On “Flake,” his heartfelt hometown dedication to Portsmouth, Lebbs shines a light on an underappreciated scene — and places himself at the vanguard with jazzy rhymes.
Why We Like It: Desta French’s “Bendecida’”
On her recent single, “Bedecida’,” the London-based Latinx artist, Desta French, cuts a commanding fusion of heritage and hometown.
Why We Like It: Lit Lyk Looney’s “Twosday Eve”
Basking in success and indulging some excess, Lit Lyk Looney is on top of the game in the charismatic “Twosday Eve.”
Why We Like It: Izo FitzRoy’s “Little Birdie”
On “Little Birdie,” British soul singer Izo FitzRoy cuts an uplifting vision of tomorrow with a throwback to the styles of yesteryear.
Why We Like It: DJ Five Venoms’ “Look At What I Did” Ft. Yak Gotti & Big Havi
DJ Five Venoms collects the perfect two voices to concoct this captivating trap country ballad. Yak Gotti and Big Havi bring big southern raps with a country twang to “Look At What I Did.”
Why We Like It: Dirtsa’s “Questions”
French-Cameroonian artist Dirtsa is back with another single. “Questions” is more of the lyricists’ fierce delivery over a winding beat. She questions the ignorance towards ongoing worldwide injustices in a way that implies seeking answers means taking action.
Why We Like It: YUNGMORPHEUS & Eyedress’ “Georgette’s Tea Room”
YUNGMORPHEUS and Pink Siifu sacrifice their egos and rhyme for the sake of the instrumental. Produced by Eyedress, “Georgette’s Team Room” is a laid-back ode to a famous gathering spot for Black entertainers in Miami.
Why We Like It: Jay Wood’s “She Got Me”
The subtleties of strings accompany a player persona as Chicago’s Jay Wood spins an image of braggadocio. But “She Got Me” soon flips the perspective as the emcee and listener soon realize who’s actually pulling the strings.
Why We Like It: Connor Musarra’s “Missed Call”
Conor Musarra contemplates whether or not to call back a toxic ex over sharp piano and driving drums. “Missed Calls” is one for lovers and the leavers.
Kevin Holliday’s ‘OMNI’ is All-Encompassing
Taken from the prefix meaning “of all things,” Kevin Holliday’s ‘OMNI’ is an all-encompassing multi-genre EP that escapes from the serious. Funk grooves and indie-rock strings underpin a croon that positions Holliday as a romantic with a punk facade.
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