New Music Roundup (April 7th - April 11th)

1. Cymarshall Law & Slimline Mutha ft. Planet Asia & DJ Rhettmatic – Blowtorch

Cymarshall Law has built a reputation for his thought-provoking lyricism and collaborations with hip-hop heavyweights like KRS-ONE, Sean Price, Elzhi, and Homeboy Sandman. Now, he is amped to release the first official single off his long-awaited new album, The Peaceful Warrior 2: Raw Self-Expression, with UK beatmaker Slimline Mutha, arriving Friday, June 13 on his own Freedom Entertainment (distributed physically by Fats Beats and digitally by Soul Spazm).

Anticipation for The Peaceful Warrior 2: Raw Self-Expression detonates with today’s premiere of the explosive new single, “Blowtorch (ft. Planet Asia w/ cuts by DJ Rhettmatic).” Produced by Slimline Mutha (Sene, Everliven Sound, Loose Cannon), the track is available now at all DSPs and streaming services.

“Blowtorch” is a potent preview of what’s to come on The Peaceful Warrior 2: Raw Self-Expression. It sees Cy teaming up with West Coast legend Planet Asia to unleash a verbal inferno. Their fiery rhymes are elevated by razor-sharp cuts from Southern Cal’s DJ Rhettmatic, adding a classic hip-hop essence to the blazing collaboration. Cy takes no prisoners as he eviscerates weak MCs with lines like: “State your claim—nowadays, these rappers ain’t the same / With a faker chain, you couldn’t write a verse that’s fly on a paper plane.”

The song is just one example of the many exhilarating highlights from The Peaceful Warrior 2: Raw Self-Expression. The 13-song collection is an unfiltered declaration of fearless authenticity and creative freedom. The pyro pen-pushing maestro flexes his signature style throughout his sonic journey, seamlessly blending Jamaican, British, and American influences to create a truly immersive listening experience.

Cy’s techniques as a verbal assassin have garnered high-profile praise from SiriusXM’s Rap Is Outta Control, Underground Hip-Hop Blog, and DJ Booth, to name only a few. Hip-Hop DX probably said it best: “Cymarshall Law is a conscious dude. He may boast a lot and talk tough on occasion but for the most part he wants everybody to speak out against “the establishment,” live up to their potential, and reminisce about how Hip Hop used to be, good, as opposed to how he sees it now, bad.”

The versatile MC remains dedicated to preserving the essence of the art form that first inspired him. His relentless pursuit of his dreams and ambitions is further reflected in his book, 52 Laws of Freedom, which he’ll be presenting to a live audience during his recently announced trip to Japan. When asked about the single release, album, and other recent milestones, Cy shares:

“Hip-hop, at its core, is fearless self-expression—an unfiltered truth that refuses to be silenced. “Blowtorch” is a reflection of that fire, a reminder that lyricism still reigns and authenticity still matters. Every verse is a declaration, every beat a testament to the journey. This album is not just music—it’s an unbreakable spirit, a legacy of raw artistry, and a call to elevate the craft. No shortcuts, no compromises—just truth.”

With “Blowtorch,” Cymarshall Law & Slimline Mutha set the stage for what’s to come, offering fans a taste of raw, unfiltered artistry. Pre-save The Peaceful Warrior 2: Raw Self-Expression HERE. For more information about Cymarshall Law, visit hiphopintheflesh.com.

2. Abrina – Typa Girl

Rising R&B star Abrina returns with her empowering new single “Typa Girl,” out now via Dazzle Records. Download / Stream here. Following the February release of her sultry track “Passion,” the San Diego native keeps the momentum going with a confident, DJ-ready anthem that celebrates self-assurance and individuality — inspired by an outpouring of love from her growing French fanbase after a standout performance of “Good Love” on Radio France, “Typa Girl” channels that unstoppable energy into a feel-good, summer-ready groove.

The single was crafted alongside a tight-knit creative team, including acclaimed producers Kenneth “KP” Paige and Corey Cooper. Together with Abrina co-writing, the trio delivers a slick, danceable record that blends infectious melodies with empowering lyrics. “It was just a few of us in the studio,” Abrina says, “but sometimes, that’s all you need to create something special.”

Confident and unfiltered, “Typa Girl” is a statement track that reflects Abrina’s bold spirit and evolving artistry. “I’m the type of girl who knows exactly what I want and isn’t afraid to say it—because this is my world,” she shares. With its irresistible rhythm and empowering message, the track is set to be a staple on summer playlists and club dancefloors alike.

This new single also marks a new chapter of clarity and self-reliance in the “Sunset Cliff” era — a metaphorical road to success where ABRINA sheds old baggage and steps fully into her power. The EP includes previous singles “Passion,” “Good Love,” and “Pleasure” and speaks to transformation, freedom, and feminine strength.

Experience Abrina’s new single, “Typa Girl,”  out now on all streaming platforms.

3. Cautious Clay – Father Time

4. MARCO PLUS – omm

Today, hip-hop artist MARCO PLUS released his new single, “omm” to declare he’s not up next, he’s got it right now. The single is now available to stream here via Roc Nation Distribution.

The Atlanta Southside native emerges to make a clear statement: he is hip-hop’s newest staple. If you didn’t know it yet, the word on the street is MARCO PLUS might just be better than your favorite rapper. His ability is unmatched, and he knows it, dropping lines like “Off the dome I drop a cold 16, they like this n*gga snapped.” He backs up his bold claims by explaining, “I done came a long way but still I got so far to go, I ain’t doing no dickriding so I expect to have the harsher road.” With this new single, MARCO PLUS proves he is ready to make his mark on the industry.

“omm” follows his most recent release, “gmfu.” Even The Breakfast Club is talking, Charlamagne tha God deeming his track “Real Deal Playa” as “tough”.  PLUS is no stranger to making waves on the internet, his On The Radar Instagram performance this past summer continues to perform across socials, with more than a million total views across Twitter and TikTok.

His 2024 album, SOLACE, caught co-signs and nods from top-tier artists like J. Cole, Smino, Earthgang, Eric Bellinger, Wiz Khalifa, Joey Bada$$, Isaiah Rashad and much more which further solidified his rising status. J.I.D himself co-signed PLUS, calling him a “real spitta.”

PLUS has earned over 6M all-time streams and continues to accumulate 43K+ streams weekly, proving his growing influence in the hip-hop world. He was also named one of Complex’s Pigeons and Planes 2023 Best New Artists and he’s not letting up anytime soon. As a key member of the up-and-coming collective BAKKKSEAT! HOUSE, the 27-year-old’s journey is just beginning.

5. Savannah Ré – Nine Lives

3x JUNO Award-winning R&B singer-songwriter Savannah Ré is back! Known for her ethereal vocals and hypnotic melodies, the Toronto native masterfully blends vulnerability and strength, crafting a sound that’s as sultry as it is soulful. Her artistry has earned praise and co-signs from heavyweights like Grammy-winning producer Boi-1da, Babyface, Jessie Reyez, and Drake—who sampled her “Sex With My Ex” single on his 100Gigs website.

Savannah returns with her new single “Nine Lives,” out now via Matrimony Records. “Nine Lives” feels like an intimate, late night conversation about love and toxicity in relationships, wrapped in an acoustic guitar-led instrumental, hypnotic melodies, and diary-like confessions. Savannah reminisces about past lovers and fleeting romances, ultimately finding the clarity to end a toxic relationship—fully aware that they’ll eventually spin the block later on. Serving as a double entendre, the concept of “Nine Lives” also applies to Savannah’s journey through womanhood, in which she reflects on the past versions of herself that makes her who she is today. 

Speaking on the new single, Savannah says, “‘Nine Lives’ is an autobiography, it’s reclaiming the power of having gone through so many different phases and things that should’ve killed you, and coming out the other side bigger and better. This woman has so many layers and is stronger for it. The word ‘p*ssy’ can be seen as something vulgar and objectifying, but it really should be revered with all the power it holds and life it brings. You gon’ have to try 8 times harder to break me.”

Since the release of critically acclaimed debut Opia EP in 2020, Savannah Ré has since solidified her status as a true force in R&B, consistently showcasing her artistry through an impressive string of high-profile collaborations with the likes of Babyface, Normani, Jessie Reyez, Wondagurl, and many more. In addition to her exceptional songwriting, Savannah Ré has earned widespread recognition, with nominations for prestigious honors like the SOCAN Songwriting Prize and the Polaris Music Prize. She’s also made Canadian music history as the first artist to be nominated for both the Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year JUNO Award (“Where You Are”) and the Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year JUNO Award (“Solid”). Gearing up to release a new body of work in 2025, Savannah Ré continues to make waves in the R&B space, embracing the beauty of constant growth and evolution through her music.

6. Hurricane Wisdom ft. Dthang – Mind Gone

Equally capable of impressing with pain music and party anthems, Hurricane Wisdom is one of Florida’s most promising talents. Turning on his considerable charm, Hurricane shares “Mind Gone,” the latest music video from his hit project Perfect Storm. Produced by LXCI, “Mind Gone” is a slinky, summery anthem that borrows sounds from sexy drill, encouraging Hurricane to embrace his ladies man tendencies. He is joined on the track by Bronx rapper Dthang, who makes himself at home on the drill beat. In the video, Hurricane and Dthang take a group of baddies on a series of dates in their Wraiths, making time for laser tag, go-kart racing, and bowling during an eventful evening. “Mind Gone” follows the video for “On God,” a collaboration with Atlanta rapper Raq Baby, which reached the Top 15 of YouTube’s Trending chart for music, and racked up over 1 million views, and “Winter’s Over,” Hurricane’s new collaboration with Murda Beatz and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.

Charting on the Billboard 200 for three weeks and counting (#126 peak), Perfect Storm illustrates why Hurricane Wisdom is one of the most exciting artists in his home state’s bustling rap scene. From the opening track, the invigorating chipmunk soul “No Fatigue,” the North Florida rapper delivers addictive melodies and unapologetic lyrics with the kinetic urgency of an artist hellbent on achieving rap stardom. Perfect Storm is home to “Giannis (Remix),” a new version of Hurricane’s 2024 breakout hit with a guest verse from Polo G. The remix has over 5 million streams across platforms, and came hot on the heels of “Salute” (4.6 million video views), his collab with fellow North Florida rapper Loe Shimmy. Featuring additional guest spots from NoCap, Fredo Bang, Skilla Baby, Sleepy Hallow, and more, Perfect Storm is available on all platforms via Open Shift Distribution.

Born and raised in Havana, Florida, just 30 minutes from Tallahassee, Hurricane Wisdom earned a big fanbase (169k YouTube subscribers, 350k Instagram followers) with his emotionally honest lyrics and entrancing melodies. His 2024 project Eye Of The Storm featured “Giannis,” a kinetic anthem dedicated to the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, which became Hurricane Wisdom’s biggest hit to date, with over 15 million YouTube views and 6 million Spotify streams. “Giannis” earned rapturous reviews from critics, as well, including Pitchfork, who called the song “the feel-good Florida anthem of the moment” and listed it at #36 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2024.

With co-signs from Rod Wave and NLE Choppa, an opening slot on tour with BossMan Dlow (including this weekend’s performance at Rolling Loud California), and coverage in Billboard, BET, UPROXX, AllHipHop, and more, the conditions are perfect for Hurricane Wisdom to make a major impact on the rap game. Keep an eye out…a storm is coming.

7. Nettspend – Shut Up

8. Bootsy Collins – Album Of The Year #1 Funkateer

Today, funk legend Bootsy Collins releases his 23rd studio album Album of the Year #1 Funkateer out now on Bootzilla Records/ Roc Nation. Listen to the album here and the lead single “Bubblepop” featuring Ice Cube and Fantaazma here. 

Bootsy Collins, even at his 73 year-old, funk legend, wise-elder status, remains a deeply curious, experimental artist who is ever-evolving. This album finds Bootsy in the producer’s chair, with an A&R top hat and the funky bass still in his hands. He’s gathered talent established and new – including Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Wiz Khalifa, and Dave Stewart, as well as newcomers October London, Harry Mack, Baby Triggy, Fantaazma, and more. 

