It truly is the hottest out.
Whether you’re on your way to a music festival, jamming in the park with the jazz grass or on your way to work (with the weekend on your mind), you’re sweating. It’s okay, we won’t judge you. But we know that getting too hot in the summer can bring some unwanted stress so we did you the kindness of putting together some of the hottest music out. Let’s face it – none of those people on your Instagram feed really have the best “summer vibes” playlist.
Don’t show up to the picnic without any tunes. Check all the best music from the last month below and then revisit our feature from last month.
Zack Fox & Kenny Beats – “Jesus Is The One (I Got Depression)”
This is by-far the track of the month. What originally began as a ridiculous installment of Kenny Beats’ The Cave series has become a viral rap sensation for Atlanta comedian Zack Fox. With two hits now under his belt there is no telling where the icon formerly known as bootymath will go from here.
Sydanie – “I want u 2 see this”
Sydanie is one of the most exciting artists to break into the Canadian rap scene over the past year. Her critically acclaimed 999 album, named after the building she grew up in at Jane & Finch, took the city and internet by storm with its raw, complex lyricism and moving lo-fi production and now the self-proclaimed rap supermom has returned with her first music video.
STN – “Boomarang” (feat. Lil Berete, Acerr and JoEazy)
Toronto’s STN crew, composed of Lil Berete, Acerr and JoEazy, join forces for an upbeat summer track titled “Boomarang.” Now that their lives are “Boomin like Metro,” the STN boys are driving Camaros around Punta Cana and sailing the waves with new friends and big bottles of champagne. Hopefully this collaboration is the signal that a full project is on the way.
Drake – “Money in the Grave” (feat. Rick Ross)
This is your daily reminder that the Toronto Raptors are your 2019 NBA Playoff Champions. Drake’s post-win offering featured the Petty King’s sly slapper “Omerta” as well as this massive track with Miami’s finest. Enjoy Rick Ross at the peak of his career on the 6 God’s latest banger.
Julian Thomas – “Taking Care of Business (Bruises)”
Kick back and enjoy the latest offering from recent Sony signee and Remix Project graduate Julian Thomas. Produced by Jordon Manswell (Daniel Caesar’s “We Found Love”), this heavy R&B track is a sure sign of more greatness to come from Thomas. Stick around to the end for a wicked rock break.
LocoCity – “Palm Trees”
LocoCity has been generating a massive buzz with numerous viral hits since his debut last year and this new summer track is a welcome addition to his growing catalogue. Watch the young artist drive ATVs and live his best life in the latest offering leading up to the release of his debut project, Save Yourself.
Swagger Rite – “Drop Top” (feat. Yella Beezy and Flipp Dinero)
Swagger Rite has been dominating the Toronto underground rap sound for years but a new label deal has finally brought some mainstream shine to the dynamic trap artist. His latest single features some insane production from Smooth and timely features from American hitmakers Yella Beezy and Flipp Dinero. If the signs are correct, we should be hearing about a major label debut from Swagger Rite in the near future.
NLE Choppa – “Shotta Flow” Remix (feat. Blueface)
This song took over the news cycle when it broke that NLE Choppa had reportedly turned down $3-million record deals to sign to Steve Stoute’s United Masters distribution service. It is still a certified banger and a new verse from Blueface and music video from Cole Bennett have breathed some new life into NLE Choppa’s signature track.
TRIPSIXX – “You Deserve Better”
TRIPSIXX doesn’t care for the clout – he makes music, announces it, drops it, gets the bag and goes home. He minds his business. The Unlock the Underground and Roy Woods affiliate has returned once again with a new EP titled Demon and this is easily our favourite track from the bunch (which also includes features from Yung Tory and DRIPXXXX).
Lil Keed – “Anybody” (feat. Duke and Gunna)
Lil Keed may be the latest sonic offshoot of Young Thug but the Atlanta rapper is leaving a serious impression on the rap world. Cosigned by some of the biggest in the game, Keed and his brother, Lil Got It, are creating hit after hit and show no signs of stopping. Take in this track from Keed’s new Long Live Mexico album and stay tuned for more from the brothers.
Just John x Dom Dias – “Pull Up”
Our favourite Toronto rapper/producer duo Just John x Dom Dias are back with their largest and most impressive video yet – the perfect visual accompaniment to their track “Pull Up.” This is a heavy banger and should be treated as such. The pair grab their friends (and call out to the rest) to mosh out at various locations across the city after a routine video game session at the crib. You do not want to skip over this one.
TisaKorean – “Spongy”
We were talking about TisaKorean months ago and we are still talking about TisaKorean today. The viral Texas artist released his Chance the Rapper collaboration last month and has continued to tease his fanbase with more snippets of hits paired with infectious Tik Tok dance videos. This track is definitely one of his more left-field offerings but the energy is exciting just the same.
Keysha Freshh – “HERO”
Keysha Freshh sounds like she was born to rap. The Toronto lyricist and one third of rap group The Sorority has returned with a new solo project titled Field Trip and she just recently dropped off the black-and-white music video for this wavy track. Take in this new Keysha Freshh and get acquainted with the rising Toronto rapper.
Killy – “Elixir”
The viral Canadian rap star recently impressed us with his progressive one-off single “Swag Flu” but now Killy has returned with a new full-length project and just announced a slew of European tour dates. The Energizer Bunny of the rap world seems like he will never slow down. This is one of our favourite cuts from the Secret Sound Club founder’s new album, Light Path 8.
Kardinal Offishall – “Run”
The Ambassador for Canadian Rap has been keeping busy the past couple of years, between international work with various charitable organizations or executive work as an A&R with Universal Music, but now Kardinal Offishall has finally returned with new solo music. His new self-produced single is a heavy dancehall offering and reminiscent of why we love Kardi in the first place. Revisit our interview with the living legend here.
Devontee – “SHIFT” (feat. A Mazyn
This soulful track from Toronto rapper/producer Devontee is a welcome reminder of the artist’s cemented legacy in Toronto’s rap chronology. Creator of the WOE brand (and collaborator of Steph Curry on his latest Curry 5), Devontee just released his latest project Sun of Dawn – a five-track self-produced narrative reminding us all of the positivity that binds our world together.
KTOE – “5 Star N*gga (Freestyle)”
KTOE is one of our favourite rising artist/producer hybrids and the young musician continues to never disappoint us with his latest track, a quick one-off self-produced freestyle with a simple yet catchy concept. His beats are in high demand nowadays and it seems like he is nowhere near done dropping music this summer. Keep an eye out for more from KTOE and vibe out to his latest drop above.
Ty Senoj – “Danana”
Ty Senoj is one of those artists who only comes around once in a generation. And he should be treasured as such. After months of development after his genre-bending Metrosexual projects, Senoj has teamed up with Grammy nominated producer DZL for a catchy single and accompanying video titled “Danana.” We’re not even really sure how to describe it so please just go ahead and watch it.
Art by @AMthruPM