There’s a moment on ‘We Up’ where you hear Barkaa emphatically spit “I’m back on my bullshit.” This simple phrase summarises the entire song. The rapper is braggadocious and bombarding with her bars throughout, with determined delivery that is so gritty that she’s often borderline growling. The production is chaotic, with mortar-like 808s dropping into the mix, and eerie synths allowing enough space for Barkaa to just keep on snapping. This one is bound to get your blood pumping.

‘Broke’ is a testament to the grind, delivered in a trunk-knocking way. It finds MELODOWNZ reflecting on hard times, and the harder work required to move past this adversity. But the honesty of his bars doesn’t stop this one from being a banger, as his laid-back flow thrives atop bouncy H-town inspired production. The end result is a reflective and celebratory thumper from the Auckland vet.

‘Never Lose Me’ is the ideal laid back anthem for when you’re feeling yourself. The hazy synths and snappy drum patterns are bound to send you into a hypnotic head-bop loop. Flo Milli’s flows are simple but swagger-heavy, a trend continued in standout features from powerhouses SZA and Cardi B. This is an instant highlight off of Flo Milli’s new album Fine Ho, Stay, which you can stream now.

Solochulo’s first release of 2024 is a hard-hitting one. It’s all frenzy no filler, as he lets off scattered, stern flows over dark pianos and some heavy-as-hell 808s. If the gloomy, grimy sounds and flows of Memphis hip-hop appeal to you, look no further than this Sydney prospect.

Akosia’s ‘Silver Lining’ is a feel-good dose of soulful pop music. The production is vibrant, with wobbly synths and dance-ready drum loops. The singer’s melodies are soft and serene, making this a track bound to bring a smile to your face.

It’s fitting that Maina Doe’s ‘Lucid Dreams’ is absolutely dreamy. Warm basslines propel a series of woozy, atmospheric synths throughout the mix. Maina’s vocals float in passionate howls through. It’s a triumph in R&B ecstasy.

While ‘Seasons’ doesn’t feature the signature ear-catching chorus your used to in a Miko Mal track, it still immediately hooks you. The production is simple, with a bright vocal sample and blasting sub bass leading the charge. Vocally, Miko sounds like he had one goal in mind: rap his ass off. He achieves this with flying colours, as he weaves flow switches with an effortlessness you can only envy.

R e a l W o m a n’ proves PARTYNEXTDOOR is still a master of nocturnal R&B. Melancholic keys reverberate throughout the mix, moving at a measured tempo, but quickly becoming a satifying slow jam. PARTY, in typical fashion, cuts through this foggy atmosphere with croons that cry with vehemence. This is late-night driving music.

Erk Sanders’ ‘Fashion Scene’ is simple yet satisfying blast of rage music. Synths drip into the mix with a sense of grandeur, and 808s storm the runway with ah eavy swagger. Sanders is nothing but stylish, pairing a series of autotuned triplet flows. This is a fit-check from the Queenslander that might also start a moshpit.

Milan Ring’s ‘Photograph’ is a snapshot of her versatility. There’s a jazz-like smoothness here, as wonky basslines and eccentric keyboards warble over sleek drum fills. The passionate rasp of Milan’s vocal passages are triumphant on this peculiar bounce, making this a truly unique standout in 2024 pop releases.