New Music Roundup (May 8 - May 12)

Source: Courtesy / Never Broke Again / Motown Records

New Music Released This Week (May 8 – May 12):

1. Deante' Hitchcock – Once Upon A Time

Grammy-nominated rapper Deante’ Hitchcock releases his highly anticipated sophomore album, Once Upon A Time, out now via ByStorm Entertainment/RCA Records.

Once Upon A Time is a journey into the emotional rollercoaster that Deante’ experienced with his romantic partner and the birth of their son, Otto Saint Hitchcock. A conceptual project in the vein of Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, M.A.A.D. city or The Game’s The Documentary, Once Upon A Time crafts a narrative arc that’s transparent yet complex about the uncertainties and emotions men often face but don’t always express to the women in their lives.

Featuring the singles “Woah!,” “Drunk AF,” “Alone,” and “U Were Right I Was Wrong,” as well as collaborations with DRAM, Big K.R.I.T., Westside Boogie, Dende, and more, the 16-track project is a vulnerable and versatile offering that flexes Deante’s growth as an artist while serving as a cautionary tale for his son’s future relationships. 

“At what was shaping up to be a turning point in my life, the world as we know it seemed to stop turning altogether. I watched our world change, and in the midst of it all, I had a son, became a father, and watched my world change as well,” says Deante’ in a statement. “The word ‘son’ feels hella ironic to read, like the sun up in the sky that I used to stare at until it became an almost blinding blue bouncing ball of light, my son came into the world and brought a brightness into my life that could rival that of its homophone. His mother and I are forever in awe, and forever thankful for our angel, our Saint. The story of how we got here is no fairytale, but I’ll try my best to tell you all about the best way I know how.”

2. Victoria Monét – Party Girls

The multi-talented, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Victoria Monét releases her new steamy female summer anthem “Party Girls” featuring renowned dancehall legend Buju Banton via Lovett Music/RCA Records. Throughout the D’Mile, Yonatan “SDTRK” Ayal, & Dready-produced track, Monét glides over soaring instrumentation, wavy basslines, and sharp percussions that set ablaze her seductive vocal treatments reminiscent of Sade — fusing her R&B roots with classic dancehall sounds. Ignited by a fiery verse from Buju Banton, “Party Girls” is adrenaline-packed and effortlessly inviting— a certified summer classic. The Meji Alabi-directed music video brings the pulsating grit of a classic Jamaican dancehall party to life with Victoria’s striking looks styled by Kollin Carter and jaw-dropping dance breaks from world-renowned choreographer Sean Bankhead. Crystal-adorned and compulsively hypnotic, Monét is undeniably the life of the party— dancing from room to room boasting all the traits of the ultimate party girl.

“Party Girls is an ode to women around the world who keep celebrations alive!” says Monét. “If you recall any social gathering, nightlife extravaganza or day party you’ll likely recall a moment where a woman made it so much more exciting! I wanted to make a song giving credit where it’s due, while simultaneously curating a sensual Caribbean-infused R&B song to continue the fun to. I hope this song makes you feel sexy, empowered and appreciated!”

“Party Girls” comes on the heels of the recent single “Smoke” feat. Lucky Daye— an unabashed homage to herbal ecstasy that garnered attention from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Flaunt, Nylon, Hypebeast, and more. Both singles mark the beginning of a new era for Victoria Monét, ending the long-awaited pause since her heralded 2020 solo project JAGUAR. Since then, Monét has been steadily turning up the heat with a string of releases including remixes featuring Kehlani (“Touch Me”) and Bryson Tiller (“We Might Even Be Falling In Love (Duet)”). Additional tracks “F.U.C.K” and “Coastin” built on the JAGUAR sound and emphasized its staying power with impressive visuals all set in Monét’s signature brown tones and 70s influences. She’s also gone viral on socials with the #SomeCutChallenge and currently with her open verse challenge for buzzing song “We Might Even Be Falling In Love”. Garnering press praise from the likes of Paper, Pitchfork, Vulture, VICE, NY Post, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and more, Monét continues to evolve in her artistry while challenging social and gender norms through her multidimensional lyricism. Monét’s breakthrough artistry led to appearances on The Late Night Show with Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’s #PlayAtHome + festivals such as Made In America, Sol Blume, and Day N Vegas and a coveted slot as an artist partner with Cash App Studios.

