song

Quando Rondo has been at the center of controversy over the past year and some change but he’s only used the infamy to keep pushing out new music. Though he’s opted to largely release loose singles on YouTube, the rapper’s still racking up millions of view per video. Even if he might not have won over the court of public opinion, there’s still a loyal fanbase readily waiting for the rapper to drop off new heat.

This week, the rapper returned with his latest single, “Now Or Never.” On his new single, he flexes both his snapping flow, and emotional harmonies and details the hardships of losing loved ones, trust issues, and coping with the stress in his life.

Check out the latest offering from Quando Rondo below.

Quotable Lyrics
I made it out without a box and a grave
Somehow that still don’t matter
This codeine stuck inside my bladder
Acting like I’ve been hustling backwards

It’s surreal to think that XXXTENTACION delivered his debut album 17 four years ago to this day. The following year, he was fatally shot at the age of twenty. Though his musical run was cut woefully short, his music resonated with what feels like a generation, who continue to support and stream his music with unwavering loyalty. 

For many, 17 remains his definitive body of work, a stripped-down and emotionally vulnerable project highlighting the young rapper’s melodic ear. Production is generally acoustic and lo-fi across the board, and songs rarely run beyond the two-minute and forty-five-second mark. Still, there’s plenty of replay value here, and songs like the 3x platinum “Everybody Dies In Their Nightmares” have gained new poignancy in the wake of his murder. Should you be among those who connected with the controversial and musically experimental artist, consider giving this one a spin for old time’s sake. 

Are you still keeping Triple X’s 17 on rotation? 

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Change hoes like clothes, I can’t get attached
Cause these hoes fire starters like lit matches
I’ve been feelin’ really lost, duckin’ all attachments
I don’t really go outside ’cause I hate traffic
I don’t wanna go outside, get caught in traffic, traffic

Alex Isley, daughter of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Ernie Isley from the iconic Isley Brothers and noted Kendrick Lamar/Moses Sumney collaborator released her debut exclusive Spotify single. The song is the fourth Are & Be-playlist-branded Spotify Singles, following releases from Giveon, Chloe x Halle, and Lucky Daye.

In 1994, almost 30 years ago, R&B’s sweetheart Aaliyah released a remake of the Isley Brother’s classic as her second single from her debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number. The song peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the R&B singles chart. With Aaliyah’s catalogue finally available on all streaming platforms, the young Isley’s cover connects generations. 

“I’ll always have such a strong emotional connection to this song; it was written by my dad. There’s such sweetness and honesty there, it always resonates with me. Aaliyah put her own stamp on this song in such a uniquely beautiful and timeless way, and I remember the very first time I heard it as a little girl,” said Alex. Her version includes new vocal arrangements, but overall its structure remains quite close to Aaliyah’s version. 

Though Alex isn’t able to replicate Aaliyah’s pillowy falsetto and sharp mid-range, Alex’s warm tone sits nicely in the pocket of the equally soothing production. 

Listen to Alex’s version below.

Quotable Lyrics:

But at your best, you are love
You’re a positive, motivating force within my life
Should you ever feel the need to wonder why?
Let me know, let me know
Love, let me know

When it comes to basketball players turned rappers, Lonzo Ball’s Zo is one of the latest to hit the court. And while it’s been a bit of a bumpy ride at times, the eldest Ball brother continues to develop his style, showcasing a new side on his recent single “Ice.” Sliding into his melodic bag for this one, “Ice” finds Zo soaking his vocals in autotune as he celebrates the love of his life.

That’s not the only thing he’s celebrating these days. Lonzo Ball recently signed a four-year, eighty-five million dollar contract with the Chicago Bulls. It’s no wonder he’s feeling on top of the world, and it should be interesting to see how he continues to balance his music career with his on-court performance. Perhaps “Ice” is a sign of things to come — do you think Zo should continue down this lane on his next project?

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Loving all my drip, Rollies come equipped
Diamonds on my wrist, shining like a wish
Asking for a pic, only posing if she thick

With silky vocals that have the ability to make anyone want to listen forever, R&B singer RINI delivers his newest single “Red Lights” which features poetic emcee Wale. The song is all about love and pursuing the woman of his dreams. A stark contrast to today’s most popular R&B songs which focus on more vulgar descriptions of emotionless sex rather than love. For RINI however, love is what fuels his music. The lyrics are guaranteed to melt the hearts of most women as RINI respectfully expresses his desire to make the relationship official. “I just can’t wait to get there I’m catching red lights every time I stop I lose my patience can I make you my lady now?” he sings. 

With a long discography filled with relationship songs about love and heartache, Wale adds his own authentic spin to the track. Unlike RINI, Wale’s verse reveals him to be emotionally unavailable as he raps about his distrust of women. Wale fans know this to be true, so when he says, “I don’t trust women it’s the thug in me, Tell the best woman not to really fuck with me, Just lust for me, just mess with me, Just touch me and leave don’t talk to me,” not only are we able to admire his honesty, we also are able to be enamored with his lyrical wordplay. 

