Related: New Songs This Week
Post Malone “Rockstar” f/ 21 Savage
This one’s been hotly anticipated since Post Malone first previewed it in December of 2016. He linked up with 21 Savage for a slow-burning, sinister comeback single. Rappers have truly become the modern day rockstars, and this single just became their new anthem. —Nora-Grayce Orosz
Gucci Mane “The Curve” f/ the Weeknd
Lorde “Homemade Dynamite (Remix)” f/ Khalid, Post Malone & SZA
Lecrae “Broke”
Toulouse “San Junipero”
The mysterious New York artist known as Toulouse has revealed little of his personal life other than what one can glean from his smokey, atmospheric R&B. His latest release, Extended Plea, is a mosaic of bold emotions and sounds that complement the calming nature of his voice. “San Junipero” stands out because of the images its title conjures up. Extending the sentiments of the Netflix original’s Black Mirror episode of the same name, “San Junipero” explores happiness as a transitory state. “In San Junipero, too good to be true/ Gimme back the rain, ‘cause I don’t trust the sun.” The instrumentals combine to form a glittering waterfall of both light and dark. —Nora-Grayce Orosz
Nao “Nostalgia”
The bubbly Brit behind 2016’s masterful For All We Know has a catchy new single to hold over fans for the new material to come. “Nostalgia” has a soul-nourishing, groovy vibe that gives the impression of what a modern day Earth Wind & Fire track could sound like. Crank this one up on a Sunday morning for a little mood booster and you’ll be set. —Nora-Grayce Orosz
Lil B “Free Life”
Released: Aug. 17
Album: Black Ken
Label: N/A
On Black Ken, Lil B’s long awaited, heavily touted (by Lil B) mixtape, the Bay Area MC—actually, I don’t know how to finish this. The project is 27 tracks long, the beats sound retro but not quite, and Brandon’s rapping is far more controlled and written-sounding than the based freestyles of yore. These are things I can tell you factually. But the experience of Black Ken is too big and strange for mere facts. “Free Life” stood out at first listen, with its buzzing-bee horn sample and passionate lyrics about striving, surviving, and believing that the best things in life are free. “Keep going, cause life don’t stop,” Lil B tells you. Be like Lil B. —Ross Scarano
Justin Bieber “Friends”
Released: Aug. 18
Album: N/A
Label: GENPOP Corp./RBMG/Schoolboy/Def Jam/Republic/Universal
Justin Bieber’s return to the stage is, predictably, a bop. Since Purpose, he’s displayed a canny ear for slightly forward-thinking pop diamonds that appeal to critics and the charts. On “Friends,” Justin continues his run as the thinking man’s Bieber. It’s a completely synthetic-feeling dancefloor anthem, closer to “Call Yr Girlfriend”-era Robyn than anything on the charts today, with BloodPop (previously Blood Diamonds) taking enough duties on songwriting and production duties to earn himself a collaborator credit. Bieber’s back, and savvier than ever. —Brendan Klinkenberg
Lil Peep “Save That Shit”
Released: Aug. 15
Album: Come Over When You're Sober, Pt. 1
Label: N/A
In the simplest terms possible: Lil Peep is an emo artist, a throwback to the Warped Tour, who has found trap drums. The (surprising) appeal of this is clearest on “Save That Shit,” off of his 7-track album Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1, a hazy swirl of bass and stuttered hi-hats, characterized by a lazy guitar riff. Peep sounds laconic, and hurt, with a tight grip on melody without ever giving the sense that he’s moving even a degree out of monotone. It’s whiny, grating, and deeply compelling. —Brendan Klinkenberg
ASAP Ferg "Tango"
Released: Aug. 17
Album: Still Striving
Label: ASAP Worldwide/RCA
Ferg's latest mixtape is heavy on guests—only three of the 14 tracks feature just Ferg—which makes the closer "Tango" hit harder. Dispensing with all frivolities, Ferg sprints into the verse rapping about his recently departed father, and how poor medical treatment ultimately killed him. "Ain't nothing like real life," he says. This is the Ferg that I hope shows up for his next proper album. —Ross Scarano
ASAP Mob “Feels So Good”
Rae Sremmurd "Perplexing Pegasus"
Released: August 4
Album: SremmLife 3
Label: UMG Recording
Slim Jxmmy and Swae Lee have been spent the summer teasing this song on the festival circuit, but its official release is here and can now be appreciated in a slightly less-turnt setting as well. The magically titled “Perplexing Pegasus” is the lead single from the duo’s upcoming third album SremmLife 3, and judging by their past work, it’s time to get excited once again. Rae Sremmurd have yet to put out a bad song, and “Perplexing Pegasus” keeps the streak alive. The tried-and-true Mike Will Made-It partnership comes through once again for a solid banger.
