Melbourne’s Zambian born, New Zealand raised, KVKA dropped his latest single ‘Heaven’ today. Featuring a My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy-esque intro/outro led by moody guitars and piano, he said on insta that the song is “My heart and soul in a three-minute body of work”. The production, by Melbourne based Hancoq and DEER, endearingly takes you from emotionally pensive to quickly uplifted when the beat changes up.

With KVKA’s musical foundations stemming from the church band, ‘Heaven’ is a grand vibe for summer; self-reflective, energetic and a sophisticated offering from the artist post-entry to fatherhood. The song is the first single off his upcoming project Cupid’s Revenge, dropping in February 2021. The video for ‘Heaven’ shot by Visionaire Media will be out next week. — Aleyna M.

Summer is officially here, and JAY1 is setting the tone with this new joint. With driving bass lines and a soulful, R&B vocal sample that even puts Tyga’s ‘Taste’ to shame, the Coventry rapper thrives in his signature flows, witty one-liners, and baritone delivery. It’s full of bounce; it’s full of humour, and it’s ready to become a club-staple this season. — Henry O.

Rico Nasty has finally released her debut album Nightmare Vacation and fans are simply frothing over the long-awaited drop. From features to production, Rico has enlisted superstar names like Don Toliver, Rubi Rose, Tay Keith, CashMoneyAP and of course, Kenny Beats on her 16 track project. One of the standout songs ‘Loser’ featuring Trippie Redd is a much-anticipated collaboration between the two vocal rockstars and it does not disappoint. The song exudes bad-ass energy and we really expect nothing less with the coming together of these 2 powerhouses. With high energy from start to finish, switching from singing to rapping, this track is quite simply cathartic. On the visual side, Rico comes with the badass videos as usual, dropping yet another stunning clip for album-cut ‘STFU‘. Nasty! — Breanna T.

Melbourne rapper Agung Mango links up with old friend Nikodimos for a collaborative EP titled SON OF AGUNG—the 9-track project comes with some wild Balinese inspired artwork and features 3K’s Eissa, Melody Napoleon and Teether. One of the standout tracks ‘DIY’ comes in with a harmonious hook and quickly deconstructs itself as Mango’s laid back stoner flows shines over Nikodimoz’s left-field beats, reminding us of some of Tyler, The Creator’s iconic production—it’s an experimental project that keeps a nice pace and remains vibey the whole way. Go give it a spin! — Cass N.

18-year-old Māori-Australian MC Hoodzy has had one hell of a musical year despite 2020’s troubles. The Queensland based artist signed to Forever Ever in January, and dropped a couple of fire tracks including ‘The Land’ and gave us some jam-packed visuals that left us wanting more. As Australia eases its COVID restrictions just in time for summer, Hoodzy has dropped a gem for those who are ready to get back in the groove again. ‘Jumpy’, produced by Sydney’s i.amsolo with cover art done by Gxldie’s midas touch, this track serves contagious bars with a healthy side of ego. A track that will not only hype you up but it will give you a guaranteed confidence boost. — Breanna T.

MADAM3EMPRESS’ debut release is a heater. The Sydney based, South African artist has burst onto the scene with a two-step fuelled, pop-infused garage number. Built sonically between her wide ranging influences of Cape-Townian jazz, to neo-soul, RnB and hip-hop, she’s created a tune that channels all corners of the globe. It’s loud, it’s unapologetic and acts as an extremely confident introduction to her unique and personal sonic world.  — Parry T.

Nate Wade and Kev Hannibal have joined forces for their new project, This is Gumbo, and are coming out strong with their debut self-titled EP. A standout on the stacked project is ‘Don’t Be Mad,’ with classic, boom-bap drums and smooth keys creating the feeling of stoop dwelling in the city. Nate and Kev trade verses filled with the intricate lyricism they’ve become known for, reminiscent of a joint you’d hear from Talib Kweli and Mos Def’s Blackstar. If you’re looking for those vintage bars and inner-city feeling, This is Gumbo Music has got you covered. — Henry O.

Western Sydney artist Kymie has today released her clinical debut EP Indecision. Produced entirely by Australian Hip-Hop stalwart Kwame, the EP flaunts Kymie’s brilliant ear for songwriting, all while channelling all corners of the contemporary hip hop spectrum, from steamy soul cuts all the way to spacey trap beats. The standout is the EP’s opener, ‘Innocent’. The track combines dynamic and intimate lyricism with a glitzy, slow-building, rhythm-heavy beat. ‘Innocent’ acts as a perfect vignette for the rest of the EP, a narrative of self discovery performed through an undeniably slick form of contemporary RnB. — Parry T.

South Londoner ENNY brings us a b-side to her single ‘Peng Black Girls’ featuring Amia Brave. With Jorja Smith on the remix, the pair paint a soulful, bouncy tune that’s a summer drip for independent youth “just do you, you ain’t gotta pretend”, ENNY states. On the track, Smith goes into bat for the team of black girls who may not necessarily fit the hype-beast description of what it is to be a peng woman online: She sings, “Peng Black Girls in our area codes, these black girls need to be in the shows, be on the runways not just moodboards, on top of that, we gotta see them in your team…black girl magic is sometimes blue, might have broke a headband or two.”

As 2020 comes to an end, Smith reminds the world “give us a break and let us breathe man, give us a chance and let us achieve fam”. This tune is a wavy anthem for all girls fighting for growth and better representation in the media worldwide. — Aleyna M.

Flatbush’s very own Sheff G is back with his new single ‘No Negotiations.’ It’s sharp, fast, and moody, finding the rapper returning to his roots over the eerie, bass-heavy New York drill production (courtesy of Great John). He finesses his flows throughout, switching from his stern, scattered cadence to woozy melodies with little effort. There’s really no negotiations needed; Sheff G is on the rise. — Henry O.