Dominated by the highly anticipated New Gen release, this week’s New Music Friday playlist is a historic one. The New Gen compilation album has two releases in the playlist and we can’t be happier at GRM Daily. Props to New Gen pioneer and GRM family member Caroline SM for the monumental release. In and amongst the New Gen are Rag’N’Bone Man, Dave and J Hus, Jamiroquai, Major Lazer with PARTYNEXTDOOR and Nicki Minaj, Kehlani, Huntar & ILoveMakonnen as well as our weekly wild card pick – Sinclair The Mage.
New Gen – “Man of the Hour” (ft. Jevon)
One of our favourite artists at the moment, Jevon, delivers on “Man Of The Hour”. A multi-faceted musician, Jevon is all over the New Gen compilation with production and songwriting credits on several tracks including the previously released 67 track “Jackets”. “Man of the Hour” is lead by a ditsy piano riff that’s backed by some trippy hat-rolls and a sick sub-bass. Jevon’s delivery and storytelling on this track is just what I’d expect from the MC who also gives us a confident melodic hook. A serious stand-out on this week’s playlist.
New Gen – “Busy” (ft. Ray BLK)
Featuring some choral vocals beneath BBC Sound of 2017 Winner Ray BLK’s infectious hook, “Busy” has some sweet production that stands out against the cooly delivered verses. Ray BLK’s flow on the verses is calm and confident. A smooth addition to the album which highlights the diversity on New Gen – everyone should give the compilation a listen. It’s just about to be February and the scene is already coming through with some hard material – this year’s set to be a good one if New Gen is anything to go by.
Rag N Bone Man – “Skin”
Fresh from industry props in the form of a BRITS Critics Choice Award and BBC recognition, the “Human” artist follows up his widely popular and critically acclaimed single with “Skin” – a booming record of the same ilk as its predecessor. The drums on this track sound like they’re straight from an old school hip-hop record and the chorus comes in with some dirty synths that could get any stadium rocking; “Skin” is another anthem from Rag’n’Bone Man.
Dave – “Samantha” (ft. J Hus)
This track is a madness; the keys at the start juxtapose the record so perfectly. When the 808s crash in along with J Hus’ melodic vocal line the track switches up. Bless you, Samantha, this is my track of the week. The bars are also crazy, both J and Dave come through with witty, punchy and confident lyrics. The hook reminds me of a nursery rhyme – if anything comes from Dave’s Drake cosign, I hope it’s more tracks than this. Credit goes to producer Jae5 and Dave himself on the keys. I love that Dave is a classically trained keys player, it makes him so much more than just a one to watch – he’s THE one to watch right now.
Major Lazer – “Run Up” (ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR & Nicki Minaj)
“Run Up” is a bouncy Afrobeat influenced track with lead vocals from OVO’s PARTYNEXTDOOR. With some cool vocal cuts in the hook, “Run Up” is a track you can just vibe out to. Nicki delivers a strong verse; Pink Friday Nicki comes through on the beat – if only she’d do more stuff like this. A nice, summery track to end the incredibly cold week we’ve just had.
Kehlani – “Escape”
On the same day as her almost 20 track deep SweetSexySavage album release, the R&B songstress brings us “Escape”. Proceeded by singles “Undercover”, “Gangsta” (from the Suicide Squad soundtrack) and “CRZY”, “Escape” is a different kind of track with some soulful guitars introducing the track along with the Grammy nominated artist’s emotional vocal. The chorus comes in with an anthemic tone; Kehlani nails “Escape” and this song showcases the incredible production value that’s all over SweetSexySavage.
WILD CARD: Sinclair The Mage – “This City”
London-based R&B artist Sinclair The Mage is this week’s wild card pick with his release “This City”. From Sinclair’s debut EP Epitome Of Freedom, “This City” acts as the lead single with an impressive set of visuals also released by the artist. Featuring tender and airy production, the track is a relaxing one with love struck lyrics that you can get lost in.