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) “Cruel” by BOSCO
If you’re in search of an airy jam to chill to this summer, look no further. Georgia native BOSCO gives listeners a sensual, psychedelic vibe with her latest offering “Cruel.” If you like what you hear, keep an eye out for her forthcoming 8-track project b. which will be released on Friday, August 11.
2) “Details” by Taliwhoah
London-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and artist Taliwhoah shares her take on R&B in her latest single “Details.” In the downtempo, dancehall-infused track from her forthcoming full length debut New Wave Order, Taliwhoah tells her listeners to pay attention to the minor details that may sometimes go unnoticed.
3) “Trap Or Die” by NSTASIA
Rising R&B songwriter NSTASIA (who has worked with Beyoncé and Pharrell in the past) shares her first single “Trap Or Die,” a song about falling in love with a bad boy: “You don’t f * with no nine to five, no / Top down, we screaming trap or die.” If you like what you hear, make sure to check out her forthcoming EP titled New Religion, which is set to drop this fall.
4) “Everybody Else” by Emmet Fenn
It’s hard to believe 21-year-old singer/songwriter/musician Emmit Fenn left “Everybody Else” off his Prologue EP. Thankfully he liked the track enough to share it with his fans, and we’re glad he did. Hit play for some chill out, feel good vibes.
5) “Favor” by Vindata & Skrillex ft. NSTASIA
Los Angeles based duo Vindata joins forces with OWSLA chief Skrillex and NSTASIA in their latest offering “Favor.” This vibrant, melodic single is paired with smooth vocals making it quite catchy and perfect for an afternoon pick me up.
6) “Wide Angle” by Felly ft. Konshens
Cinematic Music’s (Joey Bada$$, Mick Jenkins) newest artist Felly offers a collab with Konshens in his latest release “Wide Angle.” The dancehall style song is perfect to keep those summertime vibes going. The new track also happens to be from Wild Strawberries, Felly’s Cinematic debut, which drops August 18th.
7) “Unpredictable” by Becky Hill
UK artist Becky Hill serves up the last cut from her Eko EP. “Unpredictable” offers the perfect melding of gospel-tinged R&B and cutting edge production. Sharing more about the track, Becky says: “I didn’t write “Unpredictable” for myself originally, but I fell in love with it and needed it as my own! I love this song because it was about keeping faith in a time when I was running low on hope. It’s also the most up tempo song I’ve released under my own name to date and definitely a song I’ve danced round my lounge to a couple times!” If you like what you hear, make sure to check out Becky’s Eko EP which is out now.
8) “That Much” by Buddy
Just a few months ago Compton emcee Buddy shared his 5-track Kaytranada produced EP Ocean & Montana, and now he shares the lead single from his forthcoming Magnolia EP. In “That Much” the 23-year-old remains humble stating “I ain’t even making that much” over the Mike & Keys (formerly known as The Futuristiks) produced banger. Make sure you keep a look out for his upcoming project, which is set to be released later this year.
9) “Can’t Talk” by Danny Diamonds
In his latest offering Boston artist Danny Diamonds teams up with producer Austin Mark on “Can’t Talk,” a bouncy track all about his relationships and busy lifestyle: “Every time you call, I can’t talk.”
10) “There You Go” by SABA
SABA returns with some soulful vibes on his latest release “There You Go,” which he co-produced with multi-instrumentalist Daoud. Offering smooth soul-jazz instrumentation, the track happens to be his first new song since the passing of his cousin and fellow PIVOT artist John Walt in February. In memory of his loved one, SABA announced ‘John Walt Day’ which will be taking place on November 25 at the House of Blues to help benefit Chicago youth. The concert will also mark mark the launch of the John Walt Foundation, which aims to work with and provide opportunities and funds for young artists in Chicago.
11) “Aquimini” by Maesu ft. Koyö
We last heard from Los Angeles artist Maesu when he shared the future R&B vibe “Left You” just a few months ago. Today he returns with producer Koyö on his latest release “Aquimini.” Sharing more on the airy track, Maesu says: “This record is what was left over from my deSerVe EP. It’s inspired by an interlude from Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop” and a relationship I had with a girl from Atlanta. Hence the Aquemini, or an ATL masterpiece like the Outcast album.”
12) “Without Me” by Kimani
U.K. artist Kimani returns with “Without Me,” a slow-tempo R&B vibe about a relationship gone wrong. The cause? Dishonesty. In a case of unlucky love, Kimani sings: “Hope you’re doing well without me. Hope your sunshine is grey, but I hope you have a lovely day.”
