- Words Notion Staff
2024 is in full swing and the biggest stars are beginning to stake their claim for the 12 months ahead. This week's Notion Now features Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X and more.
‘yes, and?’ by Ariana Grande
Breathe a sigh of relief — Ariana’s back with her first solo single since 2020, and she doesn’t care what we think of it. Dusting off overbearing opinions on her music, her relationships, her body, the Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh co-produced track feels as carefree as its title suggests. Channeling ‘Vogue’ with bouncy verses, a huge chorus and some angelic spoken word, it’s a new sound for Ari and a completely fresh opener for this year's album.
‘J CHRIST’ by Lil Nas X
A lot’s been said about the rollout for Lil Nas X’s controversial new single, ‘J CHRIST’. Receiving Back-lash for its biblical connotations, the Lithia Springs star defended the track on the grounds of fellow artists, like Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West, frequenting religion in their music. This isn’t the first time the former meme poster has been called out for blasphemy. What you can’t deny him of, however, is producing contagious pop bangers, a category ‘J CHRIST’ walks into effortlessly.
‘It’s So Good’ by Jamie xx
‘It’s So Good’ is a return to form for Jamie xx. Released as part of a Chanel campaign, the wonky techno driver takes the blueprint of his best work, keeping listeners guessing as UKG breaks, helium-like melodies and rumbling drums interject each other and fight for prominence. Hopefully, this won’t be the last we hear from The xx member in 2024.
‘n.h.i.e’ by 21 Savage, Doja Cat
Taken from 21 Savage’s third solo album, and first in five years, ‘n.h.i.e’ sees the Plaistow native enlisting Doja Cat for a typically ghoulish feature. At the O2 Arena, 21 Savage teased fans with news of a new record, preparing them for American Dream; the soundtrack to a forthcoming biopic film about himself, starring Donald Glover and Caleb McLaughlin. Metro Boomin, Travis Scott, Young Thug and Burna Boy also feature across the project.
‘Hocus Pocus’ by Unknown T, Loyle Carner
The long-awaited debut album from Unknown T is here and he’s cooked up quite the storm. ‘Hocus Pocus’, featuring Loyle Carner, shines brightest; both wordsmiths sound focused, trying to one-up each other’s punchlines. Puffing out his chest and proving his worth, the ‘Homerton B’ rapper shows he’s far more than drill’s OG poster boy.
‘Loved’ by Four Tet
Back on solo duties, ‘Loved’ is the first single from a forthcoming Four Tet album. Teasing the track on social media last week, before alluding to a long-form project, the yet-to-be-titled record will be his first since 2020. In true Kieran Hebden fashion, this track is brimming with blissful melodies, rich in texture and meditative psychedelia.
‘DARLING DRIVE’ by METTE, Sam Gellaitry
METTE and Scottish producer, singer and songwriter Sam Gellaitry have joined forces to release the funky new single ‘DARLING DRIVE’. Welcomed to Sam’s hometown with open arms, the Minnesota singer, found inspiration from his pride and passion for the place he grew up in. Dominating everyone’s 2024 ‘Ones to Watch’ lists, this single undoubtedly foreshadows a big year for METTE.
‘Igual Que Un Ángel’ by Kali Uchis, Peso Pluma
Kali Uchis barely gives herself time to catch a breath. Having just finished touring her third record, Red Moon on Venus, the Colombian American singer today returned with an album inspired by her South American heritage: dreamy cumbian and synthy reggaeton cuts dominate the tracklisting. On ‘Igual Que Un Ángel’, she teams up with Mexican performer Peso Pluma for a euphoric disco-house hit-in-waiting.
‘Third Coast’ by Teezo Touchdown
Applying pressure in 2024, Teezo Touchdown released the deluxe edition of How Do You Sleep At Night? this week. ‘Third Coast’ is our pick of the three new tracks. Switching between Cadillac-ready g-funk and intergalactic R&B, in just two and a half minutes, the Drake-approved artist proves he can do it all.
‘No Man’s Land’ by Marshmello, venbee
On his latest single, Marshmello enters ‘No Man’s Land’, producing his first ever DnB single. Venbee contributes her usual introspection to the dreamy production, singing sentiments of loss and loneliness in angelic tones.