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) “Karats” by Obie Iyoha

Michigan rapper Obie Iyoha shares his brand new afrobeats-infused single “Karats.” The lead single from his forthcoming sophomore album,Pink Moon, was inspired by a recent trip to his native Nigeria. Speaking more on the track, Obie explains: “This song is one of personal growth for myself in becoming a mouth piece for my boys back home in Edo State Nigeria. I’ve recently had family deported for all sorts of reasons, back to harsher living conditions just trying to survive, so I was really talking to my bro on this one. I personally hit a low point in 2016, so my older brother and I traveled back to Nigeria where I got to reconnect with myself in the broader sense of who I truly am. I think that’s why I chose this song to be the first release from my upcoming album,Pink Moon. The past 18 months have been full throttle and I wanted to share that vibe with you, the best is yet to come.”

2) “Public School” by Armani White

Rising Philadelphia artist Armani White returns with a new track titled “Public School,” a bouncy, fun song that will have you hooked in no time. While sharing the track, Armani had a few words for his fans about his latest release: “Words cannot express how it feels to be back in front of all of you and reading how much you guys have missed my music and such. I’m baffled and humbled all at once. I’ve spent these last two years battling myself and the shadows of those who I used to let around me, all while trying to convince myself you were still listening and that all of this meant something. Thank you for every long night we spent on this, Jake, Mike, Charles, Jah, Kil, Kev, Jah Chandy etc. Khanzo for the art direction. But most importantly, thank you for still being here. This is just the pep rally.”

3) “Keep Up Wimmi” by Zilo

London newcomer Zilo shares her second single, “Keep Up Wimmi.” The 24-year-old delivers carefree R&B vibes while telling listeners she’s dedicated to and confidently doing her own thing – if you want to be in her world, you’re going to have to keep up with her.

4) “TROOP” by tobi lou feat. Smino

After recently releasing a 3-track EP in early February titled tobi lou and the Moon, Chicago rapper-singer tobi lou returns with the Smino-assisted single “TROOP.” The track was produced by Tobi himself with the help of Maximilian Schönherr, Ordnry Yngstr, Charlie Handsome, DILIP, Krs., JuiceBangers, Yugi Boi, and Heaven In Stereo. Store this one in your self-love anthems folder!

5) “Own2” by April + VISTA

DMV-based duo April + VISTA share a new, smooth record titled “Own2.” Singer/songwriter April George and producer mattVISTA offer genre-blending, future RnB vibes in this track alongside a very clear message that nothing will stop them.

6) “Taranphoeno” by Phoelix feat. Smino & Jean Deaux

Phoelix first teased his_Tempo_project last month with the release of his first single “Drip.” Now that the 18-track debut album has finally arrived, you’ll get a chance to hear his love for merging genres, including funk, soul, and rap. Standout track “Taranphoeno” features artists Smino and Jean Deaux and happens to be one of the earliest raps on the project. Speaking more about the song, Phoelix explains: “We made the song in 2016 in Alicia Keys’ NY studio. It was originally titled ‘Taransmino’ – Smino wrote his verse and I did the hook, and then I was like ‘Ay bro I think I got a verse.’ He let me go in, and then Jean Deaux just added her ethereal presence to the hook. It’s one of my earliest raps to be released. Me and Monte were gonna finish the beat but never got around to it. I was still in love with that version though.”

7) “Albino Blue” by SAINt JHN

Brooklyn’s SAINt JHN is preparing to release his debut project Collection 1 on March 30th. Until then, he’s holding over fans with a new banger “Albino Blue.” It seems the track was shared a little earlier than planned to make up for the delay of his project. Sharing more info about the surprise offering, SAINt JHN explains: “I accidentally didn’t press private when I was uploading this to listen on my Sono’s but fvck it. Something I made tonight to make up for not releasing Collection One, I literally just made it an hour ago. I’ll probably change parts of it tomorrow or take it down all together. Sorry, you’ll get Collection 1 later this month.”

8) “Over” by Kevin George

With his debut project LOVELAND on the way, fast rising newcomer Kevin George shares a new track “Over.” If you haven’t checked out his previous singles “High Like This” and “My Crew,” take a listen and get familiar. Speaking more on the downtempo arrangement, Kevin explains: “It’s a conversation. It’s my version of the ‘we have to talk’ conversation in song form. It’s the thoughts I feel almost every man or woman thinks when they just want out in a relationship.”

9) “LIFE” by SABA

Rising Chicago rapper SABA shares a new track “LIFE” ahead of his upcoming 10-track collection Care For Me, which will be released on April 5th. Throughout the track, you’ll find SABA reflecting on his upbringing and a number of unjust circumstances: “I got angels running ‘way / I got demons hunting me / I know ‘Pac was 25, I know Jesus 33 / I tell Death to keep a distance, I think he obsessed with me.”

10) Bad Manners by Liana Bank$

With her sophomore project_APT. 210_still in the works, Liana Bank$ offers fans a new track titled “Bad Manners.” Laced with sexual lyricism, the new offering is a closer look at how Liana plays mind games with a crush.

11) “Night Terrific!” by ODIE feat. Yaqob

Toronto crooner ODIE shares the fourth and final single from his forthcoming album Analogue. The soothing track titled “Night Terrific!” is inspired by the idea of living the moment. If you like what you hear, set a reminder for his album dropping on April 6.

12) “The Sky” by Dante Leon

Buzzing Toronto artist Dante Leon returns with a new single titled “The Sky.” You may have heard of the 24-year-old artist when he released “Fly Away” and “Pedal 2 The Floor” last summer. Speaking more on the new song, Dante explains: “‘The Sky’ is really a personal song to me 4 years in the making; I do want everyone to interpret it as they please. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions to make this song, and even more to release it.” If you’re a fan of the music, make sure to keep an eye out for Dante’s EP dropping this spring.