Today, an estimated 60,000 songs are uploaded to Spotify daily. It’s easy to miss good music when there’s so much of it available. ICYMI is VIBE Staff Writer DeMicia Inman’s monthly roundup of singles, albums, EPs, and mixtapes that may have passed you by.
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IDK and Kaytranada - “Taco”
Image Credit: Warner Records Kaytranada’s production brings a jazzy groove to IDK’s descriptive verses on “Taco.” The DMV-bred musician delivers vivid, sometimes violent lyrics juxtaposed against the song’s piano-laden instrumental. The music video explains the definition of “Taco” as “A casing—composed of a metal material—that contains explosive materials, primers, bullets; a common form of ammunition used as a defensive weapon,” with IDK warning, “You better duck them tacos when the switches let off.”
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Starlito - 'For My Foes Vol 2'
Image Credit: Starlito Nashville rapper Starlito dropped For My Foes Vol. 2 and flexed his skillful wordplay over four vastly different beats. In true mixtape fashion, the four tracks were not released across many streaming platforms but are available on Soundcloud, YouTube, and other smaller platforms. In a short film released on YouTube, the southern lyricist takes each song to a different yet fitting setting. From boastful bars on “DJ C-Lo Freestyle” to the personal “Super Co-Parents,” Starlito has it all covered.
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Tanerélle - '82 Moons'
Image Credit: 2022 Mama Saturn Enterprises R&B singer Tanerélle issued the six-track EP 82 Moons. The 17-minute project explores a love that’s vulnerable yet completely fulfilling. Tanerélle’s soft, warming vocals set an atmosphere amplified by the project’s lush instrumentals. While the entire EP offers a no-skips listen, stand-out tracks include “Good, Good,” which is perfect for partners whose mutual love language is physical touch, and “Sidetracked/Perfect Lover,” a record that finds the singer yearning for the affection and attention of someone who belongs to another.
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Big Jade feat. Z-Ro - “Eat”
Image Credit: 2022 Alamo Records, LLC/Sony Music Entertainment Representing Beaumont, Texas, rising rapper Big Jade linked up with veteran Houston artist Z-Ro for “Eat,” her first single of the year. In the determined song, both rappers tell their individual stories of hustle and grit. Big Jade reminds listeners, “It ain’t never pressure,” as she handles the opening verse. With a melodic hook and closing verse from Z-Ro, “Eat” certifies Big Jade as a rapper anyone should be hesitant to go against.
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Various Artists - 'The Miseducation of the Insta Generation'
Image Credit: 2022 Doctored Sound The artists featured on The Miseducation of the Insta Generation aimed to create a new work from the British perspective examining the themes within Lauryn Hill’s Grammy Award-winning album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. As shared on Bandcamp, the entire project was created in three months through workshops and recording sessions. In its entirety, The Miseducation of the Insta Generation presents refreshing voices from artists who explore the realities and falsehoods of their existence. Executive produced by Isatta Sheriff, the artists featured are DenyHer, SB, Mercy’s Cartel, and SAMSON.
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Monaleo feat. Flo Milli - “We Not Humpin’ (Remix)"
Image Credit: 2022 stomp down Monaleo remixed her viral song “We Not Humpin’” with Alabama rapper Flo Milli, and the ladies’ defiant attitudes are perfectly in sync on the confident track. Back in March at the 2022 South by Southwest Conference and Festival, the Houston rapper teased the remix during an interview with VIBE, revealing, “I have a remix to a song that’s, um, very popular right now. That’s coming out with another artist that I really, really love.”
Both Monaeleo and Flo Milli are clear about their desires, their dislikes, and ultimately their demands, all on their individual terms. The song starts off with Monaleo declaring, “I ain’t got sh*t for a broke a*s ni**a,” as she and her partner in rhyme trade lines to introduce the new version of the fun song.
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Amari Noelle - ‘Amari' SZN 1’
Image Credit: 2022 LVTRRAW/MPR Global Rising singer Amari Noelle recorded over 100 songs on her iPhone, the only tool she had to share her musical perspective. Now, as she establishes her career, the Gary, Indiana artist is ready to share a selection of personal songs with the world.
Set to release multiple EPs throughout the spring and summer, Amari Noelle has planned her drops in a similar fashion to iOS updates, making each new version available one by one until all the finalized songs are delivered. First up, she has issued Amari’ SZN 1, which showcases her melodic style and intimate songwriting over four individual tracks.
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Armani Caesar - "Poker Night"
Image Credit: Armani Caesar Kicking off the countdown to The Liz 2, Buffalo rapper Armani Caesar shared a freestyle titled “Poker Night.” Her seductive tone is on full display throughout the record. The Griselda representative relays the message, “I’m really writing my raps,” as she brags on her talent, beauty, and lifestyle. Caeser’s effortless flow melts into the lush beat, which partially samples Diana Ross’ “Love Hangover.” If the freestyle is any indication of what else Caeser has in the works, it’s clear she’s got her “game face on like it’s poker night.”
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Oshun - “Unplugged”
Image Credit: 2022 OSHUN under exclusive license to Independent R&B/Soul duo Oshun returns with a new track called “Unplugged.” The relaxing song encourages listeners to do as the title suggests and enjoy life without being constantly tied to the digital world. The serene music video starts off with group member Thandiwe irritably ignoring multiple iMessages from a contact listed as “bullsh*t.” Once the person calls, the phone is thrown at the ocean and the ladies begin to sing the peaceful acoustic track.
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Cliff Vmir - “Dance On It”
Image Credit: 2022 Cliff Vmir Cliff Vmir is known for being a hairstylist for stars such as Cardi B, Jazmine Sullivan, and Trina. However, the aspiring rap star is ready to push his music career forward. Following 2021’s “Strike A Pose” and 2020’s “Scaminonna” featuring Saucy Santana, Cliff Vmir returns in 2022 with “Dance On It,” sampling Master P’s “Make Em Say Ugh” with a completely different sound. With this drop, Cliff Vmir provides an energetic and raunchy record for Friday night pre-game playlists.
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Rico Nasty feat. BkTheRuler - “Vaderz”
Image Credit: WMG (on behalf of Atlantic Records) Released on 4/20, the trippy collaboration between Rico Nasty and BkTheRuler finds both rappers tapping into their inner punk rockstars. On “Vaderz,” the hard-hitting beat gives the track a menacing tone, courtesy of producers Ben10k, Danes Blood, and Dirty Dave. BKTheRuler and Rico Nasty tag-team each verse, trading their biggest flexes and boldest threats. And they even slip in pop culture references to throwback TV shows Invader Zim and Hannah Montana.
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Rockie Fresh - "Darling"
Image Credit: 2022 Rockie Fresh Chicago artist Rockie Fresh continued his “Fresh Fridays” tradition this month with the release of “Darling,” a lighthearted song produced by EP1SONICS. The charming lyrics and sanguine beat are enough to make anyone who hits play feel good. In the song, the rapper sends an encouraging message, hoping the recipient remembers they stand elevated in their “own world,” as he uses the two-minute track to rap their highest praises.