Staff Picks is back for another week, bringing you another eclectic mix of bangers that have been in heavy rotation in the office.
Stefflon Don – Senseless Remix Feat. Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez jumps on Stefflon Don’s huge track “Senseless” and the pair give us sultry dancehall vibes throughout the track and video. The two trade vocals over a summery instrumental, making for a seamless remix.
“Stefflon Don called on Tory Lanez for the remix of her track “Senseless” which was already a massive hit. The track was teased for a while on social media and it didn’t disappoint when it dropped. Tory adds his Bajan flair to the Jamaican vibe of the track and the video shows clear chemistry between the two. Tory Lanes is one of my favourite artists, so it was great to see him link with one of the artists of the moment from the UK” – Naimah Archibald-Powell (Writer) (@naimahrebelle)
Paigey Cakey – Drip Ice
Paigey Cakey makes her return with this fiery track. Dropping quick clever bars as well as melodic pre-hook, “Drip Ice” shows off the Hackney-bred artists ability to straddle both lanes. The video shows Paigey dripping in a series of wavey outfits and countless pieces of ice, resulting in clean visuals that are perfectly in line with the track.
“With Paigey Cakey you know what you are gonna get, you get some good bars, a catchy hook and always sharp visuals to match. Definitely one of the most underrated female artists for sure” – Mehul Bhatt (Writer) (@thisismehul_)
Mahalia & Kojey Radical – One Night Only
Mahalia and Kojey Radical link up for this intense video and track, the pairs isolated styles intertwine to give us a 2-sided love story. Straight off her EP Seasons, this is Mahalia and Kojey’s 2nd collab. With a combination of bars and vocals that are almost reminiscent of spoken word, “One Night Only” is heart-felt tune you can sing along to.
“Mahalia is a special talent; her unique smooth vocals make her a standout in a world where it seems that uniformity is championed. “One Night Only” is one hell of a collaboration with Kojey Radical, another artist who is equally as unique as Mahalia – don’t sleep on the Jhene Aiko interpolation!” – Seth P (Features Editor) (@writersblog88)
J.I.D – Off Deez Feat. J. Cole
J.I.D kicks this one off with a razor-sharp flow over an instrumental that’s laced with deep murky tones. The Atlanta rapper flexes his rapping prowess in “Off Deez” alongside J. Cole who undoubtedly keeps up the energy with intricate bars and a series of flows. An explosive track that reveals a rap duo that go together impeccably.
“Atlanta Rapper J.I.D comes through with some new fire ahead of his second studio album due on the 26th of this month, DiCaprio 2. This time he receives some help from his Dreamville label head J Cole who has been killing everything he’s touches this year. The trappy violin led beat produced by ChaseTheMoney is at a very fast tempo allowing for both rappers to really express themselves with very jumpy flows. If this joint is anything to go by J.I.D’s pending album will be straight fire.” – Mike Spyrou (Writer) (@spizzgeta)
Headie One – Of Course
Headie One is back with yet another banger, “Of Course” is the latest in Headie’s string of releases and has already been met with great acclaim. Produced by M1onthebeat, the beat is drilly, mellow and hard-hitting where necessary. The Tottenham rapper is reflective on this track, he keeps it real whilst delivering crafty bars with his signature flow. The visuals show scenes from Headie One’s tour which are a testament to his journey.
“Headie One has had a great year in music, he’s been consistent in dropping top tier tracks and has shown how versatile he can be. We love the versatility but classic Headie One still reigns, “Off Course” takes me back to Headie’s earlier tracks. He threads together subtle bars and shells throughout. Feeling it stilll.”– Shante Collier-McDermott (Writer) (@shancolls)
Anderson Paak – Trippy Feat. J. Cole
After a long- anticipated break between releases, Anderson Paak returns after 2016’s Malibu, with Oxnard –
an approach to Funk, RnB and Neo-soul through his wise words of rap.
Paak approaches “Trippy”, the guitar diffused instrumental, with a soft raspy hum not long before Cole entered with little force to juxtapose the two styles of rap.
“Who better to jump on the track than Mr. ‘Platinum with no features’ J. Cole? With Cole not preferring features on his own album, the rapper has stayed unfailing throughout the year guest appearing on a number of tracks beside the success of his independent album. The two musicians infuse melodic flows and intimate lyricism throughout to set the perfect lovemaking tune. If you’re feeling “trippy” in love, this is definitely a vibe not to miss.”
– Amal AlTauqi (Writer) (@altxuqi)
Little Simz – Boss
Little Simz latest track “Boss” makes use of a bass infused instrumental that is consistent throughout. The beat makes provides a great canvas for Simz’s elaborate bars and hard-hitting flow. Short but powerful, the visuals are monochrome and see the South London rapper spitting lonesome in several different scenes. “Boss” displays why she is the epitome of the track’s name.
“I’ve been saying Simz is one of the best in the UK for yonks and this is one of those tracks that I use to back that statement up. Lyrics on Lyrics.” – Courtney Wynter (Weekend Editor) (@cwynter_)
For last weeks Staff Picks, click here.