New Music Roundup (April 28th - May 2nd)

1. Myd & Channel Tres ft. Trueno – All That Glitter Is Not Gold

French producer, DJ, and Ed Banger mainstay Myd returns after locking himself in his studio for seven days straight of 24/7 broadcasting while he re-created two lost tracks. Today, he releases a new single, “All That Glitters Is Not Gold”, out now via Ed Banger/Because Music. Featuring powerhouse collaborators Channel Tres and Trueno, the single arrives as a sun-drenched anthem for the age of performative personas and social media masquerades.

Following the pop-anthem “Song For You” (inspired by French Touch and reminiscent of post-dubstep icons like Daphni, Four Tet, Jamie xx) and the afro-funk-infused electro banger “The Wizard”, Myd dives headfirst into reggaeton territory. And he’s not alone — Channel Tres, figurehead of the American house renaissance, and Trueno, Argentinian trap superstar, bring their fire to this summer anthem. “The track started out as a short interlude,” explains Myd. “But Pedro Winter, always the wise one, told me: ‘Come on, this track is so strong, stop overthinking it — don’t be afraid to keep it simple!’ He was totally right. The song’s pure joy speaks for itself.”

Trueno added, “I really value the connection and the importance given to Argentina by other countries like France, especially from producers like Myd, who are well known in their own country. For them to come and want to contribute to Argentine culture and create these kinds of collaborations—despite the physical distance—builds a meaningful bridge between Latin America and Europe, between France and Argentina, which is something I find deeply important.”

“When I wrote this track, Trueno was the first person who came to mind,” says Myd. “He delivered his part with such effortless elegance, and that’s exactly what makes his presence on the track so powerful. I’ve also been a fan of Channel Tres for a long time, and his warm, laid-back vibe completely transformed the song. The three of us coming together on this track feels like three different ways of experiencing summer, heat, and celebration — and yet, it all fits naturally.” 

While visiting Dubai — a city that epitomizes excess, contrasts, and modern illusions — Myd teamed up with photographer and filmmaker Alice Moitié to capture the essence of this unique escape. The result? A slideshow-style video conceived like a vacation film adds depth to this sun-soaked plunge into bling through the pair’s offbeat lens. Following that, there will be a photo book in the form of a stylized travel diary, blending dry humor with a bittersweet critique of a world that glitters but may not be gold.

“All That Glitters Is Not Gold” screams summer — it’s the perfect song to blast with the windows down, packed into a car chasing the sun. A scorcher of a single we didn’t know we desperately needed.

2. Maxo – Human

Maxo announces his new album, Mars Is Electric, and releases the first single from the project with “Human ?” now available on all platforms. Mars Is Electric is Maxo’s first official release since he dropped two critically acclaimed albums in 2023 with Even God Has A Sense of Humor and Debbie’s Son. “Human ?” was produced by Maxo’s longtime collaborator lastnamedavid along with Jacob Rochester and arrives with a music video directed by Vincent Haycock.

His fifth full-length album, Mars Is Electric, finds the Southern Californian artist self-aware and mature. Having lived the last decade of his musical life intentionally creating specific bodies of work rooted in imagery, observation, and capturing moments, Maxo spent this previous year freely creating without a specific plan, relieved from all obligations and restrictions. “This is the first time that I really didn’t care, I didn’t approach things so seriously,” the artist shrugs off, meaning that without expectations or specific goals, his creativity flourished. This opening finds the artist having conversations he’s been avoiding, having lived silently in the pain of those topics for the past few years. Exploring uncomfortable themes about personal life, relationships, and family fractures, life before and after the loss of innocence, and an abundance of existential spirals.

Not only was the exploration thematic, but musically as well. During the creation process, Maxo was immersed in a wide array of music from past to present – France Joli, $amaad, Steve Spacek, Cherelle, DJ Quik, Lisha G – influences that seeped their way into these songs. The album opens in a loose, dreamlike state—experimental and searching, mirroring the emotional fog of someone looking for something real to hold onto. But as it progresses, so does Maxo’s energy as he fiercely rides and weaves on songs with a contagious confidence, producing some of his most kinetic and lyrically impressive music to date.

As the work and vision started to coalesce into a body of work, Maxo found that he was unlocking a creative language with his collaborators that felt wholly new – a new understanding of why and how he was making art for this world. What emerged from this year-long process was a new musical journey and a future where Maxo refuses to be another bad example of what could be, refusing to mind the blueprint set down.

3. Original Koffee – Koffee

Jamaican sensation Original Koffee makes her long-awaited return with “KOFFEE,” a new single that debuted today on BBC Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders as his Hottest Record! The new track arrives alongside a Joshua Valle-directed music video viewable here.

The self-described “sing-jay-guitarist” took the music world by storm and became one of the biggest stars in her country off the heels of her first single, “Toast,” which became a global hit. Shortly thereafter, at the age of 19, she dropped her debut EP, Rapture, a release that earned her a Grammy win for Best Reggae Album, making her the youngest female artist ever to win the award. She then returned in 2022 with her debut LP, Gifted, which also earned a Best Reggae Album Grammy nomination and solidified her ability to mix roots reggae with dancehall in ways no other artist had done.

Three years later, “KOFFEE” comes via her longtime label home, Promised Land Recordings, and sees the young artist evolve her sound, bringing newfound energy to the laid-back riddim produced by GuiltyBeatz (Tems, Beyoncé). Original Koffee alternates between rapid-fire flows and smooth melodies as she drops bars like “Weh a mash up dem head, I’m tryna be a better me, Not the way you remember me, I left that in the cemetery, That side of me is dead, I said what i said.” 

“KOFFEE” is the latest musical statement from an artist that has reshaped, modernized and revitalized reggae, bringing it to a whole new audience while combining it with R&B, dancehall and hip hop.

4. Girlfriend – It's Complicated

Today, rising R&B star Girlfriend officially releases her debut EP It’s Complicated, available now on all major streaming platforms. The 7-track project is an emotionally rich, bold introduction to her world — blending soulful vocals, sharp lyricism, and fearless vulnerability.

Leading the EP is “Bon Voyage” ft. Tierra Whack, an escapist anthem wrapped in lush melodies and playful chemistry. The track, which dropped last week alongside its vibrant visual, captures the carefree energy of romantic escapes and the complexities of modern relationships.

Previously, Girlfriend made waves with standout singles such as “Tell Me Again” featuring Bay Swag and “Feelin’” featuring Maiya The Don — both tracks showcasing her versatile style and growing fanbase. As she continues to build on her momentum, It’s Complicated marks a new chapter in her artistic journey, affirming her place as one of R&B’s most compelling new voices.

Across It’s Complicated, Girlfriend paints a full emotional landscape, affirming her place as one of R&B’s most compelling new voices. With this release, she takes a defining step forward — a sonic diary that introduces not just an artist, but a storyteller ready to take her seat at the R&B table.

5. Cola Boyy – Crushin'

Matthew Urango – aka – the “disabled disco innovator” – aka – Cola Boyy latest track “Crushin’” is out now. Produced with Jared Salomon (Lola Young, Remi Wolf), “Crushin’” is a quintessential Californian indie pop song and the latest taste from the artist’s upcoming posthumous sophomore album Quit to Play Chess, coming out May 23^rd out via Record Makers. 

“Crushin’” joins previous album cuts “Walk Again” and “Babylon.” Colay Boyy was able to work on Quit to Play Chess right up until he passed away, approving the mastering that very day, making the release date the only posthumous thing about it. Trusted collaborators on this release include Andrew VanWyngarden, co-leader of MGMT, Jared Solomon (Remi Wolf, Lola Young, Fousheé), Nate Fox (Chance The Rapper, Lil Wayne), Blasé and Lewis OfMan.

The new album was designed as capsules where hip-hop and R&B flourish (scratching, brass samples, pitched vocals, among others) merge, and enrich Cola Boyy’s sound without distorting the groovy DNA of his music. While his previous album unfolded as a radiant disco-funk manifesto, Quit to Play Chess, transcends stylistic boundaries with songwriting that is strikingly immediate.

At its core, Cola Boyy’s music will continue to serve as a soundtrack for revolutions: against ableism, inequality, and xenophobia. He used music as a message to bring people together, shining a light on the things we all have in common instead of the things that divide us.

In 1918, French iconoclast Marcel Duchamp stepped away from the art market he had been helping to revolutionize. Alone in America for five years, he decided to cultivate his passion for chess. In time, he would consider the game “purer than art” and become a master, to the point of becoming less creatively prolific for the rest of his career.

This is the reference Cola Boyy picked for the title of his second album “Quit to Play Chess”. You can feel the echoes of Duchamp’s story in the life of Matthew Urango (his real name): a musician who managed to reinvigorate funk and disco with just a handful of revolutionary releases, celebrated by both his peers and the public. Cola Boyy’s journey also shares its abruptness, with Matthew Urango passing away the day he delivered his new record on March 17, 2024, at the tender age of 34.

Whilst this context adds poignancy to the title, the sense of buoyant fulfilment that runs through the record makes it clear that whilst it’s the final studio album of his career, it’s no less significant. On the follow-up to his debut EP (“Black Boogie Neon”, 2018) and a first album (“Prosthetic Boombox”, 2021), Cola Boyy updates his references with a burst of hyper-generous inventiveness.

The self-styled “disabled disco innovator,” Matthew was open and vocal about his disabilities – he had spina bifada and scoliosis and wore a prosthetic leg, which he proudly put on blast on the cover of his debut album. He was never shy to speak up for the rights of the working classes, informed by his childhood growing up in Oxnard, a historically agricultural community in Southern California with a large undocumented population, many of which are exploited and underpaid. The city’s vibrant punk scene is where his musical talent began to take shape, with early projects El Mariachi and Sea Lions proving vital experiences.

After discovering his demos on Soundcloud, French label Record Makers signed him and released his first EP, gaining recognition with the singles “All Power to the People” and “To Be Rich Should Be a Crime” (a cover of Jeb Loy Nichols, a hidden gem of country-soul), leading him to open for MGMT on their “Little Dark Age” tour, and be invited to perform at Coachella in 2019: a novel experience for such a new act.

It was in France that Matthew found the resources that would enrich his first album: featuring Nicolas Godin (AIR), Pierre Rousseau (Paradis), Myd, and Infinite Bisous, “Prosthetic Boombox” was released in 2021. Featuring guest stars like The Avalanches and Andrew VanWyngarden on standouts “Don’t Forget Your Neighborhood” and “Kid Born In Space”, the project was praised for both its technical qualities and its message. Cola Boyy was defiantly positive: using music as a message to bring people together, shine a light on the things we all have in common instead of the things that divide us. He was the epitome of an engaged artist, a role that came with certain pressures.

Unable to return to France due to the Covid pandemic, he naturally turned to the music of his youth and collaborated with producers from his hometown in Oxnard. Less militant in spirit, this project draws more from the artist’s personal life to sharpen his commentary on the real world. The distinctly contemporary energy that flows through the album is also a testament to Matthew’s fine creative intuition throughout his life.

Beyond the tributes, the promise that Cola Boyy’s music will continue to be heard is a testament to the lasting impact of his message.

“To lose a brother, a son; there is a wide and hollow space within us that will never be filled. But there is music in that emptiness. We are lucky to still have his voice. His music is like nothing else on this earth, it came from a kid born in space. It warms our hearts knowing our Cola Boyy has so many more people to reach with his style and political convictions. “Quit to Play Chess” is a masterpiece, rocking our house and community, and if you play it loud and lose yourself you may just feel him there with you…” – Matthew’s Family

6. Diamond White – Allergic

Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress Diamond White returns to the music scene after a four-year hiatus with her independently released single “ALLERGIC”— a moody and hypnotic alt-R&B track that marks the beginning of a bold new chapter in her artistic evolution. 

Wrought with emotional tension and self-reflection, “ALLERGIC” captures the ache of desiring a love that always seems to slip through one’s fingers. Against a backdrop of textured production and pulsing rhythms, Diamond laments the elusive nature of meaningful intimacy—questioning whether the kind of deep, elevated connection she craves is, in fact, allergic to her.

The track is accompanied by a striped back visual directed by Keitaro Cloward, with dance choreography by Sayeh and Ja Collective (Olivia Rodrigo, Katy Perry, The Weeknd). Set in a sun-glaring warehouse, the video positions Diamond in an almost dreamlike haze—sunbeams cut through shadows as she moves with haunting precision, embodying the push-and-pull of emotional isolation. Lyrics like “Truth is I’m allergic / I’m allergic / To love, I can’t touch it / I’m allergic” serve as a poetic refrain echoing the song’s central conflict.

“This song is about literally feeling like I’m allergic to love,” Diamond shares. “Can’t touch it, can’t trust it. Every time I get close to it, something happens and makes it toxic.”

“Allergic” marks White’s first musical release since her 2021 debut alt-pop album Summerland, which featured the fan-favored singles “Oh No!” and “Digitally Yours”—together amassing over a million streams across Spotify and Apple Music. Her previous work, including the “Love Songs 4” – produced by Brian Kennedy (Chris Brown, Doechii, The Weeknd) and a soul-stirring cover of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down,” solidified her reputation as a vocalist unafraid to pair vulnerability with precision.

Though she’s remained quiet on the music front for a short time, Diamond’s acting career has abundantly flourished. From her ongoing role on CBS’s renowned soap The Bold and The Beautiful to her groundbreaking voice work as Marvel’s first Black female animated lead in the 3x Emmy-winning Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, she’s proven her staying power across genres and mediums. Her performance in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur—alongside Hollywood icons Laurence Fishburne and Alfre Woodard—earned her the Best Voice Acting Award at the 51st Annie Awards.

With a role in Tyler Perry’s upcoming film, Madea’s Destination Wedding (slated for 2025 debut on Netflix) and a new EP set for release this year, “ALLERGIC” serves as both a reintroduction and a reclamation to the many pillars of Diamond’s wide-ranging musical capabilities that everyone is about to experience.

7. PANIK FLOWER – rearview

Today, NYC dreamgazers PANIK FLOWER release their sophomore EP rearview, a project deeply rooted in intentional juxtaposition. Across six tracks, the EP looks inward to explore identity; namely the double-sided nature of uncertainty and self-acceptance. It transcribes this self-exploration into a plush yet jagged soundscape. The new EP was produced, mixed, and recorded by James Duncan (Taraneh, Nara’s Room, Dead Tooth, Raavi) and mastered by Carl Saff (Drops Nineteens, Dr. Dog, Sonic Youth) — Stream. 

“This EP felt like a lot of us finding ourselves as a band — our sound and how we perform,” shared bassist Max Baird. “Sage’s spoken word has become such an important part of that and we really wanted to explore it in this project. It contributes a lot to the push-pull dynamic of our music, often adding another rhythmic element on top of an already lush, sonic landscape. Many of the bones of these tracks were brought to us by our drummer Marco, who was our missing piece up until early last year.”

