Brockhampton has finally dropped their anticipated new album ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE, and an instant standout is the jam-packed cut ‘Bankroll’. Over the eerie vocal howls and keys of the production, members Merlyn Wood and Jabari Manwa handle verses alongside a barrage of bars from ASAP Ferg, while ASAP Rocky adlibs Matt Champion’s hook. It’s a left-field showcase of lyricism and creativity.

Tkay Maidza continues her 2021 hot streak with ‘Syrup’, a grimy, minimalist banger that puts all the focus on the Zimbabwean-born, Australian-based artist. The production is Neptunes-esque, with a heavy bass line, driving tempo, and scattered production, with a siren sample calling to action Tkay’s stylish, swagger-full delivery. It’s straight to the point and seamless with the flames.

LA rapper David Sabastian’s latest track is a chaotic dose of social commentary, tackling everything from the pandemic and racial injustice, to the stock market crashing and TikTok. His passionate, animated delivery takes place over a drum-heavy, choir-sampling instrumental reminiscent of The College Dropout era, with a huge, all-encompassing music video that packages the peculiarity of the current global climate into a 4 and a half minute movie. Not all is bleak, however, as David’s call to action is one filled with hope that things are going to get better. The next step is simple: “Bounce that ass!”

LA rapper/singer Doja Cat starts her 2021 with this smooth, sensual anthem, flexing both her falsetto vocal chops and ear-catching bars over soulful, funk laced production courtesy of Yeti Beats. It features a verse from SZA, whose passionate melodies blend perfectly into the bubbly world Doja creates on this song. It’s expected to land on Doja’s upcoming album Planet Her, which is slated to drop later this year. 

This new cut from Agung Mango is aptly titled, because the vision is smooth. The Melbourne artist uses the song to delve into his internal love-hate relationship, using it as a metaphor to confront his struggles in an honest, vulnerable manner. This is contrasted by a jangly dose of soul production, showcasing that there’s hope, even in hard times. 

This new cut from Tierra Whack spawns from a collaboration with Lego, using the dreamy, trap beat as her stomping ground to create a wholesome, inspiring anthem. The melodic track is all about creating together, accompanied by a video inspired by Tierra’s time spent with school children for Lego’s ‘Rebuild The World’ campaign. It’s a bright, bouncing track that’s bound to bring you glee.

Sydney prospect Sahxl brings an abrasive dose of controlled chaos in his track ‘Demons’. The production, courtesy of Wolfy, Khaled Rohaim, Prince Amir and Mixtri, creates the feeling of a loud, crushing moshpit, with its bellowing 808s, haunting flute samples, and hard-hitting drill tempo. Sahxl flexes an aggressive yet melodic delivery over the top, using his struggles as a device to crush and conquer adversity.

“I wear my heart on my sleeve like a strap,” Berwyn raps on this new track ‘100,000,000’, which summarises the vulnerable, open-book style of this brooding ballad. Over self-produced, solemn keys, the Trinidad-born, London-based artist takes us on a journey through his struggles with emotions and his longing for home. This stream of consciousness tale is told through the heavenly howls of his sung vocals, and his smooth, ear-catching flows.

On this new track, Croydon’s SL and Birmingham’s M1llonz go head to head like Liu Kang and Shang Tsung, throwing kicks, punches, and fatalities with their respective rap styles. The battle takes place over a loud, in-your-face drill beat courtesy of Lucas Dante and Yng Cld, with each rapper’s unique delivery soaring over the gliding, distorted 808s. So who won? Well, the fans did. 

This new cut finds the Byron Bay artist celebrating his come up, told through a tale of romance with his love interest. The production from Twelve Forty pairs rattling hi-hats and heavy sub-bass with EDM-esque synths, providing the perfect backdrop for Asher’s high pitched croons. It’s a necessary addition to your party playlist.