Play/Listed Weekly, Nov 13th, 2020
Yesterday may have been Friday the 13th, in the middle of the second wave (here in Canada) of a global pandemic, but it’s still the day when new music is released! So let’s dive in!
Atlantic - Haviah Mighty
This was a late addition to this list because my Tidal- and Spotify-suggested tracks failed me, even though I have tried to make it very clear to everyone on the internet paying attention to my preferences that Haviah Mighty is my jam! And this new track is no exception. Fire on fire, talking about money costing more than most things and I am here for it.
Therefore I Am - Billie Eilish
The latest single from Billie Eilish is probably exactly what you would expect. It’s weird and wonderful.
partner in crime - Nayana Iz
I’m pretty excited to have stumbled across Nayana Iz (pronounced “eye-zee”) this morning; it otherwise felt like a mediocre day for new singles. Apparently she released her first album earlier this year, so I’ll be checking out Smoke & Fly for more of these mellow hip hop beats.
Mystery Lady - Masego and Don Toliver
If this didn’t have me at new Masego, it got me with its sing-songy melodic hook. I already have it on repeat. And it gets better: this is just 1 of 6 tracks from Masego’s new EP, Studying Abroad.
Swerve - Basstracks and Pell
Mississippi-via-New-Orleans-based rapper Pell provides bouncy vocals that fit perfectly well over Basstracks’ horn-punctuated, bass-heavy groove. Can’t wait to drive somewhere with this song turned way up.
99% - Gracey
A poppy dance track with honest lyrics (about not being ready to call it love, but being 99% of the way there)? Yes please. I don’t know who this Gracey is, but this song hits.
Konke - Seba Kaapstad
Seba Kaapstad is an international group, half hailing from South Africa and the other half from Germany, and all growing out of a love for the Neo-soul movement. These jazzy productions are tight and the vocals are uplifting, and I already can’t wait to get to know this album even better. Both vocalists Zoe and Mañana slide easily between singing and rapping, making for an incredibly melodic hip hop.
I’m attempting to shorten these paragraphs up to make sure I have energy for my quickly approaching end-of-year lists, but if I had to pick some highlights from Konke, I would start with the titular track, and certainly add “Magic” as well as the Georgia Ann Muldrow assisted “Free”. Rapper Oddisee also lends a verse on “I’m Scared,” but otherwise this is not a feature-heavy album.
Throw this album on over the weekend while you pour yourself a glass of wine, and let me know what you think.
Hey U X - Benee
I mentioned Kiwi artist BENEE last week when I added the first song on Hey u x, “Happen To Me,” to my New Music Friday playlist. Although it’s still a highlight, along with the other previously released single, “Supalonely,” this whole collection shows just how solid and versatile this singer/songwriter really is. For example, a few songs after she collaborates on “Sheesh” with Canadian producer/performer Grimes, she plays a much more laid back “Winter” with Aussie rapper/singer Mallrat. On yet another track, “Plain,” we get assisted vocals both from Brit Lily Allen and American rapper, Flo Milli.
No matter who BENEE is working with, her chill and poppy style rings true. Comparisons have been made to Billie Eilish, and I think you’ll see why. I’m especially interested to see how those comparisons continue with both artists stretching themselves and moving in unlimited creative directions.