Got a case of the Mondays? Don’t worry, we have the cure.
Here are 10 of the freshest picks in emerging R&B and hip-hop released within the last week. Whether unwinding to the smooth sounds of Shiv and Koffee, or getting in the zone with new music from Paris Texas and Don Toliver, our round-up has something for every moment of your next seven days (and beyond).
Don’t forget to share the wealth with our Spotify playlist, linked below.
Koffee, “West Indies”
Jamaican singer Koffee delivers a sunny new single, “West Indies,” paying melodic homage to her homeland. “Coming from the West Indies and we giving them the best indeed,” she sings, surrounded by joyful partygoers. So start your day off with this feel-good track, because who doesn’t love a little Koffee in the morning? –Neena Rouhani
Jordan Ward, “Couscous”
On his first EP in four years, Remain Calm, Jordan Ward gives listeners a peak into his imaginative mind. “Couscous” is a percussion-less, deliciously layered deep cut, with spacey background sounds and echoing harmonies. –NR
Don Toliver, “Company Pt 2″
If “Company” from Don Toliver’s 2020 album wasn’t enough, we’ve got a part two. The late-night track appears on Toliver’s new album, Life of a Don, and entering his one-of-a-kind melodies, “Company Pt 2″ is an emotional offering from the Houston artist. –NR
ilham, “gang signs”
Moroccan songstress Ilham is laidback as ever on “gang signs.” The track carries R&B elements overtop a dance beat, as the New York-bred singer sings wispy-soft melodies alongside her squad. –NR
Shiv, “Ha Ha Ha”
Shiv may be laughing, but nothing’s funny. Her latest EP, The Love Interlude, is a poetic offering, with “Ha Ha Ha” showing off the Dublin singer’s gorgeous vibrato and raspy tone. –NR
Lute, “Overnight”
Dreamville rapper Lute is a lyricist, and on “Overnight,” a standout track from his debut album Gold Mouf, the Charlotte artist isn’t chasing fame: “I’m not tryin’ to be no legend, I’m not a rapper/ Just good with words, just want my flowers, the Ashwagandha to calm my nerves,” he raps over a soulful boom-bap beat. –Cydney Lee
Paris Texas, “Bullseye”
Known for their fusion of rock and rap, South Central L.A. duo Paris Texas stay consistent with their genre-bending sound on their latest EP, Red Hand Akimbo. For standout song “Bullseye,” the two linked with Kenny Beats for an upbeat, drum-heavy track about not giving a f–k. –CL
Cam Wallace, “Energy!”
Houston native Cam Wallace is continuing to establish his artistry with his new single, “Energy!” Known for his production and songwriting credits for bigger artists like Beyoncé and Chris Brown, the rapper-singer-songwriter signed with Motown earlier this year. On “Energy!,” he deflects the fakes and phonies: “I don’t like your energy/ I don’t like the fake handshake, snake tendencies.” –CL
Strick feat. Swae Lee, “Play Stupid”
Young Stoner Life (YSL) underdog Strick tapped Swae Lee for his new single, “Play Stupid,” and the hi-hat heavy track finds the latter delivering his usual rap-sing melody while Strick provides a short verse. The YSL signee is gearing up to release his new album, Strickland, later this year. –CL
Rini, “For Days”
L.A.-via-Australia singer Rini unapologetically sings about love. On “For Days,” the 23-year-old sensually romances his lover with a sense of innocence similar to that of late 90s/early 00s R&B artists. The song, and others like it, appear on his new Warner Records-released album, Constellations. –CL