Often drawing comparisons to Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, Sage Leopold’s vocals are bolstered by the massive sound of her bandmates, but even more so by their sense of collaboration. These lines of communication are most evident in the ever-evolving wall of sound they create playing live, but also in the way each band member intimately contributes to the making of their music. Through the release of rearview, PANIK FLOWER has both cemented their identities internally and in how they connect with their listeners.

Today’s EP release comes with an anxiety-ridden official video for the title track in tow. Directed by Harleigh Shaw with cinematography by Aji Bass, the video is dark and steeped in fear as the protagonist can’t seem to outrun herself — Watch. 

Shaw said, “For the ‘rearview’ video, we wanted to capture the exhaustion and horror of being your own worst enemy and this idea of running from yourself. During the song’s chaotic and moody outro, we aimed to show Sage increasingly disheveled and tired as the video evolves. The film, ‘The Amusement Park’, was a major reference for this specific section of the video. I was also very inspired by David Lynch’s films, especially because we conceptualized and shot the video right after he passed away. From an editing perspective, ‘Natural Born Killers’ was a big reference with the way it utilizes saturated colors and frenetic editing. We leaned into chaotic cuts and playing with speed, all which contributed to heightening the drama of Sage running from herself.”

Ahead of today’s EP release, PANIK FLOWER played at NYC’s New Colossus Festival and then opened for King Hannah to a sold out crowd at Elsewhere. On May 21, they will play a hometown EP release show at Night Club 101 before setting out on a headline tour in June. See all dates here and below. 

8. Samara Cyn – Bad Brain

One of the most captivating new musical voices today, Samara Cyn releases her insatiable new single “Bad Brain.” Produced by Whit Kane, close collaborator since her breakthrough project The Drive Home, “Bad Brain” is a soulful and atmospheric track that hits with rhythmic beats that wrap around a moving sample of the beloved track “Can I Call You Rose?” by Thee Sacred Souls. Displaying Samara’s ability to traverse multiple genres in this dream-like landscape, she creates with a soulful ease and a uniquely textured, boundless sound that has established her as one of the most exciting artists in hip hop at the moment. Speaking to the battle with the anxieties and distractions of life, Samara gives an inside glimpse to the human experience and her own personal reckoning overcoming the tug-of-war of a clouded mind.

Additionally, Samara is currently on tour supporting Smino on his headline Kountry Kousins Tour that kicked off last week, April 23rd, in Vancouver, Canada. Smino personally selected Samara to support him on every date of his tour as an admirer of the young artist which has led to a genuine friendship between the two artists. The tour will wrap up in his hometown of St. Louis on June 22, 2025 – full tour dates below and the link to the tickets can be found HERE. 

The song arrives hot on the heels of the colossal acclaim for Samara following the release of her debut project The Drive Home which was chosen as one of Complex’s Best Albums of 2024 and lauded by Rolling Stone, GENIUS, VIBE, UPROXX, Pigeons and Planes and many more. Samara has also been topping several Best New Artists lists including YouTube’s Foundry, Spotify’s Artist to Watch, Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch, Billboard’s Hip-Hop, African & R&B Artists to Watch, Complex 25 Rappers to Watch, GENIUS 8 Great Artists to Watch and many more. 

Samara has quickly taken the industry by storm, garnering early co-signs from the likes of Doechii, Lauryn Hill, Nas, Doja Cat, Erykah Badu, Rapsody, Alicia Keys, Isaiah Rashad, Teddy Swims and large critical acclaim from only a handful of staggering releases. Most recently, Samara was hand picked by Nas to open up for him on his sold-out London dates part of his Illmatic 30th Anniversary Tour last November. Samara has produced some of the most breathtaking viral moments in the past year including her COLORS performance that saw the young artist’s widely captivating talent live in action. Following a string of striking releases from the young talent, including her dazzling single “Katana” and explosive “massa freestyle” that went viral, both of which capture Samara’s colossal versatility, ferocious sound and irresistible magnetism. 

More to come from Samara very soon.

9. MARIPOSA – Medallo

Today the most thrilling artist to hit the Latin rap scene, the Colombian artist MARIPOSA makes an explosive return with her new single “MEDALLO.” This single is joined by an exhilarating performance visual of the song for the beloved Glamcult TV series that brings her electrifying and one-of-a-kind energy to life. “MEDALLO” speaks to the underdogs, injecting a spirit into the courage and fight that is in all of us when the world is against you. It also celebrates the immense power in the silent actions and fights that many heroes and every day humans demonstrate. With “MEDALLO,” MARIPOSA embarks on a captivating new era that is rooted in her own fervent strength and a striking clarity that has her leveling her artistry.

This single serves as a fierce follow up to her Inframundo EP that thrust her onto the scene as a rising force in the Latin music arena; Inframundo houses a collection of tracks that are lined with MARIPOSA’s exhilarating nitro fueled sound that thrills with its fiercely confessional, menacing raps that undeniably sets her apart from the pack. 

The Amsterdam-based trilingual artist MARIPOSA taught herself how to make music and record from scratch as a vehicle for self-expression and healing. She is at the forefront of a movement shifting the music landscape to be more fluid and inclusive. With the teen Y2K aesthetic juxtaposed, MARIPOSA’s menacing raps speak on mental health, pushing up against social norms and empowerment. Continuing to redefine the landscape of Latin rap, MARIPOSA pushes the boundaries with her genre-defying sound. She represents a new generation that thrives at the intersection of cultures, languages, and genres, placing her multidimensional identities at the forefront of artistic expression. MARIPOSA’s music is rooted in immense honesty and transparency about her journey in hopes of uplifting others.

10. MIKE & Tony Seltzer – WYC4

MIKE and Tony Seltzer release the second single from their recently announced collaborative album, Pinball 2. The latest offering from the new project “WYC4,” out today, was produced by Tony Seltzer and is accompanied by an Ian Lopez-directed music video. Pinball 2, out May 7th via MIKE’s 10k label, is the sequel to their beloved joint project Pinball, which arrived on March 6th last year. The album is available for pre-order/pre-save now at https://10k.ffm.to/pinball2.

Last month, MIKE and Tony caught their followers by surprise, cryptically releasing a video clip for “Dolemite” featuring Lunchbox on social media. The rumors that quickly spread about a Pinball sequel amongst the fanbase were confirmed a week later with the official Pinball 2 announcement and release of “Prezzy” across all platforms. With the “Prezzy” release, MIKE was featured on the cover of Apple Music’s New Music Daily playlist, which coincided with an interview with Eddie Francis as part of his takeover of Zane Lowe’s Apple Music Radio show.

The first Pinball collab project from MIKE and Tony signaled “a fearless sonic shift” in MIKE’s sound, as noted by Rolling Stone, who also praised MIKE for having “one of the most quietly prolific catalogs in hip-hop right now.” Pinball 2 solidifies MIKE’s dexterity as an artist, showing that he doesn’t simply shift between styles, he adds them to his limitless repertoire. Once again, MIKE and Tony’s chemistry as a pairing is front and center, with the addition of familiar faces via guest features including Earl Sweatshirt and 10k labelmates Sideshow and Niontay. Pinball 2 also features co-production from Akachi (Chief Keef, Playboi Carti, JT), ivvys1 (OsamaSon, Ken Carson, stepteam), Laron (Jay Critch, Rich The Kid), Dylvinci (Doechii, MAVI), and is also the first time MIKE, as dj blackpower, has co-produced a song with Tony on one of their joint projects.

On January 31st of this year, MIKE released his tenth solo LP Showbiz!, a capstone album that was critically acclaimed by the likes of The Guardian, The FADER, and Pitchfork, who awarded it Best New Music in their review, MIKE’s third BNM. At 27 years old, MIKE has become one of the essential young voices in hip-hop this decade through his own extensive discography, his label 10k, and his free Young World festival in Bed-Stuy celebrating its fifth edition this Summer.

MIKE is currently out on the North American leg of his #aotc tour, which completed its European leg earlier this month. This tour, the biggest of MIKE’s career, resumes tonight in Dallas and includes 40 dates across the country, concluding with a hometown show at New York City’s Irving Plaza on May 31st. The North American leg of the tour includes support from the likes of Sideshow, Niontay, semiratruth, El Cousteau, Mercury, Stahhr, Salami Rose Joe Louis, Liv.e, RiTchie, Maxo, Camden Malik, Anysia Kym, duendita, Navy Blue, Mike Shabb, 12k Gotti, and additional special surprise guests. Remaining tickets are available at aotctour.com. See below for the full breakdown of each show’s supporting bill.

Listen to “WYC4” above, find the full North American tour routing for his #aotc tour below, along with more Pinball 2 details, and stay tuned for more from MIKE coming soon. 

11. C Stunna – I Want You

Rising rapper C Stunna is back with a fresh sound and sultry new visuals. Today, he drops his latest single and video, “I Want You,” via MNRK Music Group. This release marks his first release since the acclaimed Still Stuntin’ mixtape with DJ Drama.

A departure from his hard-hitting street anthems, “I Want You” showcases C Stunna’s smoother, more melodic side. Laced with a laid-back production by Christopher Raman, the track leans into vibe-heavy territory with hypnotic rhythms and lyrics that channel pure desire.

The video, directed by Fred Focus, brings the song’s seductive energy to life with moody visuals that capture the essence of the record.

With “I Want You,” C Stunna proves he’s not afraid to evolve sonically while staying true to his core. The track hints at a new creative chapter from the rising star, and fans should expect more surprises.

12. Muni Long – Superpowers (Live)

13. Benny The Butcher ft. Boldy James – Duffle Bag Hottie's Revenge

In August 2024, Benny The Butcher re-emerged to hold you down for the summer with Summertime Butch, which was his first solo-project since the Grammy-Nominated and Emmy-Award-winning artist delivered his Def Jam Recordings debut Everybody Can’t Go; which was produced in its entirety by The Alchemist & Hit-Boy and featured appearances from Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss, Babyface Ray, Conaway The Machine, Westside Gunn, Peezy, Stove God Cooks and others. 

Following a streak of critically acclaimed releases, Benny is back and re-activated in summertime mode, as he announces his new project, Excelsior, which will be released on 5.2.25 (Excelsior = ever upward, or higher, and for those who didn’t know, it also serves as the state motto of New York). 

In addition to announcing his new project, Benny also released the project’s first single, teaming up with Boldy James for “Duffle Bag Hottie’s Revenge,” which is now available at all DSP’s.  You can watch the new video for “Duffle Bag Hottie’s Revenge” below. 

With Excelsior, Benny continues to cement his place as one of the most important and vital voices in the culture today. 

The streets are watching.  The culture is listening.  All the while, Benny continues his evolution.  Excelsior!!!

Benny The Butcher’s Excelsior will be released on 5.2.25. 

14. JonoJono – As We Wither

15. Pry – Greener

NYC-based band Pry, the project of Simeon Beardsley and Amara Bush, are excited to share the latest single from their debut album, Wrapped in Plastic, arriving later this month on May 29, 2025. Out now is “Greener,” which captures the regret of what could have been while hoping that the grass is greener on the other side. 

“Greener is the first song Amara wrote and recorded and was one of the first songs we worked on together,” say Pry. “It has gone through a lot of phases and it is very special to us because it represents a lot about the two of us stylistically- instrumentally and lyrically. We wanted to create an atmosphere that felt dynamic but allowed Amara’s introspective conversation with self to remain center-stage.”

Pry officially began releasing music in 2023 with “Don’t You Want To See.” They recently announced their forthcoming debut album Wrapped in Plastic, with singles “Tether You” and “Heaven”, leading up to this month’s release. The former caught the attention of Pitchfork and made its way onto the iconic Pitchfork Selects playlist shortly after its release. Pry has been hard at work on Wrapped in Plastic, creating a body of work that is sonically driven by soft and powerful vocals, hardcore guitar licks, and clean, jangly tones that evoke a nostalgic, vintage feel with a distorted and gritty energy. 

Pry will celebrate the release of Wrapped in Plastic with a special album release show with fellow NYC-based bands Cal Fish and Crate at Night Club 101 on May 31, 2025. For more details, visit nightclub101.com and follow Pry on Instagram at @prynyc.

16. Ginger Winn – Escape

Today, Kingston, NY via Charleston, South Carolina folk singer-songwriter Ginger Winn grapples with anxiety on “Escape” out everywhere now and tries to out-run her thoughts through a wintery, vast forest in the official music video. Winn’s sophomore album Freeze Frame is due out June 13. Tonight, the artist and musician/producer A.J. Yorio (Michael Marcagi) will play live at Colony in Woodstock, NY with tickets on sale now here.

“Escape,” out today, sees Winn surrender to herself–it’s a heartfelt plea for self-acceptance and an acknowledgement that one must fully face their fears to overcome them. On the meaning of the track, Winn says,  “It’s about running—and trying to escape your own mind and thoughts, which is very hard to do. There’s a double meaning when I say ‘except me / accept me.’ Not only does the song mean ‘there’s nothing to fear except the fear of me,’ but it’s also a plea—as you hear the vocals crying out, ‘accept me.’ Social anxiety in an empty space like the woods is an eerie, indescribable, nonsensical feeling as real as the trees themselves.”

Atwood Magazine, who debuted the single, says, “Brutally honest and achingly raw, “Escape” is a song of reckoning and release – an intimate confessional and a vulnerable, cathartic confrontation with Winn’s inner world: The weight, the pain, the hope, and the healing. It’s about facing our fear head-on, making space within ourselves for it, and finding the strength to move forward – together.”

The accompanying music video directed by frequent collaborator Brooklyn Zeh and set at Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills Mountains, shows Winn joined by a Wolfdog as she roams through the quiet trees and flowing waterfalls. The dog represents Winn’s ever-present anxiety, and happens to be the very dog breed her late father owned.

On the symbolism in the video, Winn shares,”The dog is anxiety, and the dark side of our mind that we can’t escape. It follows you even when you’re not looking, and you don’t want to see it. Not only does it represent anxiety, but it also represents my dad, who always had a Wolfdog.” The dog allowed Winn to have a final, parting moment with her father–something that felt destined. Winn continues, “Shooting this video and making friends with this dog was very healing—almost like I got to tell my dad goodbye and have one last moment with him.”

Atwood Magazine adds, “Winn granted herself moments of closure and connection throughout her song and its music video, and now, together, they stand as a testament to the everlasting bonds we form between the living and the dead – and to the evolving relationship we continue forge with ourselves in the wake of loss, grief, and change.”

The forthcoming LP, Freeze Frame, produced and engineered by A.J. Yorio, sees Winn tackle the complexities of heavy topics like suicide, grief and anxiety. Recorded during a record snow storm in Cincinnati at Yorio’s home studio after globally touring with Michael Marcagi, the album came together naturally and the pair found their stride. Yorio reflects, “I had barely learned how to keep time on the drum kit, let alone learn how to record them correctly, when Matt Baione (Ginger’s co-writer) reached out and asked if I would want to get in the studio first-thing 2025 and make a record. My second son had just been born eight weeks earlier. When Ginger came in January we got snowed in for more than a week with record-breaking-flakes here in Cincinnati. Sharing my home and family with Ginger amidst the epic snowstorm felt like living in a really intriguing Netflix series. It was an utter blast.”

