Today’s FTOD post is a heavy hitter and includes standout records from my top 2 LPs of 2018 so far – Nines’ Crop Circle & J.Cole’s KOD, which both dropped last week Friday. Nines’ Crop Circle is a well-rounded body of work and is up there with the best UK Rap albums to drop in a minute. It’s easily my favourite album at the moment & the featured fire tune Rubber Bands is a particular standout with RAY BLK delivering a monstrous hook to go alongside Skrapz stellar guest verse.
As for J.Cole, KOD was a much better first-listen experience for me compared to 4 Your Eyez Only and I seem to enjoy the album more with every listen. Picking a standout record was difficult but Motiv8 just shades it for me.
UK rapper Ramz, released his third single titled Family Tree and it’s easily his best effort since his debut single Barking, which peaked at no 2 on the Official UK Singles Chart. The hook is almost impossible to get out of your head after 2 listens!
US teen superstar Khalid released his latest gem this past Friday OTW featuringfellow R&B heavyweights Ty Dolla $ign & 6LACK. Honestly, the song is incredible and that’s all that needs to be said!
Young Thug showcased his genius yet again with the infectious Anybody featuring Nicki Minaj. The release was part of a 3 track EP Hear No Evil but is the standout record for me and has been on constant rotation for a hot minute now.
Nines – Rubber Bands Featuring RAY BLK & Skrapz
J. Cole – Motiv8
Ramz – Family Tree
Khalid – OTW Ft. Ty Dolla $ign & 6LACK
Young Thug – Anybody Ft. Nicki Minaj
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Look, this new Zayn Malik single is straight flames! His music isn’t usually my go-to but as you all know, I appreciate a great song when I hear one & that is exactly what Let Me is. The record looks to be the beginning of his sophomore album roll out following his 2016 solo debut Mind Of Mine. If this is any indication of what to expect, then we’re in for a treat & I’ll definitely be checking out the album when it drops. In the meantime, peep the fire single below
Today’s FTOD is courtesy of Wizkid’s music imprint Starboy titled Commando. The record continues Wizkid’s electric start to the New Year after assisting DJ Spinall on Nowo& introducing the world to his listen label acts on Soco, including today’s other featured MC Ceeza Milli. The tune was produced by super producer Spellz and in all honesty, Mut4y (a producer & one half of Legendury Beatz) is also credited on the song, so I’m guessing he co-produced on the record too. Listen to the fire tune below
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New Music Friday threw out some absolute gems this past week & here are my favourites from the lot.
Drake – Nice For What
The 6 god continued his ridiculously hot streak to 2018 with Nice For What, which dropped on Friday with a star-studded cast to match in the video. Drizzy Season is well and truly upon us and the signs all point to an album release at some point this year. I expect Nice For What to follow God’s Planby hitting no.1 both in the UK and stateside soon. Listen to the absolute banger below
Cardi B – I Like It Ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Cardi B released her highly anticipated debut album Invasion Of Privacy on Friday to rave reviews so far. The 13 track album featured a host of fellow superstars including Chance The Rapper, SZA, Migos, J Balvin & YG to name a few. It’s a beautiful body of work, which everyone needs to listen to. Choosing a standout was difficult but there’s something about I Like It that just screams banger! Listen to the album hereand peep the fire tune below
Alina Baraz – I Don’t Even Know Why Though
Alina Baraz dropped her latest EP The Color Of You and it’s a glorious body of work in all honesty. The 9-track EP is littered with gems and choosing a favourite was a toss up between I Don’t Even Know Why Though and Coming To MySenses. Listen to the EP here and check out the featured tune below
Calvin Harris – One Kiss with Dua Lipa
Summer banger connoiseur Calvin Harris released his latest single in time for the sunshine this past Friday. The record One Kiss features my current guilty pleasure Dua Lipa who absolutely body-bagged the song. The song’s already no.1 in the latest UK chart midweek update and it will inevitably debut at no.1 this Friday. Forthcoming project or not, expect the Scotsman to fully continue his reign over summer this year. Peep the banger below
Snakehips – iii’m Not Sorry Ft. Elbee Thrie
One of my favourite production duos Snakehips released their latest EP Stay Home Tapes last week including the already featured Cruzin‘ and the featured fire tune below. Check out the EP hereand listen to the fire tune below
Nines – I See You Shining
XL recordings artist Nines released his first single of 2018 I See You Shining this past Friday and it’s a litty one. Listen to the Steel Banglez produced banger below
Azealia Banks – Anna Wintour