“When I start on a project now, it’s about getting the energy from people around me,” says funk maestro Bootsy Collins. “Because the way I came up, with a band, I don’t ever want to lose that. It’s important to me to see who the universe brings for me, and I’ve been really blessed that every time I want to do a new record, I get these incredible musicians around me, right on time. And that’s what this album is about—hooking up with different musicians and artists, and mainly a lot of young people.” 

The result is a genre-bending kaleidoscope of funk, punk, rock, r&b, pop, and even a little electronic futuristic vibes as Bootsy contemplates AI. He is letting his alter egos – Bootdullivan, Bootzilla, Caspar the funky ghost, and Bootronix among others – join the party, with seductive jams (“Pure Perfection”), futuristic exploratory musings (“I.Am.AI.”, “Ubiquitous” – a true jam), pure funk fun (“Bubblepop”, “Fishnets”, “Chicken & Fries”) and unexpected rock-pop genius (“Satellite”). 

Talking about his new Album of the Year #1 Funkateer leads Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Collins to revisit the most pivotal moment in his legendary career, when James Brown hired the Pacemakers—the band led by teenage Bootsy and his brother Catfish—to replace his backing group in 1970. 

“I understand now why we were really important at that particular time for James Brown,” says Collins. “It wasn’t just the music. It was because we were lit up, and I understand that more now. With the young artists that are really on fire, I get lit up, and it reminds me that you don’t have to just stand around and not be feeling it, you can be absorbing all this fresh, new energy. I get off on that. I guess you can say that I moved from being a player and now I’m a coach. I want to be looked at as a help, a mentor, somebody they can look up to and trust. That’s my goal.” 

In addition to working with young artists like Barbara Teleki (whose blazing guitar rips up “Barbie T & Me”) and the mysterious Bootdullivan, Collins brought in some other legendary contributors to help him mix things up on Album of the Year, including longtime friend Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. 

“I asked Dave if he would be interested in collaborating,” says Collins, “and that sparked the first vibe of, yeah, I can stretch out—I can make some rock and funk and merge that together with some hip-hop. That’s what we did on the first single, ‘The Influencers.’” 

“Then on ‘Satellite,’ I heard him playing acoustic guitar and that put me in the right mood,” he continues. “Okay, this can be, like, a real song from Bootsy. I usually don’t do real songs, I guess that’s part of my thing, but that one and ‘Alien Flytrap’ brought me back to why people do songs with a form and a structure and this time, I wanted to.” 

The album also reunites Collins with Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and tha Dogg Pound, all of whom helped keep the P-Funk flag flying by mutating the sound into the West Coast G-Funk era. “Even before we knew each other, we were drawn to each other,” says Collins. “They’ll never forget, and we’ll never forget them, because they kept the fire burning. It’s like we’re each other’s keeper. They can call me, I can call them, whatever you need, I’m there.” 

9. Lojay ft. Odeal – Mwah!

Today, two-time GRAMMY-nominated Afrobeats singer-songwriter Lojay released a new single titled, “Mwah!,” featuring MOBO Award-winning R&B artist Odeal. The track is a sultry, slow-burning anthem that delves into themes of love, passion, and desire. 

Lojay establishes the vibe on ‘Mwah!’ with evocative lyrics such as “swing my way with your cinnamon fragrance,” creating a vivid depiction of an intimate connection. Lojay’s fluid delivery is perfectly complemented by Odeal’s velvety vocals as the duo effortlessly trade verses. The end result is a seamless fusion of Afro-R&B, demonstrating the undeniable rapport between the two artists.

Lojay expressed his enthusiasm about joining forces with Odeal, stating,”The best thing about ‘Mwah!’ was how unexpectedly it came to life. I had listened to Odeal’s music before meeting him, but I really didn’t know what to expect from the session. I think that was part of what made it so magical. The chemistry was instant, and ‘Mwah!’ was the first song to come out of our first link-up.”

The release of ‘Mwah!’ comes on the heels of his recent GRAMMY nomination for “Sensational,” alongside global superstars Chris Brown and Davido, and the release of his recent single “Somebody Like You,” offering a tantalizing glimpse into what fans can expect from Lojay’s highly anticipated debut album slated for release later this year. This new single marks Lojay’s first collaboration with Odeal, who is fresh off winning two MOBO Awards following the release of his sophomore EP, Lustropolis. 

“Mwah!” is available now on all streaming platforms. For more information and future project announcements, follow Lojay on Instagram @lojaymusic.

10. Abstract Mindstate ft. David Banner – Bar Louie

The story of the Chicago Hip-Hop duo known as Abstract Mindstate is one of extraordinary resilience. Their debut album We Paid, Let Us In! reached cult status in the early 2000s, but the male/female pair comprised of Olskool Ice-Gre and E.P. Da Hellcat didn’t get their first big break until 20 years later, long after they had already called it quits as recording artists. After connecting with their Midwest compatriot Young RJ for new music and touring in Europe with Slum Village in 2024, Gre and EP return today (4/9/2025) with renewed momentum and motivation on their new Young RJ-produced single “Bar Louie”.  Available on all major digital streaming platforms via Honest Music/Barak With Love/Vydia, the song features a fervent guest verse from David Banner. The Olskool Ice-Gre-directed music video was shot in Atlanta, with visuals ranging from literal and sarcastic translations of the song’s lyrics.

11. Nafeesisboujee – New Benz

The 20-year-old singer, songwriter and producer phenom Nafeesisboujee announces the release of his debut yours truly, nafees EP is slated to release on April 25th via 10k Projects. In celebration, he shares his thrilling new single “new benz” today.  As seen through the new single written by Nafees, ​​Curtis Waters, Maasho and produced by Nick Mash, the project houses a collection of kaleidoscopic tracks that capture a familiar coming of age story through a global lens – the fears, the excitement, the butterflies and the lessons learned as a teenager that stay with you forever. “new benz” soundtracks the memory of prom for a young Nafees and the array of feelings and emotions that make up such a pivotal moment.

With a cult following already and over 120 million total global streams across his catalogue under his belt, Nafees is capturing the hearts of the young generation across the globe – and all while in college. His music blends palpable introspection with vibrant, infectious melodies pulling from indie-pop, rap, electronic elements and beyond, solidifying his place as one of today’s most exciting young voices to arrive in music today. The young Bengali artist is paving his own way and filling a space in the larger pop arena that has long been missing through his multi-dimensional representation and as a true voice of a generation.

Additionally, Nafees announced his debut headlining The International Dream Tour hits Los Angeles on June 1st, Chicago on June 9th, and wraps in New York on June 14th bringing the scintillating world that he’s created to life for the very first time. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 11th – ticket buy links below.

The track arrives hot on the heels of the colossal explosion of his hit song “Stephanie” which catapulted the young artist to global lengths, amassing 10M+ streams and 100M+ views in just a matter of weeks. Through his one-of-a-kid art and journey, Nafees redefines the new International Dream today. The Cape Town born and raised Nafees first wrote “Stephanie” ahead of ever stepping foot into the U.S. in 2023 and it was later the first song he ever released when he arrived in America for college, quickly becoming an instant hit halfway through his Freshman year of college as it found connection with millions of young people congregating and finding community on the internet. Nafees later joined forces with beloved Asian-American creator Erica Ha on a special online moment for “Stephanie,” revealing the true Stephanie.

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, to Bengali parents with Angolan roots, Nafees fell in love with music as a young kid soaking up the sounds of Michael Jackson and other pop greats. He quickly taught himself to write, record, mix, and master his own music on BandLab and he started releasing in middle school. Inspired by the DIY ethos and magnetism of the Odd Future era and early SoundCloud rap, he shaped his sound through a myriad of digital influences while navigating his identity as a Bengali-Muslim student growing up in an American high school in South Africa. Nafees discovered his voice amongst an internet generation that was shaped by creative pioneers like Steve Lacy, whose breakout album Gemini Rights was a major inspiration for the teen who became enamored with pop melodies and witty love songs. As Nafees moves through his new journey in America as a teen entering his 20s who is finding himself and navigating the world while also caring for his family back home, he takes listeners along for a ride through a new body of work that is wildly honest and thrilling in nature.

Nafees’ subsequent singles like “Spin U Round,” “Barbie & Ken,” and “Hailey” have made him a relatable voice for teens and college students navigating love, identity, and self-discovery. One of his latest singles, “Maddie,” co-produced by Curtis Waters, is a mature step forward, reflecting on the complicated relationships that have shaped him at just 19 years old. 

Nafees has found belonging and creative nourishment with the buzzing POC-led artist community KOGO, who have cultivated and supported prolific originals like REHMA, CONNIE, Curtis Waters, KOAD, Asha Imuno, Alé Araya and others.

QUOTE ON “NEW BENZ” FROM NAFEESISBOUJEE:

“’new benz’ is that feeling of picking up the love of your life right before you go to prom, senior year of high school, something to bump in the whip & feel fly to…a memory from my time in Cape Town and a continuation of the story of ‘part time thing‘.”

12. GenevieveArtadi with Norrbotten Big Band – Life Explorer

LA-based singer, composer, and instrumentalist Genevieve Artadi proudly shares her collaborative album with the famed Norrbotten Big Band, entitled Another Leaf, out now everywhere via Brainfeeder. In honor of the announcement, Genevieve also releases the music video for opening track “Life Exploder,” which features appearances by the Big Band as well as Genevieve’s steadfast collaborator and KNOWER bandmate, the inimitable Louis Cole. The ensuing weeks will reveal additional videos for the project.

Directed by Genevieve herself, “Life Exploder” teems with the playful, DIY charms that she’s known for. She appears as a disembodied head, floating between all sorts of disparate scenes: floating underwater, passing by the wing of a plane, launching from a cannon. Her noggin tumbles along the same way the song rollicks, whisked forward by flittering clarinet, saxophone and Louis Cole’s own superb percussion skills.

Approached to be Composer-in-Residence for the Norrbotten Big Band in 2019 by their Creative

Director Joakim Milder (saxophonist, composer, and professor of improvisation at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm), Genevieve felt intimidated to the point of almost turning it down. However, the opportunity to work with one of Europe’s most prominent and adventurous ensembles, known for pushing genres and creating unique musical encounters, proved too big to miss. “It ended up being one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” she says. The fruits of their labors are recorded on Another Leaf, which comprises live performances with Norrbotten Big Band in Sweden from the premiere in 2019, and later in 2022 with Louis Cole on drums. 

“With this project I tried to expand my sound into big orchestration in a way that would be

hopefully interesting for the Norrbotten Big Band,” she explains. “To express personal feelings through and alongside seventeen musicians required me to think deeper about melodies, voicings, instrument colors, and how they can make coherent pictures while interweaving.”

The title – Another Leaf – reflects Genevieve’s feelings about the whole experience: “It shows a different side of me from what people usually get, or maybe perceive,” she says. “I came out of the experience feeling new, which compliments the theme of the song where it gets its name.”

13. Aminé – Arc de Triomphe

After previewing it earlier this week in his new On The Radar freestyle, Aminé returns to share the studio version of new single “Arc de Triomphe.” The song comes on the heels of Aminé announcing the May 16th release of 13 Months of Sunshine, his long-awaited third full-length solo LP and follow-up to his 2020 album Limbo. Aminé has stayed busy in the years between, releasing his TWOPOINTFIVE mixtape in 2021 and acclaimed, collaborative full length KAYTRAMINÉ with KAYTRANADA in 2023, debuting multiple pairs of sneakers he has designed as part of his ongoing collaboration with New Balance, embarking on 2022’s The Best Tour Ever Tour and launching his inaugural hometown festival The Best Day Ever in Portland in 2024.

