Liana Banks, “Off”
To be honest, the lyrical content on Liana Bank$ “Off” isn’t breaking any barriers. It fulfills all the party-going, vice-consuming requirements—”My ex just hit me up/ He asked me if he could come over/ I ain’t pick that up/ No, I ain’t show that ni—a no love/ Not even in town/ I’m at a soiree with my bestie/ The music f—kin loud/ Man, now this champagne got me tipsy”—but it’s her delivery (think Jhene Aiko and Tinashe), her voice (raspy and unbothered), and that beat (that swirls and sinks and snails past you) that make all the difference, turning it into an effectively trancey track. Bank$ got her break as a back-up dancer for Chris Brown on MTV and, as a songwriter, has submitted songs for the likes of Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, so I’m looking forward to seeing how she makes her mark in the sea of haze&B.—Danielle Cheesman
Anik Khan, “Renegade”
With world music making its way to the forefront of popular music in the U.S., it’s the perfect time for Anik Khan to really shine with “Renegade.” Fully taking advantage of this moment, Anik links with Benin producer Rvdical The Kid to blend his Bengali-born, melodic sound over the West African-inspired production. Screaming “I’m the real Curry with the shot,” Anik spices up the gumbo of Hip-Hop with his own unique voice and immigrant story in an effort to show everyone that their voice matters too.—Trisha Cummings
Jones, “Melt”
“Whatever happens, we know we got something real” with London singer JONES’ latest single “Melt.” On it, JONES sweetly caresses your ears as she tells the tale of two lovers joining as one, the climactic moment when human beings melt into each other, syncing their hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. Simply beautiful and real. The track is from her upcoming debut album New Skin, which is set to drop later this year. So, until then, let your ears melt.— Erin Ashley Simon