Azealia Banks released her first single in over a year this past Friday titled Anna Wintour. The dance-influenced banger is a welcome return to the early promise shown by the Harlem native on her debut mixtape Fantaseaand the worldwide smash212. Peep the banger below
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With all the new music dropping today, it’s only right that I run through the best drops over the past week. Enjoy the fire below
The Weeknd – Wasted Times
The Weeknd shocked fans with the release of his latest EP My Dear Melancholy last week Friday & it took me right back to Trilogy Abel vibes,. Hopefully he continues releasing music in this vein cause it’s fucking incredible. The 6 track EP was clearly motivated by ex relationships, most notably Selena Gomez, who I never assumed to have the sauce that strongly, but the EP boderline made me change my mind on that opinion. It’s a beautiful body of work and the standouts in my opinion are Call Out My Name & today’s featured tune Wasted Times, which I’ve been absolutely obsessed with since it dropped. Listen to the EP here and listen to the fire tune below
Tinashe – Me So Bad Ft. Ty Dolla $ign & French Montana
It’s been over 2 years since Tinashe announced the release of Joyride but it looks like the album will finally drop next week, which is rather exciting. I’ve been a fan of the LA native since she released her self-written mixtapes Reverie & Black Water back in 2012 and 2013 respectively. She gained mainstream clout with 2013’s 2 On featuring Schoolboy Q but it’s always been clear that she’s destined for great things. I noticed a change in her music output once she singed to RCA Records, which is expected as you get more label involvement in your recording process. However, I have high expectations for Joyride when it drops next week, especially after listening to Me So Bad featuring Ty Dolla $ign & French Montana, which is a certified banger. This album has been a long time coming, so make sure you check it out next week but enjoy her latest single in the meantime below
Mike Will Made It – Aries (YuGo) Part 2 Ft. Rae Sremmurd, Pharrell, Quavo & Big Sean
Super producer Mike Will Made It premiered the remix of his Ransom 2 hosted single Aries last week featuring Rae Sremmurd, Pharrell, Quavo & Big Sean and it’s a super banger to say the least. The USP of this banger lies in the infectious hook vocalised by music legend Pharrell and Lord knows I’m on my way to being the nigga with the bag! Enjoy the banger below
Ne-Yo – Push Back Ft. Bebe Rexha & Stefflon Don
Ne-Yo released his latest single in forever last week & it’s a smash in all honesty. Yes, it’s very pop-oriented but a banger is a banger and that is exactly what Push Back is. Bebe Rexha & the UK’s Stefflon Don perfectly complemented the R&B legend on this record. Peep the tune below
Smokepurpp & Murda Beatz – Do Not Disturb Ft. Offset & Lil Yatchy
Florida rapper Smokepurpp & super producer Murda Beatz released a joint single last week featuring Quality Control’s Lil Yachty & Offset. The result is a banger and a half, which I’ve struggled to get out of my head, especially the hook. Listen to the banger below
Preme – Hot Boy Ft. Lil Wayne
Canadian artist & OVO signee Preme formerly known as P. Reign, released his first single in over a year last week titled Hot Boy featuring one of the GOATs Weezy and it’s a heater! Listen to the fire below
Octavian – Hands
London rapper & new wave connoisseur Octavian released his latest single Hands last week Friday to rave reviews within the UK scene. Octavian’s a breath of fresh air with his unique take on rap, which blends in elements of dance and house music like nothing I’ve previously heard. After gaining acclaim from his debut single Party Here, the young MC now has the eyes of the world on him and on further evidence, we’ll be doing just that going forward. He’s straight up special and Hands is a straight up banger. Peep the record and visuals below
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Today’s FTOD is the surprise drop M3 Not You from rising British superstar Not3s. The North-East London MC/singer has been on a hot streak for over a year now dropping fire release after fire release including Aladdin, My Lover and Sit Back Down. He’s been on a particularly hot streak when featuring on records – Knuck’s Hooper, GRM Daily’s YRF, Mist’s Order It In, NSG’s Pushing Up, Sneakbo’s Nah, Fredo’s Haters & Mabel’s Fine Line have all dropped within the past 4 months, which is frankly insane! The video includes highlights from his recent trip to Texas for SXSW where he performed on 3 separate occasions and showcased some of the best music that the UK has to offer right now. Listen to the wavy tune below
Apologies for the longest hiatus since the website went live and there’s no particularly reasonable excuse for it. Either way, I’m back again with 9 absolutely fire tunes, which have dropped over the past fortnight and all deserve to be shared with the world!