13 Months of Sunshine was led by “Familiar,” a song that sees Aminé diving fully into the dance-leaning production he first ventured into with TWOPOINTFIVE and explored further over the course of KAYTRAMINÉ. With the assistance of longtime producer Pasqué and heavyweights Loukeman, Buddy Ross and Jim-E Stack, “Familiar” set the stage and “Arc de Triomphe” further illuminates the forthcoming album’s direction. The Lido-assisted song features an iconic sample of The Streets’ “Has It Come To This?” and a skipping, two-step beat.

Listen to “Arc de Triomphe” above now and stay tuned for more from Aminé soon.

14. Day Lee – Fill The Void

Ascendant R&B star Day Lee readies his forthcoming EP with a brand new single, titled “Fill The Void,” out now via Sincerely Yours – Listen HERE. Primed for widespread acclaim, the project is due this summer, serving as his label debut and first full-length release of 2025.

On the inspiration behind his latest offering, Day Lee states, “This song is about that one person you just can’t shake — the one you’ve stayed exclusive for, even when things get complicated. It’s about proving that no matter how many people have tried and failed to be what they need, I’m the one who truly gets them. I’m the one who should be there tonight.”

Hailing from the Lower East Side, Day Lee has an uncanny ability to create music that’s imbued with dreamlike wonder. The new record is anchored by soulful melodies, featuring vibrant synthesizers shimmering over a light drum groove. From start to finish, it feels as intimate as a late-night conversation that fully dives into themes of romantic longing and desire.

“Fill The Void” heralds a new chapter in Day Lee’s musical journey as he maintains his hallmark of authenticity. From early beginnings singing in the church choir to studio sessions with the late PnB Rock, and collaborations with Lil Tjay, OhGeesy, and Roddy Ricch, he’s a force to be reckoned with.

15. Sheck Wes ft. Travis Scott – ILMB

The multidisciplinary artist Sheck Wes today released his highly anticipted new single, “ILMB.” Featuring Cactus Jack head honcho Travis Scott, the pair trade verses back and forth on the track which features bass-heavy industrial production and an insatiable hook that garnered much acclaim from Sheck’s fans when he first teased the track earlier this month. Fans may get a chance to hear the track live at Coachella this weekend when Travis Scott and Cactus Jack take to their very own “desert experience.” 

The “Mo Bamba” phenom soundtracked a summer and beyond with his viral hit. Since then, Sheck Wes released a debut album Mudboy (2018, Cactus Jack/G.O.O.D. Music/Interscope Records) walked countless fashion shows in New York, Paris, Dubai, London, splitting his time between Harlem and Senegal to build community projects and youth programs in the region. The 24-year-old Jackboy artist has travelled the globe performing his high energy tracks and adding his signature features on tracks with Juice Wrld, Chase B, DJ Snake, and more recently the J.I.D festival anthem “Stick.” The Harlem, NY artist also added professional basketball player to his resume when he was drafted by Paris Basketball and led the team to a second place victory in the LNB Pro B championship. Now at work on his follow up project, Sheck Wes continues to create music that riles up crowds with his larger than life personality and signature sound. 

16. Kizz Daniel, Angelique Kidjo, Johnny Drille – Police

International chart-topper Kizz Daniel’s upcoming single “Police” delivers an explosive musical alliance as the Nigerian superstar joins forces with Global icon and 5X Grammy Award winning artist Angelique Kidjo and vocal powerhouse Johnny Drille for this spring’s most contagious banger. Dropping this Friday (April 11), the single from his upcoming album Unkle K creates an unprecedented fusion of African musical brilliance—Kidjo’s legendary cross-cultural vocals intertwining with Kizz’s chart-dominating sound and Drille’s soul-stirring delivery. This instant vacation playlist essentially sets the tone for Kizz’s long awaited summer album release and upcoming U.S. tour hitting Baltimore (CFG Arena, May 24), Houston (May 26), and Los Angeles (June 1).

Some refresher music background on Kizz — Following the success of his recent dual pack singles, “We Must” and “Mar Haba,” Kizz Daniel continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Kizz has built up incredible momentum, with his popularity reaching new heights kicking off the year with a bang, releasing the Davido-assisted remix to “Twe Twe,” which served as a launching pad for his runaway success. In March, he surprised fans with the release of the most recent EP titled “TZA” (Thankz Alot), which has been met with widespread acclaim.

17. Icewear Vezzo – Pop My Sh*t

Blending raw realism with slick, laid-back confidence, Icewear Vezzo’s music is gritty, heavy in street wisdom, and unapologetically Detroit. Fresh off the heels of his UNDEFEATED EP, Vezzo keeps the streets fed with the video for “Let Me Pop My Sh*t,” out now!

“Let Me Pop My Sh*t” finds Vezzo in his element, rhyming over a minimal, yet hard-hitting production as he makes it clear that his right to flex is earned and not given. Vezzo’s signature delivery shines throughout the track; he doesn’t rush his verses—he lets each bar breathe, giving off a cool, unbothered energy while still dropping sharp quotables about his unwavering hustle. The video captures Vezzo showcasing just a glimpse of what the fruits of his labor looks like: glistening jewelry, fast whips, and bottomless racks of cash. 

“Let Me Pop My Sh*t” continues Vezzo’s red-hot run in 2025, following his March-released UNDEFEATED EP. Earning praise from Billboard, BET, Okayplayer, and more, UNDEFEATED captures Vezzo’s deep connection to his roots while celebrating his unshakable resilience. From overcoming systemic barriers to facing industry doubt, Vezzo proves to be stronger than ever, and the 9-track EP is proof positive that his success has no glass ceiling when it comes. So if anyone’s earned the right to pop his sh*t, it’s Vezzo.

18. Harrison Lipton ft. Yot Club – Tether

Today, New York’s triple threat songwriter/producer/artist Harrison Lipton announces his sophomore album Between Us There Runs a Tether will be released on May 7 via Amuse. The news arrives along with title track “Tether” featuring master of the indie-pop earworm, Yot Club. Pre-order the album / Stream “Tether”

“This album is a snapshot of my late 20s,” Lipton shares. “Feeling down and out, feeling pressured to find the right person to be with, trying to figure out where to go from here, looking in the rearview mirror and seeing the trailing end of a rope connecting the dots between highs, lows, mistakes, heartbreak, joy. And then at the same time, looking forward and seeing that same rope stretching into the future with all the endless possibilities and realizing that I’m just at one point on that line, because Between Us There Runs a Tether.” 

The title track first started taking form in a spontaneous writing session where Lipton conjured up the skeleton of “Tether” and latched onto its non-traditional architecture. He shares, “The song doesn’t have a clear verse/chorus structure, opting instead to have two hooks that meander, acting both as verse and chorus.” 

Pandemic-era internet friends turned Bushwick neighbors, Lipton and Ryan Kaiser (Yot Club) have a deep history of musical collaboration, previously teaming up for “Human Nature,” the focus track from Yot Club’s 2024 album Rufus, and most recently the single “On the Ground”, which Yot Club released last month. Needing to return a forgotten tote bag from a recent party, Lipton went over to Kaiser’s apartment and they ended up working on “Tether” together. “We started jamming on it, and he was playing these blisteringly-fast riffs. It was so much fun, I remember he said something like ‘there’s so much you could do on this’ because it just felt so good.” 

In today’s official video directed by Breanna Lynn, Lipton and Kaiser are joined by Ian Bakerman on drums and Ashley Mayorquin of Big Dumb Baby and May Rio on the keys. Employing signature, gently self-deprecating humor, Lipton and Yot Club play up an encouraging bromance throughout. The video toys with breaking the fourth wall, poking fun at the pair’s height difference, all the while making a more serious statement on the discontinuity of being in two places at once. Viewers are given a literal visual to pair with the upcoming album’s core themes — Watch.

19. Cynthia Erivo – Worst Of Me

GRAMMY®, Tony®, and EMMY® Award winner and three-time Academy® Award nominee Cynthia Erivo has just shared her new single “Worst Of Me” out now via Verve Records/Republic Records. Listen HERE.
 
Additionally, she has unlocked the pre-order for her anxiously awaited new full-length solo album, I Forgive You, arriving June 6. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE.
 
“Worst Of Me” unfolds as an emotionally charged anthem anchored by her eloquent songcraft and powerhouse delivery. On the track, claps separate swooning ethereal vocal harmonies, giving way to a climactic crescendo as she makes a statement, “You could cut me deeper than the ocean, but I refuse to drown. I’m coming up. I wanna breathe again. I gave you my all, but you took the worst of me.” Strings accent its ebb and flow, while a wailing guitar solo cries out.
 
It’s just one side of I Forgive You though…
 
Cynthia has carefully curated this 20-track body of work, cowriting every song and showcasing the range of her expansive, entrancing, and enigmatic vocals. Holding nothing back and opening up more than ever before, she traces a personal, poetic, and poignant journey through romance, heartbreak, love, forgiveness, rebirth, and new beginnings.
 
Check out the full tracklisting below.
 
She initially teased this chapter with the release of “Replay.” Co-written by Cynthia and Justin Tranter (Selena Gomez, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga), it has already gathered millions of streams. Listen HERE and watch the visualizer HERE. Inciting tastemaker applause, Billboard highlighted how it “delves into the emotional rollercoaster of being human,” while ELLE hailed it as “groundbreaking,” going on to proclaim, “The confessional single is transfixing.” ESSENCE named it among “Best New Music This Week,” predicting, “Cynthia Erivo looks to add her name to the Billboard charts with the new single ‘Replay’.” Plus, she broke down the song for Genius.
 
Earlier this year, she was nominated in the category of “Best Actress” at the 2025 Academy® Awards for her unanimously acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in last year’s blockbuster Wicked. She also took the Oscars’ stage for a showstopping performance.
 
Experience I Forgive You and more from Cynthia in 2025.

20. Loyle Carner – all i need/in my mind

Loyle Carner has today shared two brand new songs, “all i need / in my mind”, which are available now via Island EMI. The London trailblazer has also been confirmed to headline Glastonbury’s iconic The Other Stage on June 27th: his only show of the summer. “all i need / in my mind” welcomes back a groundbreaking British artist, but also marks a clean break from the past: this is Loyle Carner as you’ve never seen or heard him before.
 
A-side “all i need” is an exercise in ambiguity, space, and vulnerability in all its different forms. Oscillating between images of rage and hope, its chorus has the feel of an incantation – “all I need, all I need/This is all I need” – as Loyle marries his hip-hop lineage with a wall of guitars, and breakbeat rhythms that rise and fall ultimately into peace. Having spent the last year or so watching gigs from the likes of Big Thief, Idles and Fontaines DC, “all i need” fuses the poetic rap that made Loyle Carner’s name with a love for alternative music which it’s taken his entire career to find the confidence to explore.
 
“all i need” is paired with the hypnotic “in my mind”, a hazy, sun-warmed classic of languid sounds, lyrical soul-searching and Loyle Carner’s long-hidden singing voice: a thing of scuffed, understated beauty, no longer in the shadows of another featured artist. After inadvertently forming a band around his hugo tour – a dream of Carner’s throughout his life – the introspective jam of “in my mind” sees Loyle step outside of his comfort zone, whilst also centering on what matters. The track was recorded with Loyle’s son sat on his shoulders, holding lyric sheets that in themselves connect generations of men – what you pass on, and what you’re able to let go of.
 
Loyle Carner is one of this generation’s most important young artists. A musician, writer, director, producer, entrepreneur and actor, Loyle first emerged with 2013’s A Little Late EP, and has since forged a signature blend of unflinching, diaristic lyricism with ambitious, genre-disruptive sounds. His debut album, 2017’s Yesterday’s Gone, untangled personal experiences of grief, and the pressures of coming-of-age; 2019 follow-up, Not Waving, but Drowning, further showcased Loyle’s ability to set lithe rap against old-soul wisdom. Having been twice shortlisted for the Mercury Prize – and scored further BRIT and NME Award nominations – Carner has since cultivated an impassioned worldwide following, with 1.1B streams, campaigns with global brands (YSL, New Balance, Nike) and sold-out shows including Alexandra Palace, Wembley Arena, Eventim Apollo, O2 Academy Brixton and Royal Albert Hall in his beloved London hometown alone. This journey climaxed in a 2024 headline appearance at All Points East’s 35,000 capacity Victoria Park in support of third album, hugo: a taut, textured exploration of Black identity and anger, which also landed Loyle Carner his second Top 3 album.
 