The 14 tracks thoughtfully walk through the stages of grief and hold the intricacies of Winn’s layered emotions as she processes deep loss and discovers a new kind of acceptance–of herself and of her circumstances. “’Freeze Frame’ is the most emotional project I’ve ever made. It holds my new grief, my longing, and all the tiny moments that pulled me through. I experienced the sudden passing of my father two months before final production and recording vocals, and it was so healing to put all those emotions into something so beautiful.”

Born and raised in South Carolina, Ginger Winn has been singing and songwriting since age nine. In 2022, Winn began producing music for others online, and in 2024, shared her wistful debut album, STOP-MOTION, produced by David Baron (The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, Shawn Mendes). Atwood Magazine wrote the LP is “sweet, stirring, and sun-kissed..an intimate and honest snapshot of the full spectrum of emotion and experience, introducing a budding artist with a heart of gold and the voice to match.” Now, with new hardships and life experiences that color her forthcoming second project, Winn begins to artistically explore and present new parts of herself as she moves through the darkness and weight of grief like never before.

“Escape,” the cathartic ode to self-acceptance by Ginger Winn is out now ahead of her raw, brave sophomore LP, Freeze Frame, out on June 13. Tonight, Winn and producer/musician A.J. Yorio will play live in Woodstock at Colony with tickets on sale now here. Keep up with Ginger Winn on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for much more from the rising musician.

17. Jvy King – True To Me

Southwest Philadelphia singer, rapper and songwriter Jvy King releases a new single, True To Me,” and accompanying video today.  Artists like Fridayy, Meek Mill, Skrilla, and other Philadelphia greats cosign the talented 19-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter.

He will be releasing his new EP, Listen To Me, on May 15th. The 6-track project also features his previously released single, “Antidote.” Jvy performed the track on On The Radar earlier this year: WATCH.

18. Starling – I Can Be Convinced

Los Angeles alt-rock band Starling is excited to announce their new EP, Forgive Me, out June 27, 2025 via San Antonio’s Sunday Drive Records. Heralding the announcement is “I Can Be Convinced,” a hard-hitting but sickly sweet departure from their sparse and airy dreamscapes. Today’s release sees the four-piece examine an all-consuming love and the comfort one can find in confinement. Soaring guitars, blistering hi-hats and bandleader Kasha Souter Willett’s saultering vocals push the song towards sonic chaos. 

“Smothered. Wrapped up in a warm blanket so tightly you cannot move. A song written about needing stillness, to be told no, to be confined all in a confused love,” Starling say. “Kasha did not intend the song to take such an upbeat direction when she brought it to the band. Although it is a sad and yearning song, the beat and arrangement made this song our lead single.”

The official music video for “I Can Be Convinced” premieres today exclusively via Flood Magazine, which was filmed in Los Angeles, CA, and directed by David Milan Kelly, featuring an array of ballerinas. Starling told Flood, “The I Can Be Convinced music video came together with a lot of hard work from our friends who believed in the project, scraping all resources to make it happen. David Milan Kelly is a close friend of ours who directed the video and worked with us to create a visually interesting music video that honored the feeling and matched the pacing of the song. David and Kasha both separately had the thought to add ballet dancers to the mix, so when it was brought up by Kasha, they knew it had to come to fruition. From the big white skirt Kasha found at a thrift store not knowing what it would be used for at the time of purchase, to the dancers who came ready to improvise and learn poses on the spot; as much planning as we did a lot of this came together by trusting the process and allowing things to fall into place.”

Starling has kept busy since their inception in 2023, steadily releasing music and playing shows on the West Coast. Their debut EP, 2324, arrived last fall via tastemaking tape label Pleasure Tapes. Serving as a compilation of their singles from 2023 and 2024, the project features fan favorite songs like “Bottlebrush Tree” and “Falling Down a Mystery Hillside.”

Having recently finished up a run of shows with fellow LA band Cryogeyser, Starling will support Flooding at El Cid next week on May 6. For more information, follow Starling on Instagram at @starlingband. 

19. Noah Floersch – Growing Everything Out

Today, Omaha born and Nashville based indie pop lyrical songsmith Noah Floersch releases a brand new single to begin his new era “Growing Everything Out” via Concord Records. 

On the new single Noah said: “‘Growing Everything Out’ is as much about admitting defeat as it is about overcoming the trials and tribulations of life. It was originally written as a way to process my own stagnation and rough appearance, but over time, the song’s vulnerability turned into empowerment. 

He continued saying: “The music in this new chapter is as personally scathing as it is fun to perform. It strikes a funny balance between deeply insecure lyrics and high-energy instrumentals. I wanted to find the most honest way to capture the highs and lows of the past two years of my life—and I think I’ve found it in this era.”

Today, Ones To Watch gave the song a first look and said: “[Noah Floersch is] Brimming with honesty and a melody even when speaking, Noah very much carries himself as a musical being, a curious seeker collaging sounds with experiences in a profoundly relatable way.”

Lyrically “Growing Everything Out” talks about a time when you find yourself slightly partying too hard on tour every night and burning the candle at both ends. The song describes that moment when you look in the mirror and think “wow you look like a hot mess, but that’s okay right now- I’m growing everything out” almost as if giving yourself permission to let go a little bit.

In this new era of music, Noah writes about an almost anti-hero character that he has created as a way to self-reflect through his music. One whose guilt-tripping, projecting, getting too wasted and spewing his insecurities all over the damn place. But while the anti-hero may be a bummer to be around, in real life Noah isn’t. His music is the epitome of indie pop, caught in your head playful jams and lyrically so incredibly smart above all else.

The new track, which was produced by Travis Heidelman (Dasha) and mastered by Nathan Dantzler (Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims, Niall Horan), comes after a string of viral songs Noah previously released including “Ghost of Chicago” (which you may have seen online HERE and boasts over 35 million streams on Spotify, “Loneliest Girl In The World,” and “The Bird Song” with Em Beihold. 

Within the industry Noah has already caused quite a stir after not only collaborating with Em Beihold but being selected by Ricky Montgomery to support him on tour for a full US & Canadian tour last year. This early success launched Noah’s own headline run at the end of 2024 and he performed to fans singing every word across the country.

Recently he caught the attention of the likes of Grazie Abrams and SZA on social media while teasing new music – see HERE. Not to mention he was just named by Taco Bell as one of their Feed the Beat Class of 2025 artists – a designation that further solidifies him as the next gen of all things big in indie pop. See full list HERE. 

Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Noah was one of one of six kids in a Catholic family (super Catholic — his great-aunt was a nun, and his older brother is now a monk). By middle school he was hearing Jon Bellion, Vampire Weekend and Mumford & Sons from his older brothers or in the carpool to soccer practice, and in high school choir he gained a life-changing appreciation of the power of performance. He put out a slate of singles, EPs, and his first full-length, It’s Nice Out, while still in college in Lincoln, Nebraska; right after graduation, he moved to Nashville, and shortly thereafter, the single “Ghost of Chicago” from his second record Noah unexpectedly went viral, racking up millions of streams just about overnight.

Look out for more news from Noah Floersch coming soon! 

20. REDD. – JEANS SO BAGGY.

Melbourne/Naarm producer/artist and multi-instrumentalist REDD. drops a new single ‘JEANS SO BAGGY’ today and announces their debut mixtape RAUNCH will be released Friday June 20^th. 

“JEANS SO BAGGY” is a sun-dappled ode to being a freak and totally liking it. REDD. sings about having “stains on my shirt, I don’t really give a damn” over psychedelic-electronica-meets-rap production. Listen Here.
 
The third official single to be lifted from the mixtape, was written during REDD.s first ever studio session and their second time ever in Sydney. REDD. shares, “I worked with Julian Sudek (producer) on the song, and he really pushed me to keep being more expressive and “myself” on the track. He played the beat to JSB, and I free-styled the song almost in its entirety. We came back through after a listen and made it to what it is today. The song is fun, free, and packed with energy. Being a freestyle it is also a stream of consciousness; a look into my brain and how I was feeling in that very moment. A perfect reflection of the wonder, confidence, excitement, and bravado 18-year-old me had.”
 
The accompanying official video was filmed in Melbourne and directed by SHEISAPHRODITE who says, “It was a different pace musically from REDD., so we wanted to make something equally different from their previous visuals. Keeping a hint of 90s crunch to align with Redd’s aesthetic, this video delves into the beauty of youth’s courage to express individualism along with a chorus that will imprint on your brain.”
 

The word “raunchy” might have sexual connotations, but “raunch” is a state of mind – it’s about being who you are and owning it to the fullest. It’s a term coined by REDD. while they were in the studio recording their debut mixtape of the same name, and it’s the only term that accurately describes the scope of the 19-year-old rising star’s personality and ambition. 
 
REDD.’s mixtape RAUNCH is the result of a whirlwind few years that have seen them teach themselves how to produce music, play a string of breathless, sweaty warehouse parties, and find a rapturous audience since the release of their debut single “BRITNEY IN 03”.
 
The 9-track mixtape moves at breakneck speed through lush indie-R&B, crackling pop-punk and party starting dance music, all the while foregrounding REDD.’s lithe voice and remarkable talent for sharp, funny lyricism. Recorded in Melbourne, Sydney, LA and New York, it’s a genreless grab-bag fused together by REDD.’s own star power, and which channels the irrepressible, unpredictable energy of the live shows and parties they’ve been throwing around Australia, which have already become REDD.’s calling card.
 
The RAUNCH Mixtape was produced and written by REDD. and friends Lach Bostock (Maisonair) Tom Josephs, Laiko (Medium Build), New-Haven (Evie Irie, Allday), SB40, Stephen Mowat (Gretta Ray, Tyne-James Organ), Ciarrann Babbington (Bakers Eddy), Nate Delizotti (Vacations), Benjain Schandy (Jimi Somewhere), Ole Martin Jense (Jimi Somewhere), Julian Sudek (Royel Otis, Bag Raiders, Genesis Owusu) with Lars Stalfors (Roel Model, The Dare, Lucy Dacus) on mixing.

REDD. will be performing next week in Melbourne and Sydney before heading off to Brighton, UK, for The Great Escape Festival (May 14^th – 16^th); then onto Amsterdam (NL) for the Pretty Pissed Festival.

21. Xzibit & Ice Cube ft. Lorine Chia – For The Love

West Coast kingpins Xzibit and Ice Cube have appeared on several tracks together over the years, most notably on West Coast posse cuts like ‘Hello’ with Dr. Dre and MC Ren, and ‘LAX’ by Snoop Dogg. However, ‘For The Love’ is the first time Cube’s featured on one of X’s own projects. A moody, minimal beat pulses like a heartbeat beneath Lorine Chia’s silky vocals, setting the stage for two of hip-hop’s most iconic voices.

 “Working with Ice Cube on my project was a big deal for me,” says X, whose collaborators on Kingmaker also include the likes of Dr Dre, Ty Dolla $ign, Busta Rhymes, Redman and B-Real “It’s an honour to still be working with him after all these years.”

 This landmark collaboration headlines the gigantic 20-track Kingmaker, Xzibit’s first album in 12 years, due out 16th May via Greenback Records. 

 Kingmaker has a double meaning. In one sense, it’s about giving new talent, like Compton AV, Guapdad 4000 and Tre Capital, a platform to guide them towards king status. On the other hand, it’s about a king teaching his disciples, with each track conveying a lesson or principle that has contributed to Xzibit’s success. “A Kingmaker is someone who helps others rise—whether it’s through collaboration, mentorship, or opening doors,” he explains. “I’ve had a lot of people do that for me. Now, I want to be able to do the same thing for the next generation.”

 In the lead-up to Kingmaker, Xzibit has been opening up on some of the world’s biggest media platforms, diving deep into his legacy, challenges, and evolution. On the podcast Drink Champs, he reflected on his ability to connect with both underground and mainstream audiences, the struggles of West Coast artists during East Coast dominance, and the lessons learned from the iconic Up in Smoke tour.

22. Key Glock – Glockaveli

It’s finally here. Today, multiplatinum-certified Memphis, TN rap superstar Key Glock proudly presents his mega-anticipated new album, Glockaveli, out now via Paper Route Empire/REPUBLIC. Listen HERE.

A bold and unfiltered statement, Glockaveli is Key Glock at his rawest — 18 tracks, zero features, and an unrelenting energy that turns pain into power and pressure into purpose. Recorded between New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Paris, the album captures the inner thoughts of a man who’s persevered and came out sharper, hungrier, and more locked-in than ever.
 
Leading the charge is the focus track “Blue Devil,” where Glock pays homage to his Memphis roots with a fresh take on Three 6 Mafia’s iconic “Stay Fly.” He dominates the hulking beat and hypnotic horns with a quotable and commanding flow. Wielding disciplined and deft rhyme-craft, it culminates with a confident affirmation during the rich refrain, “I’m nothing like them. I put paper over pleasure…If it’s about money, then you know I’m on it.”
 
On “Made A Way,” he takes stock of his journey so far through resounding gospel harmonies. In between, he looks back, “I still made my way. You can catch me on the private jet—long way from the Greyhound.” Then, there’s the lusty “She Ready.” It represents yet another side of his sound altogether as a sample of Barbara Mason’s soul classic “I’m Ready” melts into a call-and-response with Key Glock’s bars.
 
From motivational anthems to street scriptures, Glockaveli is an impactful body of work — one that speaks to success earned through struggle, confidence honed through prolific output, and a throne ordained for Glock’s arrival. Inspired by Tupac’s Makaveli in title and spirit, it channels that same fearlessness and vision for legacy.
 
This is not just a new era — it’s Key Glock stepping into his power. Check out the full tracklisting below.
 
He recently preceded the LP by unwrapping “The Grinch.” Met with widespread applause, VIBE noted, “Glock’s effortless flow and sharp confidence remind us why he’s a force in modern rap.” UPROXX proclaimed, “On his latest single, “The Grinch,” Key Glock demonstrates just how emotionally cold he can be. Just with the beloved fictional character, Glock embraces the perceived power that comes along with a show of brute force.”

This anthemic cut landed on the heels of “3AM in ToKEYo” and “No Sweat,” which has already amassed north of 10 million global streams. In the latter’s wake, Pitchfork cited Glockaveli among “The 50 Most Anticipated Albums of Spring 2025.” Plus, Brooklyn Vegan praised the song as “a fun dose of speaker-shaking, catchy Southern rap.” HotNewHipHop professed, “Key Glock has found the sound that works for him, and continues to excel in that lane.”

