Memphis music is truly unstoppable. Each month welcomes more and more incredible new projects. Here are just 5 weâre highlighting for May that weâve had on repeat:
For several years, Memphis singer-songwriter RĂA has quietly been releasing some of the cityâs best and most experimental alt-R&B and neo-soul songs. Weâre proud to announce that her newest single âBORDERLINEâ is no exception. Dedicated to the ups and downs of what she calls a âtemporary lover,â the songâs hazy atmosphere paired with RĂAâs unique vocal style is a perfect fit for the coming dog days of summer.
Key Glockâs emergence as one of the cityâs 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 weâd suggest listening to the album in full, âNo Sweatâ is an excellent starting point.
Cyrena Wages- “If It Ainât Broke“
In her new single âIf It Ainât Broke,â Cyrena Wages embodies a classic and beloved figure within popular music: the woman scorned. Although we’re accustomed to Wagesâ 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, âIf It Ainât Brokeâ has us giddy to hear what comes next.
C MaJor, Spookyli, AWFM, & Project Pat-“Expresso“
When Unapologeticâs last Stuntarious album was released, Avengers: Endgame was dominating the box office, âOld Town Roadâ was inescapable, and global pandemics were solely the concern of epidemiologists. In other words, itâs 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 âExpresso,â 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 Coâs newly released Anthology, Vol. 1 is proof positive that Unapologetic doesnât have a monopoly on avante garde hip-hop and R&B. Featuring performances from Spek Was Here, The Goddessie, Dame Mufasa, Ash Leon, 91â Co., and others, Anthology is truly one of the bestâand most unexpectedâ local releases of the year thus far. The opening track âRabbit Reloadedâ sets expectations high from the beginning, which the crew goes on to clear throughout the 7-song project.
