Stream this week's must-listen releases, hand-picked by our editors.
Juliet Ivy's tiny but scary
NYC-born singer-songwriter Juliet Ivy has released her new EP tiny but scary via AWAL. The EP delves into the intricate emotions of girlhood with whimsical lyrics and gently insistent melodies. Juliet describes the project as a personal exploration, saying, "Girlhood is really present in this project—all the ever-changing, complicated, intertwined emotions of being a young girl." She adds, "This EP is welcoming the people who found me from the first project [playpen] into my brain, my bedroom, and my childhood, and having them get to know me a little better." To celebrate the release, Juliet will perform at Brooklyn Made on August 10 and sing the national anthem at the Mets' "Queens Night" on August 14.
Kodak Black's "Hit Stick"
Multi-platinum rapper Kodak Black has unveiled his new single and music video, "Hit Stick," via Vulture Love/Capitol Records. The track features a cinematic string sample and tense beat that complement Kodak's signature delivery and woozy flow, highlighting his charisma and emotional depth. This release follows his recent label compilation Vulture Love Presents: The Last Zombies On Earth, which showcased rising talent and received critical acclaim from outlets like XXL and The Source. Kodak's introspective singles like "Dis Time" and "Non Believer," along with his recent album When I Was Dead, continue to solidify his reputation as one of rap's most gifted storytellers. With over 25 billion global streams and numerous platinum and gold records, Kodak remains a prophetic voice in the culture, using his platform to also give back to his Pompano Beach community.
Lexa Gates' "Provider"
Queens native Lexa Gates has released "Provider," a track that captures the relentless effort of working tirelessly to support one's family. With confident cadences and self-assured lyricism, Lexa paints a vivid picture of the hustle required of a young artist-provider. The accompanying DIY music video adds intimacy, featuring candid moments with her family that contrast with the song's poignant themes. Following the success of her previous track "I Just Can’t Be Alone," Lexa continues to blend raw emotion with evocative production. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “I just want to do things for my mom and my sister and show my mom that this stuff is possible and it’s not a dream. If you can think about it, you can get it done.” Lexa's unique sound, shaped by her experiences and a deep connection to her Latinx roots, has quickly garnered her a loyal fanbase and set the stage for her eagerly awaited upcoming album.
Beabadoobee's This Is How Tomorrow Moves
On This Is How Tomorrow Moves, Beabadoobee evolves from lo-fi bedroom pop to a crisper, airy indie-rock sound, guided by the legendary Rick Rubin. The album retains her signature charm while exploring new ideas, such as the subtle twang of "Ever Seem" and the waltz-like "Coming Home." Fans of Beatopia will still find the alt-rock pop that made her a standout, with the single "Take a Bite" leading the charge. This third album marks a significant step in Beabadoobee’s journey of maturity, blending her past musical style with newfound wisdom and clarity, all wrapped in Rubin’s minimalist, acoustic approach. The result is a collection of introspective songs that showcase her growth and her ability to transform everyday experiences into captivating, melodic narratives.
Lil Mosey's Love U Forever
Multi-platinum rapper Lil Mosey is set to make a significant mark on the music scene with his upcoming EP, "Love U Forever," dropping on Friday, August 9th, 2024 through his label Love U Forever and Cinq Music. The 8-track project promises to meet the high expectations of his global fanbase, with the standout single "By Yourself" already making waves on the rhythmic charts. The EP’s vibrant and distinct melodies reflect Mosey’s deep connection with his supporters, as he explains, "This project is dedicated to my supporters. From track 1 to 8, I poured my heart into it. ‘Love U Forever’ is more than just an album—it’s a lifestyle and a community. I’m excited for you all to be a part of it." Fans can stream the full EP on all major platforms upon its release.
Latto's Sugar Honey Iced Tea
Latto has carved out her own niche in hip-hop since her 2020 debut album, Queen of da Souf. Following her pop radio success with "Big Energy" from her 2022 album 777, she's now showcasing her fully realized artistry with her latest album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea. The album builds on the momentum of her previous hits, including "Put It on da Floor" and its Cardi B remix, as well as "Sunday Service," which later featured Megan Thee Stallion and Flo Milli. This summer, she also released "Big Mama," performing it at the BET Awards. Inspired by Southern rap and rooted in her musical origins, Sugar Honey Iced Tea blends classic and modern R&B with tracks like "Squeeze" featuring Megan Thee Stallion and "Eye Candy" with Coco Jones, alongside assertive tracks like "Blick Sum" and "Brokey." In a recent Billboard interview, Latto expressed her contentment with this project, stating she's not chasing achievements but focusing on her own artistic vision. Fans can catch Latto performing live on tour later this year.
Ravyn Lenae's Bird's Eye
Ravyn Lenae's second album Bird's Eye is a masterfully self-assured blend of delicate indie-rock and robust R&B, showcasing her featherlight voice and distinctive lyrics. The album follows her 2022 debut Hypnos and marks a significant step forward in her artistic evolution. Collaborating with renowned producer DJ Dahi, Lenae navigates a wide range of styles, from the bouncy throwback "Genius" to the introspective "Pilot." Her lyrics, filled with unusual imagery and quiet revelations about complicated relationships, create a striking pop suite that is both bold and intimate. With Bird's Eye, Lenae firmly establishes herself as a standout talent in the progressive R&B landscape.
Check back next week for more must-listens.
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