Next up, he launches the Glockaveli Tour. It promises to be his biggest and boldest North American jaunt yet. In support of the anxiously awaited album, he hits the road on May 21 in Oklahoma City, OK at The Criterion, visits major markets coast-to-coast, and concludes on June 30 in Las Vegas, NV at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas. Along the way, he stops in Queens, NY on June 8 for Governors Ball.

Check out the full confirmed itinerary below.

Key Glock rose up out of Memphis and broke through into the mainstream on his own terms. He has quietly achieved a staggering level of success and prominence, generating eight billion streams, notching eight multi-platinum or platinum singles, seven gold singles, and three gold albums. Moreover, he has earned three consecutive Top 15 debuts on the Billboard 200 in addition to cracking the Billboard Hot 100. His music has appeared everywhere from the Fast & The Furious franchise to Madden. It’s no wonder Rolling Stone christened him one of “50 Innovators Shaping Rap’s Next 50 Years.” At the same time, this excitement has translated to the road. During 2024, he impressively sold out the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO, packing the house with over 10,000 fans.

It’s just the beginning though.
 
Welcome to the age of Glockaveli, and all hail Key Glock.

23. Jordan Adetunji – X n The City

GRAMMY® Award-nominated star Jordan Adetunji is back with his scintillatingly stimulating new single, “X n The City,” available now via 300 Entertainment/Warner UK HERE. Watch the Kza-directed music video HERE.

Produced by chart-topping, multi-platinum production duo Take A Daytrip, “X n The City” marks the eagerly awaited follow-up to Adetunji’s breakthrough mixtape, A Jaguar’s Dream, available now HERE. The critically acclaimed project sees the Belfast, UK artist seamlessly blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, hyperpop, and more into a singularly global sound all his own on such poignant and powerful tracks as “305 (feat. Bryson Tiller),” “Bitter,” “Dirty Diana,” “Too Many Women (feat. kwn),” “Options (feat. Lil Baby),” and of course, the RIAA Platinum-certified blockbuster hit, “KEHLANI.” Currently boasting over 600M streams and counting, the latter track has quickly proven an unstoppable worldwide sensation, earning a 2025 GRAMMY® Award nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance, a BRIT Awards 2025 nod as Song of the Year, and a MOBO Award nod for Song of the Year. Adetunji also scored a MOBO nomination for Best Newcomer and a Best New Hip-Hop Artist nomination at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. “KEHLANI” – which reached #1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic chart and the Top 25 on the Hot 100 – is joined by an official remix featuring the 5x GRAMMY® Award-nominated Kehlani herself, with official music videos for both “KEHLANI” and “KEHLANI REMIX (feat. Kehlani)” amassing over 112M cumulative views via YouTube alone.

Recently included on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 Europe Class of 2025, featured on the cover of Rolling Stone UK’s Future of Music 2025 issue, and named MTV’s Global PUSH Artist for February 2025, Adetunji celebrated his ongoing ascent to superstardom with his biggest world headline tour thus far, including sold-out dates in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Paris, London, and Amsterdam, as well as his show-stopping US festival debut at Inglewood, CA’s Rolling Loud California. This month will see an eagerly awaited headline performance at Brighton, UK’s hugely influential The Great Escape, set for Friday, May 16. Additional dates will be announced soon. For updates, please visit jordanadetunji.com/live. 

24. Leven Kali – Crystal Ball

Today, GRAMMY® Award-nominated multihyphenateLeven Kali unveils a new single “Crystal Ball” out now via Def Jam Recordings. Listen HERE.
 
A soft beat supports Leven’s lively vocals, airy keys, and electric guitar. He showcases his range, moving from soulful emotional verses to a high-energy refrain. The song culminates in a chantable chorus where he assures, “You know I’d give everything for you.” Giving the perfect blend of R&B, Rock, and Alternative. Ultimately, it simmers with spirit and style, highlighting his evolving signature sound.
 
In other news, Leven will join SiR on tour throughout this Summer. This jaunt commences on May 29 in Raleigh, NC, visits major markets coast-to-coast, and concludes on June 15 in Minneapolis, MN. See the full tour routing below. Purchase tickets HERE.
 
The new music continues what is shaping into a breakout 2025 for the rising phenomenon. Earlier this year, he dropped the fan favorites “Are U Still,” and “Pieces” both joined by impressive performance videos. VIBE raved, “Leven Kali is back and arguably, this is the drop we’ve been looking forward to the most,” and Earmilk professed, “‘ARE U STILL’ features the same poignant and sincere songwriting, but with a more jazzy flow. Kali’s buttery vocals slide over animated drums with some intense moments of instrumentation, making for an explosive entrance to a new year.” Rated R&B applauded, “The funky song feels like the sun peeking through the clouds after a storm, hinting at clearer skies ahead.”
 
Leven Kali stands out as a multi-GRAMMY®-nominated GRAMMY®-nominated for his work on Beyoncé’s Renaissance. Of course, this continues his run as a key trusted collaborator for Beyoncé. Prior, he served as a co-writer on “Alien Superstar,” “Plastic Off the Sofa,” “Virgo’s Groove,” and “Summer Renaissance” from 2022’s Renaissance, which took home a GRAMMY® for “Best Dance/Electronic Album.”
 
Everything just sets the stage for more to come from Leven Kali this year.

25. Elmiene – This Is The Remix

Acclaimed British-Sudanese soul sensation Elmiene returns with This is the Remix, out now via Polydor/Def Jam Recordings. Listen HERE

The three track remix bundle revisits fan-favorite tracks “Light Work” and “Someday” with the help of Los Angeles rapper, singer and producer BLXST, legendary super-producer Timbaland, Rance of Los Angeles production collective 1500 Or Nothin’ and German Soulection-affiliated beatmaker IAMNOBODI. 

Both songs have become key features of Elmiene’s growing catalogue, making regular appearances in live sets – including his impressive NPR Tiny Desk Concert. “Light Work” was playlisted at BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, while “Someday” is his biggest hit to date with over 20 million streams.

“Light Work” from last year’s Anyway I Can EP, sees Elmiene celebrating the joy of easy-going relationships. Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenate BLXST furthers the track’s already global appeal as he celebrates West Coast link ups via his signature blend of rap and R&B.

“Someday” first appeared on 2023’s breakout project Marking My Time and sees Elmiene yearning to return to a love experienced in the past. Appearing twice on ‘This is the Remix’, the track is reimagined by Timbaland and Rance 1500, as well as IAMNOBODI. 

Next month Elmiene will support D’Angelo at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia (May 31st) and UK fans will have the chance to catch him perform at London’s Jazz Cafe festival this summer (3rd August), as he continues to establish himself as a favourite of contemporary soul and R&B fans. Having broke through in 2023 with his El-Mean and Marking My Time EPs, he had a prolific 2024 with two more original EPs “Anyway I Can” and “For The Deported” as well as two live releases Live at RAK Studios and Live from 525 – the latter comprising covers of tracks by Frank Ocean, Prince and Cleo Sol.

Elmiene has been embraced by a global community of creatives – collaborating with some of the most sought-after names in music including Leon Thomas, ASAP Ferg, Syd, Sampha, Lil Silva, D’Mile, Dahi and Stormzy – and hotly tipped by press and tastemakers with coverage in Dazed, The Guardian, The Face, NME, Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone and Complex. He received a nomination for the BRITs Rising Star Award and the Ivor Novello Rising Star Award, plus he was shortlisted as one of the artist to watch on the BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2024 poll, VEVO, MTV, Pandora Music, BBC 1Xtra and Ticketmaster.

26. Connie Diiamond – Letter To My Fans

Today, rising Bronx spitter Connie Diiamond addresses her audience directly with a poignant and powerful new single entitled “Letter To My Fans” out now via Def Jam Recordings. LISTEN HERE.
 
The intimacy of the production mirrors the stark honesty of her lyrics. The bass bumps in the distance, emphasizing her bars at the forefront. Traditionally, she always held nothing back, but she cuts even deeper on “Letter To My Fans.” Speaking unapologetically, Connie makes a declaration to the competition as she states, “None of you could compare to me. You see I’m coming from a place where I ain’t had shit—where the trauma translates into baggage.” Additionally, she dropped the “Instrumental” and “Slowed Versions” to accompany the track.
 
About “Letter to My Fans,” she said, “I’ve never dedicated any music to my fans directly before. I was expressing to them how I felt in real-time. It’s one of the most vulnerable records I have. It reflects where I am, where I’ve been, and what I’m feeling today.”
 
At the end of 2024, she served up Underdog Szn: BRB, which boasted an A-list cohort of guests such as Remy Ma, Cash Cobain, Joe Budden, Don Q, and more. Moreover, “Shoot” graced the soundtrack for NBA 2K24, and BET selected her as its BET Amplified for March. She also performed at the 2024 BET Awards Red Carpet Live Preshow. Among many accomplishments, Connie has notched major co-signs from the likes of NBA superstar LeBron James, who marveled at her viral Ludacris-sampled freestyle in 2023. The rapper then made waves with the release of her debut LP, Underdog SZN, featuring Dame D.O.L.L.A., Don Q, and more. 

Get ready for a whole lot more from Connie Diiamond in 2025.

27. Max McNown – Same Questions

Today, Nashville-based singer-songwriter and fastest rising voice in country music Max McNown releases his new single “Same Questions” alongside a moving performance video via Fugitive Recordings x The Orchard x Columbia Records. 

On the meaning of the track, Max shares, “”When I wrote ‘Same Questions’ I knew I wanted to write a breakup song, but in a different way – through the lens of questions that get asked in relationships. From “how many kids will we have” to the early basic questions, like “where are you from. Everyone and anyone in a relationship has asked some version of these questions throughout love and loss.”

This new single follows his previously released “St. Helens Alpenglow” and Call Me If You Miss Me” and continues the story of his stunning sophomore album Night Diving (released January 24), a graceful fusion of folk and pop produced by Jamie Kenney (Colbie Caillat, Laci Kaye Booth).  

Max recently made his TV debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show with a charming performance of his radio hit “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes).” Just one month before, host and singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson covered Max’s breakout single “A Lot More Free,” which recently went GOLD, on her TV show.   

Watch “Better Me For You” performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show HERE
Watch Kelly Clarkson cover “A Lot More Free” HERE

His additional accolades include being named a 2025 Amazon Music Artist to Watch and Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month for November of last year following his feature as CMT’s Next Up Now artist alongside the release of Willfully Blind. The EP landed as the Oregon-born artist made his AmericanaFest debut, and as we saw another major resurgence of his breakout hit single “A Lot More Free.” Since the single’s release it has recently achieved RIAA Gold certification, earned Max a top spot as #1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, peaked at #1 on the iTunes singles chart and #1 on the TikTok Breakthrough USA chart, climbed the Canadian Hot 100 chart, and was placed on Spotify’s Hot Country and Viral 50 global playlists. 

One of the “brightest newly minted stars to come out of Nashville in recent years” (GRAMMY.com), Max has impressively sold out every stop of his debut headline tour after spending the past year opening for stars like Wynonna Judd, Wyatt Flores, Michael Marcagi, Sam Barber, 502s, Corey Kent, Trampled by Turtles, JOSEPH, and more. 

With the resounding success of the current run for the “A Lot More Free Tour,” Max recently announced a handful of additional shows to officially mark the end of the triumphant tour. The series of southern stops include Knoxville, Orlando, Richmond, and more. Max is also scheduled to perform at upcoming major US festivals including Boston Calling, Lollapalooza, CMA Fest, and others. Visit www.maxmcnown.com/tour for more information. 

At 23, Max has already been on a storied musical journey. Taking control of his future, overcoming personal challenges, and drawing inspiration from his brother who was bravely fighting cancer, Max packed his bags and drove from remote Oregon to Southern California. From there, videos of him busking on a pier made an impact online and eventually grew into a legion of supporters on TikTok (currently has 2M followers). After attracting interest from major TV talent shows, Max auditioned for one and then decided it wasn’t for him, and gracefully turned them down as he knew he needed to walk his own path.

28. Tha Alkaholiks – Daaam!

“Anything you can do, they can do fresher”! Tha Alkaholiks (Tash, J-Ro & E-Swift), are a vital component of the highly influential West Coast collective the Likwit Crew, which was founded by King Tee, and consisted of Tha Alkaholiks, Xzibit, The Lootpack (Madlib, Wildchild & DJ Romes), Defari, Declaime & Phil Da Agony. 

Tha Liks released their first four albums on the iconic Loud Records imprint and along the way collaborated with luminaries such as The Neptunes, Danger Mouse, Nas, Q-Tip, Madlib, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Busta Rhymes, Diamond D, Marley Marl, Keith Murray and LL Cool J, among others.  The group’s sophomore album, Coast II Coast, is a quintessential, underrated gem in the vast West Coast Hip-Hop pantheon. 

Now, the notoriously spirited, hard partyin’ West Coast trio are back together, releasing their first new album, Daaam!, in close to two decades,  and “At It Again” as they revisit a few of their classics, alongside five new tracks.

You can lean into the new re-recorded versions of Likwidation favorite “Hip Hop Drunkies,” featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard, or 21 & Over’s “Only When I’m Drunk,” but then listen to the trio’s new tracks like “Hands 2 The Ceiling” or “MJ PT. 2,” as well as “At It Again,” and it’s almost like the influential trio never left; the hiatus that never happened.

With appearances from special guests Planet Asia and spookybands, Daaam! is both an intoxicating dose of 90s rap nostalgia, and an astonishing step into the future for Tha Liks – and it’s sometimes both, simultaneously. 

For golden age rap connoisseurs, a new album from Tha Alkaholiks is a welcome and surprise treat; and it’s no surprise that Tha Alkaholiks still make you say Daaam! 

Bottom’s Up!!  Tha Alkaholiks Daaam! is now available at all DSP’s via Cleopatra Records.

29. Skrilla – Maison Language

Today (5.2), Mr. ‘6 7’ himself, Skrilla releases his newest single “Maison Language” via Priority Records. It is the follow-up to “Doot Doot (6 7),” the track that ignited one of the year’s biggest trends and proved Skrilla isn’t just viral at 56+ million streams — he’s vital to the game.

This time, the Philly-bred rapper taps into a different frequency, layering in a live horn section for a fresh bounce that still hits with Skrilla’s notorious raw edge. Written by Skrilla and produced by ThankUTimmy and 1Ryan, “Maison Language” is him leveling up — no formula, no ceiling. He continues to carve his own lane, blending street-rooted storytelling with adventurous production, positioning himself as one of the biggest breakout rappers of the year.

Earlier this week, Skrilla dropped the video for “NYFW,” a standout from his Zombie Love Kensington Paradise (Deluxe) album, which was released February 28 via Priority Records. 

Recently named one of the “Top 5 Breakout Artists of 2025” by Genius, Skrilla continues to cement his path on the road to rap stardom. Fueled by the runaway success of “Doot Doot (6 7)” — which has now surpassed 56 million streams — he’s earned viral status and attention from the likes of LeBron James, LaMelo Ball, Kodak Black, Ice Spice and more. “Maison Language” amplifies that unparalleled momentum.