2025 will see Loyle Carner continue to push the boundaries of his art, and himself. A passionate advocate around his experiences of dyslexia and ADHD – notably founding the Chilli Con Carner cookery workshops – last year he received an honourary doctorate from UAL in recognition of his powerful rise thus far. Already confirmed to headline Glastonbury’s iconic The Other Stage in June, 2025 features another landmark first: namely Carner’s acting debut in Mint, a BBC drama from BAFTA-nominated Scrapper director Charlotte Regan. Opening a new creative chapter with ‘all i need / in my mind’, in an always-unpredictable career Loyle Carner’s work has remained as affectingly personal as it is uplifting and universal. A decade in, and his impact has never been clearer: the same local hero, now rightly regarded as one of the UK’s most vital voices.
 

21. Zillionaire Doe – Set In Stone

Today, CMG artist Zillionaire Doe delivered his new single “Set In Stone,” which is now available to stream HERE via Yo Gotti’s CMG Records.  

The new single is a testament to the rapper’s unwavering confidence and commitment to this craft, making it clear that he’s not here to negotiate his worth.  “I ain’t going back and forth on my price, shit set in stone” Doe raps, setting the tone for bosses who are ready to take charge. The self-proclaimed “Big Doe” deems himself the “youngest boss n*gga” and he spits “When you really plugged in, hard to call it quits,” showing the dedication it takes to keep pushing forward in the game.  

The accompanying music video proves Doe practices what he preaches, he is really in charge and true to the lifestyle. Rocking Louis Vuitton from head to toe, he can be seen calling the shots, whether he’s in the streets or on stage. Doe makes the point that his team is sticking beside him, a few wearing shirts that read “Free Da Prince.”  

This release follows his previous single, “Pull Up (ft. BossMan Dlow)” where the Dallas native showcased his lyrical ability over a sample of Mike Jones’ classic “Back Then.” “Pull Up” marked his first release since signing with CMG, continuing to build momentum for the Dallas-native artist. 

Doe formally signed with CMG at the top of this year, joining a powerhouse label roster that includes GloRilla, Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg, EST Gee, Big Boogie and more. He’s already garnered public support from hip-hop heavyweights such as Future and Rod Wave, further solidifying his presence in the industry. 

Since stepping into the rap scene in 2022, Doe has been making waves with a string of standout releases, including his debut project, Life of A Zillionaire. 2024 marked a breakthrough year for the rapper, with tracks like “Back to The South,” “CBFW” and “Trap Motivation” to further establish himself as one of hip-hop’s promising up-and-coming artists.

22. JeRonelle – Jaded Lover

Rising Gospel Pop artist JeRonelle is set to captivate listeners once again with the release of his new EP, JADED LOVER, arriving on all streaming platforms April 10th. Following the success of two previously released singles—including a widely praised collaboration with Def Jam’s newest signee, Dende—this six-track project marks JeRonelle’s fifth body of work and a defining moment in his musical evolution.

JADED LOVER takes listeners on a dynamic and sonically rich journey through JeRonelle’s ongoing search for love, blending pulsating rhythms with soulful storytelling. Among the EP’s standout tracks are “Distance” and “The Let Out,” two records that showcase his vocal prowess and deep emotional range.

Produced by award-winning musician K.C. Knight, “Distance” sees JeRonelle pouring his heart into every lyric, navigating the struggles of a long-distance romance and longing to bridge the physical gap with his partner. Meanwhile, The Let Out, also produced by Knight, brings a fresh, nostalgic energy to the project. Featuring powerhouse vocalist Felicia Temple, this infectious, uptempo track channels the early 2000s R&B/Neo-Soul sound, with JeRonelle and Temple effortlessly matching each other’s flirtatious energy as they look to extend the night’s excitement beyond the party.

With JADED LOVER, JeRonelle continues to solidify his place as one of R&B’s most promising voices, blending vulnerability, passion, and sonic nostalgia into a project that is sure to resonate deeply with listeners

23. Honey Bxby – Think I Might

The sweetest thing out of New Jersey just got Raw. Rising R&B phenom Honey Bxby drops an unapologetic new single, “Think I Might,” ahead of her hotly anticipated EP, Raw Honey, arriving May 30th via Rebirth Entertainment / Warner Records. Just like its name suggests, Raw Honey is sweet, real, and impossible to ignore. Packed with sticky hooks, sultry vocals, and unfiltered emotion, the 11-track collection confirms what the streets have been buzzing about: Honey Bxby is the real deal. Listen to “Think I Might” HERE and watch the video HERE.

Honey’s sultry, crystal-clear voice carries “Think I Might” over a plush bed of guitar, keys, and seductive groove. She makes room for love on the romantic track but leaves no doubt as to the fact that she’s both one to watch and the one to woo. Honey’s still in boss mode, but warming up to the idea that the right man might be capable of earning her affection: “Think I might like this n—- / Love the way he dress, got to confess, my type, this n—- / Look he in a Pres, never too stressed, I like this n—- / Do what he says, ain’t gotta impress just for likes, this n—- / Might just be right, this n—-.” 

“I’m not a soft b—–,” says Honey about her latest release. “Maybe one day I’ll be, but even when I like a n—-, I’m in denial.” Directed by the legendary Benny Boom (All Eyez on Me), the “Think I Might” video finds Honey getting the kind of treatment she deserves as her date pulls up in a Rover and spends the day spoiling her with designer clothes, good food, and attention. 

Dripping with soul and confidence, the forthcoming Raw Honey EP delivers pure, unapologetic storytelling rooted in love, pain, pleasure, and power. Honey’s crystal-clear tone and razor-sharp pen shine across every track, from the emotionally rich “Right on Time” to the fan-favorite firestarter “LEFT EYE.” The new single, “Think I Might,” gives a taste of the softer side—without ever compromising her edge.

Honey Bxby made waves with her single “Touchin’,” which earned co-signs from Mary J. Blige and Busta Rhymes, who jumped on the official remix. Not one to box herself in, Honey keeps it diverse with records like “Bonnie & Clyde” featuring Fivio Foreign. With her fearless authenticity and undeniable talent, Honey Bxby has been catching ears and turning heads, racking up praise from Rolling Stone, Billboard, VIBE, Rated R&B, MTV, and more. She’s already toured with Sexyy Red and Flyana Boss and is currently heating up stages on SAINt JHN’s Festival Season Tour.

24. Rema – Bout U

Grammy nominated artist and producer Rema, is back with a brand new track titled “Bout U.” Seamlessly blending Afrobeats and R&B, “Bout U” is a sun-drenched tale of infatuation, capturing an intoxicating connection that leaves him in the clouds. Produced by London and Rema, the genre-fluid track weaves silky melodic riffs with shimmering electric guitar, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and limitless. As he repeats, “hold my hand, girl, time is running out,” the tension builds, rising with every beat. 

This weekend, the song makes its live debut as Rema takes the stage at Coachella for the first time. Emerging from the sounds he unearthed on his Grammy-nominated album, HEIS, and following the bold strides of “Baby (Is It A Crime),” Rema dives deeper into his freedom era, a place where boundaries blur and expectations fall away. Always in motion, he challenges himself, reshaping his sound with each release.

Rema kicked off the year with undeniable force. “Baby (Is It A Crime)” racked up an impressive 43 million streams across platforms, setting the tone for an unstoppable and intentional run. Last month, Rema became the first Afrobeats and Black African to grace the cover of Rolling Stone, cementing his global presence. With his sights set on some of the world’s most iconic stages this year, Rema is poised for another historic run of live shows. He will debut onto the legendary stage at Madison Square Garden on May 3rd while on his global stadium tour which includes returning to London’s O2 Arena for a second headline show on June 6th, a testament to his global reach and undeniable rise. See below for the full tour routing or for more information please visit: https://www.heisrema.com/tour 

25. Maddie Regent – Miss Virgo

Indie-pop singer and songwriter Maddie Regent unveils “Miss Virgo,” the final pre-release single from her highly anticipated debut album, On the phone with my mom, out May 16th. Alongside the single, she is also revealing the album’s full 14-song tracklist. 

A hypnotic blend of raw emotion and sonic exploration, “Miss Virgo” showcases Maddie’s mesmerizing vocals floating over a cinematic, dreamlike soundscape. It’s ethereal yet weighty, intimate yet expansive, with thoughtfully layered production that enhances her raw songwriting. 

One of the album’s most sonically adventurous tracks, “Miss Virgo” is also one of Maddie’s most deeply personal songs to date. The song unpacks her struggles with body image and the formative time she spent in a recovery center at the age of 17, healing from an eating disorder — a chapter marked by both pain and profound connection.

At its heart, the song is a tribute to the unlikely sisterhood she found there. “At first, I just wanted to go home, but I couldn’t. So for a while, my world became that little cabin in the woods, and my family became this group of fiercely strong girls from every walk of life,” she shares. “We bonded over our mutual distrust of the nurses, our collective crush on the one male specialist, crocheting, and watching Pretty Little Liars. Although every day I was there I didn’t want to be there, I really do have fond memories from that place, mostly because of the people I met.”

Originally hailing from Toronto and now living in New York City, Maddie Regent discovered songwriting as a form of catharsis at just 12 years old, using music as a powerful tool to navigate her anxieties and give voice to her innermost thoughts. Since her debut in 2021, she has released two beloved EPs, MISS REGENT and Girl of Your Dreams, and has earned recognition from tastemakers like Atwood Magazine and EARMILK. 

Working closely with her partner, producer and songwriter Cade Hoppe, Maddie has meticulously honed her craft, creating a sound that seamlessly marries infectious pop hooks with raw, unfiltered storytelling. As the release of On the phone with my mom approaches, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Maddie Regent—one that cements her as an indie-pop artist to watch. 

26. Eyedress – STONER

Today, Eyedress releases his anticipated new album, STONER, out now via RCA Records. Listen HERE.

Spanning influences of punk, hardcore, new wave, lo-fi, and more, the 21-track album features previous releases including “Occasional Stoner,” “My Simple Jeep” ft. Mac DeMarco, “Separate Ways” ft. The Marías, and “Satan’s Son” ft. Matt Sweeney, in addition to collaborations with Harmony Korine, Chad Hugo, Mayer Hawthorne, Strawberry Guy, and more, including his wife, Elvia, and their son Boaty.

The release of the album follows Eyedress’ headlining performance at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles tonight before heading to the desert to perform at Coachella. Performing both weekends, Eyedress will play on Friday from 7:20PM to 8:05PM at the Mojave Stage.

Last year, Eyedress continued his streak of notable releases with his mixtape, Vampire in Beverly Hills, which featured Cuco, Rico Nasty, Buddy, DāM-FunK, Bb trickz and more. In addition to supporting dates for Freddie Gibbs and Glass Animals, Eyedress also headlined his own run of shows and performed at various festivals including Austin City Limits, Head In The Clouds NYC, and Lollapalooza.

27. Sabrina Claudio – Before It's Too Late

Grammy-winning, RIAA Platinum-certified R&B singer/songwriter Sabrina Claudio returns with her captivating new single, “Before It’s Too Late,” out now via EMPIRE. Alongside the track, Sabrina shares a stunning new music video that continues the romantic storyline from her recently released single, “Need You To Need Me.”

“Before It’s Too Late” is a soulful R&B ballad that highlights the importance of loving with intention. With dreamy, atmospheric production, Claudio’s breathy, ethereal vocals carry emotional depth, blending vulnerability and longing into every note. The track is a heartfelt reminder to slow down, be present, and cherish simple moments with loved ones, like a quiet drive down the PCH or watching a partner’s silhouette at sunrise.

