CKay — Sad Romance

CKay went from unsung producer in various underground Lagos studios to one of Nigeria’s most beloved voices, breaking out with “Love Nwantiti.” At the end of 2020, he released his brooding Boyfriend project. “All my songs are inspired by toxic relationships. Everybody is toxic. Toxicity is interesting,” CKay told Audiomack World in an interview last year. Today, CKay keeps the toxic streak going with Sad Romance. Standout “mmadu” is the apex of the project, featuring CKay at the peak of wine-sipping and mistake-making.

Watch CKay perform a medley of hits for Fine Tuned

Read our feature interview: “CKay Wants to be Your Boyfriend”

D-Block Europe — Lap 5

South London’s D-Block Europe take a victory lap on their newest album, Lap 5. The duo—comprised of Dirtbike LB and Young Adz—have secured Platinum plaques and are a mainstay on the UK charts, but accolades aside, they revel in the joy of being best friends who kick rhymes. From whirls of flexes (“Bankroll Got Bigger”) to gentler ballads (“Lonely Lovers”), Lap 5 expands the duo’s range with dancier productions and arena-ready hooks.

Nailah Blackman — Teknique

“I would like to leave behind is also a sound of freedom and unity and a message that believing in yourself and tapping into your soul is key,” Nailah Blackman shared with Audiomack World in 2021. The Trinidadian singer was molded in music, with her family legacy being at the foundation of soca. With Teknique, Blackman amps up the energy and sway of her music. The titular tune is vivacious, reminding listeners Blackman can party as effortlessly as she can tug at heartstrings with her vocal stacks.

Read our feature interview: “Nailah Blackman Is Bringing Soca Music to the Masses”

BigWalkDog — Trick City

One of the most promising artists of the New 1017, BigWalkDog boasts a gruff and intense delivery. It’s no surprise Gucci Mane signed him. BigWalkDog employs a breathless flow leaving listeners in a state of whiplash as he stacks paper and recounts street tales with no savior. His new project Trick City continues a trend of blistering raps from one of the leaders of a new generation of Southern rappers putting their lives on wax.

Read more in our July 2021 issue of 10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now

Muni Long — Public Displays of Affection: The Album

From songwriter to charting solo artist, Muni Long reinvented herself out of necessity. “Hrs and Hrs” from the Public Displays of Affection EP hit the Hot 100 charts in January of 2022, and Muni Long has since capitalized on the newfound spotlight, releasing a Saweetie collab and EP sequel. Today, Muni Long releases her debut, Public Displays of Affection: The Album. Standout “Butterfly Effect” is an affecting take on regret and the lies we tell ourselves when we fall in love.

Read more about Muni Long in our Re-Upped feature

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Nailah Blackman Is Bringing Soca Music to the Masses