Most recently, Monét sold out her first-ever headlining show in Los Angeles at the El Rey Theatre in partnership with Spotify and Goldenvoice. The show sold out in under one minute, with Billboard stating Monét “made sure the crowd never forgot who she is.” As a new member of RCA Records, much more music from the superstar is on the horizon as anticipation builds for the much-desired album JAGUAR II coming summer 2023.

3. Tigo B – Lover

Originally debuted by DJ X-Rated on Drake’s OVO branded Sirius XM station Sound 42, North Carolina mainstay Tigo B returns to his roots with new Afrobeat song “Lover.” Produced by Aymix Beats, the sexy single will live on the entertainer turned entrepreneur’s yet to be titled Summer EP and was preceded with previous releases “All The Time” and “Winner.” 

In a recently released interview with All Hip Hop, the West African wordsmith details what inspired him to create the track:

“My music changes the room, that’s what it’s about. Same way you can be in a room full of gangsters, but you put on Michael Jackson, it’s hard for them not to move. Put on Prince, it’s hard for them not to move. There are certain artists, that when the music is played — Afrobeat is one of those spaces where as soon as that music comes on, it’s hard for you not to move. The atmosphere changes, so this is a song that changes the atmosphere. Makes you feel good.”

Following the launch of his restaurant Romeo’s Vegan Burgers, the Sierra Leonean native credits his time spent visiting monks at Buddhist Temples in China’s Anhui Province for the new found ability to properly obtain a new level of spirituality through ancient meditation techniques. These practices have aided him tremendously in not only further developing his artistry, but jump started his journey into veganism; spawning the birth of his vegan burger brand after COVID-19 put his music career on hold.

4. Chinx – Cocaine Riot 7

As we approach the 8th anniversary of the passing of slain rapper Chinx, his estate and management team have been hard at work to release a surprise new installment titled Cocaine Riot 7. The 12 track album follows the previous CR6 effort released in December 2021, on the anniversary of the rapper’s birthday. There has been no shortage of street heat from The #1 Coke Boy as these projects follow up the previous release of the rapers Debuit Album Welcome to JFK in 2015, and Legends Never Die in 2016. Each track has been crafted to stand the test of time and proves Chinx had a timeless flow, machine like work ethic, and is still an absolute force to be reckoned with.

While the family awaits a conviction on individuals involved in his murder, they have proven his efforts were not in vain, and there is no better way to honor his legacy than to continue to feed the streets with his prolific presence.

5. Jean Dawson – “XCAPE”, PT. 1 JEAN DAWSON AS “PHOENIX”

Undeniably one of today’s most enigmatic and essential artists, polymath Jean Dawson returns with the announcement of his audacious new trilogy, which will see two songs arrive in three parts throughout the upcoming year to reveal a thrilling story. The first installment, “XCAPE”, PT. 1 JEAN DAWSON AS “PHOENIX”, arrives today with two explosive new tracks “youth+” and “delusional world champion.” 

Deeply conceptual while profoundly confessional, the trilogy will reveal the various congruent and juxtaposing facets that make up the multifaceted visionary and often mystifying Jean Dawson – both the artist and the human. Sonically, the new body of work will extend into new realms that will not be linear in sound, serving as a canvas for Jean’s exploration. First off: Phoenix – one of many alter egos, is a boy on the fringe full of tenacity and subversive in nature who reflects the world around him and is the pure manifestation of misunderstanding unawareness. It’s a beautiful depiction of the deep impact of Jean’s art, existing as boundless in sound to hold the listeners that wish to inhabit it.

Following the massive success of his debut headlining US tour last year which sold out in minutes, Jean has announced a slew of new headlining dates for Fall 2023. The track will run from September 24 in Santa Cruz, CAthrough October 22 in Las Vegas, NV. Jean will also be delivering electrifying performances at the beloved BottleRock Napa Valley and When We Were Young festivals. Artist presale will be going live on May 12ththrough May 18th at 10pm local time. Spotify and Local presale will go live on May 17 at 10am local timethrough May 18 at 10pm local time. Tickets will go on sale to the public on May 19 at 10am local time. Tickets are available for purchase HERE.