Starrah "Imperfections" f/ Diplo
ASAP Twelvyy "Hop Out" f/ ASAP Ferg
Released: August 3
Album: 12
Label: RCA Records
ASAP mob’s young buck Twelvyy released his debut full-length and one of its early standouts is “Hop Out.” Twelvyy trades verses with Ferg on this Maaly Raw-produced bop. The pair name-check everyone from Lil Yachty to Playboi Carti to Slick Rick to Liberace for some seriously clever wordplay. Not to be overshadowed by Ferg, Twelvyy hits his stride in the first verse and continues to kill it with Ferg through the remainder of the track.
Bebe Rexha "That's It" f/ Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz
ASAP Ferg "Plain Jane"
Released: August 4
Album: n/a
Label: RCA Records
Arguably the most consistent artist in the ASAP collective, Ferg continues to roll out track after track of new material this summer. “Plain Jane” is one of his latest and will have you screwing up your face at how truly fire it is. Ferg’s flow interpolates the Three Six Mafia classic “Slob on My Knob,” likely due to Pro Era’s Kirk Knight being in charge of production, and is overflowing with catchy quotables. Ferg boasts of his Ben Baller chains, sends props to the deceased, and takes us back to his childhood watching ‘Nick at Nite’ all in one breath.
Camila Cabello "Havana" f/ Young Thug
Released: August 3
Album: The Hurting. The Healing. The Loving.
Label: Epic Records
Split from the Fifth Harmony girls, Camila Cabello is staying on her grind to keep the excitement for her own solo debut simmering. The recently released summer double feature included the Quavo-assisted “OMG” but “Havana” is the more unique of the two. The song pays homage to her homeland of Cuba, as she sings: “Half of my heart is in Havana/He took me back to East Atlanta/All of my heart is in Havana.” Dramatic horns, a flamenco style melody, and a little extra seasoning from Young Thug make for a fresh listen.
Jessie Ware "Midnight"
Released: July 28
Album: n/a
Label: Universal
The UK torch singer’s first single since 2014’s Tough Love is a brassy piano number. It’s got quiet-loud dynamics that enables one of Ware’s most powerful vocal performances. As of this writing, her forthcoming third album is untitled but there’s nothing ambiguous about the excited anticipation it’s creating.
21 Savage "Nothin New"
Released: July 6
Album: Issa
Label: Epic Records
21 Savage’s debut project Issa has arrived and is filled to the brim with bangers, masterful production by hip hop elite, and some seriously dope album artwork. After coining the now-ubiquitous slang term “issa,” it’s only fitting that the rising rap star made it the title of his full-length debut. “Nothin New” is one of the early standouts due to the magnitude of the song’s subject matter. Produced by Metro Boomin and Zaytoven, the song addresses the country’s police brutality epidemic, the systemic racism that black Americans currently face, and a tangential reference to mental health in the black community. “Nothin New” is completely new territory for the artist whose catalog is saturated with dead-eyed, murderous threats, but provides a pure look into the mindset of someone with a foot in two worlds and reveals a new side to 21 in the process.
11:11 "Good Love"
Joey Badass "500 Benz"
Meek Mill "$lay" f/ ASAP Ferg
Released: July 7
Album: Meekend Music
Label: Maybach Music
Meek Mill’s latest project Meekend Music is out, and features one of the hardest songs I’ve heard in a minute. “Slay” is the first of the three-track EP, pairing Meek with ASAP Ferg for an all-out banger. The song gets a sinister spin courtesy of C Note (Migos, Gucci Mane, ASAP Rocky, etc.) and the result is evocative of a nasty Godzilla theme remix. Meek sends some subliminal bars to nemesis Drake and ex Nicki Minaj while Ferg pops off as per usual. This one goes.
Haim "Walking Away"
Released: July 7
Album: Something to Tell You
Label: Columbia
Haim’s long-awaited sophomore project, Something to Tell You is finally out, and the sisters have delivered yet another dazzling display of throwback songwriting and impassioned musical virtuosity. The trio have tapped deeper into an emotional vein, and “Walking Away” is a quick, original attention-grabber. This song ditches noisy percussion and strings for a lighter, airy feel, and allowing for a focus on the sisters’ lesser-appreciated, yet equally mesmerizing instrument: their voices. The ethereal falsettos and whispered backing vocals of Danielle, Este, and Alana take the spotlight on this gem and give the song a very different vibe than the majority of the project—the results are a standout.
