Life, liberty, and the pursuit of a good time. That’s the Memphis way. Typically we wouldn’t have to look farther than the HiTone or DKDC, but times are changing. As a result of coronavirus and social distancing protocols, many of us may have undoubtedly found ourselves wandering off the beaten path in search of that binge-worthy show, can’t-put-down book, or repeat-worthy song to quench our thirst for new adventures, stories, ideas, and sounds.
Last month we previewed our favorite tracks of 2020 so far, and this month we’re back with 10 new bangers guaranteed to make the gradual transition back to normal that much more fun. Stay tuned every month for our selection of the best new music coming out of the Bluff City, and don’t forget to dive into all the features (and playlists) on We Are Memphis Music for all your quaran-tainment needs.
Blac Youngsta: Lay Down
On his second album, the “Booty” hitmaker “elevates his sound to new heights.” Lay Down is the latest single from the album, Church on Sunday.
BlocBoy JB: Still Crippin
We’ve all learned to count on the “Look Alive” hitmaker for his frequent release of new music. On “Still Crippin” the Memphis rapper and songwriter gives a Memphis makeover to Swishahouse’s “Still Tippin ft. Mike Jones, Paul Wall, & Slim.”
Don Bryant: Is It Over
On the second single from his upcoming album You Make Me Feel, the Memphis rhythm and blues veteran offers up “a classic broken-down-romance tune.” The album is his second after a 25-year hiatus. It follows up on Don’t Give Up on Love, his “triumphant 2017 return-to-form” album. “Sometimes people don’t want to admit that a relationship is over, so they go round and round in a circle,” Don shares with Rolling Stone. “I wanted to ask, “Is it over?’ And if it is, should it be this way? If not, what’s going on?”
Duke Deuce: Crunk Ain’t Dead MOB
Raised in the studio by his father Duke Nitty, a successful local Memphis rapper and producer credited with hits by Gangsta Blac, Nasty Nardo, Dem Thugs, and Mobb Lyfe, the 27-year-old Memphis native is hard at work showing everyone that “Crunk Ain’t Dead…” The release racked up over a million views in its first few days.
Healy: Nikes On
The Memphis-born and Memphis-based singer, songwriter, and producer is “known for uniquely blending hip-hop, indie rock, and acoustic elements with stunning, personal songwriting.” Of the song, Healy says “I hadn’t lived the life I needed to live to finish writing Nikes On until August of 2019. The song centers around the feeling of time running away from you.”
Jucee Froot: Sidewalk
Born Terrica Alexander, this Memphis native first caught our attention late last year on “Shake Dat Ass,’ her collaboration with Zed Zilla. The Hip-Hop / Rap artist followed up the hit with “Psycho” and “Rumors.” On “Sidewalk,” a track from her 16-track mixtape Black Sheep, Jucee Froot wastes no time in letting her haters know exactly how she feels.
Key Glock: Rich Blessed N Savage
The video for the Memphis native’s single features him cruising through his hometown in a yellow luxury car. The track is from his second mixtape this year, Son of a Gun.
Moneybagg Yo: Me Vs Me
Earlier this year the Memphis rapper and songwriter’s third album Time Served, debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200. “Me vs Me” is the first new song from the deluxe edition of the critically acclaimed album. On the track, “his signature ad-libs are on display, showing the rapper at his most candid as he claims he will never switch up on his team or on himself.”
NLE Choppa: Different Day
The 17-year-old East Memphis native, born Bryson Potts, practically broke the internet with his video for “Shotta Flow.” Within the first few days of release, the clip quickly collected over 10 million views. Today it has over 133 million total views and is a Billboard Top 40 Hit. Last May he made his festival debut by performing at the Beale Street Music Festival. His debut studio album is set for release later this year on Warner Records Inc.
BlocBoy JB featuring Tay Keith: No Chorus Pt. 12
As the song title suggests there’s no chorus in the three minutes and 50-second track by Memphis natives Blockboy JB and Tay Keith. “The track is packed with a flurry of sobering lines.” Most notable: “Can’t let today be my die day / Hop off the porch with the Glock like it’s Friday.”
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