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

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

“Phoenix is a boy on the fringe. He is described to write with the tenacity of Kurt Cobain and the subversive subjectivity of a David Bowie. Using himself as a mirror for whoever decides to look at him because he is a product of the world rather than a product of perceived individuality. He is a manifestation of misunderstanding unawareness. His ideas are flirtatious, asymmetric and brash outwardly contradicted by his own lack of personal identity. Phoenix is only as real as the listener listening.”

6. Maiya The Don – Keep It Cute

Emerging Brooklyn rapper Maiya The Don releases the single and video “Keep It Cute”. The Jenzar-directed visual shows Maiya keeping it cute in her Adidasgear, showing off some school spirit. Prior to this, Maiya dropped the video for her infectious single “Dusties,” which was directed by Mikey & Davey. The video has Maiya with her girls enjoying the finer things, not fuckin’ with these dusties. Produced by Derrick Milano and Pliz Naya, Maiya’s bombastic bars paired with the bouncy up-tempo production makes for another one of Maiya’s signature catchy tracks.

This release follows her buzzing hit track and video “Telfy” that she dropped in October 2022 – the video alone garnering over 1.7 million views in just a few months – and Maiya’s feature spot on Flo Milli’s remix for her hit single “Conceited” alongside Lola Brooke. Most recently, Maiya performed at Mercy College and attended New York Fashion Week where she performed “Telfy” at the MEFeater show in addition to attending other shows such as Laquan Smith, Kim Shui, Bronx and Banco and more.

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

7. Heem – From The Cradle To The Grave

Life begins at birth and ends at death.  In between, we play its game.  Buffalo-born, BSF member, Heem, documents life in the trenches, with an acute attention to detail, unfiltered honesty, and a sharp sense of humor.  Heem depicts moments of pain, transformation, and triumph with his sophomore BSF project, and new full-length LP, From The Cradle To The Game, (BSF/MNRK) which is now available. 

Thriving in his closer role, Heem put a bow on BSF’s 2020 with his Long Story Short project with Green Lantern & DJ Shay.  Curated and championed by the late, great DJ Shay and Hosted by DJ Green Lantern, Long Story Short featured appearances from Benny The Butcher, Rick Hyde & Boldy James, along with production from DJ Shay, Jansport J, and DJ Green Lantern.  More recently, Heem appeared on the standout track from BSF’s Long Live DJ Shay project, “Times Is Rough,” which also featured Benny The Butcher and Rick Hyde and was produced by DJ Premier. 

From The Cradle To The Game features appearances and production from Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Stove God Cooks, Styles P Jansport J, DJ Green Lantern, and the Black Soprano Family.  “My life is music” Heem explains.  There’s so much truth.  I’ve gone through a lot, and the title of my album is named after these real-life experiences.”  Along the way, Heem assembled what would eventually become From The Cradle To The Game.  “I came up a good child, went over the line, and jumped into the game” Heem observes.  “I went from the street game to the rap game.  I’m a little more seasoned, and this is ready to go.  Now, it’s all over” he grins. 

“Heem is the heart of BSF; when you hear him spit you automatically believe it” Benny The Butcher adds. 

To celebrate the release of From The Cradle To The Game, Heem also released a new visual for “Mob Business,” which features BSF Capo Benny The Butcher and Styles P.  You can watch the “Mob Business: video below. 

In addition to releasing From The Cradle To The Game, Heem is also on the road supporting his BSF family member Benny The Butcher and his Thank God I Made It Tour; and will also be supporting on the International leg of the tour as well; with stops in Ireland, Germany, Greece, Israel, Poland and more. 

Heem’s From The Cradle To The Game is now available via BSF/MNRK Records. 

8. JasonMartin – I Owe Myself

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

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

“It was time. Your name is everything when it comes to this business. Calling myself Problem at this stage of my life just felt irresponsible and counterproductive; especially when my whole existence has been built off creating solutions for others” JasonMartin affirms. “I also felt that continuing my career using the name my parents gave me was bigger for the extension of my family tree. Thank you 2 Chainz for giving me that extra push to do it.”
To coincide with the name change, JasonMartin released his new album, I Owe Myself, which is now available. “I Owe Myself is by far my most international piece of work” JasonMartin asserts. “Every word, every message, every instrument was on purpose. Nothing about this project reeks of randomness.” TDE’s Punch is just as enthusiastic with his praise of I Owe Myself ““I had the opportunity to listen to this album the other night. Phenomenal music. Problem has always been an elite MC, but the growth and truth in this body of work is truly inspiring. Great work champion.”