WSTRN – Lovestruck Ft. Tiwa Savage & Mr Eazi
WSTRN continue to shoot 100% from the field with their releases over the past few months and Lovestruck is no exception to the mould. After raising the roof with the exceptional Ben Ova & complementing One Acen perfectly on Vice Versa, Lovestruck sees the group connect with afrobeat superstars Mr Eazi & Tiwa Savage. All artists on this record did themselves justice but it’s hard to ignore Haile’s falsetto, which has brought about yet another memorable hook for the ages. Check out the video & stream the banger below
AJ Tracey – Mimi
One of my favourite MCs out AJ Tracey released his first single of 2018 this past Friday and it’s a heater as expected. Check out the cold visuals below
23 Unofficial – Day In The Life
I recently got into 23 Unofficial after hearing him steal the show on B Young’s Jumanji remix. Here’s his latest release and it’s a litty one
Snakehips – Cruzin’ Ft. St Rulez
Snakehips are easily one of my favourite production duos out there & they continue to impress with every release. Well known for the feel good vibes of their records, the London duo continuously remind me of the summertime. Cruzin’ is another track in the mould & will be on repeat for a long time. Listen below
Yxng Bane – Vroom
Disturbing London artist Yxng Bane continues his impressive 2018 with the release of Vroom. The single serves as the follow up to the impressive Corner featuring Maleek Berry which dropped earlier in the year & it coincided with the latest Dope Chef line release. Check out the record below
Sango – Out My Way/ Around You (feat. Marr Grey, RELLA, July 7 & Devin Tracy
Famed Seattle producer Sango finally released his long awaited full studio album In The Comfort Of 10 days ago and it’s an impressive body of work. After wowing me with his Brazilian music inspired sounds on the Da Rocinha series, it’s also good to see him deliver the goods on a more traditional sounding R&B influenced dance record. Listen to one of the standout records Out My Way/Around You below
Years & Years – Sanctify
British group Years & Years released the first single of their forthcoming second studio album earlier in the month of March and its a beauty of a tune. Sanctify sees lead singer Olly Alexander flex his vocal range yet again and the result is a potential no.1 record. Listen to the song below
Wretch 32 & SOS – Affi Me Ft. Culan & Masicka
UK rap legend Wretch 32 released his first single of 2018 earlier in March titled Affi Me. It’s a dancehall influenced song featuring Culan & Masicka. Listen to the banger below
Vince Staples – Get The Fuck Off My Dick
Long Beach native Vince Staples released the hilarious but introspective Get The Fuck Off My Dick earlier in the month. It follows up the hard hitting Opps, which featured on the Black Panther soundtrack album. Enjoy the banger below
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Logic dropped his latest mixtape Bobby Tarantino II yesterday and its as fire as I expected. The Maryland native has seen his star take a massive upturn over the past year with the release of the platinum selling single 1-800-273-8255, which helped raise awareness about the suicide prevention helpline in the United States and culminated in a Grammys performance. That aside, Logic’s been a constant staple in the rap game since the release of his Young Sinatra mixtape in 2011 and he’s amassed 3 Gold-selling albums & 3 mixtapes since then including yesterday’s release. I honestly like pretty much every song on the 13 track mixtape but I decided to highlight Indica Badu cause the beat reminds me of J Dilla. Listen to Bobby Tarantino IIhereand stream Indica Badu below
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I’ve been meaning to post these fire tunes for over six days now but been unable to sit down & just bang it out due to work commitments & laziness. However, the below tunes are so fire that I’ve decided to still do a short but sweet post ahead of tomorrow’s fresh batch of New Music Friday. So enjoy the must-hear fire below
