Memphis music is truly unstoppable. Each month welcomes more and more incredible new projects. Here are just 5 we’re highlighting for May that we’ve had on repeat:
For several years, Memphis singer-songwriter RØA has quietly been releasing some of the city’s best and most experimental alt-R&B and neo-soul songs. We’re proud to announce that her newest single “BORDERLINE” is no exception. Dedicated to the ups and downs of what she calls a “temporary lover,” the song’s hazy atmosphere paired with RØA’s unique vocal style is a perfect fit for the coming dog days of summer.
Key Glock’s emergence as one of the city’s most popular stars in recent memory is due in large part to two things: his effortlessly hypnotic flow, and his elite ability to select beats. Both of these strengths are on full display throughout his fourth album Glockavelli, which is a masterclass in finding a lane and then excelling within it. While we’d suggest listening to the album in full, “No Sweat” is an excellent starting point.
Cyrena Wages- “If It Ain’t Broke“
In her new single “If It Ain’t Broke,” Cyrena Wages embodies a classic and beloved figure within popular music: the woman scorned. Although we’re accustomed to Wages’ soulful Americana coming with a bit of venom, this is the singer at her snarky best. Teased as the first single from an upcoming album, “If It Ain’t Broke” has us giddy to hear what comes next.
C MaJor, Spookyli, AWFM, & Project Pat-“Expresso“
When Unapologetic’s last Stuntarious album was released, Avengers: Endgame was dominating the box office, “Old Town Road” was inescapable, and global pandemics were solely the concern of epidemiologists. In other words, it’s been a hot minute, but the wait was well worth it. With Stuntaious V, the gang is back to their old tricks with a few new and exciting faces along for the ride. One of the many stand-out tracks in “Expresso,” an already great posse cut that is elevated even further by the inclusion of Memphis rap icon Project Pat, whose menacing sing-song flow never ceases to get heads bopping.
Spek Was Here & Dame Mufasa-“Rabbit Reloaded (Low Down Dirty Shame)“
Speaking of posse albums from innovative local hip-hop talent, iNGud Co’s newly released Anthology, Vol. 1 is proof positive that Unapologetic doesn’t have a monopoly on avante garde hip-hop and R&B. Featuring performances from Spek Was Here, The Goddessie, Dame Mufasa, Ash Leon, 91’ Co., and others, Anthology is truly one of the best–and most unexpected– local releases of the year thus far. The opening track “Rabbit Reloaded” sets expectations high from the beginning, which the crew goes on to clear throughout the 7-song project.
