Pi’erre Bourne — GOOD MOVIE

Pi’erre Bourne naming his latest solo album GOOD MOVIE is a testament to the world-building the producer and artist does with his beats. This solo album follows 2021’s The Life of Pi’erre 5, and doubles down on Bourne’s ability to make concept work that is as hypnotic as it is technically impressive. GOOD MOVIE’s scenes and skits show off Pi’erre’s ability to craft experiences with his records, while features include Young Nudy and Don Toliver.

Hear more about Pi’erre Bourne in his episode of our podcast series Beyond The Beat.

Erigga — The Lost Boy

Erigga has been in the game for over a decade, getting his start working with notable producers on the rise in Nigeria. Since his debut album in 2017, the rapper has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s hip-hop scene. The Lost Boy is a fiery record with features from PsychoYP, Jay Teazer, and more. The light rasp on the Warri boy’s “L with V’s” pairs perfectly with the easy groove driving the tune. From drill beats to ballads, this album is the most complete picture of Erigga.

TROD — Grinface

Looking to complete what his late brother Dagrin started with music back in the late 2000s, Nigerian rapper TROD is uniquely focused on legacy. His debut album Grinface, named for Dagrin’s original stage name, features the legendary Olamide, and tracks TROD’s emotional journey in music. The wounded title track sees TROD grappling with what his success means given the tragedy surrounding the start of his own career. “This project helped me turn my pain into music,” TROD shared. “Dagrin is a part of my life and he deserves the cachet.”

Sha Ek — Face of The What

Bronx rapper Sha Ek’s “D&D” is a breakout drill record: aggressive and just tense enough to rattle bones. It mimics the vivid pain of Sha Ek’s own life, having survived a gunshot wound at 15. Now signed to Warner, Face of The What is a major label debut gone right—there is no compromise here. Sha Ek triples down on his hounding raps and the sample-based drill that’s captivating fans and taking over his borough.

Read more about Sha Ek in our June 2022 edition of 10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now

Preyé — Don’t Look Down!

Afrofusion singer Preyé’s debut EP Don’t Look Down! runs for 17 dreamy minutes and establishes her as a rising star in Nigeria’s R&B scene. An early and steady diet of jazz and soul helped the artist find her voice. A series of false starts—wanting to be a doctor, pursuing an engineering degree, being a realtor—all led her to pursuing her dream of being an artist. With Don’t Look Down!, Preyé speaks to the wonder of giving yourself permission to do what you really love.

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