30. Zeddy Will – Set The Tone

Viral sensation and rising rap star Zeddy Will is ready to make his mark with the release of his first-ever body of work, the highly anticipated mixtape “Set The Tone” via PowerMoves Inc. Known for blending punchy lyricism with a distinct New York flavor and unmatched charisma, Zeddy is poised to solidify his place as one of 2025’s most exciting artists.

Ahead of the project’s release, Zeddy already has four tracks in heavy rotation, dominating platforms and charts alike. His infectious collab with B Jack$, “Get Jiggy,” currently racks up over 1 million streams per day. Other fan favorites include “Bottles N B*tches” with Dee Billz, Sturdyyoungin’s “Trippin’” featuring Zeddy and Ohthatsmizz, and of course his own smash, “Twerkin With Your Friends”—a viral juggernaut that topped NYC Shazam charts and amassed over 22 million streams across DSPs.

His explosive online presence translates into real-world energy. From commanding the stage at SXSW to joining Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out Tour,** Zeddy’s live shows have drawn rave reviews for their high-octane entertainment. Notably, he was recently spotlighted by Billboard as one of the “15 Hip-Hop, African & R&B Artists to Watch in 2025.” Zeddy is currently in consideration for XXL’s Freshman Class, nominated for the coveted “10th Spot.”

Zeddy Will’s debut mixtape, “Set The Tone,” is a bold, ten-track statement designed to showcase his versatility and musical evolution. From gritty bars to introspective moments, the project delivers on all fronts. The self-titled opener, “Set The Tone,” reflects on Zeddy’s rise—highlighting sleepless nights, personal growth, and the duality of success and sacrifice.

On “Ask About Me,” Zeddy flexes his superstar status with witty, confident bars: “Big Zeddy, they always get ready when I tell them to / Location been off, and the panties too…”

He also drops some slick wordplay over Joe Budden’s legendary “Pump It Up” beat on the track “Joe Budden,” where he declares: “Google ‘What’s my net worth?’ They say something below a mil / Tell me who be writing this ’cause that n**** off a pill…”

On the mixtape, Zeddy features the notable artists, including Lil Tjay, Jenn Carter, and New York staple, French Montana. French appears on the song “Back Back,” rapping, “I don’t run track, but I’m running through a check. Baby girl hit the floor, get your eagle on. Gotta get a bag with your people on…”

Whether he’s cracking jokes, spinning club-ready hits, or reflecting on the come-up, Zeddy uses “Set The Tone” to prove he’s not just a viral moment—he’s the future.

Today, Zeddy will be holding a free concert at American Dream in Rutherford, NJ! He will also perform at HOT 97’s Who’s next on May 27th at SOBs in NYC.

31. Quavo ft. Takeoff – Dope Boy Phone

Grammy-nominated recording artist Quavo has officially released his latest single, “Dope Boy Phone” featuring Takeoff, via Quality Control Music/Motown Records. The track marks Quavo’s third release of the year, following “Trappa Rappa” and “Legends” with fellow QC megastar Lil Baby. Featuring a posthumous verse from his late nephew Takeoff, “Dope Boy Phone” revives the unmistakable Unc & Phew connection. Quavo’s iconic ad-libs punctuate the track, while Takeoff’s verse highlights the vivid storytelling that helped shape Migos’ legacy. Trading sharp lines over a booming bass, bouncy percussion, and catchy melody, the duo’s timeless synergy proves their music still stands the test of time.

32. RAAHiiM – Just Like Me

RAAHiiM says, “‘Just Like Me’ is me bridging worlds between my wants and the reality of my life right now. So much uncertainty in life makes love feel impossible, but I think we all want the same things intrinsically.”

RAAHiiM will hit the road supporting Jessie Reyez on a North American tour, which kicks off on June 10 in St. Lous, MO and wraps up on December 5 in Toronto, ON. Full dates are below.

Hailing from Toronto, RAAHiiM continues to captivate listeners with his raw, honest lyrics and soulful sound. His independently released breakout single, “Peak (Fed Up),” has amassed over 50 million streams, earning him a dedicated following among R&B enthusiasts. In 2023, RAAHiiM released the project BUT IF iiM HONEST, which featured production from Grammy Award-winning talents, including Nineteen85 (Drake, Travis Scott, DJ Khaled), Vinylz (Chris Brown, J. Cole, Cardi B), and Yogi the Producer (Nicki Minaj, Kehlani), among others. Standout tracks like “Spin the Block” and “Outside Freestyle” have cemented his status as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices. That same year, he was recognized as one of Spotify’s R&B Artists to Watch. 

33. Zinoleesky – Gen Z

GEN Z is the long-awaited and highly anticipated debut album from Billboard-charting Nigerian streetpop star ZINOLEESKY set for release on April 25, 2025. Crafted over the course of two transformative years, Gen Z is a bold and personal milestone for one of afrobeats’ most compelling young voices, with the project capturing Zinoleesky’s depth, complexity, and multi-dimensional evolution – from streetpop sensation and global superstar to introspective artist and first-time father. Built on a foundation of afro-futurist escapism, the album invites listeners into Zinoleesky’s alternate reality – where his music becomes a game, a safe space, and a form of self-expression. Drawing on Zinoleesky’s love of gaming and virtual worlds, it’s both a personal universe and a generational mirror.

Blending afropop, amapiano, trap, R&B, hip-hop, and alté influences, Gen Z sees Zinoleesky pushing the boundaries of contemporary African music while staying grounded in his Lagos roots. Singing in Yoruba, Pidgin, and English, the Agege native weaves a multicultural, genre-fluid tapestry that speaks to a global generation. Driven by acclaimed lead singles ‘Element’, ‘Fuji Garbage’, and Billboard-charting ‘Abanikanda’, which have combined for over 200 million plays online, the Gen Z album is built around rich storytelling, captivating melodies, and emotional candour from Zinoleesky, as well as genre-defying production from trusted collaborators like Babybeats, Lekaa Beats (Central Cee, J Hus), Niphkeys (Stormzy, Rema), and JAE5 (Skepta, Dave). Together, they create an immersive sound that feels both futuristic and familiar, over which Zinoleesky makes his boldest artistic statement yet.

With guest appearances from UK heavyweights Ms Banks and Young T & Bugsey, New York rap star Toosii, Jamaican rising star Dyani, Ivorian sensation Didi B, and funky house pioneer Donae’o, Gen Z underscores Zinoleesky’s global outlook, and his mission to connect cultures, and transcend borders. Thematically, the album is a bold and unfiltered portrait of a generation in motion, told through the lens of an artist evolving in real time. On tracks like ‘Lifestyle’ and ‘Steph Curry’, Zinoleesky’s ambition, confidence, and resilience take centre stage, while on ‘Born Survivor’ and ‘On Go’, he doubles down on discipline and perseverance, with ‘Movie’ and ‘Mandela’ exploring the highs and solitude of success, offering both spectacle and introspection. Throughout the Gen Z record, Zinoleesky’s pen is purposeful – driven by lived experience and clarity of voice.

Elsewhere on the album, love and vulnerability weave seamlessly into the narrative. ‘One of a Kind’, ‘Ferrari’, and ‘Suit and Tie’ present different shades of romance, from soft admiration to indulgent devotion, while ‘Doctor’ turns desire into a playful, metaphor-laced performance. Cultural pride shines on ‘Jollof’ and ‘Ayamashe’, where food becomes a symbol of attraction, authenticity, and fire. The swagger of ‘2 Baba Flex’ channels superstar status with a nod to icons, but it’s ‘Gifted’ that cuts deepest – a profound reflection on pressure, purpose, and spiritual reckoning. With Gen Z, Zinoleesky delivers a rich and cohesive debut that balances street-born bravado with soul-searching honesty, the outcome is a powerful offering from an artist claiming his space with intention and nuance.

Gen Z is a statement of identity, escapism, resilience, and reinvention, as Zinoleesky ushers in his most defining era yet. The deeply resonant album reflects Zinoleesky’s singular ability to connect raw street energy with melody, vulnerability, and vision. Tapping into his passion for gaming and virtual escapism, the album explores alternate realities and afro-futuristic themes, while championing Afican music sub-genres such as afropiano and afroswing. As he unveils Gen Z, Zinoleesky not only cements his place in Nigeria’s rich musical legacy, but also bridges the gap between street pop and global stages, offering the world a new lens through which to view African youth culture. With over a billion global streams under his belt, and rave reviews from BBC 1Xtra, NME, Clash Magazine, and Capital Xtra, Zinoleesky is not just representing the voice of his generation, he’s defining it.

34. Cassian – SOS

Today, GRAMMY-winning producer, DJ, and mixing engineer Cassian releases his newest single, “SOS.” The track serves as his debut on John Summit’s Experts Only label, home to house and techno superstars like Green Velvet, Max Styler, and Kevin De Vries.  

Cassian deploys his signature knack for maximum impact on “SOS,” stirring up a wave of suspense with a dramatic build-up and kinetic vocal sample before dropping into a syncopated bass line that drives the track forward with pulsing urgency. A flagship moment in Cassian’s DJ set as of late, you can watch Cassian deliver the energy to a sold-out crowd at London’s KOKO club here.  

“Someone told me I look like the Easter Island statues, so at the start of the year, I went on a trip to check them out in the flesh. When I arrived, they started singing this song to me. I quickly recorded it and then was immediately possessed by a spirit who sampled it and produced it into ‘SOS’. So I guess it was a spiritual ghost producer.”   — Cassian

The new single picks up right where Cassian left off with a string of massive, peak-time dancefloor weapons, following “Where I’m From” with SCRIPT and Belladonna, as well as the fan-favorite “Dun Dun” on Afterlife. 

“SOS” arrives amid Cassian’s North American tour, which will conclude with an all-night-long set for Teksupport at a New York City warehouse. He’s also set to debut at Tomorrowland’s main stage this summer. The release follows his performance at the Las Vegas Sphere for Anyma’s End of Genesys shows, a residency in which Cassian served as Music Director, working closely with Anyma and overseeing the entire audio experience.

35. Paco ft. Alé Araya – CANDY.

Rising Mexican-American artist Paco releases new single “CANDY.” featuring Alé Araya. LISTEN HERE.

The new track delves into the raw emotional turmoil of love, longing, and heartbreak. Reflecting on a past relationship filled with passion and intimacy, now overshadowed by the ache of separation, and lingering unanswered questions, “CANDY.” captivates with its blend of English and Spanish lyrics, amplifying the emotional depth of love lost.

Paco shares: “Who doesn’t love something sweet? A guilty pleasure some might say is what ‘CANDY.’ ft. Alé Araya is. The sound of something familiar yet new is what this song brings with its genre bending title Latin Funk Wave Pop. ‘CANDY.’ FT ALÉ ARAYA is the first single with this culmination of sounds which leads into the project that digs deeper into this genre. SUERTE.”

Following previous releases like BODY SHOP. / PLAN B., HEY LADY. / MONEY TALK, and his well-received singles “LIE 2 ME” and “3MTILLIDIE,” “CANDY” showcases Paco’s ever-evolving sound, blending rhythmic fusion with Latin influences. Paco is also known for his collaboration with Tommy Richman on LETTERMAN from Richman’s album COYOTE. Currently, Paco is supporting Tommy on his COYOTE tour across Europe.

Paco is a first-generation Mexican American artist on the rise. He discovered his love for music in his hometown of St. Louis Missouri, while DJing at local high school parties before relocating to Los Angeles in 2021 to pursue his passion. More recently, Paco finished up his supporting dates off Tommy Richman’s sold-out dates on Before The Desert Tour. Exploring an ever-evolving blend of genres while embracing his Latin Swag style, Paco aims to inspire other first-generation kids to venture out and dream big. 

Stay tuned for more music and updates on Paco. 

36. Devine Carama & Amadeus360 ft. Termanology – Crash Test Dummies

Following his 2020 collaborative album with Ruste Juxx James Brown of tha Underground, and his 2021 full-length collaboration with Termanology 360,  Hip-Hop producer Amaeus360 firmly etched his name as a modern torchbearer for raw, gritty Boom Bap with his 2023 magnum opus The MPC Jedi. In contrast to the throng of cross-generational spitters featured across that album’s 18 tracks, the self-proclaimed  “Beat King” has, once again, locked in with one MC. This time, he’s tapped Lexington, Kentucky Hip-Hop luminary Devine Carama. Their forthcoming collaborative LP Guardians of the Boom Bap is due out June 13 via Soulspazm. Today (5/2/2025), the duo unveils the album’s first single “Crash Test Dummies”, with a fiery guest verse from Amadeus360’s frequent collaborator Termanology. 

“This track is really ill. it’s basically about crashing out when others stress you out and keeping perspective of how crashing out ain’t worth it. My brother Termanology is also featured on this one. He delivers his typical insulting and disrespectful witty lyrics. Devine’s poisonous pen lyrics left me scratching my head.” – Amadeus360

37. Leith Ross – Grieving

Kicking off a new creative chapter, critically acclaimed Canadian singer, songwriter, and guitarist Leith Ross (They/Them Pronouns) is back today with a new single entitled “Grieving” out now via Republic Records. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Rostam, “Grieving” serves as Ross’ first release in two years since their Juno Award-nominated debut album To Learn and paves the way for their highly anticipated sophomore album, due out later this year. Listen to “Grieving” HERE & watch the music video HERE.
 
On the song, folksy acoustic guitar accompanies Leith’s emotionally charged vocals. Opening up about their grandfather’s passing, they deeply reflect with honest and heartfelt lyrics. The track’s momentum builds to a confessional chorus as they admit, “I never will stop grieving, grief is all I have of love.” Inspired by classic Wes Anderson films, the video sees Leith and friends present a living wake for themselves, celebrating life, love, and friendship. “Grieving” heralds more music to come very soon.
 
Leith shares, “‘Grieving’ has been a special song to me for a long time, but even unrelated to the song, the concept has taken root in my life in a monumental way. It has changed a lot for me, and I hope it can change something for someone else.”
 
Following the viral success of their singles “We’ll Never Have Sex” and “(You) On My Arm,” in 2023, Leith unveiled their debut album To Learn and its deluxe version To Learn, More. Released to widespread praise, NME declared them “a voice for their generation” and “Gen Z’s new favorite indie songwriter,” while The FADER described them as “your new obsession.” Thus far, they have impressively amassed nearly half-a-billion streams and counting, in addition to touring with the likes of Lord Huron, Bahamas, Andy Shauf, and Helena Deland, as well as selling out headline shows across the globe.
 
Get ready for more from Leith Ross in 2025!

