- Words Notion Staff
In Notion Now: Week 25, Tyler, The Creator, Joy Crookes, Jorja Smith and Wesley Joseph, Griff, H.E.R., KSI, and more have all shared great new tunes.
"LUMBERJACK" by Tyler, The Creator
He's back! An immediately recognisable Tyler number from the off that pays homage to the golden era of hip-hop, "LUMBERJACK", serves as a reminder that even though Tyler can make great pop music, he's still one helluva rapper.
"Feel Don't Fail Me Now" by Joy Crookes
South London singer-songwriter, Joy Crookes, taps into classic soul and Motown rhythms on new track "Feet Don't Fail Me Now". She explains: “This song is one of the most complicated songs I've ever written (in a good way). The track carries with it a deep sense of irony, it's written from the perspective of someone who finds it easier to remain complicit out of a fear of being cancelled."
"Paradise (feat. Yung Bleu)" by H.E.R.
One of the most heavily-anticipated R&B projects of late, H.E.R. has finally shared her third studio album, 'Back Of My Mind', which features collabs with Lil Baby, Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Khaled, Bryson Tiller and more. On "Paradise", she links with Yung Bleu for a slow, romantic jam.
"Patience (feat. Jorja Smith)" by Wesley Joseph
Rapper, director, and all-around multihyphenate Wesley Joseph has shared his debut project 'ULTRAMARINE' after making a name for himself as a creator of effortlessly cool music. It makes sense then, that he's recruited none other than fellow OG Horse collective member, Jorja Smith, for this deeply textured, futuristic soul track.
"Shade of Yellow" by Griff
BRIT Rising Star award winner, Griff, has shared an arguably flawless debut mixtape, filled with euphoric hooks and glittering production. It undoubtedly cements her place as a leader in the UK pop sphere.
"Rollin Stone" by Little Simz
Little Simz is back with a new single from her upcoming album, 'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert'. Teeming with quick-fire bars and a swaggering attitude, she declares: “Mummy handled business, Papa was a rollin stone / I’m a mix of both there ain’t no bitch boy in my bones”.
"Bando Spot" by M1llionz
Notion 88 cover star, M1llionz, returns with the explosive single "Bando Spot", alongside the announcement of his debut mixtape ‘Provisional Licence’.
"OnlyL" by TSHA and NIMMO
Hotly-tipped electronic artist, TSHA, has dropped her debut EP, 'OnlyL'. The title track features vocals from NIMMO, with TSHA juxtaposing the dark lyrics against the track’s upbeat instrumental.
"TO BE LOVED" by BERWYN
Trinidad-born, Romford-raised rapper, singer, songwriter and producer BERWYN, has dropped his second full length project, 'TAPE 2/FOMALHAUT', from which this is a new track. He said that the record "is a room with many corners. That room is called loneliness, and the corners are all the lonely places you can find yourself in life. Even the unexpected ones."
"Holiday" by KSI
Holiday? At this stage, we'd almost forgotten what that is, but KSI has managed to capture a breezy summer spirit on his new track, which is a slower pop-leaning jam that showcases his singing progression. It just goes to show that KSI's sound is constantly evolving. “Well, ya boy coming through with yet another unexpected track", he said.
"Mad" by Hope Tala
Bossa Nova baddie, Hope Tala, blesses us with new tune, "Mad". Featuring her soft and breathy vocals, this R&B crossover tune was written after Hope experienced "feelings of frustration and hysteria in a long-distance relationship. It’s about being unable to communicate properly, and feeling lost in loneliness."
"Raindrops (feat. Flo Milli)" by GoldLink
Taken from GoldLink's third studio album ‘HARAM!’ which is out today, "Raindrops", features Atlanta rapper, Flo Milli. It's an effervescent, earworm number that will have you bopping your head, no matter where you are.
"Angry Man" by KAWALA
Despite the title, KAWALA's new track is an upbeat, hopeful number, alongside announcing the release of their debut mixtape, ‘Paradise Heights’, which is slated for release on 23rd July. Vocalist Jim Higson believes the mixtape's name “alludes to the heights we’ll hopefully reach as we all come out of lockdown.”
