The gentle jazzy “Like a Dog” sees Otis Mensah at his most melodic. The second installment in season two of #OtisMensahExists brings Mensah questioning if changes in his personality are for better or worse. He drowns in the hurt like the howl of a dog.
Why We Like It
Why We Like It: Dragonfruit’s “Know Better”
Bringing their knack for songwriting to a new — more electric — sound, Dragonfruit creates a house hit that makes it easy to forget the world, but “Know Better” really warns of the dangers of losing yourself.
Why We Like It: Donny Block’s “Fin”
In a swirling symphony of distortion, Donny Block encapsulates the feeling of hopelessness. The irony of “Fin” is that it’s just the beginning.
Why We Like It: Kai Straw’s “Bleeding Out in the 415”
Kai Straw is back with another intense composition based in synthy keys and harrowing vocals that push an idea of acceptance. “Bleeding Out in the 415” is a dance with travesty, a battle hymnal that keeps you moving.
Why We Like It: Paul Grant’s “Connection (Remix)” Ft. Brittney Carter
A bare instrumental is like an abstract landscape waiting to be filled with the listener’s impression. The remix is a snapshot of that imprint. Paul Grant’s “Connection” paints with lo-fi strings and a splash of funk that sends Brittney Carter down a lyrical journey into building confidence from trials put behind.
Why We Like It: ASTN’s “What’s It Gonna Take”
22-year-old Florida Native ASTN croons about toxic and youthful love through a wildly mature-sounding instrumental composition and display of vocal prowess. “What’s It Gonna Take” is a romantic chase through a poppy R&B song with dynamic reach.
Why We Like It: Niia’s “We Were Never Friends” Ft. Solo Woods
Niia and Solo Woods present their own unique version of a flex on my ex song with “We Were Never Friends.” The duo layer their vocals elegantly over subtle production that brings out the gentle harmonies.
Why We Like It: Masati’s “Intoxicated Truth” (CentralSauce Premiere)
Premiering on CentralSauce is Dallas based R&B crooner Masati’s new addictive single “Intoxicated Truth.” The track’s a yearning and driving ballad that explores the in between area of a difficult relationship.
Why We Like It: Anuka’s “Ode to my Ex”
We often block out the pain of reflecting on failed relationships, but Anuka suggests that the associated pain doesn’t mean it’s a failure. “Ode to my Ex” is a wispy ballad that knows the value of taking its time.
Why We Like It: Critical Mischief & Cameron Bolden’s “Quicksand!”
Over a precarious loop, Critical Mischief and Cameron Bolden look for hope through hardship on “Quicksand!” Their raps bring to mind the low points but search for beauty in the vallies.
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