September was heavy. The pandemic’s second wave that we have long been avoiding is here and the world is still reeling from the unjust grand jury decision for Breonna Taylor. In addition to this, one of Canada’s most prominent hip-hop artists has been at the center of an extremely disturbing story. Details are continuing to emerge about Tory Lanez allegedly shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot and as more allegations are confirmed, some fans are grappling with the age-old conflict of separating the artist from their art. There isn’t a concrete consensus on this, but this month Canadian artists released a new wave of deeply personal tracks that marry art to identity. At such a critical time, it’s important to consciously consider how supporting an artist, in any capacity, endorses their actions. Here are the top tracks from Canadian artists this month.
Mustafa, "Air Forces"
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In the follow-up to his debut single, Mustafa continues to assert his signature sound with a folksy ballad co-produced by Jamie XX and Frank Dukes. Mustafa integrates Sudanese tribal samples on this stirring ode to his upbringing. —Sumiko Wilson
Ruth B., "Dirty Nikes"
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Over an understated instrumental, Ruth B.’s warm tone shines as she tells an Adele-style story of an ill-fated love. She drifts into a wistful falsetto for a chorus that hits you right in the feels. —Sumiko Wilson
Zach Zoya, "In Da Way'
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When you’re making moves, it’s easy to get caught up in some nonsense but Zach Zoya proves that he isn’t playing around on “In Da Way.” Directing his animosity at the industry as a whole, Zoya wants you to know the vultures aren’t built like he is. The video is even wilder as it depicts the Montreal-based rapper energetically fending off a variety of opponents. Don’t get in da way, forreal! —JJ Bottineau
Justin Bieber f/ Chance the Rapper, "Holy"
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Justin Bieber has gone full Hillsong in his latest single. For his first solo single since dropping Changes at the top of the year, the Biebs makes an on-the-nose reference to his faith by allowing tambourines, choral backgrounds, and churchy piano to set the tone for this triumphant track featuring a verse from Chance The Rapper. —Sumiko Wilson
Savannah Ré, “Homies"
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Savannah Ré’s “Homies” is as ruthless as it is effortless with the line “Don’t link me in the mornin’/Actin’ like we homies” summing it up best. Despite relapsing back into a failed relationship, sometimes it is what it is even when your ex’s “Netflix is still logged in” and you’re messing around against your better judgment. Ré’s vocals forewarn over top of a guitar-driven instrumental, proving that occasionally love is hypocritical. —JJ Bottineau
Kaytranada and Aluna f/ Rema, "The Recipe"
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On Kaytranada’s 2016 debut, UK electronic singer Aluna’s feature "Together" was one of the highlights. For Aluna’s first foray into solo territory, they reunited alongside rising Afrobeat artist Rema to create a seamless fusion of electro and Afrobeat that will definitely make you miss dancing in crowded, sweaty settings. —Sumiko Wilson
k-os f/ MSTRKRFT, "SUPERNOVAS"
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K-os has always been a Canadian mainstay for as long as I can remember, and recently, in remembrance of Chadwick Boseman, he spoke on the importance of Black science fiction and how it’s “the key to setting us free.” Well, this is that—at least, if you consider space-disco to be a thing. “SUPERNOVAS” is a super team-up between k-os and MSTRKRFT that would fit perfectly on Daft Punk’s Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem. I’m glad they made it. —JJ Bottineau
Dylan Sinclair, “Girl”
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One week before his Proverb EP dropped on Sept. 25th, Dylan Sinclair primed his fans with the release of “Girl.” It’s a perfect example of letting the music speak for itself as Sinclair croons and woos, sliding through asking to share his affections with an unnamed romantic interest. This is R&B at its peak and it’s oh so beautiful. —JJ Bottineau
MONEYPHONE, "Indecision"
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The closest comparison to describe MONEYPHONE would be BROCKHAMPTON with less people. The Toronto-based duo return with the first single off their forthcoming mixtape that is just as catchy as it is contemplative. —Sumiko Wilson
JAHKOY, “Exes & Summer Flings”
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Summer’s always an interesting time relationship-wise and JAHKOY knows what’s really good. The dichotomy between a fling and an ex isn’t commonly explored, but when you’re single, it doesn’t really matter when it sounds like this. JAHKOY glides across a thumping beat whilst singing about the pros and cons of two drastically different situations. —JJ Bottineau