"Raise Your Glass" by YONAKA
Following its premiere on Tuesday night and feature as Annie Mac’s coveted Hottest Record In The World, YONAKA have released their single "Raise Your Glass". Featuring an anthemic chorus and soaring vocals, it's set to become a fan favourite. We can't wait to hear this one live.
"Birthday (feat. Stefflon Don)" by Yxng Bane
You might as well learn the words to this now, because you just know it's getting played at every birthday party from here on out.
"2FS" by Kojey Radical
Multi-genre rapper and musician, Kojey Radical, drops not one but two singles, "2FS" and "WOOHAA", whilst he continues work on his long-awaited debut album. The fact that the tracks won't even be featured on the record show just how high Kojey's planning to raise the bar.
"Disco Pantz" by Rejjie Snow, Tinashe & grouptherapy
Rejjie Snow has shared his latest single links with Tinashe and grouptherapy for "Disco Pantz", taken from his forthcoming album, 'Baw Baw Black Sheep', out 9th July. used with funk and interlaced with Tinashe’s honeyed vocals, the slowed down boogie number is a heady soundtrack for the small hours.
"Guess What" by kadiata & Knucks
Coming as the second teaser to Kadiata’s forthcoming EP, he links with fellow London rapper, Knucks, for this flawlessly skippy beat track, laced with soft piano key samples and laid-back vocals.
"Moonlight" by Conor Albert & Mac Ayres
A delightful slice of sunshine from Conor Albert and Mac Ayres on this disco-pop tune. In a truly digital tale, the pair linked after Mac messaged Conor on TikTok last year.
"Only for Tonight" by Bklava
Polymath Bklava nods to her Lebanese roots on percussive heater, "Only for Tonight", which is all about enjoying single life, being independent and owning yourself. Amen to that.
"Bad News" by Charlotte OC
Charlotte OC continues to lay the foundations for her forthcoming sophomore album in the form of new single "Bad News". The said that the song is about "the epiphany that everybody goes through when they realise they are in a toxic relationship. This song was written after a rough breakup, from a relationship that was simply - Bad News."
"Enough" by Eloise
Singer-songwriter Eloise has shared her romantic, delicate mini-album, 'Somewhere In Between', including the new single "Enough". She said it's "a song about the first time I ever felt like I was too much for someone. I think a lot of people experience self doubts early on in a relationship, but I think feeling like you’re overwhelming someone is a niche type of doubt. I wrote this song because I made the decision to turn my self doubt into appreciation."
"working" by Tate McRae and Khalid
Tate McRae recruited Khalid for new song, "working". She said: “I usually release a lot of songs that are pretty emotional but this one is just a straight summer bop."
"Drugs N Hella Melodies (feat. Kali Uchis)" by Don Toliver
Dating rumours are flying after Kali Uchis featured on Don Toliver's new track, namely Kali's line: "Not that I’m conceited, I’m not one to brag, but I’m the girl you needed that you never had". Regardless, the collab is straight fire.
“I’m Not Ok But I Know I Am Going To Be” by Raleigh Ritchie
Raleigh Ritchie has made his return with the mental health mantra “I’m Not Ok But I Know I Am Going To Be” - a positive and hopeful look into managing long term anxiety.
"Mood Swings" by Tove Styrke
Her first single in 3 years, "Mood Swings" finds Tove Styrke back on top form and is just a taste of what's to come in 2021. She says that the tune is "paying tribute to my best and worst sides. I really hate myself sometimes. But I’m trying really hard not to."
"LMK" by Navy
Dominican songwriter NAVY delivers soulful new single "LMK / ToWar" marrying rich, jazzy soundscapes with powerful vocals. Armed with authenticity and a deep passion to promote her Caribbean heritage through her artistry, NAVY is proving to be one of the most exciting and unique voices in Hip Hop & Soul in 2021.