The New Year is often a time to reflect. So it’s not surprising that for the month of January, the top songs of the month mirror this tendency, whether it be Clairmont the Second’s “Hands,” that go over his influence on other artists or Top5’s trap banger “2 Cases," which re-examines how the streets are reacting to him. While Canada's produced pop gems from coast to coast this month, Toronto is abuzz with international support and attention coming in for a music scene that has been demanding respect for decades. We are starting to see the first inklings of how the city will respond to the pressure. There’s nothing wrong with taking stock.
AR Paisley, “23 Freestyle"
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Up-and-coming Mississauga rapper AR Paisley has been on his grind. As the epic beat comes on, you can feel something special in the air as Paisley reflects on his life with a focus on how to manifest. Paisley raps with clarity about his growth. Going from popping pills and drinking to focusing on building his assets, this one is for the hustlers who have had to fight demons off their back. —Brian Capitao
Dvsn, "Use Somebody"
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Leave it to Daniel Daley and Nineteen85 to tastefully recast Kings of Leon's 2008 arena rock howler "Use Somebody" as a downtempo, contemplative slow jam. On this track off Dvsn's latest project Amusing Her Feelings—a recontextualization of their 2020 record A Muse In Her Feelings—the OVO Sound duo strip the original track bare of its propulsive drums and Springsteen-y 'ooooaaah-woooah's,' opting for something that feels much more intimate. Anchored by a simple, clean guitar line and reverb-drenched beat, Daley croons Caleb Followill's lyrics about longing and loneliness in a way that just hits different right now. —Alex Nino Gheciu
Charlotte Cardin, "Daddy"
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Detailing taking control of a love triangle, “Daddy” is an unfiltered look into Charlotte Cardin’s longing. The Montreal singer-songwriter’s raspy, sensual voice amplifies the elongated fatigue she feels, bringing in lush harmonies that amplify her broad vocal range. With a fine-tuned late-night feel, it's clear Cardin knows exactly what she needs to do to get what she wants. —Sydney Brasil
Duvy, "SouthWay
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Southway is a reference to south side Jane. A trap salvo, Duvy claims he will send his opps to heaven and have them call 911. Duvy raps about being a savage throughout the track and the mentality of being a D-boy. There are numerous references to gunplay to a thumping bassline. It’s a bold artistic statement to make for an upcoming rapper in the wake of the death of Toronto rapper Houdini, but Duvy's raw talent is undeniable. —Brian Capitao
Clairmont the Second, "HANDS"
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Clairmont the Second’s spits an old-school flow over a jazzy beat. A musician’s musician, he’s here to humble fellow rappers by giving them the “hands'' with his bars. Clairmont is straight-up shadowboxing with witty lines like, “Don’t try to Google the sample, I’m just a great producer” or “I don’t answer to nobody, people go where I say,” which feel less like boasting and more like self-determination. —Brian Capitao
Dijah SB, "Throw That Back"
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"All this cash fall right in my lap/It makes me feel like life ain't bad," raps Dijah SB on their new single "Throw That Back." It's a bold statement coming from someone who gained buzz for their candid bars about broke life on last year's 2020 The Album. Evidently, the Kid Cudi co-signed MC's been doing better lately, and isn't shy about showing it on this highly danceable number off their forthcoming album, Head Above the Waters. Over a wavy, pulsating, synth- and guitar-laced beat, Dijah spits self-assured bars about their unbreakable stride, setting the tone for what's sure to be a big year for the artist. —Alex Nino Gheciu
Top5, "2 Cases"
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A menacing trap piano banger. Top5 says he’s smoking his opps, and the “2 Cases” is a shoutout to fellow Toronto rapper, Flippa, currently facing two first-degree murder charges. The street single capitalizes on his current buzz with a catchy refrain, detailing a life of crime. —Brian Capitao
Curtis Waters, "Doodoodoo"
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Nepal-born, Calgary-bred Curtis Waters has wasted no time releasing music after his 2020 album Pity Party. A feel-good track with a squeaky clean mix, “Doodoodoo” keeps you bopping with its lasting hook. Its soothing keys lend a sense of innocence, while the bath he details cleans the dirt off of his lyrics. —Sydney Brasil
Haviah Mighty f/ Old Man Saxon, "Antisocial"
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After 2019’s 13th Floor, which won that year's Polaris Music Prize, one would be forgiven if you thought Haviah Mighty had plans to slow down. But she’s still got her foot on the gas with “Antisocial,” a trap-style banger with a beat that knocks. “Antisocial” is about being independent and putting all the chips on yourself. —Brian Capitao
Tizzy Stackz and Lil Berete, "Black Heart"
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“Black Heart” is an Auto-Tuned hood anthem with heart. Stackz is looking to build a buzz this year. Lil Berete’s quick verse perfectly captures the current reality of the Toronto rap scene, which has seen a spate of gun-related deaths in recent years. The hunger to make it on the track is palpable. —Brian Capitao
