Happy Monday! It’s officially spooky season and this week we’ve got 10 new tracks to calm your nerves — or add to the frights. From newcomers like Eli Derby, Elujay and Ryan Trey, to staples like Chase B, Ye Ali and Skip Marley, our picks are playlist must-haves, per usual.
And of course, don’t forget to share the wealth with our Spotify playlist, linked below.
Eli Derby, “Gaslight”
LVRN’s newest signee Eli Derby came out swinging with his debut single, “Gaslight.” At 18 years old, the Maryland singer is wise beyond his years, telling Complex that the song is “about making sure the person listening felt okay not knowing what to call their ‘situation.’ And that sometimes uncertainty can be exactly what you need in the moment.” His maturity also translates perfectly into his music, as he sings with a sense of fervor that’s impressive for a newcomer his age. Oh, and he dances a little bit too!
Joseph Chilliams, “I Ain’t Been Outside”
Pivot Gang’s Joseph Chilliams’s new single “I Ain’t Been Outside” is about going through the motions of recovery. “Got sucker punched with a gun, I have a plate in my face forever now. Made a song about trying to recover,” he tweeted. The Chicago rapper also describes the song as his “most personal bop to date.” Chilliams is the first artist in the group to release a solo single since the passing of fellow member squeakPIVOT. Rest in Peace, Squeak.
Chase B feat. Babyface Ray, Zona Man, & GT, “365”
Chase B teamed up with Babyface Ray, Zona Man and GT for their new single “365.” The four artists also linked for a dramatic, hockey-themed video full of fighting, guns and of course, ice.
Ryan Trey, “Selfish”
On “Selfish,” St. Louis/D.C. rapper-singer Ryan Trey is chasing a relationship that fell through the cracks. “I had to lose myself to find me/ Along the way, I lost you/ Chasin’ the bag, left you behind me,” he reflects. The pensive track sits at a little over a minute in length and can be found on his new project A 64 East Saga.
Ye Ali, “Sweatpants”
Ye Ali is back with another single ahead of his forthcoming EP. This time around, he sings about his lover wearing his sweatpants, a habit and feeling all too familiar for us women.
Elujay feat. serpentwithfeet, “Luvaroq”
Newcomer Elujay took flight from the New York Fashion Week runway and landed right in our playlist. “Luvaroq” is a timeless, laid-back trip, transporting listeners to the LA-based singer’s groovy world.
Denaisha, “Aquarius Season”
It may not be Aquarius season, but Denaisha’s debut single comes out right when we need it. The Minneapolis singer’s raw tone and honest lyricism is a breath of fresh air, exciting fans for what’s to come.
Lonr. feat. Coi Leray, “CUFFIN”
Last week, artist, producer and songwriter Lonr released his project, Land Of Nothing Real 2, including the romantic track “CUFFIN” featuring Coi Leray. The track has a trap feel, refreshed thanks to Lonr’s emotion-envoking melodies and cadences.
Skip Marley feat. Popcaan, “Vibe”
The fountain of talent that is the Marley family strikes again. Skip Marley (grandson to Bob) joins forces with Jamaican mainstay Popcaan for “Vibe.” The song is a pulsating, hip-swaying offering, perfect for any and all weekend activities.
Polun ft. Gracie Ella, “Higher Ground”
Let Polun and Gracie Ella elevate you with their joint single, “Higher Ground.” With Ella’s ethereal falsetto and Toronto-based Polun’s exhilarating production, you’re sure to keep this track in rotation for days on end.