38. Dylan Gossett – American Trail

Platinum-Certified and critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Dylan Gossett reveals his long awaited debut album, Westward, will be arriving on July 18th via Big Loud Texas / Mercury Records. Gossett announced Westward’s release with an official album trailer, sharing “This album is a collection of stories that I wrote during the craziest two years of my life. I hope everyone can find something for themselves in it.”
 
In celebration of the announcement, Gossett drops his newest single “American Trail” today—listen HERE and watch an acoustic live performance of the song recorded at Austin’s Orb Studios HERE. He debuted “American Trail” live for the very first time this past weekend during his Stagecoach Festival debut, where he drew a packed crowd at his Palomino Stage evening set.
 
Written over the span of the past two years while touring the globe, the 17-track album was written and entirely self-produced by Gossett. Westward features Gossett’s signature heart-on-his-sleeve storytelling and explores themes of love, family, faith, and chasing one’s dreams.
 
On the touring front, Gossett sold over 72,000 global tickets in 2024 alone. Currently on the second leg of his headline “The Back 40 Tour” across the U.S. and Canada, he recently announced he’ll hit the road once again this July on “The American Trail Tour,” which will make stops across the midwest and west. His festival run will also continue, with performances at Lonestar Smokeout Festival, Carolina Country Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, Windy City Smokeout, and Under The Big Sky. In addition, today Gossett announced his debut at Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry on June 4th as part of their “Opry 100 Celebrates CMA Fest” event—more information and tickets are available HERE.
 
Dylan Gossett has emerged as one of the biggest and brightest new stars in country music. In less than two years, he has notched over 800 million total streams. His breakout single “Coal” picked up a Platinum Certification in the United States, in addition to going Silver in the U.K., Platinum in Australia, 2x-Platinum in Canada, and 2x-Platinum in Ireland. The song marked his first entry on the Spotify U.S. Top 200 Chart, Billboard Hot 100 Chart, and U.K. Official Singles Chart Top 100. Not to mention, it broke into the Top 25 of the Billboard Country Digital Songs Chart and Top 5 of the Spotify Viral 50 U.S. and Global Charts. It’s no wonder major players such as Spotify and Amazon pegged him as an “Artist To Watch” in 2024, while Music Row named him among its “Next Big Thing Class of 2025 Artists.”
 
Capping off a monumental 2024, Gossett released his fan favorite single “Tree Birds” last fall. Amazon Music also tapped Dylan to contribute “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (Amazon Music Original);” plus, he was featured on the GRAMMY-nominated Twisters: The Album Soundtrack with his original song “Stronger Than A Storm.” Not to mention, he delivered a showstopping rendition of “Coal” during ESPN’s College GameDay at his alma mater Texas A&M—watch a clip of his performance HERE.
 
Stay tuned for Westward out July 18th and more exciting announcements to come from Dylan Gossett soon.

39. Khamari – Head In A Jar

Today, soulful R&B star Khamari releases his latest unfeigned single “Head in a Jar” with an accompanying visualizer. This is the first single leading up to his highly anticipated sophomore album, set to drop later this summer. LISTEN HERE. WATCH HERE.

“Head in a Jar” is a raw internal dialogue exploring how Khamari feels trapped with his thoughts over a lover who has slipped away. He pours his heart out over a soft stringed melody, giving pure vocals alongside an echoed cry, evoking pain and longing. The simplicity of the instrumental allows Khamari’s lyrical vulnerability to shine through. The accompanying visualizer is set in a sterile, empty waiting room that mirrors the emotional isolation Khamari expresses in the song. He paces back and forth to emphasize the mental limbo and cyclical nature of longing, waiting for closure that may never come.

In a statement about the single, Khamari shared, “When you first hear the song, you might think the lyrics are about two people in the same room. However, as the song progresses, I want you to realize it’s a situation where you’re an observer, someone looking in, watching someone move through their day-to-day life. ‘Head in a Jar’ is a metaphor for being a part of someone’s life, but from a greater distance than you would like. This is mirrored in the lyrics, ‘If it’s the shelf or gone, then least i’ll be something to you’”.

Nearly two years since its release, Khamari’s debut album A Brief Nirvana has garnered over 125 million cumulative streams across platforms. Now following suit, “Head in a Jar” is currently climbing the TikTok charts, with over 4000 videos using the pre-released snippet. As one of R&B’s next-gen rising multi-hyphenates, Khamari’s thought-provoking musicality continues to create meaningful connection with audiences around the globe. 

40. Aqyila – Soar

Hot on the heels of her second JUNO Award win and the release of her critically acclaimed debut album Falling Into Place, Canadian R&B star Aqyila releases “Soar,” the final track on the new album. Listen here. Watch the video here. 

By now, the critics have spoken, and fans are taking notice. Falling Into Place is “a formidable introduction – one that presents a self-assured star with near-limitless potential” (Billboard). With this release, Aqyila “[cements] herself among the genre’s greats” (BET) and is a true “international phenom we can’t get enough of” (Vibe). With “Soar,” Aqyila gives fans the final pièce de résistance that pulls the project together, featuring the heartfelt songwriting, layered vocals, and infectious melody that has made Aqyila an unstoppable force in contemporary R&B. 

Co-written by Aqyila and Maya J’an B (“Bloom”), and produced by Charlie Coffeen (The Weeknd, Rae Sremmurd), “Soar” is an assured track from an accomplished artist. “‘Soar’ puts the final touch on this body of work,” says Aqyila, “and this felt like the perfect gift to fans, and perfect way to present this total project. Like the song says – I’m feeling like my intuition never misses, as long as I continue to trust myself.” 

In 2024, Aqyila earned a JUNO Award for ‘Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year’ for her song “Hello”; achieved viral success with “Bloom”; and released “Most Wanted,” which included collaborations with Nike and Tribal Carnival. She also presented at the Legacy Awards, performed both in Canada and abroad—including a set at UK singer Mahalia’s “Mahalia Presents” series at the iconic Jazz Café in Camden, London—and headlined her first sold-out show in her hometown of Toronto.

The momentum accelerated in 2025. Aqyila completed a North American tour supporting Pink Sweat$ and earned two JUNO nominations: ‘Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year’ for “Limbo” and ‘Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year’ for “Bloom,” for which she won a JUNO. She also performed at the JUNO Awards broadcast, to great acclaim. 

She continues her incredible year, with the release of “Soar,” the release of the Falling Into Place vinyl in May (pre-order here), and various summer festival dates. 

41. Duja ft. Denise Julia – Rain (Remix)

Today, Hawaii* artist Daju released a remix of his viral single “Rain” — featuring iconic Filipina singer, Denise Julia —  coinciding with Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month. The release marks a creative milestone for both, with their art mirroring life: two Filipino R&B artists blending their signature, vulnerable, and soulful lyrics, bridging cultures to create the song anew. From different islands but united by sound, they are stewards of the Asia-Pacific, showing this collaboration is more than just international; it’s about a connection through music. It’s two artists, from two homelands, finding one shared voice. 

The original, which was released last July, was a testament to solitude where Daju emotionally navigated love and loss, using “I got used to the rain” to convey inner peace, and as a catalyst for his path forward. Now, through Denise Julia’s reimagined second verse, listeners are offered an alternative (her perspective): “Why am I receiving all the blame? I have seen your worst, baby, I was there through the pain.” Through the track, the two trade off — recalling their experiences in an emotional back-and-forth to eventually achieve closure. The remix isn’t just a rework — it’s a reframing, inviting listeners into a dialogue between two voices, grounding themselves in their own experiences through the relationship.

“I wanted Rain to be a space where people can find comfort,” said Dominique Hill, the voice of Daju.  “Sometimes, the most healing moments come when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and feel what we’re feeling. I hope this song can be a companion to anyone who needs it.”

The song’s production remains heartfelt and immersive, masterfully layered with vocal stacks, textures, and character. It personifies the two’s highs and lows, culminating in Denise Julia’s own search for clarity amid chaos.

“When Daju sent me the track, I was already in love with the rawness of it. I didn’t want to just jump in with a verse — I wanted to bring my truth into the story,” said Denise Julia. “There’s something powerful — and very R&B — about hearing both sides of heartbreak in a song, especially when it comes from two people who share the same roots. It’s beautiful how two artists from two islands, with different but shared histories, can echo the same emotion and find beauty in the same pain. It’s real, and it’s ours.”

Beyond its sonic beauty, this collaboration represents something far deeper: a cultural exchange. Both artists, while similar, are distinct in their ways. With shared roots in the Philippines, the two use music to elevate their cultural identity. Their union is not just a musical alignment, but a moment of ethnic storytelling, visually propelling Asia-Pacific sound while showing, musically, that heartbreak, healing, and desire are universal experiences.

“Music has always been my ‘why’ — a way to vocalize my life experiences in a way relatable and digestible to the world,” continued Daju. “Having the music take me home, and offer me an opportunity to reconnect with my roots, has been poetic and surreal. With the similarities between our two communities — from island life to the kindness, hospitality, work ethic and creatives — I’ve felt right at home, and I’m honored to help continue those ties between two islands with deep, Filipino roots. I couldn’t imagine anyone better to build on this track than Denise, one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing artists.”

Together, Daju and Denise Julia represent a new wave of R&B talent. The two are a reminder that something beautiful blooms even through the heaviest rain.

Fans of the artists can expect more, with the two set to release visualizers from their shared time in Manila, Philippines, in the coming weeks. Additionally, Daju plans to release an EP later this year. 

42. Lil Tjay ft. 42 Dugg – Different

Today, the most streamed rapper born this century on Spotify with 9.9 billion streams, Lil Tjay releases his highly awaited new single “Different Ft. 42 Dugg” via Standard Records/ADA. Listen to the track HERE. He also releases “No Hook” HERE and is featured on Zeddy Will’s new track “Got You.”

With melodic flows and a keen ear for production, the prolific South Bronx rapper continues to solidify himself as a creative force to be reckoned with on “Different ft. 42 Dugg.” The track sets the tone for a motivational feeling and shows how Lil Tjay is built differently than others. Considered to be Tjay’s anthem, in “Different,” it doesn’t matter what people perceive about him. He is still getting money, catching flights, and enjoying the luxuries of life that he is blessed with. He doesn’t keep up with all the commotion and has all the loyalty he needs within his crew.

43. Maddie Zahm – Mothers & Daughters

Today, LA-based queer queen of candid pop Maddie Zahm released a brand new single “Mothers & Daughters” out via AWAL – a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to the complex, ever-evolving relationship between mothers and daughters. LISTEN NOW. 

The song glimmers with echoey ethereal production buoyed by Maddie’s strong voice, singing about the evolving relationship between her and her mom: “i’m slowly becoming my mother…from screaming i hate you, you’re ruining my life .. to panic attacks about the day that she dies” 

Maddie says about the new single: Mothers & daughters is without a doubt my favorite song I’ve ever written. There’s something so honest about acknowledging that your mom is also just a girl living life for the first time too. I held a lot of resentment towards my mom in my later teen years as I navigated my relationship with food, god and my body. But the older I get and the closer my mom and I have become the more I’ve realized she is the greatest friend I have ever had. I sometimes can’t fathom that she had me at twenty-two years old. I am twenty-seven and the idea of raising a daughter without passing on any of my current burdens seems impossible. As life keeps spinning, I only find more empathy and understanding for my mom. And not only for her but also my mom’s mom and so forth. We are all a cycle of women learning how to raise other women in a society that tells us that we’re never doing enough. And I know it’s not the case for everyone but for some of us one day we wake up and realize our mothers were more than enough. And not only that, but we’re exactly like them.❤️

Maddie Zahm just released (the angry part), a 4-song exploration of different facets of anger – with dance-floor breakup anthems to haunting bedroom pop about toxic men to a powerful ballad about the cannibalism of fame. Listen now.

She also recently appeared on The Terrell Show – a hilarious and heartfelt episode that finds Terrell and Maddie bonding over religious upbringing, their coming out experiences, as well as Maddie giving stunning performances of some of her own songs, as well as the ABCs. Maddie also recently appeared on 2 Broke Gays, and she was featured in People’s 2025 Emerging Artist List

(the angry part) is another deeply personal chapter in Maddie’s musical output – this time, exploring different facets of anger – anger with others, anger with yourself, anger at scenarios beyond your control. Her songs tap into universal truths while laying bare her own stories. Like break-ups, or spreading herself too thin after success, or even putting herself in the shoes of a friend who couldn’t see she was in a deeply unhealthy relationship. In true Maddie Zahm spirit, the feelings are feeling, the voice is giving, and the songs hit right smack in the center of the heart.

The release of (the angry part) follows a whirlwind of burgeoning success for Maddie Zahm, whose confessional lyrics and powerhouse vocals have landed her attention from the Kelly Clarkson Show, NPR All Things Considered, Billboard, American Songwriter, Consequence, Rolling Stone, People, SPIN, YouTube’s The Spark series, and many more. 

From the virality of singles “Fat Funny Friend” and “You Might Not Like Her” to her critically acclaimed debut album Now That I’ve Been Honest, to last year’s fan-favorite single  “little me”, which she debuted on the Kelly Clarkson Show, Maddie Zahm has continued amassing a devoted fan base of over 175 million streams and millions of fans on TikTok. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times about TikTok virality, they mentioned her as the rare artist who has been able to transform TikTok fame to a tight-knit community to in-person sold-out shows around the US. 

Now, with the kick-off of her next chapter of music, Maddie is again inviting fans into her world, where she leads listeners into the most intimate parts of her psyche (and theirs too). Maddie is forever oscillating through the spectrum of emotions and creating a space where audiences can unite and share in the reality that existing is overwhelming. 

Last year, she took the debut album on tour – selling out shows around the U.S. – and released fan favorite “little me” while on the road. Maddie’s star continues to rise in 2025, with the release of her EP and the sad & sexy tour expanding this fall. 

44. Ángela Aguilar – El Equivocado

Grammy-nominated and 5x Latin Grammy-nominated & Latin music powerhouse Ángela Aguilar releases her breathtaking new single “El Equivocado” alongside a brand new music video directed by Ángela. The track is her second offering from her highly anticipated new album, Nadie Se Va Cómo Llegó, slated to release on May 22nd on Machin Records. It follows the first track from the project, “Nadie Se Va Como Llegó”, that hit the #1 of the Mexican music charts – re-affiring her strong hold on her homeland of Mexico and the larger Latin music arena as an unwavering force.

“El Equivocado” signals a new era artistically and personally for Ángela – one that sees her doubling down on her Mexican roots and the Mariachi sounds that have long nourished her while also reaching thrilling new sonic terrains. The song is rooted in resilience and authenticity of self even when it feels like the world is against you – in the smallest and largest of ways – for an anthem of hope and strength to all that need it. Directed by Ángela herself, the music video embodies love in its purest form as she shares a collection of her own tender moments captured amongst her beloved land, Mexico. This palpable sentiment of love lines her upcoming album and is one that extends beyond romance for Ángela, through songs that bring urgency to love for oneself and for one another.