The music video captures this sentiment perfectly. Opening with Sabrina awakening from a bad dream, the visual follows her as she escapes to a romantic getaway with her partner. Through intimate, visually striking scenes, the video becomes a tribute to the quiet, meaningful moments in a relationship that sometimes leave the deepest impact.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the single, Sabrina shares,”‘Before It’s Too Late’ is intended to encourage listeners to verbalize their thoughts and/or make an effort to make their love for one another visibly apparent. Before it’s too late to do so, before love is lost, before what’s done can’t be undone, before there is no time left. As someone who deeply struggles with expressing emotions, I only realized by the end of it all that I wrote this as a reminder to myself to love loudly and intentionally.”

28. Ken Carson – More Chaos

Today marks the long-awaited release of More Chaos, the latest album from Opium’s trailblazing artist, Ken Carson. First teased by Kai Cenat during a livestream earlier this year, the project has fueled months of speculation and excitement from fans. With More Chaos, Ken pushes his signature sound to new extremes, doubling down on the innovation that’s made him one of rap’s most influential breakout stars. With over 3.5 billion global streams, Ken is forging his own path. “Do whatever you want to do, because not everyone will understand what you’re trying to do until it’s done.” More Chaos is available now via via Opium/Interscope Records – Listen HERE.

More Chaos is a continuation and evolution of the style and sound he innovated on A Great Chaos, a revolutionary meddling of rap, punk and electronic music, he simply defines as chaos. Ken recorded most of the album while on his 80-date tour, before finishing it during a marathon of sessions in Los Angeles. More Chaos features production from his trusted circle of producers, including Starboy, Lil 88, F1LTHY, Outtatown, Lucian, and legion, among many others. Today also marks the release of the official video for “Money Spread,” shot on his tour bus, capturing the unfiltered life while on the road. Watch HERE.

More Chaos follows Ken’s critically acclaimed, A Great Chaos, a chart-dominating album that has amassed over 2.4 billion streams globally. The album, which was released in October 2023, has become one of Ken’s biggest breakthroughs, a sprawling, star-making effort that produced five gold-certified singles, debuted on the Billboard 200, and has impressively remained on the chart for 55 weeks. It also produced the Billboard Hot 100 hit, “overseas,” earned support from industry giants like The New York Times, Pitchfork, Billboard, Rolling Stone and Complex, was featured on several “Best Of 2023” lists. Additionally, it landed Ken an opening spot on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ tour. Listen HERE. 

Building on that momentum, Ken made his debut performance at Coachella before embarking on his massive headline “Chaos World Tour,” an 80-date journey across 70 cities that drew electrifying, sold-out crowds and consistently generated viral moments. With a reputation for high-octane performances, Ken Carson’s live shows are a spectacle of rawness and intensity, drawing large, energetic crowds with his dynamic stage presence and unforgettable sets. But his impact extends beyond music, earning co-signs from icons like Young Thug, Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jay-Z, and LeBron James, and even a shoutout on Jeopardy! In 2024, he also launched a sold-out collaboration with Ed Hardy, took the stage at Rolling Loud Miami, and performed at ComplexCon in Las Vegas.

Ken Carson is making 2025 another landmark year. He delivered a massive performance at Rolling Loud California, secured his first-ever headline festival slot at Rubicon, and starred in the latest Y/Project x Heavn by Marc Jacobs campaign. A Great Chaos defined an era for Ken, and now, with More Chaos, he’s pushing the movement to new heights, proving there’s no end to the storm he’s created.

29. Quavo & Lil Baby – Legends

Grammy-nominated recording artist Quavo has teamed up with fellow QC megastar Lil Baby to deliver his latest single and music video, “Legends,” via Quality Control Music/Motown Records. The new single comes as Quavo’s second official release of the year and follows a monumental 2024, during which he was honored with the Variety Hitmakers Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work with the Rocket Foundation and his efforts to combat gun violence in America. The heavily anticipated collaboration sees the two chart-topping artists trading bars about legacy, resilience, and the journey from struggle to superstardom. Blending Quavo’s melodic delivery with Lil Baby’s sharp lyricism, “Legends” is a triumphant anthem that celebrates their rise while cementing their status as icons of Atlanta’s rap scene.

Directed by Hidji, the accompanying music video opens with the duo rapping in a garage full of luxury cars, setting the tone for a celebration of success. Scenes of yacht parties, poolside glamour, and high-speed cruises through the city showcase the opulence they’ve earned, while both artists reflect on their come-up and the trials they’ve overcome—reminding listeners why they remain two of the brightest stars in the rap game.

30. Shaboozey & Myles Smith – Blink Twice

Following the biggest global breakthrough of the last 12 months, multi-Platinum recording artist Shaboozey, announces Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going: The Complete Edition, an extended version of his RIAA Platinum-certified breakthrough album featuring brand new music and special guests. The 18-track project will be released on April 25 via Empire.

Along with today’s news, Shaboozey has released a brand new single, “Blink Twice,” featuring BRIT Award-winning UK artist Myles Smith.

Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going: The Complete Edition features six brand-new songs, including his most recent single “Good News,” which received its first RIAA-Gold certification, as well as today’s track “Blink Twice.” The new single features Shaboozey’s signature rich, smokey timbre and melodic, Western-style guitar—another showcase of the artist’s arena-ready charm that enraptured the globe last year.

Later this month, Shaboozey will take the stage of both Coachella as well as Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California – a rare feat for an artist and a move that highlights his widespread multi-genre appeal. He is hot off of his global “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” headline tour, which saw Shaboozey playing his largest venues to date and his first overseas shows.

Shaboozey’s breakthrough country anthem and song of the Summer (and the Fall and the Winter!) “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was awarded 8x RIAA-Platinum certification in under a year and broke the record for most weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart. The track has also reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay Charts and Mediabase/Country Aircheck. Shaboozey made history as the first artist to ever have a single break the top 10 across all four charts: Country Airplay, Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay, and Rhythmic Airplay, and the second ever single by a Black artist to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and Country Songs Charts.

The song has also amassed over a billion streams and landed in the Top 10 in several countries across the world with multiple No. 1s in Australia (becoming the first independent single to reach No. 1 on the Australian Recording Industry Association charts this year) Canada, Sweden, Denmark, and the UK’s Big 40. The track is considered one of 2024’s best songs, with the backing of The New York Times, Variety, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Complex and even Barack Obama.

Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going is Shaboozey’s most boldly realized work yet. Holding strong on the Billboard 200 charts since release with significant inclusion in “Best Albums of 2024” list by Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and Essence, the Virginia-bred singer and songwriter charts a cinematic road trip through the wilds of the American West, bringing a powerful new depth to his storytelling while pushing further into the country/folk-inspired sound he’s explored in recent years.

31. Carlita – fabric presents Carlita (Mixed)

Today, fabric, the globally renowned UK dance music institution, welcomes Turkish-Italian DJ and multi-faceted artist Carlita for the next installment of its prestigious mix and compilation series. fabric presents Carlita is out now digitally, on CD, and double vinyl via fabric Records, along with two exclusive original tracks from Carlita. 

fabric presents Carlita showcases the meticulous dancefloor curation abilities of the steadily rising talent. Bursting with feel-good energy, Carlita weaves together 60 minutes of groove-heavy house music with tracks from storied house and techno juggernauts such as Butch, Alex Metric, and Paco Osuna, as well as rising underground producers Prunk, Toman, Alinka, and more. The mix is the perfect soundtrack for a midday pick-me-up, an early evening party-starter, or a blissed-out, sunrise soiree. 

Among the 13 tracks in the project, Carlita delivers two new originals, “Raf,” with Andrew Zimmer, and “Stop Now.” “Raf,” previously released and supported by Billboard, Resident Advisor, Mixmag, and BBC Radio 1, is a high-energy fusion of classic house and rave influences, pairing infectious, soulful vocal elements with punchy synth stabs and rolling breakbeats—all anchored by a deep, groovy bassline. “Stop Now,” the epitome of tech house perfection, does exactly the opposite of what its title suggests, propelling the mix’s kinetic energy onwards and upwards with its irresistible vocal hook (“Don’t stop now / we can’t stop now”). 

For over 25 years, the fabric presents series has been at the forefront of electronic music culture, delivering curated cutting-edge mixes from some of the most influential artists in the industry. The series boasts an iconic lineup that includes The Martinez Brothers, Andrew Weatherall, Surgeon, The Streets, Confidence Man, and many more. Carlita’s addition to this legacy further cements her place as a vital force in contemporary dance music.

Beyond the club and festival circuit, Carlita is a leading figure at the intersection of music and fashion. She’s been featured in British Vogue and on the cover of Vogue Italia, performed at exclusive events for Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Fendi, and curated performances featuring The Blessed Madonna and Heron Preston at her own multi-sensory Senza Fine parties. Most recently, she collaborated with Audemars Piguet to mark the release of her debut album, Sentimental.

Carlita (real name Carla Frayman) comes from a background of musical mastery, having played classical cello for the Royal Academy of Music in London in her earlier years (after learning to play piano at age 3). Since her earliest memories, Frayman has never stopped developing her musical talent, picking up more instruments, learning music theory, and after university, saving up enough money to pursue it full time. She hasn’t stopped chasing her dreams and is now playing high-profile DJ slots (check out her Cercle set at Cinecittà in Rome), and has quickly risen as a producer with her phenomenal debut album Sentimental on Ninja Tune last year, as well as remixes for Disclosure and RÜFÜS DU SOL. 

On April 12, celebrating her fabric presents release, Carlita will be taking over Room 2 at fabric alongside Jennifer Loveless, Tommy Gold, and Pedrose. She will also have the honor of performing a headlining set at the Eiffel Tower on May 25. 
 

32. Awich, FERG & RZA – Butcher Shop

The queen of Japanese Hip-Hop Awich collaborates with FERG on her newest track, “Butcher Shop”, out now. You can listen to “Butcher Shop” here. 

“Butcher Shop” is a collaboration of both American and Japanese hip-hop, blended into a song where Awich and FERG’s rap style compliment one another seamlessly. The track is produced by Wu Tang Clan’s RZA, who took Awich under his wing during a trip in Japan after he recognized her genuine love for hip-hop. When reflecting on the track, Awich had these words to say. “‘Butcher Shop’ is a place where three of my realities intersect—Okinawa, where I was born and raised; Tokyo, where I live now; and New York. Together with a legend like RZA and a true embodiment of the streets like FERG, we cut through the noise with sharp words and beats to capture the spirit of this borderless era. This song is a crossroads—Japan and NYC, culture and fashion, luxury and play, sin and consequence. Everyone brings their own ‘meat’ to the table, and we slice into the truth. Welcome to our Butcher Shop.” The single is the first of many to come from Awich as she looks towards global dominance in her music, paving the way for the next generation to come. 

Over the course of the last few years, Awich has been cementing her spot in the US music industry. After becoming the first Japanese rapper to perform at Coachella in 2024, and becoming the person that musicians traveling to Japan comes to; the star has built organic relationships that shows how genuine and far she’ll go. The dedication she has to showcasing the worldwide impact of hip-hop in an authentic and respectful way, Awich has truly started the road to becoming a timeless artist.

33. Rene Bonét – Flowers & Pearls

Grammy award-nominated singer-songwriter Rene Bonét has released her new album Flowers & Pearls. The anticipated 8-song album is available on all streaming and download platforms today via the SRG-ILS (Virgin Music/Universal Music Group) label imprint.

Grammy award-nominated singer-songwriter, is no stranger to tapping into the depth of her soul and finding words that describe her inner-emotions. On this album, “Flowers & Pearls,” she has done just that. “Flowers are grown from the dirt and you have to dive to some of the deepest depths to get pearls,” mentions Rene Bonét. She believes that she is the flower grown from the dirt and the pearl that you have to dive deep to find.

The current lead single, “The Way You Love Me,” gives you a 90’s reminiscent vibe of storytelling, where she speaks on acknowledging the love that she is getting from her partner and how she wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. This song comes with a very stunning visual that leaves you with a twist at the end. 

