Summer hasn’t officially begun, but the new music release schedule is heating up. This week, Tems and Kaytranada led the week with new releases. Next week, NxWorries and Normani will check-in with new music. Two weeks after that, Lucky Daye, Megan Thee Stallion and Lupe Fiasco are scheduled to put out new projects. Not to mention, many expect Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Big Sean and several other notable acts to put out new music in the coming weeks and months. With all of that going on, it’s easy for several emerging artists to fly under the radar with new tracks. In fact, let’s dig deep into the DSPs and uncover some of the tracks that may be overlooked and underplayed this week and add them to your rotation.
“My Man”
Artist: Mnelia
Released: Wednesday, June 5
Last summer, London’s Mnelia gleefully cut ties with a man who “caused the exodus of [her] trust.” This summer, it seems she’s found a new love. “My Man” is an upbeat, yet soulful anthem about finding love while prioritizing self-care. Boasting about her new beau, the UK native sounds angelic as she floats over the bubbly production rooted in a fusion of R&B, Pop and Afrobeats. If “Genesis” was your dark horse “Song of the Summer” candidate last year, “My Man” can definitely fill that spot this year.
“Perfect”
Artist: Jazlyn Martin
Released: Wednesday, June 5
In more ways than one, Jazlyn Martin is a bit similar to the character she plays on Peacock’s Bel-Air. Much like Jackie, she’s stylish, vibrant and intelligent with an steely outer shell that only hides the conflict of emotions she feels deep down inside. With her first single, “Perfect,” Jazlyn Martin peels back the curtain and allows the listener to see her who she is and who she’s becoming. Along the way, she finds herself asking questions like, “Am I worth it if I’m not perfect?” What comes out of that exercise of introspection is powerfully relatable track that showcases her dynamic vocal talent and builds a bond with the listener. If Jazlyn Martin can find success dancing and acting, what’s stopping her from building a music career as well?
“Twin Flame”
Artist: Tendai
Released: Thursday, June 6
Four singles and a record deal with Def Jam into his blossoming career, Tendai told NME that sometimes you have “have to surrender to God and the story that he’s trying to write for you.” Two years have past since he said that and it seems that he’s taken his own advice. The Canning Town has earned a spot on Stormzy’s This Is What I Mean and collaborated with Ayra Starr. This year, he’s continued to build upon his momentum with three singles, “I Deserve It,” “Scorpio’s Kiss” and “Twin Flame.” The latter of the three, released on Thursday, is simultaneously reminiscent of sounds past and a peak into what R&B may sound like in the near future. With an evocative vocal tone that has a unique grittiness, he tells the story of a man gutted by heartbreak attempting to make sense of a failed relationship he thought was destined for marriage. While the production is desolate and rainy, it’s still upbeat enough to keep you bobbing your head and nearly break out into a dance. There’s a lot of emerging R&B and R&B-leaning artists in the world today, but very few sound quite like Tendai does.
“BDK”
Artist: KenTheMan
Released: Friday, June 7
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one rap song. That’s where KenTheMan comes in. The Houston native’s latest release, “BDK,” pulls from Shawty Lo’s “Dey Know” and puts the stamp of modern female rapper with unshakeable confidence. From taking her girls on a world tour with her to proclaiming her spot on top of the game, “BDK” gives an opportunity for the rapper to pop her s—t like only she can. The track’s boastful tone and caption-worthy bars make it sound like the national anthem of a country led by KenTheMan, rather than a loosie.
