Summer is here and there’s nothing people want more than to be able to hear great music to keep them dancing and smiling. In 2022 we heard of a mix of everything including vintage rap records like Logic’s Vinyl Days album to conscious rap records like Kendrick Lamar’s “Father Time” and Future’s afrobeat-influenced “Wait for You.”
Dreamville’s D-Day Gangsta Grillz gave us the festival energy we needed to be ready to moshing and partying in the sun.
Africa’s explosion on the international stage, led by artists such as Wizkid, Davido and Burnaboy, is taken a notch higher with the live performance of TEMS”Upper” captivated the world. Burna’s new project, I love Damini features artists like Ed Sheeran, Khalid, Kehlani, etc., which is a sign of a great summer album.
We’ve also had our fair share of Joey Bada$$ jazz rap-influenced bars,”Where is my place” to IDKs Simple album, which was produced by Kaytranada. R&B also gave us some hard-hitting works, including Costs by Chris Brown, red balloon by the critically acclaimed band, Tank and the Bangas, and soulful ballads like “lost me” by singer Giveon.
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Of all this music however, the sound of the summer has been house music, and in particular, Drake’s”Sticky“and Beyoncé’s,”Break my soul.
On the indie scene, however, you have a diverse mix of sounds and moods that not only provide balance, but also reflect the different moods of summer. Everything from dance to relaxation to reflection is covered by these five independent artists below.
Queenie Lasoul – Track 3
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Track 3 is the debut single from the indie artist, Queenie Lasoul’s forthcoming EP, The rebound.
“Track 3 is a protest song that originally made me feel triumphant. It made me think about where I come from, where I am now and where I want to be,” said Queen when asked what the inspiration behind the song was.
Miami singer and host Lil Yellow’s summertime anthem, “Summer Time,” conjures up peaceful memories of barbecue, basketball and more as he pays homage to the soulful vibes summer used to give us all. all.
Yellow’s ode to summer pairs perfectly with the Sunshine State’s reputation for palm trees and good times.
Atlanta producer and rapper GodBodyScience is back with his new single “PPP Loans” as a cautionary tale about pursuing the fast life at all costs. Part metaphor, the song uses a deft story to weave in a life lesson about how we’re all caught up in the hunt for the dollar.
Nashville, Tennessee rapper LotisMusic is back with another record explaining the pitfalls of pursuit and stardom these days. Lotis’ song reminds friends and artists to be dependable and not let the constant changes in this world bring you down. Stay strong.
Georgia PS host McDonough has been increasing his personal brand on the Atlanta underground scene for quite some time. Her new single “Purple Hennessy” slips into the right mix of lyricism and fun on the track while showing off her ability to battle other rappers.
Baltimore-born, Atlanta-raised singer Nani Goins has made a name for herself in the short time since her arrival on the music scene. Her new summer single, “Back,” pairs a provocative beat with her smooth vocals as she sings of a lover’s desire to come back to her despite street temptation.
Cashus King – Zombie Nation
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Leimert Park emcee CashusKing recently dropped his founding job, Wind weight, for rave reviews. “Zombie Nation” is one of the project’s first cuts and features everything we’ve learned about West Coast music, from production to vivid visuals.
Cashus’ lyricism doesn’t overpower Clouded Slum’s lush production, making it a great summer song to kick back and touch the clouds.
WHOAA – Song of the Weekend
Courtesy of WHOAA
Pop fusion duo WHOAA’s new single, “Weekend Song,” brings the nostalgic vibes of Atlanta’s summer skating rink back into the world.
An anthem for anyone working weekends, the song’s production borrows from Grammy-winning artist Paul Hardcastle’s song Rainforest.
King Bogus the Monarch – Like This
Courtesy of King Bogus the Monarch
Savannah’s emcee, King Bogus the Monarch, has long been considered one of Georgia’s finest emcees, and his latest single, “Like This,” featuring Lil Baby, is just one. further testament to his skills and tenacity.
A combination of bravado and lyrical prowess, King Bogus’ verses pair well with Lil Baby’s breezy tone and tempo. Play it at maximum volume in your car.
Malcolm Strickland, better known as Malpractice, is an Atlanta native and former Division 1 athlete whose love for music sets him on the path to success. His new single, “Diamond (Epiphany)”, showcases his vocal ability and versatility as he serenades a love interest and reassures her of his worth.