Nadie Se Va Cómo Llegó will show Ángela like we’ve never seen or heard her before as she takes on the global stage with a bold renewed sense of self. Working to empower a new generation of female talent as she steps into the role of executive producer for the first time, the album is largely written by a collection of Mexican female writers and creatives per Ángela’s design, rooting the project on the boundless strength of women and as well as her own reemergence. Thematically, the album embodies the brimming transformative power inside of her for a collection of songs about love, empowerment, and a celebration of womanhood as she reveals her own journey of coming into her own as a woman. The album will see Ángela incorporating new sounds that most wouldn’t expect from the young singer such as cumbia, tumbado, pop and beyond, all brilliantly interwoven into a rich foundation of Mariachi music that will always remain essential to Ángela, keeping her Mexican heritage and the immense pride she has for her community front and center.

Additionally, Ángela will be headlining the legendary Hollywood Bowl with Gustavo Dudamel on August 15th and 16th as part of a one-of-a-kind performance celebrating the colossal impact she and The Aguilar family have had on Latin music. The night will feature performances from Ángela, her brother Leonardo and their father, Pepe Aguilar, honoring the rich legacy of the family that continues to live fiercely in the hearts of millions of people to this very day. Los Aguilar remain a close knit family that continue to amplify the sounds that define their community now and forever, spreading their beautiful Mexican culture into the far depths of the globe. More information can be found HERE.

45. Lamont Landers – Lotta Love

Alabama-born singer, songwriter, and soul powerhouseLamont Landers makes his long awaited major label debut with the release of “Lotta Love,” out now via Lucille/MCA/Republic.
 
The new single is accompanied by an official visualizer – watch HERE.
 
Produced by multi-GRAMMY Award-winner Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton) “Lotta Love” showcases Lamont Landers’ unmistakable voice soaring effortlessly over smooth piano, a deep-grooving bass line, and bold, brassy horns. With raw emotion pouring through the hook—“I gotta whole lotta love… come and get you some”—the track blends bluesy guitar licks and a laid back soul vibe that hits instantly. It’s a strong introduction that positions Lamont as one of 2025’s most exciting breakout artists.
 
Next up, Lamont will shine on stages throughout the summer. He has shared a string of headline dates in addition to gigs alongside Gary Clark, Jr. and Fantastic Negrito. He hits the road with a show in New Orleans, LA at Chickie Wah Wah on May 28, performs in major markets such as Washington, DC and Brooklyn, NY, before concluding this run with his final support date for Clark in Bensalem, PA at Parx Casino – Xcite Center.

46. AP Dhillon – OKAY STFU

Primed for worldwide impact in 2025, acclaimed singer, rapper, producer, and leader in the Punjabi music scene AP Dhillon shares his brand new two-pack “OKAY STFU” out now via Republic Records in alliance with Universal Music Canada. Listen HERE.
 
Right out of the gate, AP Dhillon picks up the pace on “OKAY” featuring Syra. Melodic keys accent a frenetic dancefloor-ready beat as high register vocals simmer on the hook. Their stunning chemistry lights up the track, shaping it into a future club anthem in the process. Then, there’s “STFU” featuring Shinda Kahlon. It showcases yet another side of AP Dhillon’s sound altogether. Loose guitar entwines with thumping bass-heavy production, bulldozing the way for a stomping and snappy chant. With its braggadocios vibe, the song teems with confidence and attitude.
 
Expanding his profile in North America, AP Dhillon touched down in California to play in the 2025 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Oakland Arena in Oakland, CA. He joined a star-studded roster on Team Rice coached by Hall of Fame wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice and influencer Khaby Lame.
 
Known for his unique blend of Punjabi music with hip-hop, R&B, pop, and trap influences, AP Dhillon rose to fame with hits like “With You,” “Excuses,” and “Brown Munde,” which became viral sensations globally.  His music often has topped international charts having amassed over 5 billion streams and reshaped the Punjabi music landscape. Beyond music, he has successfully built a brand around his artistry, touring worldwide and elevating Punjabi music to mainstream audiences.
 
This announcement follows the release of AP Dhillon’s buzzworthy EP The Brownprint. Listen HERE.
 
The Brownprint has only magnified AP Dhillon’s imprint on the culture. It has already tallied tens of millions of streams. Beyond plugs from Music Business Worldwide, Rolling Stone India, and more, Billboard hailed him as a “Punjabi superstar.”

47. NAV – OMW2 REXDALE (Deluxe)

Chart-topping rapper, producer, and XO artist NAV released his long awaited new album, OMW2 REXDALE last month and today he’s back with the deluxe version. Featuring eight new tracks, all produced by NAV, the deluxe harkens back to his 2017 debut with NAV delivering melodic and smooth bars over moody and atmospheric production. The original version of OMW2 REXDALE featured Playboi Carti, Don Toliver, along with the collaborative Metro Boomin track with production from NAV, Wheezy, Mike Dean, Metro Boomin, Allen Ritter, Ojivolta and more.
 

NAV has been one of the most successful artists of the past decade. Since joining XO—led by The Weeknd—he became the label’s first official signee in 2016. He has since garnered 9 billion global streams, 11 million RIAA-certified digital units, four RIAA Gold albums, and 11 Hot 100 hits. His last album, Demons Protected By Angels, released in September 2022, debuted at #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap charts with over 275 million streams globally, marking NAV’s third #1 album and fifth consecutive top 10 album in the U.S. He has reached the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 twice with Bad Habits (2019) and Good Intentions (2020)

48. RealestK – Breathe

Shaping the sound of R&B’s newest generation, Toronto-born artist RealestK drops his sultry new single “Breathe” via Standard Records/ADA Worldwide. Listen to “Breathe” HERE.

Elevated by production by Los Hendrix [Brent Faiyaz, SZA, Kehlani, Giveon], “Breathe” transforms a track about deep emotional connection and intense attraction into a bedroom banger. RealestK adds, “Breathe” is that situation where you really like somebody off the riff of being with them and everything seems like it’s going well. There’s a certain connection with someone you really care about which progresses into, ‘I can’t breathe without you now. I see you in my imagination, my fantasy, my reality, and every life and form. The way I breathe and my heartbeat are because of what you’re doing to me. You’re the reason that I am breathing. Trust that I won’t put my insecurities onto you.’”

With his recent single “Deja Vu,” which received much critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard & ThisIsRnB, and new single “Breathe,” RealestK is not just making waves—he’s setting the stage for a lasting impact in the world of R&B.

49. Ro$ama – Orange Tape

Streamrolling soulful rap songs with blunt force bars, Ro$ama is the next Lone Star State native to separate from the pack. Giving a glimpse behind the curtain into his life as a rising rapper, the Dallas artist shares Orange Tape, a sizzling slice of Texas trap. Featuring guest appearances from BigXThaPlug, That Mexican OT, and Duke Deuce, Orange Tape arrives via 600 ENTERTAINMENT/UnitedMasters

A close friend and labelmate of BigXThaPlug, Ro$ama shares the big man’s knack for twisting triplet flows, but adds his own flair, rhyming with a riveting intensity as he mixes flexes with gripping street stories. Songs like “Show Me The Money,” a recent collaboration with That Mexican OT that earned coverage in Rolling Stone, Stereogum, XXL, and more, and new highlight “Sh*t Popper” demonstrate Ro’s facility with wordplay, taking cues from Houston and Memphis and weaving sports and pop culture references into his boisterous boasts. Orange Tape opener “BluePrint” shows a different side of the rapper, diving deep into his pre-rap struggles with legal, familial, and financial issues: “And I’m tired of this lifestyle, kick doe was cool but what if I mo’f*ckin’ slip/What if I run up into the wrong house and they start blowin’ away in this b*tch,” he spits. 

Along with the tape, Ro$ama shares “Microwave,” his new music video with BigXThaPlug. Built around a brass-heavy beat, “Microwave” resembles a hard-hitting cypher between the two 600 ENT. artists, as they pass the mic back-and-forth to trade memorable quips. BigX praises a woman who could make him do a backflip like Jeleel, while Ro$ama touts his grill with diamonds so bright the sun gets jealous. Filmed in Palm Springs, CA in the interval between Coachella weekends, the video finds Ro and X having a ball, as they play tennis, swim with some baddies, and play NBA2K with fellow 6ixer Yung Hood.

Born in Paris, Texas, Ro$ama has been on his grind for years. He and BigXThaPlug grew up together, sharpening each other’s rap skills like iron sharpens iron as they spent their days hustling and waiting for a big break. In 2022, Ro earned his first solo recognition with his song “FedEx,” recorded while he worked for the delivery company. After rapping with X on some of his earliest hits, including “Rap N****s” (16 million views) Ro$ama has become a key fixture on BigX’s 600 ENT. label, joining X and Yung Hood to create the collaborative EP MEET THE 6IXERS in Summer 2024. The acclaimed EP is home to the blockbuster title track (52 million streams on Spotify, 6.1 million YouTube views), “Hell Yea,” a ferocious back-and-forth between X and Ro, and “Steppa Music,” Ro’s solo standout. Last summer, Ro and BigX collaborated for “Beast Mode,” a highlight from the official soundtrack of the blockbuster film Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.

Since MEET THE 6IXERS, BigX and Ro$ama have been inseparable. Ro joined X on his Fall 2024 “Take Care Tour,” performing as a supporting act on dates across the nation. Ro and X are on tour once again this year, hitting Dreamville Fest and Coachella, where Ro joined BigX on stage to perform “Meet The 6ixers” and other hits.

With Orange Tape out now, Ro$ama is ready to make his own name in the Texas scene and beyond. Sit back and watch him rise.

50. Allstar JR & BabyTron – Baby Momma Vision Board

Pushing deadpan punchlines over soulful Michigan instrumentals, prolific Detroit rapper Allstar JR commands respect in his city and beyond. Taking command of the rap scene like an all-star point guard, JR announces Ball Up Top, his next album. Crafted with the assistance of producers like Lucci, 4ThousandWatts, and ReeceBeats, the album reverberates with rubbery 808s and glistening electric keys, providing a luxurious bed for the Get A Bag Records CEO to smoothly stack his flexes and preach his hustler mentality. Home to JR’s recent single “I’m The Guy” and with a laundry list of guest rappers from Detroit and beyond, Ball Up Top arrives on May 28th via Get A Bag Records / EMPIRE.

Along with the announcement of the tape, Allstar JR drops “Baby Momma Vision Board” ft. BabyTron, his new single and music video. Skating atop an uptempo soul sampler, JR and BabyTron trade bars like stocks, ruthlessly attempting to one-up each other with crisp one-liners: “Tuesday, I knew I was gonna buy a watch on Thursday,” brags JR, while BabyTron spits, “If I dropped all the Saks bags…earthquake.” In the video, directed by Diego, the two Eastsiders make like Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street, turning a bland office space into a den of iniquity with enthusiastic baddies and a buffet of blue-faced bands.

Allstar JR has been a fixture in the Detroit scene for more than a decade. The Eastside native has been rapping since his middle school years, when he and Tee Grizzley founded the rap group All Stars Ball Hard, building a cult following around the city for their hustle-hard anthems. In 2016, after run-ins with the law derailed his hoop dreams, JR released his first mixtape, Get A Bag Or Go Home, emphasizing his unparalleled work ethic and determination to achieve independent success. Get A Bag Or Go Home became JR’s signature mixtape series, inspiring the name of his record label, Get A Bag Records. The artist and CEO scored several street hits over the ensuing decade, notably the 2017 single “Cases Pending,” which has millions of streams across platforms. In 2018, as the city of Detroit started to get national notice for its busy rap scene, JR started his second signature mixtape series, Organized Crime, home to his local hit “Million Dollar Thoughts.” 

Recently, JR has become one of his city’s dot connectors, fluidly moving between the sounds and scenes that populate the 313. He has collaborated with everyone in the city–he’s equally comfortable talking shop with Icewear Vezzo on “Ice Bag,” engaging in stick talk with Babyface Ray on “3 Macs,” and swapping punchlines with BabyTron on “MMA.” “MMA” appeared on his 2023 album Organized Crime 2, JR’s first release in his partnership with EMPIRE. Last year, JR remained prolific, releasing 4 albums including his solo album Parked At The Bank, featuring appearances from CEO Trayle, Babyfxce E, and Baby Money, Casino Bag 2 with LOM Rudy, and Overlordz Get A Bag with Overlord Scooch.

JR is primed for a level-up in 2025, as he prepares to release his most accomplished music to date. Stay tuned for much more from the Eastside baller very soon.

51. Summer Walker – Spend It

Grammy-nominated R&B powerhouse Summer Walker (LVRN/Interscope Records) unveils her latest single and music video for “Spend It,” a sultry, unapologetic anthem that ushers in a brand-new era for the chart-topping artist. Arriving with two additional versions—“Spend It (Diamonds & Pearls Version)” and “Spend It (Rent is Due Version)”—the track is now available on all streaming platforms. Listen HERE.

Opening with the bold line “Give me the last 4 of your credit card, buy back my love, you can keep your heart,” Summer makes it clear: love comes second to luxury this time around. With “Spend It,” Summer flips the narrative on romance, trading emotional depth for material clarity. It’s a song about power, pain, and pleasure—wrapped in silk, laced with satire, and set to a hypnotic R&B groove. She’s venting, but she’s over it. Rather than heartbreak, she’s leaning into what she can gain: control, luxury, and a little bit of revenge. In a world where love has let her down, she’s not asking for it—she’s charging for it.

The “Spend It” music video adds a cinematic layer to the single, starring P-Valley’s Gail Bean, Miracle Watts, and Brandee Evans, along with Angela White as a slick accomplice, and a special appearance by actor Eric Roberts. Set inside an exclusive private game at a lavish mansion, Summer plays a seductive ringleader on a mission to crack a high-security safe filled with money and expensive antiques. Between flashes of fine dining, high-stakes gameplay, and surreal shots of Summer in a pearl-filled bathtub and a turquoise trap room, the heist unfolds with a dramatic twist—Robertson opens the safe to find a Joker card and realizes he’s been played. The video ends with a cryptic message: “WhereIsTheAlbum.com,” followed by a surprise cameo from Joanne the Scammer, who offers Summer one final clue. Watch HERE.

“Spend It” introduces fans to a new era of Summer—an era inspired by over-the-top glamour and hyper-femininity. The single will appear on Finally Over It, the final chapter in a trilogy that began with Over It (2019) and continued with Still Over It (2021). In this album, Summer walks away from past cycles and into a fantasy version of the life she’s creating for herself—where heartbreak becomes art, and the past is finally paid in full.

This summer, Walker will be an opener for Chris Brown’s Breezy Bowl XX Stadium Tour with Bryson Tiller, and will also perform at Daisies Festival in South Africa, further expanding her global presence and fanbase.

