Weekly Playlist 2.8.21
Big week ahead of us let's start it right with a mix of some current and pre current tunes.
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1. Gang Signs - Freddie Gibbs feat. ScHoolboy Q
Freddie has blessed us with albums for 4 straight years from 2017 through 2020 and it's looking like with this new single, he'll be keeping up the streak. After his big 2020 where he earned his first Grammy nomination for his collaboration with Alchemist, Alfredo. Gang Signs is a beautifully produced track with a soft melody that complements Freddie and ScHoolboy's vocals perfectly. Hopefully this means both of these respected rappers have big things in store for us this year.
2. Caught Up - VanJess feat. Phony Ppl
The duo VanJess comprises of sisters Ivana and Jessica Nwokike. The two artists spent some time in Nigeria during their childhood before settling down in California. They have quickly gained a following in the R&B world after their debut album in 2018 Silk Canvas. This project saw them collaborate with big names like Masego, GoldLink and Little Simz. After a somewhat quiet couple of years they have come back in 2021 with a 9 song EP Homegrown that is a journey of rhythm and soul. This song sees them collaborate with neo-soul group Phony Ppl who are enjoying their own breakout in to the mainstream. This track is a perfect summary of what makes these two groups so special.
3. Master P - Pooh Shiesty feat. Tay Keith
Memphis is showing out and Pooh Shiesty is another gem that has emerged from the area. With a huge cosign from Gucci Mane, Pooh Shiesty is here to stay. His mixtape Shiesty Season is a hard introduction to the solo artist that has the legs to become one of the greats. It seems like every song he releases is fire and this project is no exception. This song features a signature instrumental from Tay Keith and Pooh Shiesty floats on it.
4. Pine - Unusual Demont
Unusual Demont has a bright future ahead of him in every sense. The Wisconsin singer doesn't stick to a specific genre, drawing influences from all over to deliver his catchy songs. Any comparison doesn't do this unique artist justice as he has a wholly new sound. After releasing a successful first single Amber, Unusual Demont is back with a perfect follow up in Pine. The track's production is light and airy with instruments that guide Demont's vocals and just make you feel good. His album Hues should be the perfect debut for 2021 and beyond.
5. Lay My Head Down - Otis Kane
Hailing from Los Angeles, Otis Kane is a generational talent that has a promising future in this industry. Relatively new to the scene, he released a well received EP Therapy in 2020 and followed it up by releasing a few singles towards the end of the year and start of 2021. His second EP on streaming services, Growing Pains, is a project that has no weaknesses. This song is a mix between rock, r&b and some soul elements. We can't wait for his full length release but in the meantime will enjoy this project as much as we can.
6. Cludder - JID
The rapping savant is back at it again dropping off 3 singles to start off the month. The Atlanta lyricist is at his all time best on Cludder with flows that bend the looping instrumental and wordplay that leave you in awe. JID is on a roll by dropping off his critically acclaimed album DiCaprio 2 in 2018, Revenge of the Dreamers III in 2019 where he earned his first Grammy nomination and Spilligion with his group Spillage Village in 2020 which was one of the best rap albums of the year. Hopefully he continues this momentum and drops a project this year we are all at the edge of our seat.
7. Somebody - BenjiFlow
BenjiFlow is an up and coming star from North London that has all of the talent to be a household name this year. The methodical musician, has been quiet in the past couple of years only dropping songs on streaming services at rare moments. This track Somebody comes off his first EP Benergy and is a hit. The multi instrumentalist provides a Latin infused beat with magical guitar progressions. His music video for this song is top notch as well and we can't wait to see where he goes in 2021.
8. Recap - Kito, VanJess & Channel Tres
Kito is an Australian producer that has a unique sound that is shown on this track. Recap sees her collaborate with r&b duo VanJess and Channel Tres another talented producer and vocalist. VanJess sound amazing on this upbeat track and Channel Tres adds some flavor to the 2021 single with his vocals. This song is a catchy introduction to Kito's work if you're not familiar.
9. California Roll - Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell and Stevie Wonder
Snoop and Pharrell teaming up never disappoints. This cut off of Snoop Dogg's 2015 album BUSH is a beautiful ode to California. With Stevie Wonder assisting on the instrumental with his signature harmonica, this track is a perfect sonic journey. As time goes on it seems like legends like these never seem to age.
10. Got It All - Blxst & DOM KENNEDY
Did anyone have a better breakout in 2020? Blxst burst onto the scene with his EP No Love Lost and I couldn't find one person that had a bad thing to say about the project. Rightfully so, it was jam after jam with smooth instrumentals and amazing vocal work. This song off of the deluxe version enlists Dom Kennedy to add a featured verse and the two represent LA like you would expect them to. Blxst will be a name you won't forget for years to come.
11. Fu-Gee-La (Refugee Camp Remix) - Fugees
Trios have always been popular in hip hop. Maybe the most talented trio to every do it are the Fugees. Comprised of Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, the group has some iconic tracks but maybe their most famous is Fu-Gee-La. The remix is a perfect song in every sense of the word - beat, lyrics, vocals all come together to make one of the famous songs from one of the best albums The Score.
12. More - Jimmy Collins
This track is a favorite from us from 2020. Jimmy is a talented producer, vocalist and artist in every way. Producing all of his own stuff, he went on a tear in 2019 releasing a song every week. The Atlanta based musician had a relatively quiet 2020 but we hope he has a big year ahead of him. Everything he has put out has impressed and the unique artistry is at the forefront of every release. We can't wait to see him achieve great things like he deserves.
13. Out the Window - Lo Village
Speaking of trios, Lo Village is a new age group that has a very refined sound that gives you the sense they'll be here for a while. Members Ama, Kane and Charles Tyler have all of the skills you need in order to succeed in this industry. Ingenuity, freedom of expression and music with a meaning all come together with this song and EP Lost in America released early 2021. This project is a promising start to the careers of these three.
14. Will I See You Again? - Thee Sacred Souls
Yet another trio, this one hailing from San Diego, California has one of the most unique sounds in present times. Their old school influence bleeds through their music and gives you that nostalgic feeling that everyone loves. Drummer Alex Garcia, bassist Sal Samano and vocalist Josh Lane lead you to the past in the present. The group has a bright future ahead of them.
15. Free Will - Gil Scott-Heron
A legend that trailblazed genres and made it possible for music to be what it is today, Gil Scott-Heron is one of the most impactful artists to ever live. His mix of jazz, soul, r&b and hip hop made him such a force of his time. This song Free Will off the album of the same name, is a textbook example of what made him so special. His poignant lyrics over the jazzy instrumental has the ability to reach anyone that listens. Rest in Power to one of the greats.