Amber Mark – Love Me Right
One of the best records I’ve ever heard from rising superstar Amber Mark & I expect this song to take her to the next stratosphere in terms of relevance and result in organic fan base growth cause it’s that fire. I initially paid attention when she dropped her 3:33am EP but none of her songs really resonated with me this strongly until Love Me Right dropped and everybody needs to hear the song! Peep her live performance & stream the tune below
Knucks – Hooper Ft. Not3s
This is my current fave tune since it dropped on Friday. I knew a little bit about Knucks beforehand but I’ll definitely be paying close attention to everything he releases going forward cause the man is undoubtedly cold with the bars! Not3s is unstoppable right now and continues to drop banger after banger both as a single & featured artist. Enjoy the crisp visuals & stream this incredible song below
Suspect – One Way Ft. Skepta & Jesse James Solomon
Suspect has to be one of the most unique UK rappers out now, with his unique aggressive flow constantly resulting in bangers which take your energy from 0-100 real quick! One Way is no exception & the hook has been popping into my head non-stop all week. Skepta & Jesse James Solomon did the record absolute justice and it’s just a ridiculously fire tune. Listen below
Tory Lanez – Hypnotized
Tory Lanez dropped his sophomore album MEMORIES DON’T DIE on Friday and it’s a marked improvement on his commercial debut I Told You in my humble opinion. The 20 track LP is littered with great songs but I’ve decided to highlight the potential club banger Hypnotized in this post as B.I.D was already featured) . Check out the album here and peep the featured tune below
Rae Sremmurd – Powerglide Ft. Juicy J
Swae Lee is a global treasure; period. One half of Rae Sremmurd has done it again, with this absolutely incredible record, which showcases his versatility as a singer & songwriter once again. Powerglide is unlike anything I’ve previously heard, which makes it automatic must-listen material. The Mississippi natives have proved time and time again that they’ll be here for a long time & this song already gives an indication of the sonic direction of the duo’s forthcoming third album SremmLife 3. Listen below
SG Lewis – Coming Up
I’ve always been a big fan of SG Lewis and his thoroughly enjoyable sound which seems age like wine. He’s prepping the release of his forthcoming Dusk EP, which will include the recently released vibe of a tune Coming Up & the previously featured Aura .Honestly, just listen below!
Big Lean – Hermes Ft. Giggs
Hermes dropped just under a fortnight ago but only surfaced on Apple Music on Friday, which is why it wasn’t shared sooner. Toronto rapper Big Lean got UK rap legend Giggs to assist him on the tune & Hollow man proceeded to steal the show on this one with a hard hitting 16, which gloriously meshes with the instrumental. Peep the fire tune below
Today’s a special FTOD day as two of my favourite British MCs dropped fire tunes yesterday! The ridiculously consistent Santan Dave dropped his first single Hangman since releasing his acclaimed Game Over EP, which housed the hit record No Words featuring today’s other featured MC Mostack. The EP gave us a club bop, a government challenge & an ode to an ex, which clearly showcased the versatility of the Streatham MC. At this point, I’ve run out of superlatives to describe Dave’s ability on the mic and people tend to forget that he’s still only 19 years old! On Hangman, he’s speaking directly to the London youth about ambition while also touching on knife crime amongst other things. Listen to the tune below
Mostack also released his first offering of the New Year last night with the catchy What I Wanna, The record samples Big Pun’s “Still Not A Player” & Brenda Russell’s “A Little Bit of Love and is essentially an ode to living your best life with no care in world. Check out the iLL Blu produced tune below
