Though Juice WRLD and Kid Cudi came out swinging with their new releases, for today’s edition of First Beat (July 10), R&B makes a resounding effort with the return of Summer Walker, Snoh Aalegra and more. Check it out below.
Summer Walker, Life on Earth EP
After a dazzling performance at the BET Awards last month, Walker looks to keep her momentum intact with her latest collection of music. Melding together a quick five-track EP, Life on Earth is a masterclass in love and heartbreak from the R&B star.
Swimming against the guitar strums on “Let It Go,” Walker waves goodbye to a troubling beau while exuding her amorous side on the PARTYNEXTDOOR-assisted “My Affection.” Though the project only clocks in at 16 minutes, Walker’s offering is anything but paltry, as she appears primed for her sophomore attempt.
Snoh Aalegra, “DYING 4 YOUR LOVE”
After gifting listeners remixes to “Whoa” and “I Want You Around” from her 2019 album, Ugh those feels again, Snoh Aalegra finally kicks her 2020 off with the melancholy “DYING 4 YOUR LOVE.”
Ambushed by loss and heartbreak, a dejected Aalegra struggles with moving on, singing, “Do you want me like I want you?” Though the aftereffects are damaging, she remains hopeful for a reunion: “I know nobody’s perfect.”
StaySolidRocky, “Party Girl (Remix)” Featuring Lil Uzi Vert
StaySolidRocky’s spacey surprise hit “Party Girl” gets a nice boost with rap superstar Lil Uzi Vert on the song’s remix. The love-drunk duo overlook their girls’ sexual conquests and combustible affairs to secure long-lasting relationships. Even if their admirable pursuits prove futile, you have to admire their chemistry on this retouched heater. With Rocky’s hit single already achieving top 30 success on the Hot 100, keep an eye on his song’s potential rise even higher.
DreamDoll, “Ah Ah Ah” Featuring Fivio Foreign
Over the last 365, DreamDoll has impressed. First, she dominated Hitmaka’s “Thot Box (Remix),” and then showed promise when she teamed up with G-Eazy for her bubbly single, “Who You Loving?” Now, Dream adds more flair to her arsenal by partnering up with New York’s drillmaster Fivio Foreign.
Looking to thrash the competition, Dream ramps up the aggression, as she deftly crafts a couch-stomping club record. With summer currently in effect, quarantine might have a tough time containing this scorcher.
Ryan Trey, “Rolling”
Last year, Trey notched a hit when he aligned himself with Bryson Tiller for his single “Nowhere to Run.” Today, the St. Louis hybrid rides solo on his new song “Rolling.” Relationship woes torment Trey as he falls prey to his lover’s mind games, and though he knows her moves are punishable offenses, he’s left dazed by her icy ways. “Just hurt me, that’s fine,” he laments on the song’s hook.
Sally Sossa, “Who You Are”
Though Megan thee Stallion currently reigns supreme as Houston’s alpha, Sally Sossa is ready to stampede her way into contention with her new record, “Who You Are.”
Crippled by her past mistakes and inner demons, the 18-year-old soars on the track with searing confidence. Her conviction and her affirmations — “It’s OK not to know you are” — are more than enough to uncage those looking for an escape.
