- Words Notion Staff
Hold that Michael Bublé album, the year for new music is far from over. Check out the latest Notion Now picks, featuring Eyedress, Beyoncé, Meekz and more.
‘Grown Woman’ by Beyoncé
Commemorating the 10th anniversary of her eponymous album, Queen Bey—also the Queen of surprise drops—graces fans with bonus track, ‘Grown Woman’. Originally featured in a 2013 Pepsi advert, the single is laden with a zestful melody and up-tempo flow that is guaranteed to get you grooving in no time.
‘Doubted Me’ by Meekz
Surprising fans with a new four-track EP release, Manchester’s finest wordsmith Meekz has a message for all those who’ve ever questioned his lyrical abilities. 'Doubted Me' adds a flamenco drill beat to the arsenal of instrumentals he’s rapped over before. Behind the mask, we know that there’s sincerity in his Manc drawl, and across the project, we hear it in abundance.
‘Home Alone’ by Bas, J. Cole
When J. Cole jumps on a feature, you know he’ll bring his intellectual wordplay to the table. Teaming up with fellow American rapper, Bas, who is signed to J. Cole’s record label, Dreamville, this collaboration is not unfamiliar territory for the duo, having collaborated several times prior. Their flows seamlessly intertwine, delivering meticulously crafted lyrics over a devilish trap-infused beat.
‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Over’ by Elmiene
Oxford-born soul singer Elmiene has had a breakout 2023, his butter-smooth vocals warming the ears of fans and tastemakers alike. ‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Over’ strips back his jaw-dropping emotion to the bare bones. With only an acoustic guitar for company, the rapidly rising artist covers Jeff Buckley’s 1994 smash hit beautifully, putting a powerful spin on the original.
‘QUE CHIMBA DE VIDA’ by KAROL G
Wrapping up the year on a high note, Columbian luminary KAROL G celebrates life’s special moments on ‘QUE CHIMBA DE VIDA’. Translating to ‘what a joke of life’, the track melds trap nuances with musica Mexicana influences. An acoustic guitar in the backdrop sets the tempo, as the trumpet takes centre stage building up to the crescendo of the track.
‘Crazy’ by Lil Baby
Atlanta bar slinger Lil Baby returned today with a double single release. ‘Crazy’ is our pick of the two, as the trap-rap innovator mumbles catchy hooks over a triumphant-sounding beat.
‘A Room Up In The Sky’ by Eyedress, The Marisas
Marking the second collaborative effort within the slacker, lo-fi scene, Eyedress and The Marisas roll out the perfect track for all those laid-back bedroom moments. The Marias vocals sink atop Eyedresses trademark, spellbinding indie-sleaze production, wrapping up a track nothing short of mesmerising.
‘Not My Fault’ by Reneé Rapp, Megan Thee Stallion
For a dose of Mean Girls energy, your search ends here. Pop princess Reneé Rapp and rap maestro Megan Thee Stallion team up for a cosmic-like groovy tune, titled ‘Not My Fault. Steady bass seamlessly entwines with synchronised synths creating a sassy track that perfectly captures a true mean girl energy. Roll on the reboot.
‘Love Me Enough’ by Nicki Minaj, Monica, Keyshia Cole
Tapping up two of the hottest R&B singers in the game, Monica and Keyshia Cole, Nicki Minaj unleashes a track dedicated to empowerment. Appearing on her Pink Friday 2 (Gag City Deluxe) album, the trio reflect on toxic relationships whilst celebrating personal growth, all to an Afrobeat and R&B inspired melody that demonstrates their seamless flows.
‘Therapy’ by Nemzzz
Rounding off a phenomenal year for Nemzzz, ‘Therapy’ is arguably his most earnest track to date. Letting us in on the mental health struggles he's experienced while on his ascendancy, the track features an understated drill beat to make his wordplay feel all the more potent.