To coincide with his new album, Jason also released the visual for what promises to be his next hit single “FUPAYME.” “The fact that this video is co-directed by my nephew is the true jewelry here” Jason quips. “Kaidontrap & Kelo are the future. With the sonics of the song being so “happy,” we had to be reckless and dangerous with the visual. I absolutely loved creating this video.”

9. Bootsy Collins – Funk Not Fight

funk legend Bootsy Collins (Parliament-Funkadelic, James Brown) released his long-anticipated single “Funk Not Fight”  featuring rapper Baby Triggy and singer/rapper Fantaazma. The track is the first from the forthcoming Funk Not Fight compilation, which was announced last fall to encourage burgeoning young talent to lend their voices and talent to this vital anti-violence initiative. Funk Not Fight is an ongoing album compilation, which will have a rolling release schedule featuring new music, young talent and fresh voices, all part of Bootsy’s mission to promote a message of peace through the power of music (and the Power of the One!). 

Bootsy said of the single, “I just like to say, check out my latest video. Funk, not fight. We just wanna calm down some of that violence out there. Cause y’all know that it ain’t right! Come on now. Jump on board. Let’s get the One! For being funk, and not fight. Yeah that’s right baby.”

 The bass-fueled earworm features Bootsy’s signature voice singing “I’m not a fighter / but I’m a lover” alongside blasting horns and tight funk riffs, and is accompanied by an official music video featuring appearances by bassist Marcus Miller, the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, Buckethead, Victor Wooten, Cindy Blackman and more.

10. Pap Chanel – Paptivities

Rising Atlanta-based, rapper, Pap Chanel has released her long-awaited EP PAPTIVITIES via 4th & Broadway/1865/Def Jam Recordings. 

To accompany the EP release, Pap has also unveiled the official music video of her budding song-of-the-summer track “Summertime” with Fredo Bang. The intoxicating chemistry between Fredo and Pap gives a reminiscent energy of the golden age of music video releases with a tropical feel-great vibe to match the prowess of the “PAPTIVITIES”.  The soundtrack for the Pretty & Paid and Pimpin’ & Playa is here. 

Flowing with electrifying anthems created to resonate with one and all, PAPTIVITIES, as a body of work, topples as a pinnacle project of self-expression, self-reflection, self-care and self-confidence for everyone who connects with the movement. Packed with six songs blanketed in sonic daringness from the wide-ranged artist, Pap brings to life six of her rap stylistic identities she’s deemed as Papanalities— “Papiana,” the cocky side; “Paprika,” the spicy side; “Papatoullie,” the scientist; “Papi,” the OG; “Papillion,” the butterfly; and “TuPap,” the storyteller. Each song exhibits each of the six styles fans have grown to love over the years and exemplifies Pap’s multi-dimensionality in complete form. 

PAPTIVITIES is heralded by “Left Right,” which was released earlier this year and coined as one of the best Hip Hop releases via XXL and as Billboard stated, “If you want to be pretty and paid, take a page out of Pap Chanel’s book. Luckily, the budding Atlanta rapper is handing out free game on her latest offering, “Left, Right.” The track carries a militant theme, as Pap Chanel lets it be known that she’s keeping everyone in line” via the publications R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks column of the week. Elsewhere with  today’s electrifying release, Pap garners her first feature with a female artist, Miami’s born rap Phenomenon, Trina, for an iconic flip of the pioneering rap star’s track “Da Baddest Bitch” via “Who’s Bad.” Trina blesses Pap with the co-sign of carrying the torch as a woman in Hip Hop holding it down for the Southern sound of rap and enchants the track with a new verse as Pap applies pressure to the maximum. 

For this project, Pap Chanel continues to deliver on her natural ability to take complete creative control. This body of art reflects her growth as an artist with over a year of work that attests to her acclaim. Her most recent project Pretty & Paid 2.0 (2020), serves as the antithesis of PAPTIVITIES —from someone bracing themself for a new destination of success as a result of artistic creativity, freedom, and irresistible charisma. 

