The summer solstice has officially come and gone, and with each passing second, we etch closer and closer to fall – but wipe those tears, summer has only really just begun. Whether you’re hitting the clubs with your girlies or going goblin mode at your local park, this month’s releases have something for everyone. With heatwaves expected way into September, here are the freshest releases from the past month for your listening pleasure:
M.I.A. – Popular
Is it just us, or does M.I.A just hit different when it’s hot? Fresh off of our first preview into M.I.A’S upcoming album MATA, we have our second preview in the form of a sick reggaeton-type-beat in signature M.I.A style. Rapping about living her best life, this thumping track is the perfect tune for getting pumped for a night out.
Lizzo – 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)
If you loved Lizzo’s smash hit ‘Truth hurts’, we have a feeling you might love her new track 2 Be Loved (Am I ready) even more. A vulnerable but upbeat summer-ready hit, Lizzo questions if she’s ready to be loved if she doesn’t always love herself. We get it, self-love is important, and this upbeat, synthy track packed with 80s nostalgia may just be THE song of the summer to allow yourself love. Also, is Lizzo bringing back disco? We hope so.
Rico Nasty – Blow Me
We’ve loved Rico Nasty since her Sugar Trap days, in particular, how she kills any beat she’s on. This fresh new release from her Las Ruinas mixtape is no different. Blow me is an off kilter, mellower track than we are used to but a hit nonetheless. Strutting her stuff on a small treadmill and running through several cunty ensembles, Rico has solidified herself as a fashion icon, and this track will allow you to feel as fancy, classy, rich and nasty as her.
Megan Thee Stallion – Her
Leading off the success and controversy of her last album ‘Good News’, Megan thee stallion is back with a clear message: she doesn’t give a single fuck about what you have to say. Delivered in a club-ready house beat with staccato vocals, this track will make you feel like you’re getting ready to vogue the house down.
Danger Mouse & Black Thought – Strangers (feat. A$AP Rocky and Run The Jewels)
The dawn of a new year brings many wonders, what will the year hold? I mean, who saw thin brows ever making a comeback? But few surprises threw us quite as much as an ASAP Rocky X Run The Jewels X Danger Mouse X Black Thought collab. ‘Strangers’ is a masterclass in mixing. Mixing artists and mixing samples (with insane production), owed of course to the brilliant Danger Mouse, known for his past collabs with Madlib and MFDOOM. So, when your friends pass you the USB this summer and you don’t want to bomb, we humbly submit this sick, new track as the answer.
PinkPantheress, Sam Gellaitry – Picture in my mind
It just wouldn’t be summer in the city without Gen Z’s new hyper-pop princess. In collaboration with Sam Gellaitry, Picture in my mind is a sickly-sweet summer ballad that flirts with toxicity by begging their partner to stay together regardless of their troubles. Full of slick production, immaculate vibes, some robotic auto-tuned singing, and the classic coquettish voice that made her such a hit in 2021 – This will be one of the defining songs of the summer.
Bella Poarch – Dolls
Dark pop is a choice, it’s hard to pull off, and we have no complaints about TikTok star turned popstar Bella Porches newest tune. Featuring a cyborg Grimes, this bouncy revenge anthem is perfect for fantasising about going all scorch the earth on those who have done you wrong.
bLAck pARty – I Love You More Than You Know ft. Childish Gambino
From his third studio album Hummingbird comes dreamy, summer hit, I love you more than you know – featuring Childish Gambino of all people. Having previously worked together before on classic summer album ‘Awaken, my love!’ the duo have worked their magic again and created the perfect track for relaxing at the beach this summer full of reflective lyrics and lulling melodies.
Central Cee – Doja
If you’ve been plugged in for the past month, we have no doubt you’ll have heard London rapper Central Cee’s fresh new track Doja. Toeing the line between viral joke and viral hit, Doja is a fun, infectious tune set to the beat of Eve and Gwen Stefanis ‘let me blow your mind’ that’ll be sure to get you screaming that hook.
Beyoncé – CUFF IT
The dust has started to settle from Beyonce’s newest album ‘Renaissance’ and a favourite seems to have appeared. This track’s upbeat, seductive and devilmay-care vibe is why it’s the ultimate hot girl summer anthem. This summer hit welcomes you to fuck up the night, and who are we to argue with Beyonce?
Words By Giuliana Zamudio-Lopez
Graphics by Veronica Wong Diffa
