The Drop is our featured playlist on Soundcloud and Spotify that was created to keep you in the know with music from dope, rising artists.
1) “Don’t Trip” by Kimani
Kimani keeps it real in “Don’t Trip” as he confronts complications and explains to his interest that he can’t become the man she needs: “I’m not the guy who’s gonna stand right here and lie to you, I’m just gonna have to be real…and that person that you need I can’t become.”
2) “Loyalty” by Villz
The last we heard from Florida-bred singer/songwriter Villz was about 7 months ago when he dropped the Pusha T supported track “Drugs.” Now the artist returns with a new seductive track “Loyalty,” and airs his feelings about having no patience for games and staying focused on his craft.
3) “Powin Up (The Spirit of Peer Pressure)” by Jered Sanders ft. Shiwan
Virginia’s Jered Sanders confronts peer pressure and ‘societal conflicts’ in the spiritual-driven track “Powin Up.” The artist further describes the song as “an attempt to confront the times by engaging culture and speaking on societal conflicts as they relate to youth and Christianity. While everybody’s vibing to the music and indulging in unhealthy practices, the message is clear: I love you, God loves you, and He’s STILL here and able to help. Meet them where THEY are to bring them where YOU are, folks.”
4) “Get To Know You” (Kaytranada Flip) by NAO
Kaytranada adds some more bounce to NAO’s “Get To Know Me.” The remix was released as part of NAO’s ‘For All We Know – The Remixes EP.’
5) “Anita” by Smino
Smino teams with producer Monte Booker on his newest release “Anita,” a track that was created as a salute to black women. Giving more detail on the inspiration behind the song, Smino explains: “I went to see Hidden Figures and it’s hella disappointing how there’s so many black women in history that aren’t written about so I wanted to make something to emphasize how raw a black woman is.”
6) “Average” by Lou Phelps feat. KALLITECHNIS
Did you know Kaytranada has a younger brother? Well now you do. He goes by Lou Phelps and you can listen to his latest single (also produced by Kaytranada) “Average” as he calls out mediocrity with some help from KALLITECHNIS.
7) “Don’t Leave” (Oshi Remix) by SNAKEHIPS feat. MØ
Rising British producer Oshi gives Snakehips and MØ’s “Don’t Leave” a fresh spin with his new remix. Fun fact: Oshi is only 17-years-old.
8) “Sliiide” by Ambré
Ambré Perkins wants to spend some quality time with her special someone in “Slide.” The sensual, yet chill vibes on this track may be quite fitting for your February 14th as well.
9) “Sweet Spot” by Rainsford
LA-based, rising singer/songwriter Rainsford releases “Sweet Spot,” a track about the anxious, magnetic, nervous and exciting feelings that come into play with a new relationship.
10) “All I Wanna Do” by Ric Wilson
Chicago continuously delivers and artist Ric Wilson releases another feel-good track “All I Wanna Do.” Is this an impromptu Valentine’s gift to his fans? Sure feels like it! Don’t be surprised if the jazzy, upbeat feels on this track get you grooving.
11) “Romans 7:21” by Phoelix
You may have heard of Phoelix because of his contributions to Saba’s ‘Bucket List Project’ and Noname’s ‘Telefone.’ In his latest release, Phoelix uses bible verse Romans 7:21 as the message supporting his song – “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.”
12) “Rotation” by VADER
Vader says he’s tired of getting caught in the same sh*t with his new song “Rotation,” a single from his upcoming tape ‘VILLINOVA.’
13) “Moon Lit District” by LVNDVN
You may have heard his songs “Dragon” and “P L A N S,” and now New Jersey’s LVNDVN (pronounced Landon) has a new track to offer titled “Moon Lit District.” His seductive falsetto will lure you in at the very start, pulling you deeper into a wave of sensual, R&B melodies as he tries to convince his special someone to spend one-on-one time with him: “Just come over, I know what you like, I can get you there, party’s over, baby come over, I know what to do.”
14) “Sixteen” by Twelve’Len
Florida’s very own Twelve’Len is back with a reflection single called “Sixteen.” The rising artist has quite a unique sound that’s an acquired taste but, once you give his single a few listens, you will be craving for more.
15) “3. Dark Red” by Steve Lacey
As The Internet’s guitarist Steve Lacy prepares to drop his debut project ‘Steve Lacy’s Demo’ this week (February 24), fans get a glimpse of what to expect with the release of a new track titled ‘Dark Red.’ Pleading for his girl not to leave, Lacy sings: “I just hope she don’t wanna leave me, don’t you give me up, please don’t give up, only I belong with you, and only you, baby.”
16) “Nothing Burns Like The Cold” by Snoh Aalegra feat. Vince Staples
Swedish songstress Snoh Aalegra teams with Vince Staples for her latest effort “Nothing Burns Like The Cold,” a song confronting difficulties in an unstable relationship: “You say let it breathe, But this pain in my heart can’t let it be, We both can’t agree, Then tell me what is the point of…”
17) “Silence” by THEY.
As we eagerly await the release of THEY.’s debut 14-track album ‘Nu Religion: Hyena’ set to drop this Friday (February 24), the R&B duo will be offering 4 new tracks as part of #THEYWEEK in preparation for the big drop. Today we’ve been given “Silence,” a dreamy, soulful song that sheds light on their versatility and effortless genre-blending abilities. In their press release, the new single is described with the following: “The slow-burner is based on that crucial, vulnerable moment after coitus and exemplifies the duo’s penchant for pop-friendly songwriting colored by R&B arrangements, a hip-hop attitude, and rock instrumentation.” You won’t be disappointed with this one.
18) “Economics” by Dally Auston feat . QARI
Following his ’99¢’ project, Chicago’s Dally Auston teams up with and QARI for a new track “Economics.” You may have this hard-hitting, wavy vibe set on repeat.
19) “Skyline” by FKJ
Following up with his last release “Go Back Home,” French producer and multi-instrumentalist FKJ (French Kiwi Juice) brings us some refreshing, chill vibes in “Skyline.” Another solid track that leaves us quite excited for his forthcoming debut album ‘French Kiwi Juice,’ which arrives March 3rd.
20) “Why Me” by Prohaize
Born in Ghana and now based in ATL, artist Prohaize draws inspiration from his multinational upbringing to create his music. His latest offer, “Why Me,” is all about keeping your chin up and looking forward to better days during a rough patch: “I just pray for better days, I just pray for that, working hard for better pay, working hard for that.”
21) “Domino Effect” by Jimi Tents
In celebration of his 21st birthday, Jimi Tents released his newest single “Domino Effect.” The song serves as a confident statement, letting his girl know that their relationships is secure, even with other women in the picture. Relationship goals.