Rene’s music speaks on true love and focuses on women taking accountability in a relationship. She does not have a problem saying that she was wrong and will work just as hard to fix it as she expects her partner to. We hear this in songs like “For U”, where she pours her heart out to the love of her life. “Miss This” is a classic R&B ballad that carries riveting lyrics and an explosive chorus, that allows you to hear it behind your favorite romance movie, and it makes you wish the song continued way after its ended leaving you repeating the chorus on your own again and again.

34. Tennis – 12 Blown Tires

Acclaimed indie-pop duo Tennis has shared “12 Blown Tires,” the latest single from their highly anticipated new album, Face Down In The Garden, arriving via their own Mutually Detrimental label on Friday, April 25. Pre-orders and pre-saves are available now. Produced and recorded by the husband and wife duo of Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore in their Denver, CO home studio, the album and new single will mark the final recordings from this incarnation of Tennis.

“On a cross-country drive at the end of tour, our van and trailer blew four tires in quick succession,” says Alaina Moore. “That particular stretch of highway was a tire graveyard. I counted the shredded remains of twelve tires from where we sat on the side of the road, swapping out our last spare. Our bad luck was heavily contrasted by the good night we’d just had in Houston. The highs and lows of touring are unnatural, disorienting. On the shoulder of I-40, I began writing the lyrics to ’12 Blown Tires.’ It is a constellation of memories from the road, and of our marriage, two endeavors that are completely, hopelessly entangled.

When we recorded ’12 Blown Tires’ a few months later, I had the sense of distilling the past 15 years into four minutes of music. It felt like the end of something, though I wasn’t sure what. Patrick and I spent most of our 20s and all of our 30s focused on Tennis. It has been the most joyous, bewildering, challenging, and humbling experience. After finishing Face Down In The Garden, it became clear that we had said everything we wanted to say and achieved everything we wanted to achieve with our band. This will be our last studio album, at least in this configuration as Tennis. We are ready to pursue other creative projects and to make space in our lives for new things. In that light, the upcoming tour feels more poignant, like a concluding thought. These two kids from Denver who only ever dreamed of playing a few house shows are very fulfilled. Perhaps we’ll see you on the road. As always, thank you.”

As noted, Tennis will both celebrate the arrival of Face Down In The Garden and say farewell to fans with a wide-ranging North American headline tour beginning May 16 at Las Vegas, NV’s Swan Dive and then traveling into early September. Highlights include such iconic venues as Minneapolis, MN’s First Avenue (May 21), Chicago, IL’s The Salt Shed (May 23), New York City’s The Rooftop at Pier 17 (June 1), Austin, TX’s Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater (June 11), and Los Angeles, CA’s famed Greek Theatre (August 20). Special guests include Husbands (May 16-17) and Billie Marten (May 21-June 11). Tickets for all announced dates go on sale this Friday, February 14 at 10:00 am (local). For complete details and ticket availability, please visit tennis-music.com.

Tennis will bookend this milestone moment by sharing Neutral Poetry: First Recordings, Unreleased Demos 2009-2010, a new EP of previously unheard tracks from the very beginning of their artistic career, available on Friday, May 16. The eight-song collection includes early versions of such fan favorites as “Cape Dory,” “Marathon,” “South Carolina,” “Baltimore,” and “Pigeon,” along with exclusive demo recordings of the never-before-available songs, “Key Largo,” “April and It’s Still Snowing,” and “One Day This Will Be a Good Songgg.”

Face Down In The Garden marks the seventh studio album from Tennis as well as the eagerly awaited follow-up to 2023’s critically acclaimed Pollen, which earned praise from Pitchfork as “reliably vibey and genuinely inspiring.” Offsetting intuitive melodies with unusual arrangements, the new album sees the duo returning with music that both feels familiar but also resists convention. Songs like the recently released “At The Wedding,” and “Weight of Desire” – both available everywhere now with the latter joined by an official music video directed by frequent visual collaborators Blossom Liu and Danny Gray streaming now at YouTube – highlight Tennis’ ever-expanding range as writers and producers, evolving beyond their girl-group roots into what is unquestionably their most fully realized effort to date.

“Face Down In The Garden is our seventh studio album,” says Moore. “The inspiration for new work came while we were still on the road touring Pollen. We felt a clear pull to write new music, but ran up against a series of bizarre setbacks. We blew tires and lost an engine. I developed a chronic illness. We took a doomed voyage that culminated in an attempted robbery at sea. Fragments of songs that first arrived like gifts from the universe later refused to be completed. Our days were awash in major and minor crises that dragged the album out endlessly.

“Patrick and I felt out of sync with the world, as though we had been ejected from the flow of life. My response was to bury myself in my own memories. Those years weren’t easier or better, but I could make sense of them. In Face Down In The Garden, I trace the arc of my life through a series of vignettes: a first moment of connection, a conversation at a wedding, a night offshore, a tour diary.

Over the years our sound has evolved into three distinct categories: Brill Building, synth-pop, and rock. Face Down In The Garden occupies all of that space. Except for the help of some outside drumming, we worked and recorded alone as we have done for the last few albums. We wanted to write ourselves off the map by doing the unexpected thing, offsetting intuitive melodies with unusual arrangements, to make music that feels familiar but resists convention. Despite being rattled by a strange year, it is our most confident album. We are very excited for you to listen, preferably loud and on headphones.”

35. Max McNown – St. Helens Alpenglow

Today, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Max McNown released the new single “St. Helens Alpenglow” alongside a moving performance video via Fugitive Recordings x The Orchard x Columbia Records.  

An ode to old love with resounding lyrics punctuated by guitar and banjo plucks, Max sings “And you might be over me you might be gone, but all that I need you to know, is to me you will always be Saint Helen’s alpenglow.”

On the meaning of the track, Max shares, “For better or for worse, every relationship we’ve ever experienced has shaped us into the person we are today. The song ‘St. Helens Alpenglow’ serves as a reminder that just because a past love didn’t make it to the finish line, it doesn’t mean it was all for nothing. There are pieces of one another that we carry far beyond the “end” of our romances. The “Alpenglow” represents those fragments of broken relationships, memories you look back on fondly and will always be grateful for.”

This new single follows last month’s release “Call Me If You Miss Me” and continues the story of his stunning sophomore album Night Diving (released January 24), a graceful fusion of folk and pop produced by Jamie Kenney (Colbie Caillat, Laci Kaye Booth).   

Max recently made his TV debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show with a charming performance of his radio hit “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes).” Just one month before, host and singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson covered Max’s breakout single “A Lot More Free,” which recently went GOLD, on her TV show.   

His additional accolades include being named a 2025 Amazon Music Artist to Watch and Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month for November of last year following his feature as CMT’s Next Up Now artist alongside the release of Willfully Blind. The EP landed as the Oregon-born artist made his AmericanaFest debut, and as we saw another major resurgence of his breakout hit single “A Lot More Free.” Since the single’s release it has recently achieved RIAA Gold certification, earned Max a top spot as #1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, peaked at #1 on the iTunes singles chart and #1 on the TikTok Breakthrough USA chart, climbed the Canadian Hot 100 chart, and was placed on Spotify’s Hot Country and Viral 50 global playlists. 

One of the “brightest newly minted stars to come out of Nashville in recent years” (GRAMMY.com), Max has impressively sold out every stop of his debut headline tour after spending the past year opening for stars like Wynonna Judd, Wyatt Flores, Michael Marcagi, Sam Barber, 502s, Corey Kent, Trampled by Turtles, JOSEPH, and more. 

With the resounding success of the current run for the “A Lot More Free Tour,” Max recently announced a handful of additional shows to officially mark the end of the triumphant tour. The series of southern stops include Knoxville, Orlando, Richmond, and more. Max is also scheduled to perform at upcoming major US festivals including Boston Calling, Lollapalooza, CMA Fest, and others. Visit www.maxmcnown.com/tour for more information.

At 23, Max has already been on a storied musical journey. Taking control of his future, overcoming personal challenges, and drawing inspiration from his brother who was bravely fighting cancer, Max packed his bags and drove from remote Oregon to Southern California. From there, videos of him busking on a pier made an impact online and eventually grew into a legion of supporters on TikTok (currently has 2M followers). After attracting interest from major TV talent shows, Max auditioned for one and then decided it wasn’t for him, and gracefully turned them down as he knew he needed to walk his own path.

36. The Technicolors – Posh Spice

Even though they never truly left, rock band The Technicolors are back today with “Posh Spice,” their first single and video since 2021. Fuzzed out and heavily muddied, the track was produced by GRAMMY-nominated Robert Adam Stevenson (Queens of the Stone Age, The Kills) and features BRONCHO’s Nathan Price on drums — Stream. 

“‘Posh Spice’ started as a guitar riff Sean had been toying around with in the studio and we just kept chipping away and building around it between takes until it turned into a full song,” shares frontman Brennan Smiley. “Lyrics almost always come last for us, and from the beginning we loved the working title ‘Posh Spice’ because it set us down a path reaching for some kind of fun juxtaposition between themes of grit and toughness against the greasy sound of the band trudging through the mud the whole time.” 

In today’s official video directed by Jarod Evans, Smiley portrays a snake oil salesman ready to recruit everyday people looking for a little zest in their lives. With clues about the larger project hidden throughout,  all you have to do is dial 555-ZEST to spice up your life — Watch.

Following their last album Cinema Sublimina, The Technicolors needed a moment to take a breath. Spending over a decade out on the road and constantly trying to put out enough music to keep other people happy, the band decided to slow down in order to not cut important corners. During this period of “dormancy” the band’s catalog shot to new heights, priming them for their biggest chapter yet. After putting their heads down in a time where bedroom pop was being favored, the band got to work and now reemerges in a space where being a rock band feels viable again. 

Writing their upcoming album over the last two years, The Technicolors wanted to physically be in the room with the creatives they were working with. Newly inking a deal with TikTok’s SoundOn, their fourth studio album will be released this August. 

37. Gene Noble – Ready For Love

Indie R&B artist Gene Noble is having quite a year. He’s currently touring Europe with Usher and returns to the states in May as a featured guest on Progressive R&B artist Durand Bernarr’s You Gon Grow, Too tour. His “Unnecessary” collab with Summer Dennis is circulating.  He has also dropped a new rendition and a new music video of India Arie’s, “Ready for Love” (Foreground Entertainment Group / Globestone / Chicago Creed), now available at all major digital music stores.

The legendary India Arie posted on her Instagram account that she was shocked by the remake and let Noble know that “you did an incredible job”. The track is a fresh take on the gem from Arie’s 2001 Acoustic Soul debut album. With just acoustic guitar, Noble sings in a hushed tenor and climaxes with a hair-raising falsetto. “Ready for Love isn’t just a song—it’s a soul-stirring confession, a raw and intimate surrender to love’s quiet power,” he explains. “I recently listened to this song, and it connected to me in a different way than it ever had before. The lyrics felt more personal to where I am currently, and I finally felt like my voice could bring a male perspective to it. This is not the kind of love song that rushes in with fireworks. It’s the kind that lingers, the kind that whispers, the kind that makes you close your eyes and breathe deeply. It’s for the dreamers, the believers, and those who have waited—not for just any love, but the right one.”

Over the last decade, Noble has written songs for the likes of Alicia Keys and Jason Derulo, among others. He’s shared stages with Lauryn Hill, Sting, Shaggy, and Chris Brown. His 2020 hit “Matching Tattoos” reached the Top 12 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Singles Airplay chart. Back in 2023, he recorded with Diamond Pynk on her Top 30 R&B debut, “Stuck.” He just co-wrote, sang the background vocals and produced the leads on Diamond’s new single, “Handle Me”. After wrapping the spring tour with Usher (taking them to England, France, The Netherlands and Germany, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia), Noble will hit the road with Durand Bernarr in the states.

