We’re back at it for May 2022. We’ve got new music from BTS collaborators Cosmo’s Midnight, two of Queensland’s best spitters Lisi and Nokz and something completely different with West Sydney’s Speed. Your new favourite track is somewhere on this page, all you’ve gotta do is find it.
Lisi feat. Nokz, Like This
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Two of Brisbane’s premier artists link up for a banger, where the attire is business, the mood is suave and the vibe is braggadociously punchy. Lisi & Nokz present “Like This” a track that makes you question, “do I got racks like that?” The answer is probably no. But, what you do get is a barrage of wordplay and punchlines, which is to be expected with a track from either of these two. The pair spit over a distorted vocal loop filled with fast paced 808s and heavy, head-bopping bass. On this cut Nokz is as smooth as ever & Lisi can’t stop pulling flows out of nowhere, just go listen to it.
Cosmo’s Midnight feat. Tkay Maidza, "Bang My Line"
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With what may be the grooviest track I’ve featured not only this month, but this whole year, Cosmo’s Midnight team up with Tkay Maidza for “Bang My Line”. This blissfully-euphoric cut combines pop, funk, and basslines for days with the cherry on top being Tkay’s soulful flow. It may be winter down under, but science proves that playing this sun-kissed track at least three times a day can raise your internal body temperature. The track is giving MGMT energy, with its addictively sticky hook, consisting of those “ooos’” which are destined to be echoed by festival goers globally.
Srirachi, "U Want More Sir?"
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Melbourne Spitter Srirachi, affectionately known as Rachi, gives us the spicy anthem we’ve been waiting for, with her latest release “U Want More Sir?”. Rachi’s cutthroat pen game is on full display, cosplaying as a Stanley knife throughout this cut. Punchlines will either have your sides or wig split, so best hope it’s your sides, I wouldn’t wanna be on Rachi’s bad one. The energy & charisma Rachi brings to this brass-fuelled track is intoxicating, addictive and leaves you…well, wanting more. Rachi says it best, she’s a “special edition” and should be treated as such.
Sydney Yungins feat. Jaecy, "See No Evil"
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The boys from the Inner West team up with Big J from the South West to give us an instant Sydney classic “See No Evil”. First and foremost, the hook is ice cold, delivered over a hypnotic, plucky beat filled with 808s and hefty drums. Jaecy enters his verse with the smoothest transition this year, one that’s sure to make you wind it back up and hear it again & again. This track isn’t telling us things we haven’t heard before, but the way it was delivered, with its insatiably-wavy vibe & verses conveyed with conviction makes this track a standout.
Hoodzy, "This Feeling"
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Perth-raised, Gold Coast-based MC Hoodzy returns after a one-year hiatus with her coming-of-age track, “This Feeling”. A track deserving to be played from 6pm on a Friday, all the way to 8.59am on a Monday, giving this tune the bender tick of approval. Don’t be fooled though, this for-the-weekend cut makes you wanna get up and dance, but what Hoodzy is saying is equally as moving. Tackling topics of coping with internal struggles, allowing you to take a peek into her mind, gives this track a genuine and raw feel, connecting to so many listeners facing similar struggles.
Planet Vegeta, "Different"
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Western Sydney’s Planet Vegeta come in like a breath of fresh air with their recent single “Different”. Straight off the bat, the flute sample throughout the track is a fucking vibe & something you would not find on many other tracks, proving Planet Vegeta are just different. Combining rap, R&B and a whole lotta soul is what sets the tone on this cut & provides the backdrop for the trio to call out all the copy-paste artists in the scene. Who knows what is to come from the group, but one thing you can be sure of, is it’ll be different.
BLESSED feat. Maina Doe, "Trouble"
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Local hip hop veteran BLESSED enlists the help of nu-soul sensation Maina Doe to create something truly beautiful with “TROUBLE”. This introspective release revolves around past relationships both artists have had, with their reflective lyrics creating a thick and thought-filled atmosphere. Soul-pleasing vocals are delivered over heavenly orchestral chords, with palpitating trap percussion added throughout. BLESSED’s hook, where he repeats “trouble stuck on my mental” is almost foretelling how the listener feels about the hook itself; it’s relentlessly sticky. The addition of Maina’s dreamy, floaty verse works so effortlessly, and will have you smashing that repeat button.
AKOSIA, "Go"
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Melbourne-based, Ghanian-Australian pop artist, AKOSIA, celebrates the freedom we’re all entitled to with her latest drop “GO”. The way AKOSIA has successfully managed to express dark topics of feeling trapped and worthless in a relationship, with such a fun and positive track needs to be applauded. AKOSIA’s embrace of her freedom is on full show with a stunning vocal performance over a bouncy beat filled with satisfying hand percussion samples. I wouldn’t say I can predict the future or anything, but g-g-g-g-get ready to have the hook stuck in your head for the next week, or two.
SPEED, "NOT THAT NICE"
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I can already hear it, “ThIs IsN’t HiP hOp oR rNb!” Guess what? I don’t care what your opinion is, I’m not that nice (transition of the month). West Sydney hardcore group SPEED gets in your face and holds nothing back with their latest mosh-worthy release “NOT THAT NICE”. This track may or may not be completely out of your comfort zone, but what fun is it being comfortable? “NOT THAT NICE” was intended to make you feel uncomfortable, by addressing the topic of Asian hate crimes born from the pandemic. Stereotype-smashing, confidence-building and owning your own identity are the main flavours on this one.
