- Words Notion Staff
Press play on the latest edition of NOTION NOW, the playlist featuring the freshest tracks you need to hear.
‘One Foot’ by Greentea Peng
‘One Foot’ by Greentea Peng is a deeply emotional track that combines raw, hypnotic instrumentation with her powerful, evocative vocals. The song delves into themes of personal longing and self-discovery, with the poignant chorus reflecting a constant push and pull. Its dynamic blend of styles highlights Peng’s unique musical vision.
‘King Steps’ by Disclosure and Pa Salieu
‘King Steps’ brings together the vibrant energy of Disclosure and Pa Salieu, effortlessly blending house beats with UK rap. Pa Salieu’s distinctive flow adds a bold edge to the track, while Disclosure’s signature production creates a driving, infectious rhythm. The result is an anthem, perfect for a party and full of undeniable energy.
‘Cautionary Tales’ by Knucks & K-Trap
When videos started circulating earlier this year of Knucks and K-Trap in the studio together, everyone knew something special would be on the cards. But a collaborative EP? Christmas has come early for any UK rap and drill fans. ‘Cautionary Tales’ is our pick from the three tracks, as Trapo and Knuckles remind us why they aren’t settled on what they’ve achieved so far.
‘Grime Scene Saviour’ by Chip
Grime’s third coming is alive and well thanks to Chip and an entourage of the scene’s veterans. On ‘Grime Scene Saviour’, D Double E, Frisco, Flirta D, Skepta, Bruza, JME, Jendor, Novelist, Jamakabi, Flowdan and Chip drop fiery eight bars, rekindling the cypher format. The music video is filmed in the middle of a local offie to provide that early ‘00s appeal, while the beat features classic 140 string chops courtesy of Dexplicit.
‘Hips Yo Thighs’ by Sally C & Eliza Rose
Sally C and Eliza Rose’s DR Pleasure EP is a bold, club-ready celebration of divine feminine energy, blending chunky beats, slinky vocals, and seductive sirens across four electrifying tracks. With its lush hi-hats, playful basslines, and a standout remix from BASHKKA, the release features the undeniable break beat banger, ‘Hips Yo Thighs’.
‘The Autograph’ by J. Cole
Now streaming for the first time, J. Cole’s Friday Night Lights remains a defining moment in hip-hop, blending raw lyricism with unshakable ambition. Tracks like ‘The Autograph’ showcase his introspective storytelling at its finest, making this 2010 mixtape a timeless fan favourite.
‘WHY’ by Sasha Keable
A mesmerising reflection on the beauty of love, ‘Why?’ blends heartfelt lyricism with rich, soulful production. Showcased in a spellbinding Colors performance, the track highlights Sasha Keable’s unmatched vocal depth and emotional resonance, marking her as a standout voice in modern R&B.
‘Wide Brim Hat’ by Princess Nokia
Princess Nokia’s evolution isn’t talked about enough. Since she burst on the scene with visceral trap cuts like ‘I Like Him’, the multifaceted artist has explored various genres, like jungle (‘complicated’), garage (‘thank you’) and more guitar-based sounds, which she leans on in her new single, ‘Wide Brim Hat’. Stripped back to little other than her honeyed vocals and an acoustic guitar, there’s a folky energy to this single that we can’t get enough of.
‘You’re the Only One Watching (Showbiz)’ by MIKE
It’s always a good Friday when there’s a new MIKE release. At just 25 years old, the Bronx rapper has carved out his own lane, releasing singles that sprawl across the hip-hop spectrum but remain off-kilter and restless underneath his slurry East Coast drawl. ‘You’re the Onle One Watching (Showbiz) is his second single off a fourthcoming project; it’s rich in soulful samples and funkadelic bass but remains at that contemplative pace we’ve come to expect from him.
‘hood grammy’ by 4batz
Manifesting some big wins during awards season, 4batz is staking a claim for music’s most coveted prize on his new single, ‘hood grammy’. Produced by ZSHAN, the track reflects on how far he has come, from “the trenches” to the cusp of major mainstream success.