This week, we have a lot of great new music from some of the younger artists in the game. Lil Nas X finally dropped his highly-anticipated debut album Montero, featuring the pop love song “That’s What I Want.” Kehlani is back with “Altar,” a sweet track honoring her loved ones. And Majid Jordan has returned with the 80s-inspired pop record “Summer Rain.” We also received new music from James Blake, NBA YoungBoy, Mozzy, Lakeyah, Tems, and more.
Check out the best new music this week. You can also follow our playlist on Spotify for all of the latest drops here.
Lil Nas X, “That’s What I Want”
View this video on YouTube
“That’s What I Want” is a poppy and romantic song that finds Lil Nas X on the hunt for a passionate love. He illustrates his loneliness and struggle to find someone he is compatible with, singing, “Look, you know it’s harder to find in these times/ But I got nothin’ but love on my mind. I need a baby while I’m in my prime,” over a fun beat anchored in guitars. Although Nas X sounds a little heartsick, there is also a nice sense of hope on the track. “That’s What I Want” appears on Lil Nas X’s debut album Montero.
Kehlani, “Altar”
View this video on YouTube
Kehlani is back with “Altar,” a smooth and delicate record that finds the singer-songwriter honoring all the loved ones she’s had to say goodbye to over the years. “So I put you on the altar, stay just a little bit longer, woah/ Laid it out for ya, thought I felt you before/ Now you’re closer, closer, woah, woah,” she croons with syrupy vocals. “Altar” is a sincere record that anyone who’s ever lost someone can relate to. The new single will appear on Kehlani’s forthcoming album, Blue Water Road.
Tems f/ Brent Faiyaz, “Found”
View this video on YouTube
Tems is on the rise, and “Found” is a beautiful, melodic track where she showcases her vocal range. The Nigerian singer-songwriter breaks away from a bad relationship to focus on self-discovery and self-love, singing, “Ooh, I found myself, found myself, found.” Brent Faiyaz is just the right guest to appear on the track, appealing to his love interest as he sings, “Before this gets out of hand/ No more distance, let’s just dance/ I’ll mind my manners/ Won’t take advantage.” “Found” appears on Tems’ new EP, If Orange Was a Place.
Majid Jordan, “Summer Rain”
View this video on YouTube
“Summer Rain” is an uptempo, pop record with 80s synths. Majid Jordan seem to be captivated by a new love interest, despite their many attempts to fight the temptation. “I’m caught in a trance, your body is everything/ The longer you stay/ The more I escape/ The sand feels like water, you’re pulling me under,” Majid sings. “Summer Rain” is the third single from Majid Jordan’s third album, following the release of “Been Through It” and “Waves of Blue.”
James Blake, “Famous Last Words”
View this video on YouTube
On “Famous Last Words,” James Blake whispers in a high-pitched and haunting voice as he navigates lost love. He tries to process a series of “lasts” throughout the song—the last words, the “last of my old things,” and more. “You’re the last/ Ooh, you’re the last of my old things/ Ooh, the cast from my broken limbs,” he sings. “Famous Last Words” is a somber record that will appear on James Blake’s upcoming album, Friends That Break Your Heart, which is due on October 8.
NBA YoungBoy, “On My Side”
View this video on YouTube
NBA YoungBoy’s latest single, “On My Side,” is a hypnotizing record anchored in piano keys that finds the Baton Rouge artist singing of a ride-or-die girl who sticks by his side. “Shawty on my side, and she don’t want me to lose/ I can’t make this up bout how I came through shinin’,” he spits. Although the record seems to be about a girl, NBA YoungBoy is aggressive as he raps about his girl and lethal tendencies. “On My Side” is expected to appear on YoungBoy’s forthcoming album.
Mozzy f/ EST Gee & Babyface Ray, “Beat the Case”
View this video on YouTube
“Beat the Case” is a gritty track that unites Mozzy with EST Gee and Babyface Ray. Over a dizzying beat, Babyface Ray is a monster as he rips through the verse. EST Gee is equally compelling as he raps about street activity, and Mozzy glues the whole record together with a lethal chorus. “When they found him/ He was stiff staring into space/ With all his limbs stretched out and pellets in his face/ Lil bruh gon’ beat the case,” he spits. “Beat the Case” appears on Mozzy’s latest project, Untreated Trauma.
Lakeyah f/ Tee Grizzley, “313-414”
View this video on YouTube
“313-414” is a fiery record from Milwaukee newcomer Lakeyah. The track is one lengthy verse where Lakeyah trades bars with Tee Grizzley. Lakeyah kicks things off as she lays down dizzying and braggadocious bars about being at the top of her game and her wealth. “And they ain’t tryna step to me up in the booth, these bitches scary/ In the game runnin’ circles round this bitch like Sha’Carri/ I don’t fuck with hoes at all but I’ll pop her like a cherry,” she spits.
Iann Dior f/ Lil Uzi Vert, “V12”
View this video on YouTube
“V12” is a mellow rap song that finds a cocky Iann Dior connecting with Lil Uzi Vert as they brag about women and money. “She said I’m reckless/ Diamonds in my smile and necklace/ Don’t forget that I’m the one who did it first,” Iann Dior sings. Lil Uzi also makes sure it’s known that he does all of the popular trends first. “Hot, hot, don’t forget who did this shit first, yeah-yeah/ I’mma be this way til in a hearse, yeah-yeah,” he raps.
