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) “Anthem” by Jay Prince
It was only 5 months ago when London’s Jay Prince dropped his Smile Good mixtape. Constantly on the move, Prince now shares the Jonah Christian produced “Anthem,” a feel-good, summertime vibe arriving just in time for the warmer weather that’s headed our way.
2) “Cool Kids” by KWAYE
London-based singer-songwriter KWAYE celebrates diversity within his latest offering “Cool Kids.” With lyrics referencing the cool factor that comes with developing your own future: “Future became their destination, dedicated to creating their own destinies, a cool thing, oh what a cool thing.” If you’re looking for some 80’s synth-pop flavor, this is the one to turn to.
3) “No Way Out” by Xavier Omar ft. GoldLink
Xavier Omär placed his vulnerabilities on display with his new single “No Way Out.” The artist tells a tale, with assistance of Gold Link, of love and trust issues. Looks like Drake isn’t the only one.
4) “Ghost” by Liana Bank$
New York artist Liana Bank$ released her YOBO-produced single “Ghost,” which is definitely a signature Bank$ song with its raw production energy, witty lyrics and shimmering synths. The single makes you feel like you are living the high life, raising a toast to those who go ghost.
5) “Namaste” by Angelo Mota
Following the release of last year’s project House of Diamonds, Angelo Mota shares his latest offering “Namaste” as he gets ready to release his sophomore project this summer. Providing more details on the new song, Mota says “basically, this track is a motivator. I just got my heart broke so I wanted to release something that could snap you out of your funk to get you moving and inspired. With the last few releases, it was more of a slow catharsis. This time around, I’m purging all emotion and turning the confusion and anger and sadness into a track that will shake the roof off the building.”
6) “Ramada” by Kidepo
It was just a few weeks ago when Kidepo shared “Water ,” and now he returns with “Ramada.” The eletro-R&B track is a piece from his upcoming EP Reunion, which is slated to drop April 28th. Sharing more about the inspiration behind the song on his Facebook page, Kidepo says: “I’d been listening to violent Afro drums, and had no idea how I could translate that into something I’d sing on, but I left the boys (Take A Daytrip) a reference and went to the bathroom. I got back, like 3 minutes later, and they’d made that mess of an introduction. I played the chords in, and the rest is a blur. It was so peppy and off-kilter, it sounded to me like a sarcastic person starting to realize that they’re having a good time. That’s a feeling I know well, and now it’s a song.”
7) “What Time Is It?” by Lou Phelps feat. Innanet James
Montreal MC Lou Phelps is joined by Innanet James on the Kaytranada produced disco-funk track “What Time Is It?” The groovy vibe showcases the two exchanging lines about their nights out partying, and also happens to be one of the tracks listed on his newly released EP 001: Experiments (released April 12).
8) “Peace of Mind” by Jay Prince feat. Avelino
Following the release of “Anthem,” Jay Prince returns with another solid track “Peace of Mind” featuring fellow London rapper Avelino. This soulful, upbeat vibe is sure to get your week started off right.
9) “This Time” by Just Rese feat. Christian JaLon
Oakland’s Just Rese tackles demanding relationships in his latest single “This Time.” In the Christian JaLon-featured single, both artists grapple the guilt of doing what’s best in the end, despite the relationship’s communication. Cuffing season is over folks!
10) “Ms. Perfect” by Mayzin
California artist Mayzin releases his debut single on Big Beat Records today. “Ms. Perfect” is an upbeat, R&B-infused track about a love interest that has captured his attention. Speaking on the track, Mayzin says, “Ms. Perfect is basically me seeing this girl and everything about her is right. Her style, the way she walks and talks. Her vibe is just perfect. My lyrics are like Whats going through my head at that time and what I want to say to her. “
11) “Dive” by Dave B
Seattle artist Dave B opens up about a budding relationship in “Dive,” where he shares his feelings about wanting to jump in and see where the romance leads to.
12) “First Light” by Allday
Australian artist Allday has delivered his sophomore album Speeding, arriving a little over two years after the release of his debut LP Startup Cult in 2014. In his opening track “First Light,” Allday reflects on his days growing up in South Australia, dealing with drugs, dodging haters and nonbelievers, and waiting for the moment his career kicks off.
13) “Bail Money” by Rob Hicks feat. BoodahDARR
Wisconsin-bred rapper Rob Hicks continues to build buzz following the release of his previous tracks “Perception” and “Synergy.” His new banger “Bail Money” features BoodahDARR and is just another example that proves he’s a force to be reckoned with. If you like what you hear, keep a lookout for his upcoming debut EP Paradise In Hell which is slated to release this summer.
14) “Kites” by Anik Khan
Queens artist Anik Khan shares the title track of his forthcoming EP Kites, which will be released on Friday (April 28). Giving more detail on the smooth, guitar driven song about feeling lost and facing struggles, Anik explains: “Kites have a much wider perspective in the air. They’re nothing without the ones steering from the ground – keeping them up, guiding them, catching them if the wind’s ready to let them fall. It’s a symbol for my personality, understanding, and growth. Ladies and gentlemen I’d like to announce to you the soundtrack to Queens, New York City; Kites.”
15) “Matter” by Mari
Chicago’s genre-pushing artist Mari is back with his self-produced track called “Matter.” The instrumentals are colorful and his verses are playful. Word is 2017 is potentially going to be a breakout year for this artist.
16) “Left You” by Maesu
Los Angeles-based artist Maesu teams with New Caledonian producer Koyö on the future R&B vibe “Left You,” giving us a taste of what’s to come on his debut EP deSerVe. Although the beat is bouncy and dance worthy, the lyrics tell a different story as Maesu sings about a rocky relationship that has left him dealing with a lot of pain: “I left you now, wasted time, don’t lie and tell me you might not love, because I know how it feels, but I might not love again.”
17) “Nobody” by Niia
As singer-songwriter Niia gears up for the release of her debut album I that drops on May 5, she gives fans a new track to vibe to until the big release. In “Nobody,” Niia shares her story about a stranger she meets in NYC and their time spent together: “Some nights I’m like, am I am I alive, am I alive, cause you feel like a dream, cause I can’t even take it, too much too much to loose, too much to loose, I just got to tell ya, nobody does it better.”
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