‘durag activity’ marks the first time Baby Keem has officially collaborated with another rapper, and who better to kick things off with than La Flame? The track feels like the perfect middle ground for both rapper’s woozy styles to blend on, with Keem providing his signature reverberated shouts, and Travis performing autotune acrobatics. Producer BRICK! lays down heavy 808s and low-key keys to enhance the unique artistry of the song’s frontmen, and put their undeniable chemistry on notice. 

Kali’s ‘Do A Bitch’ rose to TikTok virality thanks to her stern bars and sense of attitude, paired with a minimalist beat filled with horror movie-esque keys and 808s that hit harder than a Saw movie. Naturally, was there anyone better for a remix than Rico Nasty? The results prove not. Kali’s effortless swagger pairs seamlessly alongside Rico’s personality-filled, aggressive delivery, bringing this feel-yourself anthem into a whole other level of frenzy. 

NLE Choppa is channeling his Shotta Flow for this new joint. The rapper comes in hard and heavy with continuous, aggressive flows, reminiscent of his Memphis hometown’s rap-centric roots that were planted by Three 6 Mafia in the 90s. The lyrics are aimed at all his haters and doubters, emphasising the fact that no external forces can stand in his way while he continues to strive for success. It may be the final warning, but we hope it isn’t the final NLE release we enjoy this year. 

This new joint from Hearteyes is an in-your-face, without-a-goddamn-doubt, banger. It finds its footing in the polymerization of smoothness and nastiness, as his whisper-like vocals and effortless flows inspire a head nod, and the grimy, distorted 808s entice your best stank face. It feels like a mixture of Valee and Death Grips in a sense, but Hearteyes is rapidly forming an identity that’s undeniably his own. 

Milan Ring’s new single takes you on a journey through the sounds of soul, R&B, Latin, and hip-hop music, all garnished with her signature artistic curiosity that’s made her one to watch in the Australian music scene. Production courtesy of BLESSED, myboyroach, and J.BLS pair minimalist synths, prominent basslines, and guitar chords that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Santana record, all for Milan to flex her hypnotic, airy vocals over. The track also features a verse from UK rapper Che Lingo, whose confident, motivated delivery cuts through the psychedelic sounds of the instrumental. 

This new single from Purpose is one filled with ambition. Creatively mixing elements of pop, rap, and afrobeat, the South African-born artist’s vibe-fueled melodies boogie board over an ocean vibrant keys and looming bass, with each drum hit signifying another wave he’s capturing on the beat. BLESSED also pops up for a verse here, providing soaring vocals that complement Purpose’s more minimalistic cadence. Both prospects go for it on this one, and the results are freaking great. 

This single from Pressa already solidified itself as a fan-favourite when it was released late last year, but it has received a fresh coat of paint, now including a feature from rapidly rising rapper Coi Leray. Pressa’s parts on the track remain unchanged, with his high-pitched melodies about the imbalance between success and love still resonating. But Coi adds a new element to the spacious soundscapes, letting off high-energy, scattered flows rich with the wittiness that has made her one to watch in 2021.

Ghanian-Australian sister duo steers a ride into the depths of club-ready anthem territory with this track ‘Bus Stop’. The vehicle is propelled by the four wheels of four-to-the-floor drum patterns, amplified by the revving engine of thumping sub-bass. Synths and samples flutter in the background like the scenery of a road trip, and Kinder’s attention-grabbing vocals are vibrant with positivity, as lyrically, they pay homage to their father. Both the journey and destination on this one are well worth it. 

Following ‘100,000,000’ from earlier this month, Berwyn continues to delve into the abyss of emotion with this new track. The song explores the adversity he has faced throughout the journey of life, encompassed simply and strikingly by the hooking nature of the lyric ‘I’d rather die than be deported.’ In the background, melancholic keys and lingering sax samples shimmer in the reflective nature of Berwyn’s solemn raps and melodies, but the rattling hi-hats and trap-esque drum patterns symbolise that even though the struggle, he keeps it moving. 

Now I’m no dancer, but this new Burna Boy track got me gyrating. Following a Grammy win for his album Twice As Tall, ‘Kilometre’ finds the Nigerian superstar reflecting on his journey through music thus far. And like his successful track record, the song is rich with positive energy, as his deep-voiced melodies float over the dance-ready drums and flavour of the afrobeat instrumental. It’s another KM closer to the top for this always-inspiring artist.