11. Aliah Sheffield – Some Of Your People

Aliah Sheffield, the introspective singer-songwriter and instrumentalist who made her major label debut via Def Jam Recordings with “Boo Boo The Fool” last month, follows up with the brand new single “Some of Your People,” available today.  “Some of Your People” and “Boo Boo The Fool” mark the first advance music from THESE SONGS ARE FOR ANYONE SICK OF EARTH, Aliah’s upcoming EP set for release this summer.
 
Aliah first gained notoriety with her viral hit “Earth is Ghetto,” a plea for escape during that increasingly maddening first year of pandemic onslaught.  The track turned into an unlikely sensation after its December 2020 release: “You should see these people, it’s hard to believe / how they treat each other, it’s hard to conceive.”  Over 1 million TikTok creates were generated, some of them as comedic as they were heartfelt.  “I felt happy and sad about it at the same time,” Sheffield said, “because I was like, it kind of sucks that so many people feel the same way.”
 
Aliah’s minimalist soul and R&B approach was on display in “Boo Boo The Fool,” as she explored the fraught dimension between pain and optimism.  The track came with a disclaimer: “I just want people to know I’m not boo boo the fool, and this song is meant to be a fun reminder,” Aliah said.  After a failed relationship, sheer pettiness wins out over taking the high road, as she angelically croons over her piano, “I will hold this grudge till the day I die / And I’ll still be pissed on the other side.” 

12. Amaeus360 – The MPC Jedi

Producer Amaeus360 released his sprawling Boom Bap opus The MPC Jedivia Soulspazm today (5/12/2023). The headbanging Ras Kass and M.O.P-anchored album opener “How The Block Sound” received an animated visual treatment by Carlito Way(who also illustrated characters for Adult Swim’s hit TV show The Boondocks). The final product can be seen in the song’s official music video, shared this morning via the self-proclaimed Beat King’s YouTube channel.  

Inspired by Pete Rock’s PeteStrumentals, and DJ Premier’s New York Reality Check 101, The MPC Jedi features a cross-generational lineup of spitters across the album’s 18 tracks, including newcomers Lil Dee and Nems, as well as legends such as Masta Ace, Sticky Fingaz, Keith Murray, among others. The album follows Amadeus360’s 2020 collaborative album with Ruste Juxx James Brown of tha Underground, and his 2021 full-length collaboration with Termanology 360.  

13. Rah Swish – Sprinter Van

Rah Swish returns from a brief hiatus to let New York know he’s still handling business in his newest single “Sprinter Van.” The video, directed by CEO Worldwide Folms, has Rah with his crew in and out of a luxurious black van as Rah raps about how he solves problems before they get any bigger. His proclamations of checking people’s “gangster” shows that Rah can be confrontational if anyone ever questions his passion for rap. 

14. Bee-B – That Girl

2X Grammy Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, music executive, and actress Brittany Barber, affectionately known as Bee-B returns with her first single of 2023, “That Girl” via ONErpm. The fresh release is the first track off of her forthcoming EP Hood Hippie, arriving this spring.
“That Girl” explores topics of longing and acceptance, about wanting to feel comfortable in your own skin. It’s a personal, euphoric journey from beginning to end, which finds Bee-B speaking to universal topics that bind over a guitar-laden instrumental. As she comes to grips with learning how to love herself out loud, “That Girl” centers it all for anyone who has struggled with feelings of inadequacy.

Behind the track, Bee-B shares, “I feel like every woman can relate to this song in one way or another because we all want to be able to just be free, be ourselves without judgment and have fun. ‘That Girl’ is about letting go of your inhibitions.”

“That Girl” arrives as the follow up to Bee-B’s acclaimed debut album Ghetto Feng Shui (Nov. 11 2022), which touts upwards of 200,000 streams and includes features from J. Ivy, Davion Farris, and Raheem DeVaughn. The defiant release capped a breakthrough 2022, but this creative entrepreneur’s reign in the industry didn’t end there. Continuing to advance her career, Bee-Bis now the Music Supervisor for ALLBLK’s scripted dramedy series À La Carte – doubling back for season two after a successful run with season one.

