New Music Roundup: Mallory Merk, KDA & Jeanelle Soleil

Mallory Merk x Kydnice, “Baewatch”

“Baewatch” is a bop! The lyrics play on two popular ’90s shows—”Baywatch” and “Beverly Hills, 90210″—lending a touch of nostalgia to a song that is thoroughly modern. Mallory Merk rap-sings in the cadence of Kehlani and many other new female artists, but her voice is stronger than most, making the melody almost hypnotizing. She and rapper Kydnice complement each other nicely. If you’ve never heard of Merk, this song is an enticing introduction.—Driadonna Roland

KDA, “Just Say” Feat. Tinashe

Tinashe’s gone two-for-two. I was (surprisingly) a fan of her freestyle-inspired “Superlove” single and though this track isn’t technically hers—it belongs to UK producer KDA—it gives me yet another reason to believe she’s on her way to becoming a club queen. “Just Say” is a body-pumping, drum-heavy, house anthem that won’t not call people to the floor for sweaty dance sessions. Try not to move.—Danielle Cheesman

Jeanelle Soleil, “0:300”

While Drake has “5AM in Toronto,” 21-year-old up-and-comer Jeanelle Soleil has locked down “0:300.” In her latest single, the fellow Toronto native beautifully laces a beat with her dreamy vocals. It almost feels like we, as the listeners, are creeping in on a late-night convo with her and her lover, as she sings: “You askin’ where I wanna be and who I claim/ Can’t you see I’m in the middle of this thang?” If this Kaz and Mike Andrews-produced track is the first single off of her upcoming EP, I honestly can’t wait for the rest of it. Take a listen above and let us know if you are feeling it as much as I am.—Erin Ashley Simon