“Red Lights” is a lusty slow jam that taps into the tender aspects of R&B. The breezy production also incorporates rhythms that create a smooth bounce quite effortlessly. And though this track is strong overall, one of its most impressive strengths is the beat switch-up in the middle of Wale’s verse. 

Listen to “Red Lights” below. 

Quotable Lyrics:

I just can’t wait to get there
I’m catching red lights every time I stop I lose my patience
Can I make you my lady now?

I want you in my arms now
Keep daydreaming of us dancing on the moon
Forget about everything for now
Focus on me and you

22Gz is one of the primary voices of the Brooklyn drill resurgence, and he’s officially back with a new single called “Steppers.”

The Kodak Black-affiliated rapper has returned with a new single ahead of his upcoming North American tour, which makes stops in Los Angeles, Toronto, Houston, and other cities. The 23-year-old raps over a piano loop, offering a contrast with his hard, menacing bars. “Told ’em to bring me his chain, they ended up ripping his neck off,” he sings in the chorus.

As 22Gz continues to rise up as one of Brooklyn’s most popular voices, let us know what you think about “Steppers” and be sure to check out his tour dates below.

Quotable Lyrics:

Stepper gon’ step, get stepped on
They know I’m cuttin’ the check off
Told ’em to bring me his chain and they ended up ripping his neck off

Following the arrival of his ambitious ADHD album, Joyner Lucas has been continuously experimenting with new styles, highlighting his versatility in the process. Today, he has returned with yet another addition to his steadily growing catalog, enlisting Lil Tjay for his brand new single “Dreams Unfold.”

Taking to a vibey guitar-driven instrumental, Joyner kicks things off with a calculated verse, showcasing his technical prowess while remaining restrained. Though some have previously accused the rapper of indulging in his occasional “lyrical miracle” tendencies, Joyner has proven himself to be as adaptable an emcee as they come. Here, he sounds right at home in a wheelhouse that’s arguably more suited to Tjay. Speaking of which, Tjay absolutely glides on this one, his autotune-drenched cadence playing nicely with Joyner’s own. 

Check out “Dreams Unfold” now, and sound off if you think Joyner Lucas is well suited to this particular style.

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Tryna be love like Faizon
I’ma die a legend like Trayvon
I’m the only motherfucker in this lead
I step in this bitch, I’m poppin’, I know
Any other ni**a try to stand in my way
I turn his whole face into Cotton Eye Joe

YGTUT has remained relatively quiet for the majority of the year. The last official single he dropped was April 2020’s “Chattanooga Vendetta” which was one of two tracks that he delivered last year. Needless to say, he’s been missed but thankfully, he came through with a tiny treat for his fans with the release of Black Benz, a two-song EP including the title track and “Wealth.” 

The lack of music from YGTUT in recent times has only increased the demand for his formal follow up to 2019’s I.O.U. However, the rapper did make a cameo on the latest release from Isaiah Rashad, The House Is Burning on the song, “Chad.”

We’re excited to hear more music from YGTUT. Check out his latest offering, Black Benz, below.

Quotable Lyrics
I was your once upon a time, tryna shine on n***as
Tryna rhyme like Jigga, that’s how the white folks getcha
Get that n***a a contract and a chain that’s bigger 
Than his fuckin’ imagination then we’ll rob that n***a

Burna Boy has served up more guest features in recent times than actual solo records. The unfortunate part is that the summer is nearly ending and there really hasn’t been a year where he hasn’t delivered fiery afrobeats vibes to compliment the scorching heat. The Afrobeats artist came through with “Kilometre” earlier this year, and now, he’s back with a new single titled, “Question” ft. Don Jazzy. The vibrant percussion is met with gentle guitar chords and Burna Boy’s uplifting vocal chops.

With “Question” marking Burna Boy’s second single of the year, it might be a while until we end up receiving a follow-up to 2020’s Twice As Tall. 

Check out his new single below and let us know your thoughts in the comments. 

Quotable Lyrics
Bad man no dey work o, man no be God o
Make dem dey talk am, as you dey fly like helicopter
Na by the grace of God and Insha Allah we dey move ah

Toosii is certainly positioned for some great things in the future. This year has already been filled with success. The release of Thank You For Believing and its deluxe edition have provided fans with more than enough music from the rapper this year. Even still, he’s been unloading new records regularly on YouTube, often with accompanying visuals. This week, he came through with “Stay (Dearra),” a response to fans claiming that his love life is impeding his career. 

Now, he’s brought forth a new track about heartbreak, aptly titled, “HEARTBREAK ANNIVERSARY (Giveon Sample).” Taking on a sample from the R&B singer, the rapper dives into his vulnerable side, detailing the hardships of relationships, trust issues, and toxic traits.

Check out the latest from Toosii below.

Quotable Lyrics
Even worse when I fuck you, I know you used to suckers
And I ain’t no sucker, you regret that I fucked you
Broke your heart, I must’ve, ’cause you don’t wanna pick up when I
Leaving me, you ain’t no better, ain’t shit but I get jealous