- Words Notion Staff
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.
‘All Alone’ by Ryder, Skepta, Dré Six
If Skepta has one defining quality, it’s his ability to trade grime’s machismo for unrivalled vulnerability. On tracks like ‘Bullet from a Gun’ and ‘Text Me Back’, he does this in abundance. The latte lays the lyrical brickwork of ‘#skeptacore pt.1’ - one of a trilogy of singles Ryder has garnered virality with on TikTok. ‘All Alone’ is an original collaboration between the artists, featuring rising underground vocalist and guitarist Dré Six.
‘Skinfade’ by M1onTheBeat, Headie One
UK drill talisman M1onTheBeat just released his latest project, M1onTheBeat: The Mixtape, and as you can expect, the feature list is nuts. Digga D, Rimzee, Meekz and K-Trap are just a handful of names on there, but perhaps the standout collaboration comes on ‘Skinfade’, with Headie One.
‘Bon Appétit’ by Unknown T
‘Who would have thought that his voice would have spread this far?’ questions Unknown T on the opening line of ‘Bon Appétit’, before demanding us to ‘listen’ with his infamous ad-lib. Such contemplative wordplay illuminates the jazz-tinged drill beat beneath him, and also shows the introspective journey he’s been on since being cleared of his charges in 2018.
‘Snowflake Suzie’ by Etta Marcus
Hotly-tipped grunge-popper Etta Marcus is showing remarkable versatility in her recent singles. ‘Snowflake Suzie’ leans into the scuzzier sounds we’ve become accustomed to, but the songwriter maintains an angelic presence vocally, singing with ballad-like tones.
‘Memory Lane’ by Zara Larsson
Having recently announced details of her new album, Venus, and a spring UK and EU tour, Zara Larsson today returned with another exhilarating pop cut, titled ‘Memory Lane’. The Swedish singer has been on a meteoric rise throughout her career, but here, she takes time to reflect on the setbacks that made her stronger.
‘Labios Mordidos’ by Kali Uchis, KAROL G
Two Columbian artists at the peak of their powers, Kali Uchis and KAROL G’s new collaboration, ‘Labious Mordidos’, is a bona fide reggaeton banger. Translating to ‘Bitten Lips’, the single sees the Latin music superstars going back-to-back with their sensual deliveries over summery syncopated rhythms.
‘Sadie Hawkins Prom’ by Eyedress
‘Sadie Hawkins Prom’ is vintage Eyedress. Rarely does a week go by when the Los Angeles native hasn’t dropped a fire single and this one is no different. Slurry vocals, slacker guitar grooves and rumbling drums leave you in a state of hypnosis: a trademark feeling from the 32-year-old’s back-catalogue.
‘Need a Hit’ by Kungs, Gero
On their new single, Kungs and Gero want to know if you ‘Need a Hit’ of their infectious 4/4 grooves. The disco-infused track is an everlasting dopamine rush, luring you into the euphoric funk rhythms and soulful vocal samples.
‘So Mi Stay’ by Nubiyan Twist
Leeds College of Music graduates Nubiyan Twist have been sponging up global grooves and making some of the catchiest jazz music this country has to offer for well over a decade. On ‘So Mi Stay’, the virtuosic nine-piece team up with Sheffield-based artist Aziza Jaye for a vibey, free-flowing track.
'Oral' by Björk, ROSALÍA
As surrealistic as ever, Björk’s latest track is a dystopian dancehall collaboration with Catalonian superstar ROSALÍA. All the profits from ‘Oral’ will be donated to the Aegis non-profit organisation to combat open pen fish farming in Iceland. Save the salmon, listen to this track.
