Jenevieve, “Résumé”
There’s nothing more to say after Jenevieve’s newest track, other than she is on a roll this year with knockout singles. Her fifth single of 2021 — following June’s “Midnight Charm” — the Florida-born artist sings over vibey guitar about her lasting fingerprints left on the person she’s moving on from.
Jon Vinyl, “Void”
“Let’s let the serotonin flow,” JON VINYL proclaims in one of the warmest, most welcoming tracks of the year. The Toronto artist’s vocals sit perfectly in the pocket of his tight-knit rhythm section, in what marks his third single of the year.
Sans Soucis, “On Time For Her”
Soucis’ feather-light vocals layer in a drone that loops over and over as she reminds herself of the person she most needs to support: herself. An edgy bass moves the track forward, with the London-based songwriter internally swearing “I’m on time for her.”
Josh K feat. Fabolous, “My House”
Can we all just party like we used to? Josh K gears up for the (hopefully) post-Covid partying renaissance in his new track propelled by a guest spot from Fabolous. “My House” is a fun, easy listen marked by the Chicago-area musician’s buttery-soft voice.
IAMDDB, “Silver Lines”
IAMDDB is turning her demons “inside out” on her first release of 2021. Celestial sound flares provide backup to the 25-year-old British musician’s magnetic voice on this eclectic track, which is largely an homage to the Black women who have accepted her for who she is. “Going around in circles trying to find myself, I think I’m home,” she sings.
Sam Austins feat. Sir Chloe, “Joy for Youth”
From barbecued baseballs to a slow-motion stick fight, Sam Austins shows the lengths of his imagination on his summer anthem, “Joy For Youth.” Featuring a vibrant, funk-inspired instrumental, the Jay Cribbs-produced track and visual feel like the title sequence of the coolest TV show, as Austins and Sir Chloe make an expansive field their own.
Rikki feat. Moneybagg Yo, “Is It Over?”
Murder Inc’s rising signee, Rikki, is over it. On her latest track, alongside rap favorite Moneybagg Yo, the singer questions her relationship, teetering the line between staying and going. The video, directed by Irv Gotti himself, shows Rikki going back and forth with Gotti, symbolizing the track’s relatable message.
Joy Crookes, “Skin”
Remember what it felt like to be seated in an expansive, echoing music hall, with just a piano and a single vocalist under the spotlight? If you find yourself craving that raw sound, look no further than alt-R&B crooner Joy Crookes’s latest ballad, “Skin.” The melancholy track opens with a lyrical image of shedding clothes, reflective of the stripped-back track itself. In a market oversaturated with uptempo singles, Crookes’ understated approach is a breath of fresh air.
Young Nudy, “Green Bean”
With a Pi’erre Bourne-produced instrumental, striking a brilliant balance between bright, delicate melodies and hard-hitting drums, Young Nudy delivers a standout album cut, with “Green Bean.” Nudy floats effortlessly over the beat, with his braggadocious verses and food-focused chorus, reminding anyone that steps to him not to “get ate up like some collard greens.”
Lila Iké, “Batty Rider Shorts”
Lila Iké does what she wants, something she made very clear with her latest release, “Batty Rider Shorts.” While many focus on romance, heartbreak or the joys of wealth and success, Ike took the opportunity to switch the script and bring attention to the sexual exploitation of children. “I see them dealin wid the youth dem like an asset,” she declares. “Selling out wi daughters fi put money inna dem pocket.” The rising Jamaican singer was inspired by the real life experiences of her own community members, releasing the song as a reminder to hold one another accountable.
