goal of mine to collaborate with him” Harry Fraud professes. “Valee and Bronson’s unique approach, and rare charisma complement each other perfectly on “Vibrant.”
Valee & Harry Fraud’s Virtuoso will be released on July 21.
9. Conway The Machine Presents: Drumwork The Album
The promised Drumwork takeover is in full effect, as Conway The Machine returned with Won’t He Do It, joined Jae Skeese for their collaborative project Pain Provided Profit, and Jae Skeese’ released his Drumwork debut album Abolished Uncertainties.
Now, Conway offers the first official Drumwork label compilation album, Conway The Machine Presents: Drumwork The Album.
Conway The Machine Presents: Drumwork The Album features appearances from Conway The Machine, and Drumwork’s hungry young shooters Jae Skeese, 7xvethegenius, Goosebytheway, SK Da King, and Shots Almigh, with additional contributions from Benny The Butcher, Rome Streetz, 38 Spesh, Heem, ELcamino, D.Smoke, & Bangladesh.
10. Lakeyah – Want Em Hood
Quality Control songstress Lakeyah drops her first solo release of 2023, “Want Em Hood” via Quality Control Music/Motown Records. The fresh track is a fearless rework of Gorilla Zoe’s 2007 hit record “Hood N****” and combines pearl-clutching rhymes with brazen confidence.
“Want Em Hood” hinges on a head-nodding and nostalgic sample as Lakeyah locks into a fierce flow. Rich with sparse trap production and her signature brand of braggadocious rap, the self-described “Female Goat” instantly envelopes the listener with a sharp cadence.
Behind the track, Lakeyah explains: “‘Hood N****’ is one of my favorite tracks that was leading the early 2000s. That was my favorite era of music and I wanted to exude that fun, feel-good but braggadocious vibe. ‘Want Em Hood’ is perfect for the summer and it’s empowering for my guys and girls. We love ’em from the hood!”
“Want Em Hood” continues Lakeyah’s hot streak, and builds on the momentum of her 4-track single, “ADD IT UP,” released last month (June 2) with Detroit rapper Kash Doll. Elsewhere, the Milwaukee-bred wunderkind has dominated in the media and entertainment space, most recently headlining the 2023 installment of CultureCon L.A. – as People detailed. Not to mention, Lakeyah is gearing up for the return of BET+’s unscripted reality series “The Impact Atlanta,” doubling back for season two after a successful run with season one.
11. Lil Baby – Merch Madness
RIAA Diamond-certified rapper Lil Baby, digital sports platform Fanatics, and VaynerMedia have partnered to create an original single and music video celebrating Fanatics’ Merch Madness initiative.
Recapping this incredible day, the video and follows Lil Baby as he participated in several donation locations alongside Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, Tom Brady, Eli Manning, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled, Quavo, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Chris Paul, Russell Wilson, Odell Beckham Jr., Micah Parsons, Lil Durk, Robert Kraft and more. The video was produced by Richie Souf and Eva Nosidam.
Merch Madness was part of Fanatics’ Global Volunteer Day which took place on June 27 and became the largest one-day charitable merchandise giveaway of all time. Throughout the day more than 300,00 pieces of licensed apparel was donated to approximately 100,000 underserved youth and their families in nearly 100 locations across the US (valued at approximately $20 million).
No stranger to philanthropy, Lil Baby is giving away all royalties from the single to charity and he continues to be one of the most community-minded rappers in the game. Previously the Atlanta native refurbished deteriorated basketball courts, gave out 200 bikes to children and teenagers in need, gave away 2,000 winter coats, set up scholarships to deserved high school kids, and provided a whole Footlocker store of shoes to those in need. In 2020 the Grammy-winner gave away the millions he earned from the proceeds of his single “The Bigger Picture” to charity.
This is the first campaign created between Fanatics and VaynerMedia, since the agency was awarded the business in March. VaynerMedia serves as Fanatics’ Creative AOR.
12. Marja'kim ft. Chylatte – Get Wilde
Recording artist Marja’kim and songstress Chylatte’s newest single “Get Wilde”is a playful and sensual tune about having some fun. Both artists go back and forth rapping “forget me nots” reminiscent of a mid-to-late nineties rap flow.
Chylatte and Marja’kim’s lyrics are vivid about what they promise to do to each other once they see each other, building up sexual tension. The two Jersey natives provide organic chemistry that translates well to this song playing in almost any event.
13. Never Broke Again Presents: Green Flag Activity, Vol. 2
YoungBoy Never Broke Again and his Never Broke Again collective return today with their latest compilation, GREEN FLAG ACTIVITY VOLUME 2.
YoungBoy NBA’s GREEN FLAG ACTIVITY VOLUME 2 is the fifth compilation from YoungBoy’s Never Broke Again collective, following last year’s GREEN FLAG ACTIVITY, 2021’s Never Broke Again: The Compilation Vol. 1, 2020’s Ain’t Too Long 2, and 2017’s Extortion Season. This is the second installment of the Green Flag Activity project as YoungBoy Never Broke Again looks to expand the Never Broke Again compilation, and features Lil Dump and their newest signee, Vontina, among others. Also on the compilation are two YoungBoy tracks titled “Slump” and “I Need To Know”.
The GRAMMY Award-nominated Louisiana rapper made history this year by becoming the first artist – of all genres – to tally 100 career Hot 100 hits. He is 23. With his May release, Richest Opp, YoungBoy also reached a milestone as the third-most successful rap artist in terms of top-10 releases, sharing the honor with Drake and Future.
The record “Realize ft. Lil Dump x Rojay MLP x NBA Big B,” from the comp was released three weeks ago and the video has already amassed nearly 100k views.
14. RJAE – We Goin' Platinum
NOLA artist RJAE, has officially premiered his the visual for “We Goin’ Platinum.” In his hometown of New Orleans and directed by 12VY, the visual is set in a moody estate with scenes of RJAE sitting in a dark mirrored room which visually lays out the internal and external struggles that can come with dating. RJAE continues to showcase his musical versatility through blended styles of R&B melodies and rap flow while vulnerably recounting his real-life experiences navigating love and relationships. The new music video release arrives off the heels of RJAE debut LP with Roc Nation, You’re the Problem, featuring artists like NBA YoungBoy and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie in addition to his recent opening appearance on hip hop legend Lil Wayne’s Welcome To Tha Carter Tour. No stranger to performing on the road, RJAE has also opened for No Cap during his nationwide Mr. Crawford Tour. RJAE gained momentum after his serendipitous discovery from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie after uploading a 2016 track named after A Boogie himself. After sending shockwaves through his hometown city with a debut performance at the House of Blues New Orleans, RJAE joined the Highbridge Crew to tour across North America. Upon his return in 2020, RJAE linked up with Good Money Global. Prior to Roc Nation’s official signing, RJAE had already amassed over 20 million streams and views independently and captured waves of support from urban and rhythmic radio formats from all across the south.
