Elsy Wameyo’s ‘River Nile’ is without a doubt a standout release of 2022. Bellowing bass, vocal samples, and eerie synths sit atop fast percussion flourishes that the Adelaide-based artist bounces off with fast, fiery flows. It borders on pandemonium but is reeled in by the artist’s undeniable swagger, catchy cadence, and a sense of creativity that’s guaranteed to spark curiosity around and beyond the Australian scene. 

Summer-soaked R&B is the name of the game on ‘NWA’, the latest track from Lucky Daye. A snappy snare and rattling hi-hats propel unassuming but atmospheric synths, providing plenty of space for the New Orleans artist to let off some soulful vocals. Lil Durk slides in for a verse as well, implementing his rap-sung melodies into the mix seamlessly.

Yeat’s unique energy continues to take over the music scene with ‘Outside’, a hard-hitting banger that’s rich with joy. Supah Mario and Bass Charity join forces on the production, garnishing a typical trap drum pattern with gleeful synths that sound like they originally belonged on an MGMT song. It allows Yeat and the featuring Young Thug to shine, as they respectively let off their woozy, autotuned flows. It appears on Yeat’s new album 2 Alive, which you can stream now.

Shenseea’s party-ready track ‘R U That’ possesses the vibe of classic R&B tracks. The retro-like sound of the synths is modernised by heavy sub-bass and scattered hi-hats, as the Jamaican artist analyzes the qualities of a love interest. 21 Savage chimes in on the second verse, applying his stern rap style to the vibrance of the inevitable nightclub anthem. 

A Vince Staples song rarely feels like it was designed for the club, but ‘MAGIC’ should be played on repeat in Magic City. The Long Beach rapper switches between some ear-catching croons and his typical laid-back rap cadence to the tune of Mustard’s classic acid basslines. It’s bouncy and bound to set off any weekend. 

 Fly Anakin’s ‘Black Be The Source’ is some smooth boom-bap, with an anthemic feel. Warm chords spiral in the background to the beat of some lo-fi crashing drums, as the Virginia rapper delves into the undervalued contributions of black artistry; alongside fellow prospects Pink Siifu and Billz Egypt. It appears on his new project of the same name, which you can stream now. 

Winston Surfshirt and Genesis Owusu form an Avengers-like supergroup on ‘There’s Only One’. Over the lush sounds of guitars and smooth keys, each act reflects off the spinning disco ball that is this funk-infused track. Surfshirt’s falsetto flourishes alongside Genesis Owusu’s animated style, making this a collab we didn’t expect, but always needed. 

Mahlia’s ‘Letter 2 Ur Ex’ symbolises the end of a chapter, as she moves in via the sounds of this sleek R&B single. The plucking of jangly guitars persists in the background, as the British singer strings together lusciously-sung soliloquies. It’s a relatable track, destined for future sing-a-longs. 

Macca47 sounds as if he’s emceeing a rave on ‘Got Me On Repeat’. You can already picture a jam-packed warehouse crowd jumping in unison to the four-to-the-floor kick hits and the transcendent ecstasy of the synths, as the Australian artist lets off some smooth raps. It’s roof-raising in spirit and perfectly complemented by spirits.

This new Lara D single is a love song with the proportions of an arena-ready smash hit. The production is blockbuster with its reverberated drums and grandeur synths, setting the tone for the singer’s soaring vocals, and sincere serenades. Look out for more from this budding prospect, who’s bound to skyrocket to the charts soon.