MUST LISTEN 014
Every week, we’ll be bringing you Must Listen: a series that's a compilation of rising artists along with songs that must be added to your everyday playlist. This week’s playlist consists of emerging acts like Loski, Bizzy Banks, and Key!. Turn up, tune in, and tune out.
Loski - “Training Day (ft. MoStack)”
Being in the fast lane since a young age, 20-year-old Loski is back continuing his journey to the top of UK Drill. Post the success of his Drill group Harlem Spartans, the South Londoner has set an example for the rest with his lasting singles and timeless mixtapes. In his newest drop, “Training Day,” he asserts himself as the inspiring rapper he is with an equally fervent feature verse from his Drill peer MoStack.
Bizzy Banks - “Movies”
Can’t mention Drill and forget the budding movement that has emerged from NY in the last few years. Artists like Bizzy Banks have been at the forefront of NY Drill music, delivering aggressive raps over trap-influenced beats inspired by the UK. In his music, Bizzy paints a raw picture of the realities of East Brooklyn and the ways of his come-up, referring to his life as a movie, more specifically—Mission Impossible.
Key! - “Sugar & Rice”
From the cultural melting pot of Atlanta, GA, Key! has been consistently releasing innovative music since his debut, and doing features that have changed the landscape of rap music forever. In his recent release, I Love You Say It Back, Key! is once again reinventing himself creatively, singing, and rapping in a way that is both unconventional and relatable. He is an artist who deserves to win and be recognized for breaking new grounds, as his mainstream success has been a long time coming.
Namasenda - “Dare (PM)”
With the warped, high pitched vocals over the hypnotizing Electropop beat, the Swedish singer transports you into her alternate universe, where there are definitely flying cars. Namasenda and her futuristic pop sound are quite literally the future of pop music—her experimental beats, captivating lyrics, along with her unapologetic aura, she is nothing less than a pop-star already.
Gassed Up Lighties - “The Str8 Drop”
With the viral success of “Trappy Trappy,” and a cosign from the biggest artist, it’s no surprise that the sister duo is establishing their name in the enormous world of UK Drill rap. In their new record, “The Str8 Drop,” they are doing what they do best—braggadocious bars and quirky ad libs, like the kissing of teeth in the hook—the girls are on their way to surpass the underdog label given to them.
Smiley - “YYZ-LAX”
The city of Toronto has given us prominent R&B moments; artists that have gone onto to reshape the genre itself. Yet the other side of Toronto, the side where rappers like Smiley are paving their own way, remains somewhat unseen. The city’s rap scene is taking off now more than ever and Smiley is making sure he is heard loud and clear. In his latest project, YYZ-LAX, he raps about his upbringing and the changes in his lifestyle, never straying away from his addicting flow and catchy bars. Not only is Smiley the true definition of a trap star, but he has shown us he possesses the potential of being a rap superstar.
Tanerélle - “Nothing Without You”
The songstress from the Mecca of music, Atlanta, Georgia, effortlessly blends genres to create a different planet where only her sounds soar. In her last release, Nothing Without You, she provides brilliant vocals over a somber beat; longing for a lover as she lets her magical voice carry the whole song. The song’s success reached television and considering the continuous stunning vocals and visuals Tanerélle delivers, it is only a matter of time before she is one of the biggest names in R&B.
Raiza Biza - “A Piano Song”
The Rwanda native and New Zealand local has a gift of flawlessly blending the sounds of trap and soul, with the perfect amount of singing and rapping on his thoroughly enjoyable records. In his latest release, Grand Opening, Grand Closing, he makes sure to flaunt his creative expertise by delivering a 9-track everlasting moment that takes you on a night ride full of emotions and adrenaline.
The Yutes - “Bring It Back”
As their Spotify bio claims, the two brothers from the trap, give us the much needed anthem for a summer kickback. “Bring It Back,” has everything you look for in the song of the summer category—the catchy hook, memorable ad-libs and a tantalizing drum of the beat. It won’t be long before the radio reels in this hit.