Spring Forward: Five Fresh Tracks for the New Season

The first three months of the year have already proven 2019 to be an inspiring year for music. With new, much-anticipated releases from artists like James Blake, Kehlani, and Toro y Moi, there aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up with the music coming out daily. Both well-established and up-and-coming artists are pushing the boundaries of genres and adding their unique flair to prove that they deserve to be in the world of music. As we enter the second quarter of 2019, here are a few tracks from a few artists on the rise to start off spring right.

Clones – Tierra Whack

2019 will undoubtedly be a huge year for Philadelphia native Tierra Whack. In addition to her musical talent, Whack’s slightly disturbing, but nonetheless intriguing visuals and eccentric artistic approach is unmatched by any other artist, and her music video for “Mumbo Jumbo” awarded her a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video. Following up on her fifteen minute project packed with a weirdly dark and playful concoction of rap and R&B, “Whack World,” Whack has released four tracks in 2019 thus far. “Clones” struck me in particular; the persistent buzzing background track maintains suspense throughout the song as Tierra Whack calls out her imitators. Never failing to inject some humor in her tracks, Whack somehow makes a mumbled delivery of the chorus fit “Clones” perfectly. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for Tierra Whack as she releases a song each week in honor of “Whack History Month.”

Old Fashioned – Bruno Major

Two years after his debut album “A Song For Every Moon,” British R&B artist Bruno Major doesn’t miss a single step with a refreshing new cut of his 2014 song “Old Fashioned.” Known for his soulful lullabies and dreamy and intimate production, Bruno Major represents a soft, romantic side of R&B that feels both vulnerable and idyllic, alongside contemporaries like Daniel Caesar. In the track, he sings about the sweet and simple idea of being “old fashioned for you,” and manages to pack so much love into a song with such minimal production, that it seems like Major’s music was perfectly made for falling asleep in someone’s arms.

Have Mercy – YBN Cordae

YBN Cordae once again proves to be one of the most talented members, if not the most talented member of the YBN collective, with new single “Have Mercy.” Finding fame with trap bangers like “Kung Fu,” Cordae showcase his potential to do it all through clever rhymes and wordplay. Many in the music industry have pointed out YBN Cordae’s ability to mix “old school and new school” elements of hip hop. “Have Mercy,” complete with a bold beat and strong lyrics that are simultaneously confident and humble, is no exception.

Naan by Childish Major (prod. Groove)

Atlanta producer turned artist Childish Major finds his groove with new release “Naan” available exclusively on Youtube. The song features bouncy yet smooth instrumentals that are undeniably catchy, accompanying Major’s unapologetic verses about moving on from an ex. Just under two minutes long, the track leaves listeners wanting more from Major, who continues to make his seamless transition from producing for artists like 6lack and J. Cole to making his own mark as an artist. Since releasing “Naan,” Childish Major has released a track every week, like Tierra Whack, all of which which showcase his vocal abilities and explore a more introspective side of Major. These consistent releases, as well as Childish Major’s recent collaborations with the HBO show “Insecure,” the Dreamville record label, and fellow artists shows that Major is definitely on the 2019 One’s to Watch List.

Tia Tamera (ft. Rico Nasty) – Doja Cat In “Tia Tamera,” two badass female artists collaborate to bring listeners a bop and a half. Backed by a bright yet sinister beat, Doja Cat and Rico Nasty establish their commanding presence throughout the track with aggressive delivery and incredible energy. One need not look further than the title to see the funny and unabashed lyricism the two give their listeners — Doja Cat references Tia and Tamera, twins from 90’s sitcom “Sister, Sister,” to refer to her boobs throughout the song. In such a male-dominated industry, more tracks like these, from Doja Cat and other great female artists, might be just what we need in 2019.

Featured image courtesy of stereogum.com