38. Alice Phoebe Lou – You and I

Today, globally adored singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou makes her first ever self-produced release with the tender “You and I.” Few others can pen a love song in the same delicate, looping handwriting as Lou. In a direct, yet dreamlike way, she asks for a lover to shed the past and see the possibility of a future with one another — Stream. 

“‘You and I’ speaks of longing and surrendering in love, it’s a confession and a prayer, a declaration that this is where we are and want to be and let’s stop holding back and dive deeper into everything together,” she shares. “It asks the other to let go of what has happened before and to be here now and dream up the future together. It’s about telling one another what our needs are so we can be there for each other in a deeper, more fundamental way.”

“After five band records, I’ve opened my treasure chest of personal storytelling songs that I’ve built up over a decade. Songs that didn’t make it into other albums, some songs I never thought would see the light of day. I am embarking on the brave and thrilling journey of recording these songs as they are, with love and playfulness, simple and all my own. Leaning into imperfection and taking inspiration from some of my biggest influences who have made timeless folk acoustic albums.”

Earlier this week, Lou and Nettwerk Music Group announced their new partnership. She joins their roster of talent including Paris Paloma, Neil Frances, bôa, and many more. Through this collaboration, Lou will protect her passion for the DIY spirit that dates back to her days as a busker, while having the support of a team that can spread her music in new ways across the globe. 

This week has been a whirlwind of memorable moments for Lou as she played 3 sold-out nights in Los Angeles at the Lodge Room before joining Remi Wolf at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. See all upcoming dates here.

In 2024, Lou toured alongside Clairo on the strikingly intimate Charm Tour with headline shows of her own mixed in. All the while, she released singles including the self-reflective and celestial “The World Above,” as well as the buoyant and honeyed “Better.”

39. kwn – do what I say

Today, rising East London R&B artist kwn (pronounced kay-wuhn) releases the sensual new single, “do what i say” – click HERE to listen. The self-produced track showcases kwn fusing her silky vocals and captivating lyrics into a distinct sound brimming with emotion. Aided by the sultry chorus “you gone do what I say,” and lyrics like “paint your nails, the way I like them” to” say my name” and “hold me down,” kwn delivers straightforward and bold requests.

Speaking about “do what i say,” kwn says: “I made ‘do what i say’ once again in my bedroom. I wasn’t feeling very creative at the time and was just trying to see what clicked. When I made the song, it was like half the speed, but I sped it up and realized it was way better. Lyrically, it’s really just me having fun with my pen and seeing how cheeky I could get.”

Last month, kwn was named Billboard’s “Rookie of the Month,” where she was recognized for her rising stardom in music. Earlier this year, kwn teamed up with Kehlani for her alluring remix and music video of her breakout song “worst behaviour” – listen HERE / watch HERE. The steamy, must-watch video gained viral attention and was the talk of social media, garnering over 7 million views to date. 

Previously pairing up on the track “Clothes Off” from Kehlani’s latest mixtape, While We Wait 2, kwn recently joined Kehlani for the European leg of her Crash World Tour, making stops in Amsterdam, Paris, and London before wrapping in Manchester. Last year, kwn released the original version of “worst behaviour,” receiving massive support on socials and solidifying her as a top R&B artist to watch. She had previously released the self-produced, magnetic single “eyes wide open,” an exploration of possessing deeper feelings for an ex and the internal back and forth while deciding the best recourse. The song gained over 4 million streams worldwide and resulted in kwn performing the track at Destin Conrad’s headlining summer show in London. Most recently, kwn collaborated with Jordan Adetunji for his infectious single, “Too Many Women,” and featured in the music video.

40. GRYFFIN & Band Of Horses – The Funeral

Ahead of his headline PULSE: PHASE 2 Tour, dance music maverick GRYFFIN has collaborated with Band of Horses on an official 2025 version of the group’s double platinum, indie rock classic “The Funeral” out now via Seattle’s Sub Pop Records. Click HERE to listen. 

Initially released in 2006, ‘The Funeral’ reigns as one of the most potent songs of the early aughts, having soundtracked an entire generation of pop culture, and is Band of Horses’ most successful song to date. With the rework, GRYFFIN taps into the song’s emotional core while reimagining the nostalgia-inducing gem for the dancefloor. Like his recent album PULSE, GRYFFIN’s take on the song binds past and present influences through sound, uplifting the original’s iconic melody by injecting progressive builds, surging basslines, and four-on-the-floor percussion. The 2025 edit not only commemorates “The Funeral” as it approaches its 20th anniversary, but also signals a return to GRYFFIN’s roots in indie influenced electronic music. 

“Anyone who’s followed me since day one knows how much indie music and my early era SoundCloud remixes helped shape my sound as an artist. Late last year, I rediscovered Band of Horses’ ‘The Funeral’, and it immediately took me back to that era. In less than 24 hours, I flipped it and sent it to the band. Since then, over the last several months I’ve been lucky enough to work with Ben and his team to bring a new vision to such a legendary song.” – GRYFFIN

“We’re honored that ‘The Funeral’ could be a source of inspiration for GRYFFIN. It’s exciting to see the track take on a new life and reach new ears in a fresh and unexpected way. GRYFFIN’s incredibly talented and we’re thankful he’s brought his own perspective to a song that’s meant so much to us. It’s nice. Thanks for the fresh coat of paint, GRYFFIN!” – Band of Horses

Remixing is embedded deep in GRYFFIN’s roots. His ability to transform mainstream hits into dancefloor anthems attributed to his early success, with his pop and indie remixes of Maroon 5, BANKS, Portugal. The Man, Ellie Goulding, and Years & Years, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, leading to a now-flourishing discography of cross-genre originals.

GRYFFIN’s ‘The Funeral’ edit arrives just in time for the kickoff of his headline PULSE: PHASE 2 Tour. The tour acts as a final hurrah for last year’s acclaimed album PULSE, which was an ode to the dancefloor and GRYFFIN’s origins in the golden era of electronic music. The 2025 edit is a fitting accompaniment to the tour as it embodies the nostalgia and sentimentality imbued throughout PULSE.   

Band of Horses are also hitting the road this summer with their respective tour. The 25-date tour will see them perform at renowned music halls and amphitheaters across the US, along with festival appearances at Spoleto Festival, Sleepy Hollow Music Festival, Maha Festival, and Borderland Festival, and three stops throughout Norway. Band of Horses will also join special shows in Birmingham with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Orange Beach with The Red Clay Strays, and Saratoga with Iron & Wine.

Stream GRYFFIN’s new “The Funeral” remix available now on all platforms and catch GRYFFIN live on his PULSE: PHASE 2 Tour.

41. Lou Phelps – Prolly Us

Rising Haitian-Canadian artist Lou Phelps has delivered his most ambitious project to date with today’s release of “Chèlbè.” 

Following the momentum built by singles “I Dunno,” “What Now,” and the razor-sharp “IS MY MIC ON?” This sophomore album firmly establishes Phelps in the international music scene. Fresh off the release, he drops vibrant, dance-heavy visuals for his leadoff track ‘PROLLY US  — Lou two-steppin’ in front of a suburban, channeling that old-school rap video spirit.

“PROLLY US” sets the tone for what’s to come with the album  –  It’s nostalgic fusion of funk, soul and a cultural sound formally known as “Kompa” – a Haitian dance music genre that emerged in the 1950s, combining African rhythms and European ballroom dance influences. Chèlbè was created to introduce a sound that represents the true nature of Montreal in what Phelps likes to call “a melting pot of influence.

Chèlbè, an 11-track album executive produced by award-winning producer—and Lou’s brother—KAYTRANADA, delivers energetic tracks with Lou confidently flowing over smooth production throughout. Chelbe maintains a consistently uplifting and groovy vibe while blending classic rap with subtle R&B influences giving the listener a head-nodding experience from start to finish. 

Chèlbè was released on April 4th, 2025 on DSP. Experience the album on vinyl here. 

42. NSTASIA – G.I.R.L

NSTASIA kickstarts her 2025 takeover with an emotionally charged new EP entitled G.I.R.L., available today on all digital streaming platforms via Shiloh Land. Listen HERE. It heralds a new musical chapter for the R&B singer-songwriter, crafting a project that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. 

Speaking on the release, NSTASIA mentions: “‘G.I.R.L.’ was inspired by my understanding that women, regardless of where we are on this earth, our age or what language we speak, share some experiences and perspectives that are universally relatable. It represents that comforting feeling you have when you get together with your girls and release. You feel seen and not alone in your feelings. ‘G.I.R.L.’ is more than songs on an EP – it’s a shared experience, a conversation, and a celebration of the complexities and beauty of womanhood.” 

A transformative moment formed to tell a story that encompasses the diverse and often complex realities of being a woman, G.I.R.L. creates a safe space for listeners to be themselves. The EP opens up with “You First,” a slow-burning groove wrapped in warmth. On “Illest,” NSTASIA reminds us all that bad days are a natural part of life, and that doesn’t diminish your value as a person. Next up, “Lucky” feels like a diary cracked open, revealing moments of growth, vulnerability, and introspection, before the project’s focus track, “Your Girlfriend’s Moving In,” stacks NSTASIA’s soaring falsetto vocals atop a kaleidoscopic soundscape. “So Can I” addresses the hypocrisy of double standards in a relationship. Meanwhile, the title track, “GIRL,” ties in the EP’s central theme of learning from your own experiences. 

NSTASIA is poised for a major breakthrough this year. Following the success of her debut EP NEW RELIGION, she has firmly established her genre-blending style, proven repeatedly through collaborations with artists such as 3X GRAMMY® Award winner Skrillex, Italian rapper Salmo, and more.

She continues to captivate audiences with her velvety vocals and lyrics that ring true to her experiences. As a rising star in the industry, NSTASIA has racked up over 200 million streams and counting – squarely positioned to elevate her artistry in 2025 and beyond. 

Listen to the G.I.R.L. EP above, and stay tuned for more from NSTASIA coming soon. 

43. Kevin Olusola – Smile

Today, Kevin Olusola, the dynamic singer, cellist, and beatboxer best known for his work with the 3x-GRAMMY® Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix, unveils “Smile,” the latest track from his forthcoming album DAWN OF A MISFIT, out on May 9 via Sony Music Masterworks and available for preorder and presave HERE. The 2-song bundle includes both vocal and instrumental versions of the track.

Olusola continues to uplift others with “Smile.” Originally demoed in 2016, the song remains relevant to this day and provides hope through the purity of Olusola’s vocals and his signature beatboxing, along with the soothing sample of Bach’s “Cello Suites.” Listen to “Smile” HERE.

“‘Smile’ is one of my absolute favorite songs on the album,” shares Olusola. “It was the second song I ever wrote for my project back in 2016, when I was just experimenting with my sound, and its message still resonates deeply with me today. To me, it’s a song that explores two realities of life. Life will inevitably have its hardships, whether they’re anticipated or unexpected. However, we can choose to make joy our guide as we take ownership of our lives, and it can start with a simple smile. I hope this song helps you believe that regardless of your struggles or circumstances, you can still ‘fill your lungs and laugh out loud,’ because ‘life is what you make it.’”

The multi-faceted artist first previewed his new LP with the electrifying lead single “DARK WINTER,” blending Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and symphonic strings with Olusola’s potent beatbox percussion, 808s & elastic R&B hooks. He followed with the spoken word and deeply personal “I Feel Misunderstood” and “Crazy,” an instrumental reimagining of Gnarls Barkley’s 2006 mega-hit that showcases Olusola’s powerful talents as a cellist.

DAWN OF A MISFIT follows two EPs: The Renegade, which explored classical music and celloboxing, and Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, which delved more into pop influences. This new LP seamlessly blends elements from both projects while continuing to expand his already-vast musical canvas. DAWN OF A MISFIT draws on his classical virtuosity and the graceful soulfulness of his vocals, partly fueled by his Nigerian and Grenadian heritage. While recording the new album, he was influenced by a diverse range of artists, including Sting, multi-hyphenate artist Jon Batiste, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, American singer and actor Harry Belafonte, country-rap artist Shaboozey, cellist Jacqueline du Pré, pianist Harvey Lavan “Van” Cliburn Jr., and Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff.

