This is a jam-packed week of releases and marks a lot of returns to the industry after long hiatuses. Rihanna is back with her new song, “Lift Me Up” which appears on the soundtrack for Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. SZA also returned this week with her sultry single “Shirt,” which she originally teased in 2020. And Baby Keem just dropped off the deluxe edition of his 2021 album The Melodic Blue, featuring the standout collaboration with Don Toliver and PinkPantheress called, “killstreaks.” This list also includes new songs from Smino, DVSN, Polo G, and many more.
Check out the best new music of the week below. Also stay tuned to all of the latest music releases by following our playlist on Spotify here.
Rihanna, “Lift Me Up”
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Rihanna is back! After a long hiatus, Rih is back with “Lift Me Up,” a sentimental and triumphant record. The record starts off with a slow-burning instrumental as Rihanna belts out soft and powerful vocals. On the track, the singer asks for a warm embrace and guidance, singing, “Keep me in the warmth of your love/When you depart, keep me safe.” Elsewhere on the record, Rihanna floats over sweet-sounding production, courtesy of Ludwig Göransson. This is a sweet surprise from Rihanna, who has been absent from the music world for quite some time. While many of her fans might have expected her to come back with a high-energy record, she does the exact opposite. Nevertheless this is a fitting reentry as it appears on the soundtrack of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. It’s good to have Rihanna back.
SZA, “Shirt”
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SZA has returned with a new single. “Shirt” is a smooth late-night track that finds the artist skating over bumping production. On the single, SZA delivers her signature sound while singing about dealing with the highs and lows of life and relationships. “Bloodstain on my shirt/New bitch on my nerves/Old nigga got curved/Going back on my word,” she sings. SZA has an effortless sound that easily gets listeners lost in her world. “Shirt” was originally teased on the TDE singer’s TikTok in 2020, but its official release signals SZA’s full return to music and her forthcoming album.
A little over a year after he put out his album The Melodic Blue, Baby Keem is back with the deluxe, featuring seven new singles. Of the new tracks, “killstreaks” is the obvious standout. On the track, Keem delivers a fun and mid tempo verse over an experimental beat. Don Toliver and PinkPantheress set the vibe for the record with their melodic and soft vocals. This is a smart collaboration and is bound to give Keem’s album new life.
Polo G, “Bag Talk”
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“Bag Talk” is a fiery and rambunctious track that finds Chicago’s Polo G delivering razor sharp bars about street and lethal activity. On the track, Polo G leaves nothing behind, ripping through the beats with precision. It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Polo G. His only other solo release of the year was “Distraction” in June. But his latest will likely get fans excited about what’s to come.
Smino f/ Lil Uzi Vert, “Pudgy”
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“Pudgy” is a fun record that finds Smino joining forces with Lil Uzi Vert. On the track, Smino and Uzi dance over a hypnotic beat trading dizzying bars. “Who in the truck with the pretty guts?/Pudgy from no tummy tuck/Like the city shook, mama look,” Smino spits on the chorus. Uzi comes in soft at first but ramps up energy as he raps about the afterlife. Smino and Uzi make a great duo. “Pudgy” appears on Smino’s latest project, Luv 4 Rent.
DVSN, “Get Even”
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“Get Even” is the final track on DVSN’s new album, Working on My Karma, but it will definitely leave a lasting impression. On the track, Daniel Daley sings over a rich traditional R&B beat. This isn’t an old love song, though. Instead, Daley sings about infidelity in a relationship. Despite the topic, “Get Even” is a very sultry and smooth record that is a must-listen.
Duke Deuce f/ DJ Paul, “What You Rep”
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On “What You Rep,” Duke Deuce teams up with DJ Paul. It’s a rowdy record that finds Duke stomping over a sinister beat. Duke Deuce is aggressive as he rips through bars and yells on the chorus. DJ Paul also delivers a memorable, dizzying verse. “What You Rep” is a song for outside functions and ignites high energy. The track appears on Duke Deuce’s new mixtape, Memphis Massacre III.
Morray, “Letter to Myself”
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“Letter to Myself” is another sentimental record from Morray. Over a smooth beat anchored in guitar strings, Morray delivers velvety vocals as he sings about his come up and overcoming hardship. “I used the want the racks by the duffle and the cheques by the millions,” he sings. And although he’s been through some obstacles, he sings about his perseverance and triumphs. Morray is one of the folk singers of our times and “Letter to Myself” is another inspirational record that speaks not only to his story but many others like him.
Ice Spice, “Bikini Bottom”
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Ice Spice is the it-girl of the moment, and she’s back with “Bikini Bottom.” The track is a play on Spongebob Squarepants’ hometown, and the beat borrows some inspiration from the instrumentals used in the hit Nickelodeon show. On the song, Ice Spice rips through the beat, which also includes some Brooklyn drill inspiration, spitting, “How can I lose if I’m already chose? Like/If she feelin’ hot, then I make that bitch froze.” Though her voice is soft and feminine, Ice Spice commands the beat with power. The track serves as a follows up to her hit single, “Munch.” If you thought she was done, think again. She’s just getting started.
Westside Gunn f/ Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah & Stove God Cooks, “Science Class”
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Westside Gunn is back with a super collaboration. His latest track, “Science Class,” features a collective of veterans including Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and Stove God Cooks. On the track, the rappers trade punchy verses over a classic beat produced by Swizz Beatz. This is a memorable collaboration that finds each artist in their own bag, showing off what they do best. But they are also cohesive on wax. “Science Class” appears on Westside Gunn’s latest project, 10.
Trippie Redd & Don Toliver, “Ain’t Safe”
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Trippie Redd and Don Toliver teamed up on their new collaboration, “Ain’t Safe.” The track is a hazy, mid-tempo track that finds Don Toliver lending his vocals to the chorus. Trippie Redd brings the energy as he sings about feeling unprotected. “You play with my brothers, then you gotta pay/We zip that boy up like he rockin’ some BAPE,” Trippie sings. Don Toliver and Trippie Redd are a dynamic duo on the track. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for them to collaborate more in the future.
Mariah the Scientist, “Bout Mine”
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“Bout Mine” is a sensual record from Mariah the Scientist that finds the singer delivering strong vocals about her strong desires for her partner. On the track, she makes it clear that there is nothing she won’t do for her love. “Hope everybody in here knows that I/Won’t hesitate to crash/Bet you know how I’m/I bet you know how I’m comin’,” she sings. Although a lot of folks say that love is dead when it comes to modern R&B, Mariah the Scientist is showing us all that love is still a cool topic to sing about on wax.
