On her second single, “LOST,” eerie R&B architect Noha Saré builds on her unique blend of exhilaration and confrontation. It’s an enchanting melody for Saré to weave spellbinding vocals.
Why We Like It: Your Old Droog & Tha God Fahim’s “WNBA”
These laid-back rhymes find as much ease slipping from coast to coast and beyond as Your Old Droog does circumnavigating the globe himself. An effortlessly chill loop, cooked up by Tha God Fahim, underpins the bars with production that rolls out the extravagance of a red carpet entrance with the subtley of slipping through a side door.
Kanye West Won’t Save Us – But Toasty Digital Might
The prospect of a new Kanye record has never been less enticing, but inspired remixer Toasty Digital has managed to piece together something better: a thrilling sampledelic celebration of Kanye West and the artists behind his many sounds and styles.
Why We Like It: NanaBcool’s “10 & 2”
On “10 & 2,” NanaBcool uses his vivid rendering of a traffic stop to probe America’s deep racial ills with support from Chicago’s Elton Aura. Their raps move deftly between revolutionary confidence and concern for the lives of family and friends.
Why We Like It: Blu Hyku’s “Carry On”
On “Carry On,” NYC emcee Blu Hyku channels a stirring message of solidarity for Asian American communities facing violence and discrimination.
Why We Like It: Melodownz’s “Money”
New Zealand emcee Melodownz raps about the ills of greed and consumption culture over a dreamy beat driven by rapturous drums. “Money” floats on a waving cadence that expands to fill the pocket in different ways.
Getting Louder with Leslie West
Leslie West, the lead singer of hard rock group Mountain, died in December, and whilst many mightn’t remember the Woodstock alumni, his fingerprints can be found on hundreds of tracks from hip-hop institutions to modern pop classics.
Why We Like It: Jaywop’s “Gold” Ft. Deante’ Hitchcock
Longtime CentralSauce favorite Jaywop links up with Deante’ Hitchcock for “Gold,” a track as smooth as his silky bars and effortless charm.
Why We Like It: Naike’s “GOYF”
Chicago-based, British-born emcee Naike has travelled an interesting route, and on “GOYF,” he shows just how seamlessly he can pour his unique perspective into a motivated hip-hop anthem. Grime textures underpin inspiring bars.
Why We Like It: Chukwu’s “Altitude”
A lyrical exercise that doubles as a triumphant return, “Altitude” shows heady Brooklyn emcee Chukwu cutting loose with a swathe of believably braggadocios bars. A crisp jazz loop underpins the track with tones reminiscent of MF DOOM.