Lil Yachty, “Drippin” Feat. 21 Savage and Sauce Walka
Lil Boat is an acquired taste: it’s either sink or swim; you like his woozy, oft-kilter rhymes or you’re repulsed by the thought of remedial wordplay. But Yatchy isn’t trying to be anything that he isn’t, and in this case he sets the tone with a swaying verse sandwiched between 21 Savage’s muck-mouthed rhymes and the tornado delivery of Sauce Walka. It’s a wave and has all the makings of a hi-hi-hi-hi-hit.
Raz Simone, “Afraid of Me” Feat. Jay Park
Raz Simone premiered his single “Afraid of Me” right on time for his tour with Macklemore. The Seattle-based artist teamed up with Korean star Jay Park, who also resides in Seattle, for the latest addition. The production work incorporates a variety of elements from hip-hop, pop, and even electronica–all of which mix into a melting pot of musical vibrations to develop a sound that is both energizing and ear-catching.— Erin Ashley Simon
Verse Simmonds, “Best For You”
R&B hitmaker Verse Simmonds is keeping it very real on his new track “Best For You.” Channeling a mixture of both love and pain, and using his quick rhyming skills, Verse is singing out to a girlfriend, admitting that his infidelity might be what she needs in order for her to leave him because, honestly, he’s not going to be ‘the one’ for her. This is the third release off of his upcoming album To All The Girls and from the sounds of this track, the LP definitely goes hard. Take a listen.— Amber Mackie
Bishop Briggs, “The Way I Do”
If you missed the initial wave caused by BISHOP, courtesy of her folk-turned-trap viral hit “Wild Horses,” here’s your chance to get reintroduced. Now having changed her stage-name to Bishop Briggs, the Los Angeles (by way of London) singer has just released her second single “The Way I Do” and it’s clear she’s got a knack for blending genres. Snaps and hymnal-like humming open the track before Briggs declares like a devotional: “Laid my heart down/ Laid it down for you/ Put my arms out/ Put ’em out to you,” all before church-like organs back the chorus, making for some seriously hypnotic gospel-tinged dark-pop. Bishop’s got a commandingly soulful voice and she’s not afraid to use it. In fact, it’s already caught the attention of Coldplay, who she’ll be opening for on their upcoming U.S. tour, so get familiar.— Danielle Cheesman
HBK CJ, “How Would You Feel” Feat. Kevin McCall
We’ve all gotten hip to IAMSU!, Kehlani, and Sage the Gemini from The Heartbreak Gang (aka HBK Gang). However, the group is still big enough that we aren’t yet fully acquainted with the rest of the squad. So, let me introduce you to HBK CJ. As a member of this Bay Area crew, CJ has been moving in the shadows for some time. However, he’s now ready to put himself out there, starting with his latest single “How Would You Feel,” featuring Kevin McCall. What’s unique about CJ is his versatility. Want him to create a Bay Area-sounding track? Check. Want him to have an R&B-styled song? Check. If you’re loving this, stay tuned for his upcoming project, Crash Course 2.— E.A.S.