PRE-ORDER and PRE-SAVE DAWN OF A MISFIT  HERE.

The wide-ranging album touches on spirituality, fatherhood, and being a first-generation person in a Western country, all while fusing classical, pop, R&B, and hip-hop. It even includes a nod to Pentatonix with “Kevin’s Fifth,” a fan-favorite expansion on Beethoven’s 5th that he often performs during their live shows. The beloved quintet—who broke out after winning NBC’s The Sing-Off in 2011—have released 12 albums in total, including 2022’s Grammy-nominated Holidays Around the World. More recently, they starred in the #1 Netflix rom-com Meet Me Next Christmas.

44. itsHOLY ft. Big Homiie G – Picture Perfect

Following the release of his Cool & Dre-collaboration “Bamboo,” Cleveland crooner itsHOLY connects with Moneybagg Yo affiliate Big Homiie G for “Picture Perfect” via Lobel Music Group / Arkik Sounds.

Produced by Drumma Boy, the female friendly quick-strike finds the rising stars detailing the lavish lifestyle women experience while in their company.

Speaking with Medium Creative Agency about the song’s significance in an exclusive statement, itsHOLY reveals: “When I listen to the record I hear art that sounds refreshing. Big Homiie G’s flow gives a raw dynamic that adds definition to my chill hypnotic tone.”

45. Ro$ama ft. That Mexican OT – Show Me The Money

Attacking soulful trap instrumentals like a stampeding bull, Dallas rapper Ro$ama is ready to separate himself from the crowd. The close friend of BigXThaPlug and 600 ENT. signee recruits fellow Lone Star State heavy-hitter That Mexican OT for “Show Me The Money,” his new single and music video.

Produced by 600 ENT. beatsmith Tony Coles, who adds slinky keys, cinematic strings, and entrancing flutes right out of a Blaxploitation soundtrack, “Show Me The Money” is a no frills ode to hustling. Ro$ama toe-tags the beat with thudding triplets, as he counts up his guala and talks his smack: “I got a leanin’ disorder/Tell the Mexican plug meet me at the border/I stuff all the racks in the folder/Then whip up a Baby Boy, Jody,” he spits. OT contrasts Ro$ama’s force with some finesse, purring his drawly flexes at lightning fast speed. Directed by Jerry Morka, the video emphasizes Ro$ama’s mix between his humble upbringing and luxurious present, as he goes fishing on a local Dallas bridge before taking to the skies in his private jet. 

“Show Me The Money” is the latest step in Ro$ama’s rise, as he looks to emerge from BigXThaPlug’s shadow as a star in his own right. The song and video follows recent releases for bangers like “Bump Down” and “Stomp Step,” which will appear on Orange Tape, Ro$ama’s upcoming debut EP, coming later this year via 600 ENTERTAINMENT/UnitedMasters.

Born and raised in Dallas, Ro$ama has been on his grind for years. He and BigXThaPlug grew up together, sharpening each other’s rap skills like iron sharpens iron as they spent their days hustling and waiting for a big break. In 2022, Ro earned his first solo recognition with his song “FedEx,” recorded while he worked for the delivery company. After rapping with X on some of his earliest hits, including  Ro$ama has become a key fixture on BigX’s 600 ENT. label, joining X and Yung Hood to create the collaborative EP MEET THE 6IXERS in Summer 2024. The acclaimed EP is home to the blockbuster title track (52 million streams on Spotify, 6.1 million YouTube views), “Hell Yea,” a ferocious back-and-forth between X and Ro, and “Steppa Music,” Ro’s solo standout. Last summer, Ro and BigX collaborated for “Beast Mode,” a highlight from the official soundtrack of the blockbuster film Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.

Since MEET THE 6IXERS, BigX and Ro$ama have been inseparable. Ro joined X on his Fall 2024 “Take Care Tour,” performing as a supporting act on dates across the nation. Ro and X are on tour once again this year, hitting Dreamville Fest last weekend and this weekend, Ro joins X at Coachella, where the 6ixers will perform on April 13th and April 20th. 

Stay tuned for much more from the talented Dallas native in Spring 2025.

46. Tech N9ne – J6's

Channeling the heyday of rap, chart-topping multiplatinum hip-hop legend and the most successful independent rapper of all time, Tech N9ne, laces up on his new single and music video “J6’s,” out now via Strange Music. Listen HERE. Watch the music video HERE.

On the track, an orchestral string sample wraps around skittering cymbals, nodding to the golden age of hip-hop. Tech sets the scene out of the gate in a moment of introspection “A lot of times, life can deal you a bad hand, but to stay out of the trashcan, you’ve got to have a plan.” He masterfully switches up his flow, bouncing back-and-forth between a nostalgic hook and rapid-fire bars. At one point, he pays homage to his kicks of choice, “I thought I’d never make riches, got the system against me and it’s way vicious. Sometimes don’t wanna stay with this, until I came across my pair of lucky J6’s.” In the accompanying visual, he raps on a rooftop and in an elite and exclusive sneaker shop. It evokes his love for shoes and sneaker culture on-screen and firmly embeds audiences in a space of reflection with him.

It comes in hot behind his latest single “RDV.” In just a couple of weeks, the latter has amassed 1.6 million YouTube views on the music video. 

In 2025, Tech is telling his story more intimately than ever before. More will be revealed in the coming weeks about a new full-length studio album due out this summer. For now, grab your “J6’s” and get ready for more.

After recently touring across Australia and New Zealand on a headline tour with support from Joey Cool, Tech N9ne has set off on a brand-new North American tour. He teams up once again with Hollywood Undead to re-up their popular co-headline jaunt from 2023, visiting markets they missed the first time around. Finally, he headlines festivals such as Boulevardia in Kansas City on June 13 and Summer Daze in Elko, NV, on July 18. 

47. Kendrick Lamar & SZA – luther

48. Victor Ray – World At My Feet

‘World At My Feet’ is the new single and video from Victor Ray and arrives with his new EP ‘I WILL.’, out today on Decca Records/Capitol. The EP features all three of Victor’s most recent singles; ‘Hearts Break and People Change’, ‘Still The Same’ and the stellar ‘Sticks & Stones’ ft. Kojey Radical and Strandz. The final single is perhaps Victor’s most infectious yet, brimming with ambition and telling his story from busking on the streets of Newcastle to being one of the most hotly tipped young artists all around the world. Speaking about ‘World At My Feet’ he says

“World At My Feet is a song that represents everything it took just for me to get a seat at this table. This song is the story of my 10000 hours and a promise of what comes next.”

Alongside the release of the ‘I WILL.’ EP, today sees the release of all Victor’s EPs to date released together on vinyl.

Victor Ray has every right to be reflecting on his staggering achievements over the last year, as he has found himself tipped as one to watch by MTV Push 2025, Amazon Music, The Independent, Clash, Notion and The Line of Best Fit, as well as being selected as Wonderland’s cover star in Autumn of last year.

Currently embarking on his first US and Australian tours, Victor’s ascent to superstardom is in full flight across the globe. His potent combination of vulnerable, autobiographical story-telling delivered with staggering, world-class vocals is proving irresistible the world over.

49. Jack Freeman – MVP

Jack Freeman returned with third single “MVP” from his latest album Nina. Co-written by Freeman and Adonis, and produced by Grammy Award-winning hitmaker Bryan-Michael Cox, “MVP” is a celebration of love in its purest form—whether directed at someone else or reflected inward.

LISTEN TO “MVP” –  HERE

The single release arrived on the heels of Freeman’s announcement that he will be joining Grammy Award-winning group Jagged Edge on their “An Evening With Jagged Edge 2025 Tour”, a commemorative trek celebrating the 25th anniversary of the group’s landmark album J.E. Heartbreak. The tour, promoted by Live Nation Urban, marks a full-circle moment for Freeman, who previously collaborated with Jagged Edge on the remix to his seductive single “U N D R E S S.”

““MVP” is about the one you love. Simple as that. The person you look at and just thank God for every single day. Even if that person is you. Celebrate the MVP’s in your life this day and the next,” said Freeman.

50. Annie Tracy – To Love and Be Loved

Today, North Carolina R&B singer and songwriter Annie Tracy releases “To Love and Be Loved,” a comforting and sonically immersive tribute to true companionship, out now via Warner Records. The lushly appointed single is a testament not only to Annie’s expressive range but also her vivid writing and holistic musical vision. Listen HERE and watch the video HERE.

“To Love and Be Loved” subtly and gradually unfurls across three minutes that build from intimate guitar and aqueous atmosphere at the start to a full orchestral embrace by the finish. Annie’s voice similarly becomes more passionate as her lyrics delve deeper into what it means to have found your partner in this life: “It’s like somewhere so far away / Where troubles go melting away / Except it’s not even a place / Cause home has always been you, babe.”

Annie shared a note ahead of the release: “Fear of love is like the fear of heights — intimidating at first, but once you experience it, you realize you’re no longer afraid. With real, genuine love, you discover the strength to soar. Love doesn’t just lift you; it empowers you to reach the sky.”

That poignant message should come as no surprise to those who’ve been watching Annie’s rise thus far. “To Love and Be Loved” feels like the season of spring captured in song, making it a fitting follow-up to her enchanting and heartfelt winter release, “December (Live).” Earlier in 2024, she released the ACT II EP, which notably included the visceral breakup ballad “Close to You,” featuring Robin Thicke, and the explosively soulful viral TikTok hit “Music Taste,” a warning to an ex’s new partner that went on to amass over 4.5 million streams.

ACT I arrived in 2023, housing Annie’s breakout single “Times It by Two,” produced by D’Mile — the hitmaker behind tracks for Silk Sonic, H.E.R., Chris Brown, and Victoria Monét — which has garnered over 2.5 million streams. Mentored by R&B visionary Tricky Stewart — known for his work with Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Frank Ocean— Annie is only getting started on her journey as she gears up for a brand-new project set to drop this year.

51. Willy Cobb – New Chapters

Today, southern alt rocker Willy Cobb serves up his latest single entitled “New Chapters.” Listen HERE and watch HERE via War Buddha / Warner Records.

On the new track, Willy delivers his own grunge ballad spiked with country grit. A sparse beat sets the tempo for the track as airy guitar transmissions blink through hazy strumming. The momentum steadily builds towards an emotional chorus as he wonders, “Oh what am I to do when I get lost in you?” He goes on to confess, “I don’t know what to do, is it me or you?” The tune reaches its climax with an evocative guitar solo, wailing over a hum of feedback. 

“New Chapters” follows “Parking Lot Thoughts.” Previously, Willy notably capped off 2024 with “Boy Toy” and his Unplugged EP. Earning critical acclaim, House of Solo attested, “Cobb is fast becoming a force in the Nashville scene, proving that boundaries—whether in genre or attitude—are meant to be pushed.” Jace Media Music urged “Keep an eye on Willy Cobb—he’s just getting started.” Not to mention, he opened up for everyone from Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters to The Cadillac Three, shining on stage.

In 2024, his Country Punkin’ EP landed looks from Dig! and more. In an “On The Rise” interview about the project, The Line of Best Fit christened him “one of Nashville’s newest boundary-pushing talents,” going on to rave, “the EP’s five tracks offer up servings of ragged punk energy, fuzzed-out guitars, country grit and a touch of southern swamp.”

Meanwhile, his single “Cigarette Smell” has also garnered widespread critical acclaim. Rolling Stone touted it among “All the Songs You Need to Know This Week.” Plus, NOTION sat down with him for an in-depth interview and professed, “the single sees Willy Cobb at his best.” 

52. HotBlock JMoe & Fresco Trey – Dreams Never Die

Velcro Records is proud to announce the release of the highly-anticipated joint project from rising rap stars HotBlock JMoe and Fresco Trey, titled Dreams Never Die — out now across all platforms as part of New Music Friday. To celebrate, the duo also released a powerful new visual for their lead single “Okay,” directed by the ever-creative Legit Looks.