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) “Dreams” by Chris Buxton
Rock Hill, South Carolina based artist Chris Buxton drops his first single of 2018 with “Dreams.” On the track, Buxton opens up about coming to terms with a relationship that doesn’t work out because of bad timing. While he cares for his significant other, things seem to fall apart as a result of his unwavering drive for success and dedication to music.
2) “Different League” by Manu Crooks
Sydney native Manu Crooks shares his latest single “Different League,” produced by Miracle and mixed by his go-to collaborator DOPAM!NE. The rising Australian artist just wrapped up a tour in Europe, so it’s clear he’s serious about making quite a splash in the international hip hop pool this year.
3) “All That I Need” by Swade
Florida-grown, Chicago-based rapper, Swade, releases his EP Have A Nice Day today (February 8). Speaking more about the project Swade explains, “Coming out of a year full of musical set backs and self doubt, I wanted to put together a project for people feeling the same thing. Have A Nice Day is a title is born out of the feeling of being pressured on all fronts and just putting on a good face to go face the day…I hope this project is able to help people navigate the ‘what the fuck is my life-ness’ of your late 20s and beyond – the having confidence, then losing confidence, then being consumed with the thoughts and perceptions of others.” Take a listen to the standout banger “All That I Need” above.
4) “Communication” by Arin Ray feat. DRAM
Rising artist from Cincinnati, Arin Ray, taps DRAM for his latest Childish Major produced single “Communication.” Singing over a pop-leaning R&B beat, the Interscope Records recording artist delivers a list of promises to his new lover: “I know better than to cheat / You deserve the best from me / I will always take the lead.”
5) “Blessed Trooper” by G E N I U S feat. Harris
Paris collective G E N I U S deliver some heat with their latest “Blessed Trooper.” If you’re looking for some music to get hype to this weekend, look no further.
6) “Millions” by Always Never
Toronto-based electronic R&B duo Always Never share their latest offering “Millions.” Dean Guilbault and Patrick Kirschner bring you falsetto vocals over moody production while sharing words about dreams and aspirations. Take a listen to get familiar with the talented Canadian duo.
7) “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night” by SAINt JHN
Alongside the announcement of his debut album, Brooklyn artist SAINt JHN drops a new track “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night.” His latest is a solid offering following the release of his other unforgettable singles “3 Below,” “Reflex,” and “Some Nights.” Get familiar and make sure to mark your calendars, because his debut project Collection 1 will be available March 9.
8) “Do U Wrong” by Leven Kali feat. Syd
Netherlands-born, Santa Monica-based singer and rapper Leven Kali taps Syd of The Internet to help jump-start his next body of work. Leven took part in co-producing the downtempo groove alongside Zack Sekoff, while also receiving writing assistance from Snoh Aalegra. Take a listen above to hear Leven and Syd exchange lines about their respective loved ones: “Oh you can be the one, you can be the only / If you wanna be my girl or just the homie / I can give you love, I can play it cool for you / I can pick you up or send a pool for you.”
9) “Drip” by Phoelix
Rapper, singer and producer Phoelix displays all of his talents on his latest track “Drip.” Get familiar because this is the first single from his forthcoming debut album Tempo, which is scheduled to drop next month.
10) “Computer Luv” by Ravyn Lenae feat. Steve Lacy
If you’re looking for an exciting, new voice in R&B, you’ve come to the right place. Chicago’s Ravyn Lenae has dropped her new 5-track EP, Crush which happens to be executive produced by The Internet’s Steve Lacy. Catch the two harmonize on the addictive, standout love song “Computer Luv” about digital romance: “You knew it right from the start / Computer love is not smart / Don’t lose it, don’t break my heart / Don’t break my heart.”
11) “Closure” by Vancouver Sleep Clinic feat. Drew Love
Teenage sensation Vancouver Sleep Clinic (Tim Bettinson) teams with THEY.’s Drew Love for his latest single “Closure,” a song about not giving up someone even when they may have given up on you. Speaking on the release, Bettinson shares: “‘Closure’ is a song that happened very naturally and quickly. I was with Drew Love in LA and the whole thing came together in about 4 hours one night we were working. The song is for when you have really screwed a good thing up, but are way too attached to let that person go easily. I love coming out with it first because in a way it’s a declaration of intent that I wont be going away any time soon.”
12) “Karma” by Thutmose feat. Alex Mali
Rapper-singer Thutmose and singer-songwriter Alex Mali exchange words of adoration in the upbeat, love letter-style track “Karma.” While sharing the new release with his fans, Thutmose included the following note: “Since the release of WuWu, I’ve been to Miami, LA, Atlanta to work on a bunch of new tunes with a bunch of amazing artists and producers. There’s lots on the way this year. If you’re ready, come “ride with me” and text me at (347)753-8488 so we can catch up and I can fill you in more!” Also, if you’re planning to attend Rolling Loud in Miami this year, make sure to check out his set!