52. Burna Boy – Sweet Love

GRAMMY® Award-winning global icon Burna Boy ushers in his highly anticipated eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness with today’s release of the seductive new single, “Sweet Love”, available everywhere now. Produced by Major Seven (Future, Rihanna), the romantic, reggae-leaning track showcases Burna’s unmistakable vocal charisma and signature blend of global influences with melodic pop sensibility.

“Sweet Love” continues Burna’s standout year, building on the momentum of No Sign of Weakness’s first single, “Update”. Produced by P2J (Beyoncé, Tems) and built around a sample of Soul II Soul’s iconic “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me),” the track blends Afrobeats with anthemic, club-ready energy. The official video – which weaves together powerful visual vignettes inspired by the album’s central themes – has already surpassed 5M views on YouTube.

Also featured on the upcoming album is the triumphant fan-favorite “Bundle By Bundle”, produced by Telz. The high-energy track has amassed over 24M Spotify streams and 8.5M video views, earning critical praise from outlets like Billboard, NME, and UPROXX, who each highlighted it as a celebration of nightlife culture and Burna’s larger-than-life musical identity.

Most recently, Burna Boy joined French-Haitian singer Joé Dwèt Filé for the remix of the viral hit “4 Kampé,” fusing Afrobeats and Haitian kompa into a cross-cultural anthem that continues to chart across platforms globally. Burna is also featured on F1 THE ALBUM (Atlantic Records), the star-studded soundtrack for Apple Original Films’ action-packed film F1, arriving on Friday, June 27th in conjunction with the theatrical release of the feature film.

Last month, Burna became the first-ever cover star of Billboard France, coinciding with his historic, sold-out show at the Stade de France – making him the first African artist to headline the iconic venue. This summer, he will continue his global stadium run with headline performances in Berlin (July 5) and Mönchengladbach (July 6), with more dates to be announced. For tour updates, visit: www.onaspaceship.com/tour.

53. YEAT – FEËL NO WAYZ

Coming off his first-ever Coachella performance, multi-platinum rap innovator Yeat has shared his cover of Drake’s classic track “Feel No Ways” — out now via Lyfestyle Corporation / Field Trip / Capitol Records. “Feël No Wayz (Yeat mix)” marks his third release of the year, following standout single “The Bell” and a feature on “Work” with Anyma, the solo project of Matteo Milleri from the electronic duo Tale of Us. First previewed during his Sahara Stage set at Coachella Weekend 1 — where a 50-foot golden bell towered over the crowd in homage to his breakout hit “Gët Busy” — Yeat’s extraterrestrial, autotune-drenched rendition of the Drake cult classic quickly became an internet-breaking moment. In the days leading up to the release, billboards popped up around Toronto with a text from Drake that read, “YOUNG TWIZZZZZY FEEL A WAY”, teasing the remix and fueling endless internet discourse. The release marks a rare moment of homage between two generations of rap visionaries. Yeat and Drake’s collaborative history includes standout tracks like “As We Speak” and “IDGAF” , with the latter debuting at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on the Global 200, and amassing over 1 billion streams to date. Drake has long been a vocal supporter of Yeat’s futuristic sound and boundary-pushing vision, first publicly connecting with the rising star in 2021 following the release of Yeat’s fourth album Up 2 Më. With “Feël No Ways (Yeat mix)”, Yeat reimagines a modern classic through his distinct sonic lens, paying tribute from one visionary to another.

Yeat’s last project, the #1 Billboard charting LYFESTYLE, kicked off this summer when Yeat hinted at new music during his special three-show North American run across New York, Los Angeles, and Portland. With the release of LYFESTYLE, Yeat hit a massive career milestone, earning his first-ever no. 1 album on the Billboard 200. Within its first week of release, the 22-track project sold 89K equivalent album units –– the rap phenomenon’s highest first week sales to date. This achievement also marked Yeat’s fifth top 10 debut in under 3 years: Lyfë (No. 10 in 2022), 2 Alivë (No. 6 in 2022), AftërLyfe (No. 4 in 2023), 2093 (No. 2 in 2024), and now LYFESTYLE (No. 1 in 2024). LYFESTYLE was released initially on October 18, boasting features from Lil Durk, Don Toliver, Kodak Black, and more. Most recently, Yeat embarked on an international tour across the EU & UK –– an explosive run through 9 cities which included his first ever headlining show in London, which The Guardian noted as a “ribcage-reverberating success”.

54. Blonde Maze & Polar Inc. feat. Channy Leaneagh (POLIÇA) – Asleep In My Head

The mind holds on to what the heart isn’t ready to say. That first flicker, when something new settles in and refuses to leave. Blonde Maze captures that delicate emotional terrain with “Asleep In My Head,” a striking collaboration with South African producer Polar Inc. and Channy Leaneagh of the celebrated indie-electronic band POLIÇA. This track marks the fifth single from Blonde Maze’s upcoming album “Second Sight,” out this May on Enhanced Music.

“Asleep In My Head” lingers in the tension between hesitation and longing, where feelings form and take hold. Blonde Maze shapes the track with a sense of calm urgency, layering soft synths and measured movement around lyrics that feel both inward and expansive. Channy Leaneagh’s voice moves through it all with quiet force, drawing out the emotional complexity without ever breaking the stillness. Together with Polar Inc., the production stays grounded and restrained, letting every moment breathe while the intensity builds just beneath the surface.

This release follows a string of standout singles from Blonde Maze’s upcoming album, “Second Sight”, including “To Love Again” featuring Lizzy Land and “Never Dream” with Attom, each praised for their emotional resonance and textural sophistication. 

With this latest release, Blonde Maze extends her palette further, proving her instinct for collaboration and her commitment to pushing the emotional range of electronic pop. “Asleep In My Head” is a quiet revelation. The sound of a mind overwhelmed, a heart cracking open, and a moment that stays with you long after the music fades.

QUOTE FROM BLONDE MAZE

“”Asleep In My Head” is a tribute to the balance of nervous excitement and intrigue that comes with the realization of new feelings. That kind of new territory period where you’re in your head all the time thinking about someone, equally afraid and exhilarated about what the next move is. I wanted to weave the vulnerability yet total security that you feel around them into the lyrics and movement of the track. It’s a really special moment the first time someone makes you feel as sensitive as they make you feel safe.

It was an absolute pleasure co-writing the lyrics with Julia Church on this track; with her emotional songwriting and ability to get across passion, I feel we were really able to hone in on this sentiment. I was so thrilled that Polar Inc. was able to add some of his signature production on the track, bringing that movement to life. Separately, it was a bit of a full circle moment for me as an artist when Channy Leaneagh (POLIÇA) laid her vocals on the track, since POLIÇA was on repeat back in 2013 when I first started listening to the more indie/electronic side of music.”

QUOTE FROM CHANNY LEANEAGH

“It was really fun to work on this track with Blonde Maze and Polar Inc. It’s such a sweet and lovely track.”

55. Bktherula – DELILAH

56. Stephen Cristopher ft. Soraya Aylin – Comfortable

On his latest single Comfortable, Steven Christopher leads with a track that feels  effortless. The song unpacks the layers of intimacy that come from trust, care, and chemistry. The video features Marcel Spears, who plays Marty on The Neighborhood, who puts a natural comedic spin on the video – giving it a tv series like element.

The production, handled by Steven himself, channels the bounce and warmth of early-2000s R&B without sounding stuck in nostalgia. Live-feeling drums and a Neptune- like bassline create the kind of groove that moves bodies before lyrics even hit. 

Soraya Aylin, who also starred in the video for Don’t Wait, brings an airy softness to the hook, rounding out the track’s sensual core. There are echoes of Pharrell, Usher, and J Timberlake throughout, but Comfortable lives in its own space.

It’s a step into a freer, more fun sound for Steven, one that makes room for the women he’s inspired by, and the producer he’s becoming.

57. John Alex Gatsby – Maneater

John Alex Gatsby is back with another single! “Maneater” is the second single off John Alex Gatsby’s debut album Mayday, dropping May 16. With an infectious groove and a nostalgic edge, the track pulses with upbeat energy while telling the tale of a heartbreak woman who leaves nothing behind. Gatsby’s smooth vocals echo the warning: “Oh here she comes, she gone take your heart and use up all your love… Have you ever seen the devil wear Chanel?”Blending throwback vibes with a modern twist, “Maneater” reimagines the femme fatale story with style and swagger.

58. Westside Gunn & Doechii – EGYPT (Remix)

Westside Gunn and Doechii have officially team up for the remix of EGYPT, following a viral moment on April 21st when Doechii reacted to being sampled on the original track. The single is available now via Griselda Records/Roc Nation Distribution across all digital streaming platforms.  

The original “EGYPT” from Gunn’s, Heels Have Eyes, project opens with a sample of Doechii in an old interview passionately praising both MF DOOM and Gunn himself. When fans connected the voice to her, a clip of the moment went viral — prompting a quote-post and a stunned, genuine reply from Doechii that quickly caught fire across social media (view tweet). 
 
That organic exchange has evolved into the “EGYPT” Remix — a gritty, luxurious pairing of two singular voices. Doechii brings raw confidence and southern swagger, rapping about being underestimated and owning her place with lines soaked in self-assurance and swamp-born grit. Her verse mirrors Gunn’s opulent aggression, as he proclaims, “Ritz-Carlton Egypt, I’m gettin’ homesick,” anchoring the song with his signature grime-glam presence. 

Their chemistry is undeniable. Doechii doesn’t just complement the original — she expands its world. The remix feels less like a response and more like a continuation of the story, blending street ethos, high art, and lyrical dexterity. 

The “EGYPT” Remix is more than just a moment — it’s a cultural echo, shaped by mutual admiration, fan energy, and an instinctive sense of timing that couldn’t have been scripted. 

59. RÜFÜS DU SOL – Inhale/Exhale

Today Grammy-winning live electronic trio RÜFÜS DU SOL unveil their anticipated Inhale / Exhale Remixed, a 15-track curation of global club reworks drawn from their latest studio album Inhale / Exhale. Out now via Rose Avenue/Reprise Records, the remix album celebrates the band’s deep connection to the dancefloor and their role as torchbearers within modern electronic music. Listen HERE.

Released in October 2024, Inhale / Exhale marked a creative milestone for RÜFÜS DU SOL. The album expanded the trio’s signature sound with an expansive emotional palette and a renewed focus on rhythm and texture. It debuted on the Billboard 200 and earned their first #1 on U.S. dance radio with “Music is Better,” leading to both critical acclaim and commercial momentum. Its success paved the way for their Inhale / Exhale World Tour,  the best-selling solo electronic tour in history, which marks a landmark for both the band and the genre. Inhale / Exhale Remixed extends that vision, offering a fresh interpretation of the original through the hands of some of the scene’s most compelling artists.

The full remix collection sees the band invite a handpicked global lineup of friends, peers, and underground titans to reimagine Inhale / Exhale through a late-night lens. The remix album’s contributors include Turkish-Italian underground favorite Carlita, Haitian house producer Francis Mercier, adventurous Peruvian selector Sofia Kourtesis, Swiss club mainstay Andrea Oliva, German deep house artist Emanuel Satie, melodic craftsman Enamour, Afro-tech innovator Nitefreak, Belgian groove specialist Maxi Meraki, worldwide dancefloor fixture Kaz James, rising German talent Fahlberg, genre-blurring producer Moeaike, Spanish dancefloor architect Arodes, Moroccan electronic explorer Rockin Moraccin, and Turkish-American sonic sculptor SAMM, alongside Swiss duo Adriatique’s previously-released “In The Moment” remix.

The North American leg of the Inhale / Exhale World Tour kicked off last weekend with a trio of sold out shows in Texas. The tour will continue into the summer for a nearly sold out run with stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Toronto, along with festival appearances at Lollapalooza and Up In The Sky.

60. Amble – Treehouse Wings

Just days after kicking off the US leg of their sold-out 2025 headline tour, rising Irish folk trio Amble share new single “Treehouse Wings,” the latest off their anxiously awaited debut album, Reverie, out May 23rd via Warner Records. Listen to “Treehouse Wings” HERE and pre-order/pre-save Reverie HERE. 

“Treehouse Wings” arrives alongside the announcement of additional fall dates added to Amble’s Reverie Tour, continuing their extensive sold-out run throughout the US, Canada, Europe/UK, and Australia. Building on their impressive headline tour success,  Amble will also notably support Hozier in legendary stadiums and arenas across North America this summer, including two sold-out nights at Fenway Park this June following their US festival debut at Boston Calling. The newly announced fall headline shows go on sale today at 10am local time at www.ambleofficial.com. See upcoming North American shows below, and see a full list of dates worldwide HERE. 

Beloved for their descriptive storytelling, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful live performances, Amble’s full-length debut Reverie showcases their signature sound: no-frills acoustic instrumentation, serene soundscapes, and heavenly natural harmonies. The forthcoming 14-track project – which was recorded live in various studios across Ireland and Los Angeles – features recent singles “Swan Song” and “Schoolyard Days,” fan-adored songs like “Lonely Island” and “Mary’s Pub” plus 8 new tracks. 

Adding to their recent momentum, the band just unveiled a stunning performance of “Schoolyard Days” for Mahogany Sessions. This follows their captivating performance of “Swan Song” on The Late Late Show earlier this month, as well as GRAMMY.com who applauded, “the quiet power of their novelistic folk sound – minimal and meditative, yet deeply resonant.”

Amble —Robbie Cunningham (lead vocals/guitar), Ross McNerney (mandolin), and Oisin McCaffrey (guitar/vocals)— has experienced a meteoric rise since forming in late 2022. The trio’s journey from quitting their day jobs in rural Western Ireland to achieving international recognition, buoyed by over 100 million streams and 100K tickets sold worldwide, is a testament to their dedication and connection with audiences.  

Stay tuned for much more from Amble in 2025. 

61. BBYKOBE – BBYGIRL

Today, visionary Detroit-born rapper/producer BBYKOBE steps into the spotlight with his hypnotic debut single, “BBYGIRL,” out on Warner Records. The track follows BBYKOBE, not only landing three songs on Playboi Carti’s MUSIC — including “Rather Lie” featuring The Weeknd — but also joining Ty Dolla $ign onstage during his Coachella set. Listen to “BBYGIRL” HERE.

Though his behind-the-scenes portfolio includes culture-shifting songs like Travis Scott’s “I KNOW ?” and “Like That” by Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, BBYKOBE arrives as a burgeoning new artist. “BBYGIRL” is deceptively low-key but sonically rich. Over a moody, driven soundtrack of keys, bent notes, and sharp drums, BBYKOBE displays his range — a rich vocal that goes from low to high, and higher still, with ease. What sounds like ad libs quickly morph into full verses as he lays down flex after casual flex.

As BBYKOBE puts it, “‘‘BBYGIRL’ is the soundtrack to my day-to-day life — feeling cocky, talkin’ to girls, and just being myself.” Multi-hyphenate rapper Rubi Rose appears on the single’s cover.

Now, after crafting hits for others, BBYKOBE is rewriting the game for himself. Stay tuned.