- Words Notion Staff
- Photo credit Lily McMurray
In Notion Now: Week 29, Mahalia, ENNY, Still Woozy, Central Cee, Darkoo, Normani and Cardi B, Caroline Polachek, Clairo and more.
"Whenever You're Ready" by Mahalia
Following her sizzling Rico Nasty collab, "Jealous", earlier this year, Mahalia is back with another banger. Co-written by herself and MNEK and produced by Two Inch Punch, eagle-eared listeners will hear a sample of the legendary 90’s offering from Montell Jordan, "Get it On Tonight". On the track, Mahalia said: "I was going through a breakup at the time and really wanted to capture this part of that process. It’s my new summer jam. I hope everyone loves it as much as I do!”
"Malibu (feat. Kinkai)" by ENNY
South East London rapper, ENNY, really shines on debut EP 'Under Twenty Five'. A newcomer in the scene, she's made sure all eyes have been on her through the success of her refreshing track "Peng Black Girls" that saw Jorja Smith hop on a remix. Now, on this new project, fans can expect more ENNY authenticity and delicious melodies. She explained: “This project concept was birthed in the most confusing time of my early 20’s. I was caught between the sudden ticking of the age clock and feeling unfulfilled in a 9-5. The songs reflect not only my journey into quitting my job to do music but also everyone involved in bringing this to life".
"Little Bit of This" by Central Cee
West London rapper Central Cee shares his first solo release since he dropped his debut project 'Wild West' back in March. It's an immediate head-bopper with lyrics that are sure to get stuck in your heads for days on end.
"Wild Side (feat. Cardi B)" by Normani
Two absolute QUEENS on one sexy track? We love to see it. "I had already been in rehearsal for about three weeks preparing for the video when Cardi heard the record for the first time,” Normani said. “She really showed up for me and brought this record to life by simply doing what Cardi does best. I love that woman down and I’m forever grateful.”
"Bunny Is A Rider" by Caroline Polachek
“‘Bunny Is A Rider’ is a summer jam about being unavailable,” Polachek said of her new track. “Bunny is slippery, impossible to get ahold of. Maybe it’s a fantasy, maybe it’s a bad attitude. But anyone can be bunny, at least for three minutes and seventeen seconds.”
"Slow Down (feat. Tion Wayne)" by Darkoo
Afrobeat sensation Darkoo today releases her hotly anticipated debut EP, '2 In 1', including this sultry bop featuring Tion Wayne. "This EP explores my feelings and presents a more emotional side of me", she shared. "'2 in 1' is a collection of tracks that you can chill to and vibe with, it showcases my two cultures which evolved from my journey to London from Lagos".
"Amoeba" by Clairo
Co-produced with Grammy Award winning producer Jack Antonoff (Lorde, Taylor Swift), Clairo has blessed us with her new album, 'Sling'. Expect angelic vocals and intimate storytelling galore.
"Luv u Do" by NiNE8
London-based collective, NiNE8, is back with another group single, and it's a goodie. Featuring Lava La Rue, Nige, Mac Wetha, Bone Slim and Lorenzorsv, who said: "Each person touched on past experiences they had based off love, similarly I told my own truths on the song and it’s sick because even though we all have had different experiences, the song makes sense and wouldn’t work with anyone’s verses missing.”
"Save You" by James Vickery
Smooth R&B crooner, James Vickery, has shared his debut album, 'Songs That Made Me Feel'. Full of seductive, soulful jams, the likes of SG Lewis and Maths Time Joy have produced tracks on the album, and features the likes of EARTHGANG and Musiq Soulchild, amongst others.
"Not Your Summer" by The Academic
What luck! Irish band The Academic have served up their 'Community Spirit' EP just in time for the return of festivals. Packed with anthemic, indie bangers, we can't wait to belt this one out at the top of our lungs in a field, covered in beer once more.
"I Did It" by Big Zuu & Mae Muller
Bet you didn't see this collab coming, did you? Londoners Mae Muller and Big Zuu link for this celebratory single about personal success. It's another taste of Big Zuu's debut album ‘Navigate’, set for release this September.
"You Shaped Hole" by Baby Queen
Baby Queen continues to roll out the bangers with new single "You Shaped Hole". But just don't get used to hearing tracks from her about relationships, as Baby Queen posted on Instagram: "this is the last love / breakup song you’re gonna hear from me for a while because the rest of the mixtape is about ubiquitous sadness, politics & society".
"GONE" by Bipolar Sunshine
This is a hugely good new track from Bipolar Sunshine. Make sure you don't sleep on it.
"Get Down" by Still Woozy
Still Woozy is incapable of making a bad song, it seems. "Get Down" is instantly replayable and stays true to the dreamy, sun-soaked sonics we've come to love him for.
"Brag" by DETO BLACK
A self-confident hip-hop jam, "Brag" sees rising artist DETO let everyone know who she is, set against a fluttering, futuristic production. DETO insists that "Brag" was the first song she ever recorded. It's set to feature on her debut project which drops 6th August. She said: “People think Lagos girls can be stuck up but I think we should have the choice of not always having to have a smile on our face if you get what I mean. So yeah this song is for the girls when they need to be reminded that they are that bitch and want to be in their own world”.
"Thought of It" by Sherwyn
LA-based artist Sherwyn has dropped genre-free single "Thought of It", which he wrote "about staying comfortable being alone and taking some time to just think and not express yourself to the outside world. I always think that when I get time to myself and go to a destination for it, I learn more about what I truly love or want, and that’s what I wanted to express in the song while making it still feel like a celebration".
"Lovefool" by Babeheaven
A cover of The Cardigans' iconic song of the same name, Babeheaven give their own moreish and sensual spin to it. *Hits repeat*
