Alex Banin, “Forget About It”
London-born singer Alex Banin shares “Forget About It,” a groovy, reflective single featuring reverb-heavy electric guitar, a deep bassline and Banin’s thick, sleepy vocals. “I’m missing you so damn good,” the self-entitled “retired SoundCloud rapper” declares, as she sits among half a dozen bunny heads in a movie theatre.
Jordan Hollywood feat. Timbaland, “The Ugly Song”
From the song’s opening line (“If I skeet in a rich b–ch, that’s a come up”), Jordan Hollywood’s latest single raises eyebrows in the best way. The Quality Control signee took his turn spinning Bubba Sparxxx’s 2001 breakout record “Ugly,” fully equipped with an unbeatable co-sign from the “Ugly” producer himself, Timbaland. Outside of Hollywood’s clever and punchy lyrics, the visual exudes Y2K influence, boasting slapstick scenes, celeb lookalikes and reality-bending storylines.
Alina Baraz, “Alone With You”
Moody music queen Alina Baraz continues her reign with “Alone With You.” The sensual single sounds like butterflies in your stomach, as Baraz’s delicate vocals float over the dynamic instrumental, produced by Spencer Stewart. From its bass-driven peaks to the melodic piano valleys, the track is sure to take listeners on a ride.
Wallie the Sensei, “Bompton To Balabasas”
Wallie the Sensei delivers a vulnerable hood ballad with his stripped-down version of “Bompton to Balabasas.” The Compton native laments over the realities of his come-up including racist neighbors and high taxes, while sharing the motivational messages that helped usher in his own triumphs.
Doodie Lo feat. Pooh Shiesty, “Bodies”
Chicago rapper Doodie Lo calls out the fakes and phonies on his latest single, “Bodies.” On the track, Lo joins forces with hitmaking 1017 signee, Pooh Shiesty, who is currently being held without bond in a federal robbery case. Both rappers’ verses stand strong, creating anticipation for what they’ll do next.
Samm Henshaw, “Grow”
Samm Henshaw is all about growing through the better and the worse on his new track “Grow,” released July 22. Known for his musical support on tours for big names like James Bay and Chance the Rapper, Henshaw is here with his second track of 2021 — complete with stacked percussion, a grooving bass line and reverent lyrics for his love. “So in love,” he repeats. “Together we’ll grow, more in love.”
Tommy Genesis, “a woman is a god”
This latest track from Tommy Genesis follows the release of “peppermint,” with both being singles off her recently announced upcoming album, Goldilocks X, out Sept. 10. The derisive song is carried by a gloomy piano repetition and a simple, fast-paced beat, with Genesis putting it simply: “If a man is a man, then a woman, a woman is a god.”
Chiiild, “Hold on Till We Get There”
Following a string of single releases for his record Hope For Sale, the full album has finally arrived. In spite of the album title, “Hold on Till We Get There” finds Chiiild offering up a dose of positivity for free atop a resonant mix of guitar and vocals. “Keep dreaming, keep breathing,” he sings. “And when you feel out of touch, hold on till we get there.”
BLK ODYSSY feat. James Robinson, “HANG LOW”
Blk Odyssy and James Robinson celebrate a love that’s “sweet like lemonade” on this new, funk-infused slowjam. “When I’m loving you, nothing gets better than that,” they sing. The Austin-based musician, formerly known as Sam Houston, has spent the second third of 2021 churning out similarly soulful singles, with “BIG BAD WOLF/SOBER” having arrived in May and “FUNKENTOLOGY” in June — all in preparation for his debut album BLK VINTAGE, coming in August.
Ebhoni, “Wilshire & Bixel”
Of the ten songs off Ebhoni’s new project Good Dick and Weed, “Wilshire & Bixel” might be the rawest. The Canadian musician and model doesn’t sound mad, just disappointed, as she calls out her absent lover’s objectionable behavior over a heavy bassline. “It’s been a year of you luring me to trust your empty promises, so cruel,” she sings. “Gaslight, get high again, repeat,” she sings.
