1. Tracei – I Said
Source:Tracei
Rising Florida rapper Tracei has been honing her craft over the past year. Her hard work in the studio so far has yielded a bass-heavy, brooding sound with catchy hooks and dynamic flows transposed from Cash Money’s Pen & Pixel era, and heavily influenced by the likes of Three 6 Mafia. Making her debut last year with the anthemic TK-produced “Face“, Tracei established that she’s unmovable and intentional with protecting her peace as she strives for stardom. She continues to build on themes of feeling secure in her identity and remaining centered on her new Maxmizacion-produced single “I Said“. Today (3/25/2024), Tracei shares the single’s ’90s-themed music video. Directed by MYDRUNKUNCLE (Lute + Leroy) and shot by Daremen J. of Dreamstudios, the video stars Tracei as a Queenpin/crime boss-turned politician using the song’s title as her campaign slogan.
“This song is about protecting your energy and peace at all costs. Any behavior that challenges that must be corrected. This song does not promote violence but does represent what it looks like to stand up for yourself and use your voice. It gives that ‘I said what I said’ vibe… The video showcases a diverse cast of women, each with their unique style and presence, symbolizing the rise of strong, influential female figures in various spheres. The concept celebrates the notion that women are leaders, bosses, and formidable forces driving change and taking charge in society.” – Tracei
2. Keithian – Stranger
Source:Keithian
Keithian, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest single, “Stranger.” This soulful track delves into the complexities of relationships, unraveling a tale of connection, transformation, and uncertainty.
“Stranger” opens with the excitement of a chance encounter—a girl enters the scene, and sparks fly. Keithian’s velvety vocals draw listeners into the narrative, describing the joy of spending time together. But as the story unfolds, subtle shifts become apparent. The girl’s demeanor changes, leaving our protagonist puzzled. What has happened since their last rendezvous? Why the sudden shift in behavior?
The song’s lyrics hint at a deeper truth: change. Perhaps it’s a change of heart, a change in priorities, or a change in circumstances. Keithian’s emotive delivery captures the confusion and vulnerability that accompany such shifts. The chorus echoes the sentiment:
“Why you acting like a stranger you were just down last night?”
“Stranger” resonates with anyone who has felt the ache of love slipping away. Keithian reflects on his own dating experiences, recognizing a pattern: he gravitated toward the “unavailable” types. These women, engrossed in their careers, family obligations, or existing relationships, couldn’t reciprocate his romantic feelings. The realization led Keithian to ask the crucial question: Why pursue something destined to remain unattainable?
The single’s production is equally compelling. Smooth R&B beats blend seamlessly with Keithian’s soulful vocals, creating an intimate soundscape. The track’s melancholic undertones evoke late-night contemplations and bittersweet memories.
“Stranger” invites listeners to explore the complexities of love—the highs, the lows, and the moments when familiarity fades into the unknown. As Keithian’s voice lingers, we’re reminded that sometimes, even the most cherished connections can slip through our fingers, leaving us with nothing but the ache of a stranger’s presence.
3. Ryan Trey – Streets Say You Still Love Me
Source:Ryan Trey
R&B superstar Ryan Trey (#JUSTAREGULARLABEL/Interscope Records) is keeping his foot on the gas with the release of the official deluxe edition of his groundbreaking debut album titled STREETS SAY YOU STILL MISS ME. In addition to the album’s 13 original songs that won millions of fans over, Trey added three bonus tracks with “RIDIN 4 U,” “RESET,” and “POURIN OUT MY HEART,” all of which extend his eclectic sound.
Trey announced STREETS SAY YOU STILL MISS ME with a trailer showing him walking into his dressing room and finding a message from an old flame. Shortly after the trailer, the official cover art of the deluxe edition was also released.
LISTEN HERE.
The St. Louis native has been busy on the road since releasing his debut album. Trey is currently performing alongside Mariah The Scientist as an opening act on her nationwide To Be Eaten Alive tour and has already graced the Rolling Loud stage in Los Angeles, California, in March. Trey will also be taking over the summer season with performances at the Broccoli City Festival in Washington, D.C., on July 27 and the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago on August 1-4.
STREETS SAY YOU MISS ME was unleashed in November 2023 and has been an incredible success for the 24-year-old R&B singer. It has garnered over 9.8 million total streams, led by the singles “Ain’t Even Friends” featuring MAriah The Scientist, “More Than Sorry,” and “30 Floors Up.” In addition to the album’s success, Trey has amassed over 1 million monthly Spotify listeners and featured on several streaming playlists, including Spotify’s New Music Friday, R&B Right Now, Signed XO, and Apple Music’s Breaking R&B, The Plug, R&B Now and more.
4. Asha Imuno – Bullseye
Source:Asha Imuno
“‘BULLSEYE’ is about the complexity of my relationship to home, and the discomfort of feeling like there’s something to prove to myself and my loved ones. It’s an ode to the shadows of the men in my family, my vices, and inherited pitfalls,” says Asha.
5. Tainy & Tokischa – Jalo!
Source:Tokischa
Netflix will be releasing an official “inspired by” companion EP – Rebel Moon – Songs of the Rebellion – for the upcoming movie Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver – the second installment of the film series from legendary director Zack Snyder. Ahead of the record’s release on April 5th, “Jalo!” by Latin hitmakers Tokischa + Tainy has been released. The song is complete with hypnotic, buoyant beats, complemented by Tokischa’s powerful, confident vocals.
All of the music on Rebel Moon – Songs of the Rebellion are original tracks that the artists wrote specifically for the film, and each song is paired with a lead character who inspired the respective track. “Jalo!” was inspired by The Bloodaxes from Rebel Moon – leaders of a fierce group of insurgents being hunted by the Motherworld (FYI: Devra and Darrian Bloodaxe are played by Cleopatra Coleman and Ray Fisher respectively).
QUOTES FROM TAINY + TOKISCHA
“I love films. Working on a track for a movie like Rebel Moon was a truly cool experience, especially collaborating with Tokischa, who’s an incredible artist. It’s very exciting for me as a producer to work with such a talented and versatile artist. This song showcases that versatility—it offers a different sound while still capturing the feelings and themes portrayed in the movie. It was super special to translate the emotions of the film into a song.” – Tainy
“I was inspired by the empowerment showcased in the movie and the message it conveys about perseverance. It’s my first time being part of a film, so obviously, I fell in love with it.” – Tokischa
6. Chris Patrick – Take Time To Myself
Source:Chris Patrick
Fast-rising New Jersey lyricist Chris Patrick returns with his introspective new single “TAKE TIME FOR MYSELF.” The release follows the recent announcement of his upcoming mixtape THE CALM, which is available for early purchase/stream exclusively on even.biz and will be available on all streaming platforms April 3rd.
“TAKE TIME FOR MYSELF” delves into personal and professional challenges recently confronting the rapper.
Often recognized for his willingness to share vulnerability through his lyrics, Chris narrates his experience with the pressures of caretaking responsibilities and the quest for genuine connections amidst his growing success. With a mesmerizing blend of production by Kenneth English, the track serves as a poignant reminder to embrace solitude for reflection and realignment before reaching a breaking point.
Raised in East Orange, the emerging sensation boasts a diverse musical arsenal. Equally skilled in singing and rapping, he seamlessly blends vivid storytelling with infectious hooks, drawing from his life experiences. Fueled by his unwavering determination and earning early nods from esteemed artists such as T-Pain, JID, Smino, and Isaiah Rashad his trajectory is bound to ascend even higher. Chris’s previous full-length project, a 14-track sophomore album titled X Files,…