Mura Masa "Nuggets" f/ Bonzai
Released: July 7
Album: Nuggets/Helpline EP
Label: Anchor Point Records
UK electronic producer Mura Masa, best known for collaborations with ASAP Rocky, Charli XCX, and Stormzy, has released a new, two-track EP. In the thick of the July heat, Mura Masa comes through with a perfect summer capsule, “Nuggets.” The song features vocalist Bonzai speak-singing over a thumping, tropical beat, a la Funk Wav Calvin Harris. Look out for Mura Masa’s self-titled debut dropping this Friday, and in the meantime enjoy this funky lead-in from the EP.
Toro Y Moi "Inside My Head"
Released: July 7
Album: Boo Boo
Label: Carpark Records
In his latest evolution from the chillwave era of 2010, singer-producer Toro y Moi has released his newest project Boo Boo, which has surprisingly dipped back into that familiar territory. The record’s soundscape provides an expansive, sonic playground that intentionally mimics real-world physicality. “Inside My Head” plays up 80’s synths and auto-tuned vocals for a peek into the groovy, melancholy mindset that Chaz Bear—formerly Chaz Bundick—was working with for this album.
AlunaGeorge "Turn Up the Love"
Released: July 7
Album: n/a
Label: Universal
The Melbourne vocalist/producer duo AlunaGeorge, known for their dancey electro-pop remixes, have a new feel-good anthem for you. “Turn Up the Love” first premiered on tour—the duo are currently on the road opening for Coldplay—and felt that this new track could bring some much needed light to current times. Lead singer Aluna Francis expressed her desire to “throw some positivity out there” and that’s just what this single does. Sun-drenched melodies inspire visions of hazy beach days and will have you cherishing each moment of summer as we creep ever closer to the colder months.
Vince Staples "Yeah Right" f/ Kendrick Lamar
Released: June 23
Album: Big Fish Theory
Label: Def Jam
Big Fish Theory has arrived and, once again, vaulted Vince Staples back into the limelight. Shortly after its release, social media lit up with high praise for the project from both fans and critics. “Yeah Right” is an early standout, bringing out some new tricks. This track is a first time collaboration with Kendrick Lamar—whom Staples himself labeled “greatest rapper alive”—and features joint production from electronic leaders-of-the-pack Sophie and Flume. Flume’s influence is hard to miss, but unlike their “Smoke and Retribution” joint for the electronic artist’s project, “Yeah Right” is a little more down and dirty; it’s Sophie’s stripped-down, metallic monotony that really brings the track its energy. In true, sardonic Staples style, he calls out the destructive lifestyles of current hip hop culture while K. Dot pops off as per usual, and the booming bass holding it all together is mesmerizing.
Metro Boomin "No Complaints" f/ Offset, Drake
Drake "Signs"
Released: June 16
Album: n/a
Label: Young Money Ent./Cash Money Records
Speaking of Instragram caption-worthy tunes, “Signs” is the latest bop to be released by motto-coiner-in-chief Drizzy. Just months after releasing the behemoth More Life playlist/album/mixtape/whatever, Drake is back with even more chune for your headtop. And just in time for all those lit Fourth of July BBQ’s. The song sprung out of a collaboration with Louis Vuitton, premiering at the fashion brand’s S/S18 collection runway show at Paris Fashion week. “Signs” sees Drake continuing to ride that Caribbean wave of carefree vibes straight into summer.
The-Dream "Summer Body" f/ Fabolous
Released: June 23
Album: n/a
Label: Roc Nation
Singer-songwriter-producer extraordinaire The-Dream links up with Fabolous for a catchy new single, “Summer Body.” It’s a song entirely devoted to the coveted warm weather physique us ladies often strive to achieve. Whether you were grinding all spring to get that “summer body,” or you were loading up on as much carbs as possible to stay warm (like me), who cares, get up and start feelin’ yourself ASAP.
Jhene Aiko "Hello Ego" f/ Chris Brown
Young Thug "Me or Us"
Released: June 16
Album: Beautiful Thugger Girls
Label: 300 Ent
Beautiful Thugger Girls is here at last and presents yet another manifestation of Young Thug’s artistic vision. After being heavily hyped online as an instant classic before anyone heard a song, the completed project had a lot to live up to. Overall, EBBTG is an admirable effort by Thug; ditching the autotune (sometimes) and going for a more acoustic sound was a bold choice for an artist most known for his gritty, once almost indistinguishable trap style. “Me or Us” is the perfect embodiment of what it seemed like Thug was going for. He raps over a variety of instrumentals, and a peaceful guitar melody is at the forefront. This may be the closest to a Young Thug love ballad we’ll ever hear.
