RINI’s ‘Red Lights’ is a low-key, R&B song that’ll illuminate any late night. Organs and keys dance in unison, backed by a poignant bassline and analog drums, capturing the essence of an early AM drive along the highway. The South-East Melbourne vocalist warbles, serenading his love interest, before we reach a smooth verse from rapper Wale. This undeniable vibe is perfectly captured in the accompanying video, dimly lit by the colour red, with a warm aesthetic reminiscent of a campfire. 

The West Sydney veteran is back with his new album Jamie and this cut is one of motivation and hope. It’s about overcoming adversity and striving for the best in the worst of times. B Wise’s vulnerable, conscious bars and storytelling is backed by watery synths, thumping drum patterns, and soulful background vocals. BLESSED hops on the hook, soaring with impassioned croons and serving as a public service announcement that all, will indeed be okay. 

Ex-Harlem Spartans rapper Blanco hasn’t missed once since he began releasing solo music, steadily dropping stellar singles and building up to his debut mixtape City Of God. The title is a nod to the 2002 Brazillian cult-film of the same name—on point considering Blanco has found a neat pocket to sit it, pairing elements of Brazillian Baile Funk with his effortless take on UK rap. The project is packed full of clever bars from the Kennington local, referencing everything from to Naruto to X-Men. ‘Fala’ is a standout track that encapsulates Blanco’s unique flavour.

Liyah Knight’s ‘Threads’ is about feeling let down and frustrated, due to a lack of communication and transparency. This relatable topic is the centerpiece of this ballad, starting with stripped-back guitar strums, before rising onto a bed of synths and bass. This sonic journey is strung together by the Sydney vocalist’s soulful melodies and foreshadows the high quality of her upcoming EP Travellers Guide, slated to drop later this year.

Kevin Abstract’s latest solo effort is an off-kilter dose of R&B, shrouded in the atmosphere of reverberation. His autotuned vocals cut through the acoustic guitars, synth flourishes, and crushing drums as he sings about his come-up and moments of love, with Ryan Beatty’s smooth pop vocals shining on the hook. It’s another dose of Kevin’s next solo project, which we’re all excited about. 

Melbourne-based songwriter Maya Hirasedo’s ‘I Know’ is an RKO of soulful R&B, accompanied by a wrestling-themed music video worthy of a championship belt. Over soundscapes of mellow keys and guitar plucking more luxurious than Ted DiBiase, She floats, hitting Five Star Frog Splashes of falsetto from the top vocal rope. If you need a Friday kick of euphoria, this track is some Sweet Chin Music. 

Some of New York’s finest unite to create a supergroup on ‘Run It Up’, an anthem bound to accumulate streams at a rapid pace. Backed by 808s and guitar samples courtesy of producer Great John, Sheff G, and Sleepy Hallow continue to explore their melodic chops; a stark contrast from their usual dose of New York drill, that compliments them in the best of ways. This R&B-inspired style is A Boogie’s bag, whose high-pitched croons solidify this trio as both the Bronx and Brooklyn’s best boy band.

Matt Tsu’s Obscure Orchestra pays homage with this cover of the late, great Nipsey Hussle’s ‘Last Time I Checc’d’, celebrating his presence through the vibrance of live instruments and some highly skilled representatives of the Australian hip-hop community. It honours Nipsey’s legacy as a community-minded artist striving for the better, assembling L-Fresh The Lion, Nardean, Mack Ridge, Sachem, and SOL CHLD to commemorate through bars of consciousness, with each artist being avid representatives for their respective cultures. It’s a touching testament to a legend and a soulful showcase of some of our country’s greats. 

Bakar’s ‘The Mission’ is about longing for a better future for the first-generation youth. He sings about creating a space where progression is possible, inspired by his journey of reclaiming his Islamic faith. Sonically, this indie-rock blend thrives in ambition and desire, singing sentimentally backed by an orchestra of guitars and keys. It’s a testament of hope, with the mission to make these stories heard. 

The ultimate Edmonton and Brighton link up. Tion Wayne and ArrDee are doing what they’re doing best here: spitting. They’re flexing in the form of bar frenzies over gliding 808s and a haunting vocal sample, making this new single a barrage of drill you need to bump on your speakers this Friday afternoon.