As an accomplished songwriter, the Compton songstress has penned hits for the likes of Ledisi (taking home a Grammy win for 2017’s Let Love Rule LP),Queen Naija, Rotimi, Ann Marie, and Robert Glasper to name a few. The latter – Glasper’s Black Radio lll album – won Best R&B Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Beyond the accolades, she’s been winning at life, too, and sharing the limelight with other aspiring artists. Last month (April 20), Bee-Bspearheaded the return of her much-anticipated Sync Camp in L.A. with appearances from Dreamville rapper Cozz, hip-hop newcomer Torian Ball, and many more.

15. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – Richest Opps

GRAMMY® Award-nominated Louisiana rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again drops his mixtape RICHE$T OPP via Never Broke Again / Motown Records. YoungBoy Never Broke Again made history last month by becoming the first artist – of all genres – to tally 100 career Hot 100 hits. He is 23.

With more than 30 billion total streams and 109 RIAA-certified releases including three platinum or double platinum albums, NBA YoungBoy is one of the most listened to artists in the world, and his April release of Don’t Try This At Home marked his 6th full-length studio album to add to his canon. The album reached #1 on US Apple Music and #1 on Top R&B and HipHop charts. It is YoungBoy’s 14th US top-10 album. YoungBoy is the third most-streamed artist in the United States last year (according to Luminate), behind Drake and Taylor Swift.

Also in 2023, YoungBoy Never Broke Again was voted as The People’s Champ by readers for the XXL Awards. The Source cited him among the “Top 5 Hip-Hop Artists of 2022,” going on to call him “one of the most prolific rappers on the planet.” OkayPlayer declared, “There’s a YB song for every possible mood you can be in.” NPR put it best, “YoungBoy seems to have the upload button held down: He’s prolific but consistent, always active and always online, rolling out content at the algorithm’s desired pace.”

16. Albee Al – What You Know

Albee Al asks his competition “What You Know” about his work ethic and loyalty in his newest video. “What You Know” is from his 17-track album that was released recently, I’m From Marion. Albee opens the song by calling himself the GOAT and says he feels like Jay-Z (Jigga) because he made it out of the projects. Later into the opening verse, Al raps about taking the high road and being ten toes down with his brothers who starved with him. 

He raps “Made it out the projects, feelin’ like I’m Jigga, Hard-knock life, I remember those nights sitting in that cell, they ain’t visit they ain’t write but I ain’t stressing shit, them hard times made me this… cost to be the boss around here you put your own work, told my youngin’s I don’t do drills I do homework, swear I love my brothers, I’ll never put a ho first, jump into that deep end and I ain’t even dip my toes first”

The Twizz Shot It visual shows the end product of Albee’s struggles as he’s celebrating life in the club around luxurious cars and lowriders.

17. Layton Greene – Spin Again

Singer/songwriter Layton Greene comes from behind the curtain with her sensual new single and video, “Spin Again” – out now via Quality Control Music/Motown Records. The self-proclaimed hopeless romantic songstress tells a story of a romance that is filled with addictive and hypnotic intimacy over a slow melodic R&B beat. 

The G Styles On The Track and La’Chaz Holloway produced track is complemented by a laid back lounging around the house visual – swaying from the bedroom, to the shower, to a steamy make-out session in the pouring rain exuding the obsession she and her lover have for one another. With lyrics such as “Show out I’m your number one fan / I always need it one more time / Now and then don’t want it to never end / Boy spin the block and spin again” accented by gentle piano keys and a heavy guitar break, Layton makes it clear on what it’s like to find your perfect physical match.

Layton – the first R&B signee at Quality Control Music – marks “Spin Again” as her first solo single release this year since the debut of her 2019 EP Tell Your Story. Of the track Layton says “It’s been a whirlwind of emotions for me. I’m so excited to be making my comeback, it’s been a long time coming! Spin Again is showing a different side of me, grown and sexy. I can’t wait to see how people receive it.”

She is most known for her slew of viral moments including her most popular cover in 2017 of Kodak Black’s “Roll in Peace Remix” gaining over 3.5 million plays on Soundcloud in her first month, which shortly after landed her in the top 15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Charts. She also released her first solo single, “I Love You”, in 2019, which quickly gained popularity and garnered over 5 million Youtube views in two short months.

Layton Greene continues to evolve her artistry and move fans with her real life experiences through her vulnerable and infectious lyricism. With co-signs from the likes of Kylie Jenner, Kehlani, and more, Layton has established herself as a force to be reckoned with and is destined to make her way to the top of R&B stardom.