2 Chainz "It's a Vibe" f/ Ty Dolla Sign, Trey Songz, Jhene Aiko
DJ Khaled "Wild Thoughts" f/ Rihanna, Bryson Tiller
Calvin Harris "Feels" f/ Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Big Sean
Released: June 16
Album: Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1
Label: Sony Music
Listeners got a brief preview of “Feels” when a parrot dropped the needle on Calvin Harris’ album teaser trailer last week. In keeping with the tropical vibes of his 2017 releases, the finished product is a major feel-good song. Harris teams up with super-producer Pharrell, a newly reinvented Katy Perry, and underdog-turned-wolf Big Sean. Harris is catching his ‘funk wave’ stride with “Feels,” and anticipation for the full project is at an all-time high.
Lorde "Hard Feelings/Loveless"
Released: June 16
Album: Melodrama
Label: Virgin Records
The fallout from a breakup—especially your first love—can be an earth-shattering experience. On Melodrama, Lorde pours all her experiences and emotions of the past four years since her debut into a perfectly wrapped gift box for fans to unravel and enjoy. “Hard Feelings/Loveless” explores the less than romantic side of a relationship that has passed its expiration date, and dealing with the painful reminders everyday occurrences bring up. The production is a joint effort from Lorde, Frank Dukes, and Jack Antonoff; snaps, drums and a cacophony of metallic-sounding electronic effects simmer to a boil upon reaching the chorus and are the perfect punctuation to the singer’s wiser-than-her-years lyricism. At the four minute mark, the track shifts into a more upbeat, tongue-in-cheek outro. Lorde pulls the curtain on the so-called “loveless generation” that relies on mind games and deception to prove to the outside world they’re doing okay post-breakup. Can’t argue with her there.
SZA "Broken Clocks
Released: June 2
Album: Ctrl
Label: RCA/TDE
“Broken Clocks,” the latest single from SZA’s forthcoming Ctrl is, for fans awaiting the release of the full album, such a tease! The song samples River Tiber’s, “West,” and maintains the intoxicating aura that comes with anything SZA lends her voice to. (*Heart eyes*). “Broken Clocks” is an homage to the simpler days of trying to make ends meet and those troubled but cherished past relationships that seemed doomed from the start. SZA has a keen knack for highlighting life’s most prosaic moments, and stringing them into a beautiful melody to create gorgeously dreamy love songs. “Broken Clocks” does just that.
2 Chainz "4 AM" f/ Travis Scott
Snakehips “Right Now” f/ Elhae, D.R.A.M, H.E.R.
Dua Lipa “New Rules”
Major Lazer “Know You Better” f/ Travis Scott, Camila Cabello, Quavo
Halsey "Walls Could Talk"
Lil Yachty "X Men"
Released: May 18
Album: Teenage Emotions
Label: Quality Control Records
Alright, we see you Yachty. Everyone’s favorite happy-as-hell rapper Lil Yachty switches gears on “X Men,” coming for anyone doubting his skills as a rapper. Lil Boat goes bar after bar flexing his earnings—“19 years old, I got seven figs”— and boasting about his impact on the game, but continues to keep it real and stay true to his own unique style. This track is to let you know that while Yachty might still be a kid at heart, believe that he has the capacity to go in when he deems necessary.
Travis Scott “Green and Purple” f/ Playboi Carti
Released: May 16
Album: n/a
Label: Epic
Travis Scott recently took a minute between shows on his notoriously wild Birds Eye View Tour to release a surprise trio of singles. The three tracks serve as a sort of audible triptych, and offer our first look at what his new album might sound like. “Green and Purple” features the upstart of the moment, Playboi Carti, fresh off his own debut, and chronicles La Flame’s intense lifestyle of indulgence on tour. The two have some obvious chemistry on the track, something that extends to real life as well; Scott brought Carti out to perform at his birthday show in New York.
Vince Staples “Big Fish” f/ Juicy J
Released: May 19
Album: Big Fish Theory
Label: Def Jam
Vince Staples is back. He’s bringing his fresh West Coast rap vibes on “Big Fish.” Juicy J assists on the hook between verses in which Staples muses on his upbringing and how he could’ve easily ended up much less fortunate than he is today. Staples’ sound is a refreshing break from the current bombardment of Southern-influenced trap but still goes hard with a nice beat from DJ/producer duo Christian Rich. Fans can expect more from Staples when his album Big Fish Theory is released June 23.