13) “TenderHeaded” by Cam O’bi feat. Smino
GRAMMY-winning producer and former J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League member Cam O’bi taps St. Louis crooner Smino for the first single off his solo debut album, Grown Ass Kid, which is scheduled to drop later this year. The track transports listeners to O’bi’s past, discusses the importance of hair in African-American culture, and even contains audio of his baby nephew laughing. Take a listen above.
14) “Boo Hoo” by SAFA GAW
Belize and Bronx-raised artist SAFA GAW teams with Lolo Zouaï (who offers additional vocals on the track) and producer Stelios for the first single off his debut EP, which is due to drop next month. SAFA GAW gave us a few words explaining the process of creating “Boo Hoo” and how the track came to be: “Ok, so boom – me, Lolo Zouai, and Stelios had a session one day, but I was too tired from an earlier session, so I fell asleep. During my quick nap, he continued to cook up the beat. I woke up about 25 minuets later, and the beat was almost finished. I pretend to still be asleep with my head under the blankets on the couch in the studio. 15 minuets later, I got up from under the blanket with a chorus and the first verse. We recorded it, and now you have ‘Boo Hoo.’”
15) “lucky” by benny mayne
Toronto-based artist benny mayne is back with another catchy track just one month after making waves with his debut single “bounce.” The Rosco-produced track is far from a love song, and serves more as “a message to his chosen late-night rendezvous partner”: “Better answer when I call you girl / If I’m making the time / ‘Cause I only call you / So you should feel so lucky baby.”
16) “Solitude” by Keynes Woods
Following the release of “Shoot Your Shot” and “Threat,” Ottawa-based artist Keynes Woods returns with a new track titled “Solitude.” Providing more detail on his latest offering, Keynes explains: “[‘Solitude’] is a song about life and love. Two things I don’t think we’ll ever fully understand. I wrote it as a piece of introspection. The song weaves through both subjects, like a ribbon tying two roses together – it has romantic undertones, but it’s not a love song. It’s a life song.”
17) “Catch Feelings” by Ebenezer
If you’re not trying to “Catch Feelings” this Valentine’s Day, this track is the one for you. “Catch Feelings” happens to be part of the newly released 9-track debut EP Bad Romantic by songwriter and producer Ebenezer. If you’re just learning about the north London crooner, get familiar – he’s had guest appearances on tracks with Jeremih, Craig David, Rejjie Snow and Ty Dolla Sign to name a few. Take a listen to the standout track above, and while you’re at it check out “South of France ” and “Stats.”
18) “Glide” by Hoodboi feat. Tkay Maidza
With his return to Fool’s Gold Records, Los Angeles-based producer teams with Zimbabwe-born, Australia-based pop singer Tkay Maidza for his latest release “Glide.” If you’re looking for something with a bouncy, 90’s house vibe that will get your feet moving, give this one a spin.
19) “Due To Me” by Jean Deaux
Following the release of her late 2017 single “Wikipedia,” Chicago songstress Jean Deaux returns with a seductive mid-tempo jam titled “Due To Me,” in which she sings about embracing her intuition and using her emotions to guide her. While sharing the song with fans, Jean explained, “‘Due To Me’ is a personalized letter about self-love to my man.” Keep an eye out as this offering may be a sign of a forthcoming project that’s soon to come!
20) “Atlas” by Mari
Chicago artist/producer Mari channels smooth, soulful vibes in his latest track titled “Atlas.” If you’re in the mood for some Neo-soul R&B, you’ll want to put a spin on this one. Sharing more about the song, Mari explains, “For ‘Atlas’ I was feeling very in tune with my soul and it felt natural for me to channel my inner Badu, D’Angelo, and 3 stacks. From the production to the vocal arrangement. This record is about movement, a sensual groove, and I really want people to explore that layer whether it’s within self or with a significant other.”
21) “My Crew” by Kevin George
Following the release of his stellar, debut track “High Like This” in mid January, Kevin George returns with his second single, “My Crew.” You’ll find both tracks on his upcoming project LOVELAND, which has yet to received a release date – BUT you can expect more from this young bedroom producer within the coming months. Speaking more about the new song, Kevin explains: “With ‘My Crew,’ I wanted to create the soundtrack to the party for me and the kids from my city. Anything goes at a party in CT.”
22) “Come Inside” by Lou Phelps feat. Jazz Cartier
Returning from a short break, Montreal’s Lou Phelps is back with a brand new single “Come Inside” featuring Toronto rapper Jazz Cartier. Older brother KAYTRANADA offers smooth, groovy production on this danceable number that will fit perfectly with your house party gatherings.
23) “Special” by July 7
You may have heard of 19-year-old singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist July 7 and his list of impressive collaborators/admirers including T.I., Young Thug and Travis Scott. His newly released 5-track project offers a number of dance-worthy vibes, so if you’re just hearing of him…get familiar with his previous singles “Pronto” and “Boy.” Once you’re done with that, give this Sweets EP standout “Special” a spin as well.