‘Family Ties’ isn’t a single, it’s a blockbuster. This fiery anthem is separated into 3 beat switch-ups, which all contain heavy 808s and moshpit-ready energy. Baby Keem handles the first 2 sections, thriving in his animated delivery, luxury flexes and flows that switch so many lanes you’d think Jeremy Clarkson forgot the speed limit. Then comes part 3 and Kendrick is unleashed, starting his soliloquy enthusiastically proclaiming that he’s ‘smokin’ on your top 5 tonight’. What follows is reminiscent of Khaleesi’s dragon destroying King’s Landing, as he lets off a fiery burst of bars that he’s held in for the past 3 years. These family ties are titanium strong. 

‘Catcha Grip’ flows like the ocean. These waters are filled with flurries of guitars, keys, and a heavenly atmosphere reminiscent of a blue sea in the Summer. CD and Pania, two of Melbourne’s most exciting up-and-comers, float over the top with soulful melodies that soar above any shore. 

Wizkid does what he does best in this newly released track from the Deluxe edition of his massive Made In Lagos album: uplifts the mood. Over the smooth keys and afrobeat tempo courtesy of producer P2J, the Nigerian starboy relishes in his signature, snappy vocals, and flows that are destined to destroy on any dance floor. Fellow Lagosian Buju is also featured on the track, with his low-key delivery contrasting that of Wizkid’s, but still complimenting the song’s undeniable vibrance. 

LA’s OhGeesy moderates a UK link up with Central Cee on ‘Startn Up’. Over an in-your-face trap beat courtesy of Diego Ave and Bankroll Got It, both rappers go back and forth while maintaining their respective styles, with Geesy’s laid-back flow bouncing off Cee’s stern shouts seamlessly. It appears on OhGeesy’s debut solo album GEEZYWORLD, which is out now. 

Vayne is back in the braggadocious bag that made her EP Gutta Girl a standout release in 2020. ‘Brand New Baguettes’ is about securing the bag, and boasting your success along the way, which the New Zealand rapper does through poignant, autotuned bars. Auckland’s Kid Vey also makes an appearance, flexing through earworm melodies. 

Jalmar continues to carve his lane in the rap landscape with ‘La Fiesta’, working with producer Younique to pay homage to his Chilean heritage with loud Latin-infused horn samples. This is paired with rattling hi-hats and heavy 808s for Jalmar and West Sydney’s Jaecy to rap over, bringing bars in barrages, and resulting in an instant party.

‘Zips’ is an understated jam straight out of Aotearoa. Dera Meelan’s production is eerie, climaxing in crashing drums and a howling vocal sample, creating somewhat of a haunting euphoria. However, Church & AP slice through that atmosphere doing what they do best: spitting. The result is an anthem you can simultaneously kick back and turn up to.

‘On The Low’ is a sweet serenade that blends the sounds of classic R&B and hip-hop. Sydney artist Phil Fresh’s baritone delivery tells a tale of romance, detailed by intricate wordplay and a sleek flow. It builds into an eruption of harmony, as Rissa comes into the mix letting off airy vocals that are embedded in a feeling of bliss. It’s a highlight on Phil’s new EP L.A.T.E, which is out now.

‘Simon Say’ is a dose of R&B that’s equally upbeat and mellow. Destiny Rogers, as always, seamlessly switches from a falsetto flourish to focused melodies, catching the ear as she croons ‘you can’t say no to this’ over the rattling hi-hats and dense synths of Stereotypes. Flo Milli lends a verse here as well, bringing her swagger-heavy attitude to the cut in the form of confident bars. 

‘Question’ is a feel-good anthem. Producer Don Jazzy provides the summer-soaked strumming of guitars over the afrobeat stylings of the drum patterns, as Burna Boy’s melodies ascend in vibrance, seamlessly switching between the languages of English and Yoruba. The Winter is ending, and Burna Boy is dropping anthems; it’s a good ass time.