ASAP Rocky “RAF” f/ Frank Ocean, Lil Uzi Vert, Quavo
Released: May 15
Album: n/a
Label: RCA
Blonded Radio continues to keep music fans on the edge of their seats; it’s impossible to know when Frank is going to drop something new. This ASAP Rocky joint was teased back in January when he was last in the studio with Ferg, and premiered on the sporadic Beats 1 radio show. “RAF” is produced by Dun Deal, known for his work with Atlanta’s rap elite, and brings together Rocky’s ever-smooth New York flow and a sprinkling of the grungier Atlanta trap style. Oh, and a rapping Frank Ocean. ASAP Mob’s fashion killa was due to drop some new heat, and “RAF” is a pleasant surprise—and don’t worry, despite the recent break-in, Rocky reports: “STILL GOT ALL MY RAF THO.”
Lana Del Rey "Coachella - Woodstock in My Mind"
Released: May 15
Album: Lust for Life
Label: Interscope
This one came out of the blue, its only warning coming when Lana Del Rey shared a short video clip of herself singing an early, impromptu version of the song on Instagram. Del Rey revealed she had made a detour into the woods to reflect on conflicting feelings after a weekend of partying in the desert at Coachella. She sings of the paradox of witnessing an expression of love during friend and fellow artist Father John Misty’s Coachella performance and the troubling news of rising global tensions. “Coachella - Woodstock in My Mind” surpasses the fake wokeness of the so called “purposeful pop” on the rise, landing on a sincere message of, “I don’t know how to fix these things, but I have faith that good will outweigh evil.”
Calvin Harris “Rollin” f/ Khalid, Future
Released: May 12
Album: Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1
Label: Sony
First teased on the promotional trailer for Scottish DJ/producer Calvin Harris’ new album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, “Rollin” somehow sounds like an exact manifestation of that title. It seemed improbable that Harris could top the major success of “Slide,” given the summery perfection of his Frank Ocean and Migos collab, but these most recent singles are proof of his aptitude for cranking out hits. Apparently Calvin Harris’ contacts are extremely poppin’, as his album teaser boasts a diverse group of musical influences, and this single is a prime example. “Rollin” pairs soulful newcomer Khalid with seasoned rap icon Future for a killer track. It’s clear Harris has found his niche in this trippy blend of electronic funk.
Haim "Right Now"
Released: May 12
Album: Something to Tell You
Label: Columbia
The indie sister trio has released the studio version of “Right Now.” Originally released live take filmed by famed director Paul Thomas Anderson to announce their musical return to the world, the official version has proven to be just as mesmerizing. The rawness of the original recording is swapped for a smoother, more rounded out sound that has a magical quality of its own. The spoken interlude gets a smokey treatment, adding to the carefully curated witchy vibe, while the song’s repetitive melody builds to a booming climax of dramatic drum beats that you can’t help but get hyped up for.
Bryson Tiller "Get Mine" f/ Young Thug
Released: May 12
Album: True to Self
Label: RCA
Yesterday, the young Trap Soul singer revealed the title and release date of his sophomore album, True to Self, along with three new singles. “Get Mine” is the perfect follow-up to his debut project; he brings his signature moody soul flow with a renewed intensity. Tiller’s drive to make his presence felt shines through on this song. Teaming up with an un-autotuned Thugger, he flaunts the successes of his 2015 debut while insisting he’s not going anywhere just yet.
Lupe Fiasco "Coulda Been"
Released: May 12
Album: n/a
Label: 1st and 15th Productions
Lupe Fiasco gets introspective on a new single, musing over the millions of ways his life could have turned out is he wasn’t rapping. Perhaps inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s “Duckworth,” Fiasco examines the unknowns of life, and the cosmic coincidences that lead to our ultimate destiny. His laidback flow rolls through a Willie Hutch sample of “Mama’s Theme” comfortably, giving listeners time to absorb his words.
Bryson Tiller "Honey"
Harry Styles “From the Dining Table”
Released: May 12
Album: Harry Styles
Label: Columbia
Okay, I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out: Former One Direction member Harry Styles’ new sound on his just-released self-titled solo debut is actually pretty great. His album has a safe blend of indie-folk sounding ballads and some more upbeat soft rock-influenced tunes that make sense for this image rebranding. One of the most charming tracks on the record, “From the Dining Table,” presents a soft-spoken candidness that Styles has not previously been granted the freedom to express. Give this one a try, you may be pleasantly surprised.
