It’s New Music Friday and festival season is officially here. Stay on top of all the newest releases this June with DDW as we discuss some of the hottest records to date, from Drake’s hypnotic “Honestly, Nevermind” to Foals’ enchanting “Life is Yours”, June has something for everyone.
Drake Honestly, Nevermind
Kicking off New Music Friday is Drizzy’s latest release. The Champagne Pappi surprised fans last Thursday when he took to twitter to share the news that he would be releasing his seventh solo, “Honestly, Nevermind” at midnight.
Drake shared with fans how the album was a labour of love and one which was executively produced by himself alongside Noah “40” Shebib, Oliver El-Khatib, Noel Cadastre and DJ Black Coffee. The album itself steers in a new direction for Drake with only one collaborative track and the Canadian singing instead of rapping.
“Falling Back” is the first single to be released from the album. Drawing influence from house music and posing similarities to the positive energy featured in his 2019 mixtape More Life, Drake finds himself disconnecting from his usual signature Drake-isms stepping into a new hypnotic mystique he has since created for himself.
“Honestly, Nevermind” promises fans an experience to trip to and dance to whilst embracing the conscious stream of lush, texturized beats that carry just enough weight to leave you immediately satisfied.
070 Shake You Can’t Kill Me
Released at the beginning of June, “You Can’t Kill Me” is the New Jersey singer-songwriter follow-up to her groundbreaking debut “Modus Vivendi”.
With 070 Shake’s debut offering fans an experimentally cathartic blend of R&B and Rap, the singer has gone with a much more muted approach in her delivery this time around without losing the same intoxicating energy.
With lyrics following the same suit in heartache and self-reflection, 070 cuts a little deeper exploring themes of escapism and romantic ruminations all which are elevated through the album’s philosophic and harmonious being.
“You Can’t Kill Me” offers fans a chaotic yet controlled listening experience that’ll surely be another triumph for the New Jersey singer.
Foals Life is Yours
Some of our favourite Oxford boys are back and this time as a three-piece. Following the apocalyptic chaos that was “Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part I & II”, the band has swapped disassociate unpleasantries for more up-beat 80’s-esque indie-dance beats that will have you feeling glad Summer’s here.
Drawing inspiration from 80’s Art Rock pioneers Talk Talk, Foals create a heavily layered sound that would have fans questioning if they really have downsized. Each track reveals a new hidden beat and hooks on each listen.
Playing to their strengths, the Oxford trio are able to create an album that not only brings a sense of nostalgia but also a glimpse into what the future may hold for Foals and their fans.
Perfume Genius Ugly Season
Released through Matador Records, “Ugly Season” is Perfumes Genius latest album complimented with a short film directed by the Visual Artist Jacolby Satterwhite, who had also directed the video for Solange’s “When I Get Home.
The album offers fans an eerie and ecstatic ride with Hadreas mastering the art of storytelling through experimental pop compositions. Echoing themes of teenage anxiety and adolescent traumas, the album paints a picture that not only represents what It means to be LGBTQ+ but also the self-reinvention many go through along the road.
Yaya Bey Remember Your North Star
The Brooklyn singer-songwriter is back and this time with “Remember Your North Star”, a beautiful blend of Jazz, Soul, R&B and Reggae that come together to powerfully convey stories of sex, breakups, misogyny and female empowerment. Bey’s latest release is a tour-de-force and powerful reminder of the familiar turmoil’s many Black women go through.
With detailed autobiographical confessions, Yaya shares her ideas, troubles and desires for connectivity through her crystalized voice and spoken words.
DDW’s Hottest Singles
Eminem The King and I
With the release of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, Eminem has dropped his latest single “The King and I” with Ceelo Green being featured. The track itself will give fans of Eminem Marshall Mathers vibes with Ceelo’s slick hook and the catchy beat elevating the release.
Beyonce Break My Soul
Following the announcement of “Renaissance”, Beyonce’s first solo album release in six years, the former Destiny’s Child dropped “Break My Soul” fresh this week. The track promises fans plenty of high notes complimented with a house/disco beat making this track more than just indulgent.
New Music Friday- Singles: