Jay IDK, “I Picture”

Let me first start off saying that Jay IDK’s upcoming project Empty Bank is lit! I attended the listening event where he shared this recent release, “I Picture.” Playing off the album’s theme, which even incorporates a photo of Ben Franklin holding a noose around Jay’s neck as its cover, the track epitomizes the haunting measures and results that can come with money and success. Its beat is dope enough for listeners to vibe to but deep enough for lyricism advocates to appreciate. And that, my friend, is why I mess with Jay IDK. It’s about substance.—Erin Ashley Simon

Apollo Brown & Skyzoo, “One In the Same” Feat. Patty Crash

This is the type of track that’ll leave you reflecting on the elements of life while staring out of your window on a cloudy day. The collaborative effort between Detroit’s Brown and Brooklyn’s Sky is a hard look at life from the perspective of trying to stay afloat. The track, somber though riddled with some melodious piano keys, is a lyrical barrage of visual mastery from experienced wordsmiths and is highly effective when matched against the beat. The dark beauty that lurks in beat’s drums is reason enough to give “One in the Same” a listen.—Rob Hansen

Thrillers, “NMT” (prod. By Twin Shadow)

“NMT,” short for “need me tonight,” is a wavy kiss-off track by L.A.-based brother duo Thrillers. Their stacked vocals lend a hollow, brooding feel to the verses, giving you echoes of early Weeknd, but also paying homage to classic synth-heavy ’80s R&B. With the hook—”You go up, you go down/ If you’re looking for love in this town/ You’re gonna need me tonight”—this song is the modern, electro-R&B version of Bobby Womack’s “If You’re Think You’re Lonely Now.” Just make sure you say REVOLT put you on. —Driadonna Roland