Winter months always seem to go by a bit more slowly, for obvious reasons, but this particular January has been one for the ages. It’s been an eventful, tragic start to the new decade. Always a vehicle to inspire, uplift, and unite, music—both classic and fresh—is an absolute necessary commodity in these times. Here are ten Canadian-made standouts released in the last month:
Aiza, "Turn To Gold"
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With her work in theatre, TV, and francophone music laying a foundation for her career, Aiza has settled in Toronto, from her hometown of Montreal, to expand her possibilities. The mantra of “Turn To Gold” embodies Aiza’s attitude in this new chapter of her life; the confidence she exudes while crooning on this track suggests she won’t be—can’t be—denied. Speak into existence, Aiza!
Bdice feat. Junk, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Lilo Key, and Teon Gibbs, "Casting Call"
Justin Bieber, "Yummy"
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The fact that Justin Bieber debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Yummy” and that was considered an L is an ideal example of the kind of pressure on the kid from Stratford. The track, which has an upcoming Summer Walker remix, has served its purpose though, suggesting that Bieber will be leaning into the R&B sound he’s always flirted with over the years on his new release.
dvsn, "A Muse"
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“A Muse” is a sexy slow jam using the same Lonnie Liston Smith sample as Jay-Z’s timeless “Dead Presidents”. Always ready and willing to play with juxtaposition, dvsn takes one of the hardest, coldest loops in hip-hop history to talk about cozy cuddle time and, of course, they make it work. It could very well be the fourth single from their upcoming album.
Future feat. Drake, "Life Is Good"
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For “Life Is Good,” Drake continues his completely-different-song-within-a-song formula made popular by his appearance on Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode.” What makes this one even crazier is Drake and Future both have choruses on their respective sides of the song. On the other hand, seeing Drake and Future’s chemistry throughout most of Director X’s meta-heavy, hustle-themed music video and the actual collab “Desires,” leaked on the October’s Very Own Soundcloud, brings everything together.
Junia-T feat. Nate Husser & STORRY, "Try Me"
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Studio Monk is a community project as much as it’s Junia-T’s first full-length release as a producer. With a varied supporting cast featuring some of Canada’s coolest musicians, Junia-T has put together a batch of songs that are exposing these artists who deserve it to bigger audiences. For “Try Me,” Junia-T pairs buzzing Montreal rapper Nate Husser with Toronto's recent Best Reggae Album Juno-nominee STORRY and the end product thrives on their chemistry.
Tory Lanez feat. Fivio Foreign, “K Lo K”
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While some might knock him for it, Tory Lanez’ willingness to switch up styles and flows is a superpower. His venture into New York City’s drill scene comes alongside Mr. “Big Drip” himself, Fivio Foreign, and, as he always does, Tory kills it. Whether the song ends up on The New Toronto 3 remains to be seen, as Lanez' prolific work ethic could quickly take the mixtape in absolutely any direction he wants to go in.
Jessie Reyez, "Love In The Dark"
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Just to flex her versatility, Jessie Reyez ran a one-two punch this month with ballad “Love In The Dark” and banger “No Sweat.” She’s ready to have another great year following touring the world and her monster international hits as a writer with Calvin Harris. With tunes like this to set it up, anticipation for the new project is at fever pitch.
Roy Woods, “Shot Again”
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It feels like it’s been a while since Drake’s favourite Brampton badman Roy Woods dropped something. Linking up with two of his production go-tos, S.L.M.N. and Prezident Jeff, Woods spits the first verse and sings the second. It almost feels like he’s dropping a feature, competing with himself, on his own track. He’s so good at both, it’s tough to choose what version of the dynamic Woods wins.
Jay Worthy feat. Pressa, "Off The Shits"
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Aside from having Pressa bless this Cardo Got Wings beat, Jay Worthy has Canadian links: Vancouver producer Sean House is the other half of his ongoing project LNDN DRGS. Worthy has been on quite a collaboration trip over the last little bit, with and without House, and this connection, as Pressa brings his signature flow to the L.A.-flavoured track, makes the process all worth it.
