Is it finally summer yet? Dig out that little Bluetooth speaker from the back of your closet and start conceiving cocktail ideas because picnic/beach season is near and we need to make use of this weather while we can. Learn a new recipe, teach yourself how to do a backflip, get a new tattoo – and most importantly, make yourself familiar with all the rocking tunes that will be populating the impending rotation of outdoor events and parties. People are still out here requesting “Sicko Mode” and that is just plain wrong.
Forget about all of your coworkers’ shitty themed playlists, get with the program and dive into the best new tracks of May 2019 below.
KILLY – “Swag Flu”
It had been a hot minute since the young Toronto rap star released new music (since his formidable Killstreak EP) but now KILLY has returned with a brand new track and video that features a whole bunch of new flows from the rapper. Made up of footage from the last year or so of his life, the visual showcases just what it means to be KILLY from the stage to the studio.
Flying Lotus – “More” (feat. Anderson .Paak)
It is always a good time when Flying Lotus releases new music. Our favourite psychedelic jazz/rap fusion superproducer just released his Flamagra project and just like clockwork, it includes several notable and timely features including this groovy number with West Coast staple Anderson .Paak.
Quamon – “Chit Chat”
Not enough can be said about Quamon. The rising Canadian rapper has been dropping off single after single (many of them collaborations with Murda Beatz-cosigned producer Joseph L’Etranger) and this newest release is probably more fire than the rest of them. Keep on the look out for more from this young MC
Slowthai – “Inglorious” (feat. Skepta)
May 2019 was the month of Slowthai. It was impossible to scroll through Instagram this month without seeing some sort of promo material for the Northamptonshire artist’s studio debut, Nothing Great About Britain. Several of this project’s tracks stand out but this collaboration with London’s finest and its accompanying music video absolutely take the cake. Just watch it.
Haviah Mighty – “Smoke”
We just recently caught up with multifaceted Toronto artist Haviah Mighty but we wanted to spotlight another track from her most recent project, 13th Floor. Haviah is rapping like her life depends on it on the new album (because she’s an independent artist so it does) and this cut is no exception. Dive into “Smoke” and then revisit our feature interview with the stellar artist/producer/rapper/DJ/etc. etc. etc.
Tyler, the Creator – “Earfquake”
If you still have not listened to IGOR, please do yourself the favour. Tyler, The Creator seemingly returned out of nowhere a few weeks ago and reemerged onto the music scene with a brand new look and quite possibly the most realized version of his own sound to date. IGOR is what Cherry Bomb and Flower Boy were not. And this selection from the project features baby voice Playboi Carti so really, you’re just doing yourself a disservice by not listening.
Young Nudy – Pissy Pamper (Kid Cudi) (feat. Playboi Carti)
While this has not officially been released, we believe that a leak reaching the #1 spot on Spotify’s Top 50 Viral chart deserves some recognition. Allegedly a bonus cut that did not make Young Nudy’s Sli’merre project with producer Pi’erre Bourne, the leak went super viral across Soundcloud with several unofficial versions containing only Carti’s verse racking up tens of thousands of listens. There is no guarantee that we will ever see an official release for this song so take the time and listen now.
Curtis Waters – “ballad 4 the bitches”
The talented artist/producer/enigma that is Curtis Waters first made it onto our radar with a set of cute, bouncy singles that culminated in our premiere of his debut album, Prom Night. It has been over a year since the release of that project and Waters is now back in single mode – dropping heaters on us left and right before the inevitable release of his next project. This track was originally labeled “fellas do not click this” but it has been renamed to include all potential listeners. Get familiar with the young artist/producer and stay tuned for more.
DillanPonders – “ISIS” (Remix)
Normally a Logic and Joyner Lucas collaboration would be nowhere near our HOTTEST OUT feature but DillanPonders remixed their track “ISIS” and completely obliterated that shit. He has a new project titled KNOWHERE dropping later this summer and intends to keep his cult fanbase engaged for every second leading up to release. Dive into his remix of “ISIS” and try not to punch a hole in your wall when that “HOO” adlib comes in.
PolloMadeIt – “Nightlife”
We don’t know all that much about rising Toronto artist/producer PolloMadeIt but we can say with absolute certainty that this song is a heater. It’s catchy, the video is hella Toronto and Pollo’s energy is infectious and youthful. We are definitely looking forward to hearing more from the talented rapper.
Shay Lia – “Voodoo” (feat. Buddy)
Montreal singer/songwriter Shay Lia just released her debut album Dangerous to immense critic and fan support alike and this is our clear standout favourite from the selection. Shay’s vocals shine through on this track and the feature from Compton artist Buddy is a perfect compliment to that deep groove produced by Jeff Hazin and Evan Miles.
Megan Thee Stallion – “Realer”
This is the hardest song out right now. No arguments, no debates, no questions. Megan Thee Stallion must be protected at all costs. It’s a Hot Girl Summer and there is nothing you can do about it. Fuck all the critics and fuck how they feel.
Young Nudy – “Sunflower Seeds”
Young Nudy was already included on the list above but it would not be doing proper service to his recent album, Sli’merre, if we did not mention this song. Pi’erre Bourne did a stellar job of crafting a lo-fi trap sound for this project and “Sunflower Seeds” is the most laidback and wholesome installment of the pack. Kick back, indulge in your preferred intoxicant and enjoy the sweet sounds of Young Nudy serenading you over Pi’erre Bourne production.
DijahSB – “No Smoke”
We always end up including a release from DijahSB on this feature but we really can’t help it – the rising Toronto rapper has been on an absolute grind this spring and has released an EP and five music videos over the last five weeks. This is our favourite of the bunch but you should really go over to her channel after you finish and digest the rest. Don’t count her out, she’s just getting started. Watch the video for “No Smoke” and then revisit our premiere of her “Time’s Up!” video.
Davy – “Valley Theory”
We just highlighted this track yesterday on the website but it deserves a little more recognition. Produced with help from Adam King and Miles Jones, the young Toronto artist’s debut track of the year is a massive psychedelic trap anthem with roots in sounds like pre-Owl Pharoah Travis Scott. Davy has a lot more coming in 2019 so stay tuned for more from the multifaceted 18-year old.
Pop Smoke – “Welcome to the Party”
Honestly, we need to apologize to Pop Smoke. We are not sure how we have gone so long without listening to your music but please know that we are no longer making that mistake. This video has been running on repeat since it dropped three days ago and we have only seen positive results. Our income has more than doubled, our grocery shopping has become more efficient, our Netflix recommendations are better – hell, even our favourite bar down the street is tasting better. And we know for a fact that that was not previously possible.
teddybear – “I Hate Myself More Than You Ever Could”
teddybear is somewhat of an underground legend. With several writing credits and collaborations with London music producer MISOGI, teddy’s online presence has been steadily growing in the post-Soundcloud emo rap world and his cult-like fanbase would have you believe that he is the greatest artist to ever walk this planet. Maybe he is. This offering from him, Hudson Alexander, Ricky Anthony, Tulpa and Convenience certainly suggests so. Try not to cry.
Moneybagg Yo – “Word 4 Word”
Moneybagg Yo does not miss. He just doesn’t. The Memphis rapper originally came up under the guidance and purvey of Yo Gotti but since signing his own deal through Def Jam, Moneybagg has elevated his rapper status and developed a substantial, hardcore fanbase of his own. Dive into this track and then listen to the rest of his recently released 43VA HEARTLESS project.
Header art by @AMthruPM