In the first single following ‘everything’s going to be alright,’ Hoosh forgoes the melancholy expelled on the debut project. He still sings of anxiety on “Commas,” but with the confidence it’s born of a path he’s chosen.
R&B
Why We Like It: Max Swan’s “Shackles”
On “Shackles,” his ambitious R&B track, Max Swan fuses incisive introspection with a dense and soaring arrangement.
Why We Like It: Noha Saré’s “Head Held High”
On “Head Held High,” Amsterdam’s Noha Saré deepens her signature brand of unsettling-yet-headstrong R&B.
Why We Like It: Viana’s “About The Money”
On “About The Money,” Viana mires an earnest want in a consumerist sheen, creating a pop song of depth. She just wants to sing songs and feed her dog. Should that be so hard?
Why We Like It: Tall Black Guy & Ozay Moore’s “Runnin Away Ft. Malaya”
Tall Black Guy and Ozay Moore confront some of the hardest truths on “Runnin’ Away.” Bookended by spirit-gripping hooks from featured vocalist Malaya, the verses question the wisdom of fleeing from results that don’t line up with expectations.
Dirtsa’s Debut and the Duty of a Writer
‘ALETHEIA’S CALLING,’ the debut EP of Franco-Cameroonian artist and philosopher Dirtsa, is a bridge between cultures, ideas and sounds. Pulling from Greek and modern philosophy, the project is a duality of contrasting and complementary R&B and drill sounds. We spoke with Dirtsa about the truths she uncovered in its making.
Why We Like It: ROMderful’s “ALIENS!”
ROMderful roots a cosmic background in R&B familiarity to tell a galactic love story. “ALIENS!” is a story of human connection in the stars.
Why We Like It: Groovy Daughter’s “I DON’T CARE”
Songstress Groovy Daughter is back with another heater with a mantra to remove an ex from your psyche. “I DON’T CARE” states exactly what it means to.
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: Hailes’ “Not Perfect”
Brooklyn singer-songwriter Hailes is back with a viral new single making the rounds on TikTok. “Not Perfect” has her dancing in the in-between, asking for a second chance at love.