13) “Day Ones” by Manu Crooks
In the opening track of his newly released mood forever EP, Australian artist Manu Crooks rhymes over the Miracle & DOPAM!NE produced track “Day Ones.” Crooks shows love to his friends and fans who have been with him since the start: “Don’t fuck with my day ones/ I skeem with the day ones / got love for my day ones / I’m there for my day ones / I roll with the day ones.”
14) “Blue Faces” by Dave B ft. MO$
Seattle artist Dave B has an album on the way and shares his newest single “Blue Faces.” Produced by Nima Skeemz, Elan Wright, AbJo, and Mello Papi, the track offers listeners some silky, funk-tinged vibes perfect for any occasion.
15) “Summer’s Gone” by NoMBe ft. Thutmose
German born, LA based artist NoMBe continues to impress with his newest single, “Summer’s Gone.” Featuring up and coming Nigerian rapper Thutmose, the track offers an inventive soundscape blending hip-hop and chill rock. Speaking more on the collaboration, NoMBe says: “The first time I met Thutmose I had no idea how brilliant this kid was. I’m proud to be able to work with him and that he allowed me to take such a strong hook and verse and let me sprinkle my magic in there. Despite it’s title, I feel it’s the perfect summer jam and I hope people will enjoy listening as much as we have creating it!”
16) “Members Only” by Chi City ft. 2 Chainz
LA newcomer Chi City teams up with 2 Chainz on “Members Only,” a track from his 87 EP about the fake people they come across on a daily basis: “We don’t want lame n—-s round me / I don’t like lame b—–s round me, I don’t want lame n—-s round me.”
17) “Revenge” by ShaqIsDope
Last month Toronto’s ShaqIsDope shared his hard-hitting track “Level Up” and today he returns with more fire on “Revenge” to hold fans over as they await his forthcoming self-titled EP. The 24-year-old showcases his lyrical ability over a dark, ominous production as he delivers gritty bars about proving his doubters wrong.
18) “Wikipedia” by Jean Deaux
You many have heard of Chicago’s Jean Deaux as she toured North America in support of St. Louis rapper-singer Smino this past spring. Not only was she featured on a the closing track from his acclaimed Blkswn album, but she also directed and starred in his Bonnie & Clyde-themed video for “Anita.”
“Wikipedia” is her first solo track of 2017 and single from her forthcoming EP, which should be released before the year’s end. Speaking more on the song, Jean explains: “‘Wikipedia’ is saying this: People are going to try and tell you who you are every step of the way, they’ll even knock you down to convince you. But you get stronger every time you get up on your feet and continue walking in your own truth.”
19) “Arizona” by snny
Back in January Glassnote Records artist snny shared his addictive debut single “Young Boy,” gaining the attention of Ebro’s “Discovered on Apple” Beats 1 Show and Spotify’s US Viral 50.
Gearing for the release of his forthcoming debut EP Learning to Swim (available September 8th), snny shares his second single “Arizona.” Speaking more on the airy track, snny explains: “I think people are always looking to find the meaning behind a song. I wrote Arizona about the experience of creating and finding a deeper meaning within my own work. Lyrically, it is very literal but it also symbolizes the overall state of mind that lingered while creating the songs that would eventually becomes the LTS EP.”
20) “Good” by Che Ecru
Boston-bred singer and producer Che Ecru shares “Good,” reassuring listeners that everything is okay: “Yeh we good, girl / yeh we straight.” The 20-year-old comes off as a great guy on the track. He listens to Sade and will even tell you why his missed your FaceTime call. By 2:02, things take a turn as the beat switches up and Che sheds his good guy facade.
21) “MICHUUL.” by DUCKWRTH
DUCKWRTH daydreams about art school chicks and imagines himself living like Michael Jackson in “MICHUUL.,” the first single off his latest project AN XTRA UUGLY MIXTAPE. Along with the new track came the announcement of his signing with Republic Records.
Speaking more on the song, DUCKWRTH says: “[‘MICHUUL’ is] like a “disco’d” ode too my love for Michael Jackson, even though I suck at dancing. So much has gone into this song and art and I’m f–kin’ juiced to give it to you. Also, I was gonna keep this lowkey, but news was gonna spread anyways, so f–k it. I recently signed to Republic Records, and this is my first drop as a signed artist. I was hesitant to announce this ’cause I feared people would starting acting differently after learning such. I appreciate people’s genuine love or hate for me. But this is a moment of celebration, not of fear; so yay mom, I have a job now. Regardless, I hope this song makes you smile and dance as it makes me every time I play it. Sincerely, your neighborhood duck.”