With carnival approaching, some artists are keeping the summer vibes alive, while others are finding their feelings again. This week's best releases are all here on the Notion Now playlist.

“WELCOME 2 MY STRIP” by Unknown T, ODUMODUBLVCK

Unknown T, ODUMODUBLVCK and JAE5 all on a track? Say no more. From Hackney to Lagos and Plaistow, the link up breaks from T’s drill and BLVCK’s Afrobeats to craft something completely new.

“2 die 4” by Addison Rae, Charli XCX

Taken off a selection of leaks from Addison Rae’s lost album ‘AR’, this Charli XCX collaboration is quite literally “2 die 4”.

“Notes From A Wrist” by d4vd

Keeping Gen-Z in their feels, d4vd is back with another tale of heartbreak. Running away from his loved ones aimlessly, the singer-songwriter croons over hollow piano loops and scant drum patterns.

“Booty Drop” by Doechii

“Booty Drop” is a Baltimore banger from Florida multihyphenate Doechii. The singer-rapper-actor-dancer continues to justify the hype with every release that passes.

“Hold Me” by Quavo

Quavo is surprisingly vulnerable on “Hold Me”. Leaving the braggadocio at the door, he’s asking: “Do you feel like you can get through the hard times? Do you feel like you can get on your knees and just pray to the Lord through the dark times?” The Atlanta wordsmith wears his heart on his sleeve over a minimal trap beat.

“Damage Gets Done” by Hozier, Brandi Carlile

Exploring youthful recklessness, Hozier's latest track analyses adolescent adventures and the potential consequences that come with them.

“The Dark Prince” by Eyedress, Mac Demarco

Longtime friends and collaborators Eyedress and Mac Demarco tap into ‘70s psychedelia on new track, “The Dark Prince”. The breezy love song encapsulates both artist’s signature styles, packing slacker guitar riffs and synths around their unique harmonies.

“Stay Blessed” by Genesis Owusu

Genesis Owusu released his highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘STRUGGLER’, today. “Stay Blessed” is the record’s third single and it’s as rambunctious as ever.

“Hood Rats” by Sexyy Red, Sukihana

Sexxy Red’s brazenly sexual lyricism is admirably carefree and funny. Nowhere is this more evident than on “Hood Rats”, where she combines with Sukihana - another artist poised for an all-out takeover.

“Right Here, For Now” by Bakar

Lead by fuzzy guitar grooves, “Right Here, For Now” sees Bakar sing with an understated euphoria. The earworm showcases his unique ability to meld introspection with self-discovery.

"If Only You Knew" by No Guidnce

Rising to prominence thanks to several viral moments, No Guidnce are back and in emphatic form. “If Only You Know” is a robust R&B track encapsulating the all-star team’s infectious energy.

Related Articles

Backstage Pass: On Tour with d4vd

Head backstage with 19-year-old singer-songwriter d4vd, as he takes to KOKO's hallowed walls for a very special performance.

‘Mazzine’ by Tarm

East London rapper Tarm is self-assured and setting himself up for musical success in his new single 'Mazzine'.

Notion Now: Kali Uchis, Unknown T, Etta Marcus

Press (re)play on this week's Notion Now playlist, featuring hyped Skepta collabs, OG-sounding UK drill cuts and a new grunge-pop hit by Etta Marcus.