Big week ahead of us let's start it right with a mix of some current and pre current tunes.

Click to add the playlist to your library

1. Gravity - Brent Faiyaz, DJ Dahi ft. Tyler, The Creator

After his big 2020, Brent Faiyaz is back with a new single assisted by DJ Dahi and Tyler, The Creator. His EP, F**ck the World, grew his audience last year with soulful vocals over crisp production. DJ Dahi provides the melody for this song and it lives up to all of his past work with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Vince Staples and Mac Miller. The verse at the end by Tyler wraps up the track's theme of letting a love from back home go. These 3 team up perfectly to deliver a fire track that hopefully means more to come from the DMV singer.

2. The Call – Madlib

The legendary producer drops a rare solo project with Sound Ancestors a 16 song journey filled with creative beats and melodies. His sampling is at an all time best with obscure references to 60s and 70s bands. After losing one of his closest collab partners, MF Doom, Madlib pays tributes with sounds that would have fit Doom’s style perfectly. He teams up with UK electronic artist Four Tet who mixed and mastered the songs. This combination might seem like two worlds colliding but their styles complement each other seamlessly.

3. Portra 400 – Arlo Parks

Arlo Parks burst onto the indie scene in 2020 by releasing single after single. Her efforts have paid off with this full length album Collapsed in Sunbeams. This project should carry her to the mainstream with catchy hooks, insightful verses and beautiful production. Her soft and soulful voice takes center stage and makes this album a joy to listen to in any setting.

4. I Don’t Know – Lil Durk

Whenever Drake calls, you answer. Lil Durk has always had a following but after collaborating with Drake on Laugh Now Cry Later, his trajectory has completely changed. His introduction to casual listeners of hip hop was perfect and made his release of The Voice in 2020 a major success. This song of the deluxe version encapsulates all that is so captivating about Durk. His melody complements the beat perfectly and lyrics about making it out has a celebratory theme.

5. Lately – Celeste & Gotts Street Park

Celeste is a British singer-songwriter who was born in Los Angeles. Her 2021 debut album Not Your Muse is a perfect introduction to first time listeners. You may recognize her single Strange from the feel good show of 2020 Ted Lasso. This cut off the album is a deep exploration of breaking free from a partner and her captivating vocals entice you throughout the song. This up and coming artist has a bright future and we can’t wait to see what she produces.

6. Lavish – Smoke DZA, Nym Lo & Jayy Grams feat. Conway the Machine, 183rd & Ot the Real)

Smoke DZA consistently puts out tapes that demonstrate why he’s one of underground’s favorite rappers. His first project of 2021 R.F.C (Money is the Motive) Pt. 1 sees him team up with Nym Lo and Jayy Grams two prolific lyrists. This track enlists Conway the Machine who had his own big 2020 and looking to build on that momentum in 2021 with a couple new albums. This album is a perfect way to start out 2021 for east coast rap fans.

7. Fellowship – serpentwithfeet, Sampha, Lil Silva

serpentwithfeet is back in a big way announcing his new album DEACON and dropping his first single. After soil in 2018, fans were fascinated with his unique vocal style and unique intrumentals. This song assisted by vocals from Sampha and produced by Lil Silva is an encouraging introduction to this new era of serpentwithfeet.

8. A Piper for Janet - Cosmo Pyke 

Cosmo Pyke is a personal favorite from stumbling across his music back in 2017 with his EP Just Cosmo. After almost 4 years of limited releases, he’s back with a short length project that is perfect for the winter months. His use of creative instruments makes a perfect backdrop for his passionate vocals. This project hopefully means a full length debut is on the horizon.

9. I Can’t Lose – Erick the Architect

Erick the Architect has been delving into the world of solo acts and it’s been an easy transition. 1/3 of Flatbush Zombies, Erick started out as strictly a producer but has found his voice and is a fan favorite for his lyricism and depth of content. In his first EP, he collaborates with respected artists like British rapper Loyle Carner, frequent Flatbush Zombies contributer Sophie Faith and R&B standout Pip Millett. However, this intro track sees him by himself with introspective lyrics over simplistic production.

10. Scratch – Aaron Childs

Aaron Childs is another favorite that has been reclusive for years but has surprised us with a 5 song EP to start out 2021. The singer flexes his vocal abilities and production strengths throughout the project and this song is a standout. We will continue to keep an eye on the progression of this up and coming star who is poised for a big year.

11. TBD - SBTRKT feat. Sampha

London producer SBTRKT’s 2016 SAVE YOURSELF was the follow up to critically acclaimed album Wonder Where We Land and it did not disappoint. The 2016 album featured a mix of all the different styles that he has and highlighted some impressive vocalists like The Dream, DRAM and Sampha. This song is a standout with trusted collaborator Sampha who floats on the electronic ensemble.

12. Habitat – Mos Def

Mos Def, now known as his name Yasiin Bey, is one of the most impressive hip hop artists of all time. His charisma is apparent on every verse he touches. This cut off of one of his most well known albums, 1999’s Black on Both Sides, is a fan favorite for his lyricism and catchy hook and bridges. His mastery resonates with all who listen. While he just features as a guest mostly we can always revisit his classics while hoping for some new material.

13. On Your Own – Yazmin Lacey

Yazmine Lacey is a new artist that released one of the best projects of 2020 with Morning Matters. Her vocals soothe the soul over poignant instrumentals. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us for the new year.

14. Caught Their Eyes – JAY-Z feat. Frank Ocean

13. The number of studio albums JAY-Z has put out and 4:44 stands its own against his legendary discography. This 2017 project shut the door on any talk of him being washed and his audience loved the new era of Jay. His verses along with a catchy hook from Frank make this fun track stand out against its peers.

15. Street Thing – Aaliyah

Aaliyah is a legend and made such an impact in the short time she was with us. Her album Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number is one of the all time necessities when talking about the greatest R&B albums of all time. Released when she was just 15, this love song speaks to all of us and is a great reminder of what a force she was.