A$AP Ferg "East Coast" f/ Remy Ma
Released: April 7
Album: Still Striving
Label: RCA
A$AP Mob founding member A$AP Ferg is wasting no time in churning out new bangers. “East Coast” is the lead single off of Ferg’s newest album, Still Striving. This most recent collaboration with the Bronx’s own Remy Ma is an East Coast anthem with as much homegrown pride as its predecessor, “Work.” Remy Ma comes in guns blazing once again, possibly taking more shots at Nicki Minaj. Ferg sticks to an unrelenting flow and a catchy hook that’ll have you feeling that East Coast pride—no matter where you’re from.
Katy Perry "Bon Appetit" f/ Migos
Released: April 28
Album: n/a
Label: Capitol Records
I can’t say I ever thought I’d hear Migos ad-lib shouting “Katy Perry!” But I’m grateful that I have now. The probability of “Bon Appetit” being a banger was dubious, but then again, Juicy J and KP did manage to make “Dark Horse,” so…. Veteran pop genius Max Martin gives the track his glossy dance-friendly treatment, while Perry and Migos’ innuendos about cherry pie make it clear that this isn’t really about food. This is the collaboration you didn’t know you needed until you hear it.
SZA "Love Galore" f/ Travis Scott
DJ Khaled “I’m the One” f/ Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne
Released: April 28
Album: Grateful
Label: Epic Records
The second single from DJ Khaled’s upcoming record, Grateful, features an all-star cast, including Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne. The video, executive produced by Asahd Khaled, a child, shows Khaled hanging out on the grounds of his lavish estate with a group of gorgeous ladies and his artist pals. “I’m the One” displays that cocky charm that Khaled and each featured artist is entitled to. Each is an icon in their own right and the ladies that happen to cross their path have to know: They’re the one.
Wale “My Love” f/ Major Lazer, Dua Lipa, WizKid
Released: April 28
Album: Shine
Label: Maybach Music Group
Wale’s Shine dropped early and has some impressive features sprinkled through the 14-track album. The Major Lazer produced “My Love” jumps out immediately. The song, featuring rising pop star Dua Lipa and Nigerian Afrobeats artist WizKid, is a breezy, light-hearted track that should come out of car windows all summer.
French Montana "Unforgettable" f/ Swae Lee
Released: April 7
Album: n/a
Label: Epic Records
French Montana took to Twitter today to present fans with a new song in honor of his 32nd birthday. Initial reactions from social media are in consensus that this Mike WiLL produced single will be an inescapable summer anthem. French Montana teams up with half of the Rae Sremmurd duo Swae Lee for this island-infused bop.
ASAP Mob “Wrong” f/ ASAP Rocky and ASAP Ferg
Banks "Crowded Places"
Released: April 7
Album: n/a
Label: Harvest Records
“Crowded Places” is the first taste of alternative pop artist Banks’ new project, the follow-up to 2016’s The Altar. Banks’ smoky vocals take listeners through a deeply personal encounter of having to leave a loved one to go on tour, then returning to find their belongings missing from her home. The Altar was a complex look into the artist’s fears, strengths and personal growth, and “Crowded Places” feels like the perfect extension, providing a life update of sorts on Banks’ current mental state.
Mura Masa "Second to None" f/ Christine and the Queens
Tyler the Creator "See You Again" f/ Kali Uchis
Released: July 21
Album: Scum Fuck Flower Boy
Label: Columbia Records
Scum Fuck Flower Boy has had just enough time to marinate, allowing the boldest sentiments of the album to seep into all the cracks of our subconscious. On SFFB, Tyler truly earns the (oft-overused) categorization of being his “most revealing” work, and possibly his most divisive move to date. With allusions to a more fluid sexuality than previously let on, leveled-up production, and a severe shift into a lighter mood than past work, this album gives fans, and critics, a taste of the range Tyler is capable of.
On “See You Again” Tyler invites us on a tour through his dream-state. Pairing up with friend and frequent Odd Future-adjacent collaborator Kali Uchis, the two lull us into that rosy state of puppy love that happens when you indulge your subconscious fantasies. Cited as his own favorite off the album, “See You Again” elicits the kind of cartoon-like depictions of being lovesick associated with living within a romantic fantasy. The lyrics are sweet, the production is stellar, and it will have you all the way in your feels, guaranteed.