Read New Music Friday 007 featuring twelve releases you need to hear today:

1. RAYE – My 21st Century Blues

RAYE releases her highly-anticipated debut album, My 21st Century Blues. Produced by Mike Sabath, the album features 13 tracks that touch on experiences RAYE has faced as a young female woman of color in the industry. The album is proof of RAYE’s resilience and showcases her raw and honest songwriting. My 21st Century Blues features the U.K. #1 hit “Escapism” with 070 Shake, which has become a worldwide sensation. In support of the album, RAYE is soon embarking on a world tour, with sold-out shows in Europe and North America before hitting the road with Kali Uchis this spring. Stream the album here.

2. Tink – “Toxic”

Chicago-born songstress and rapper Tink has unveiled a sultry new single, “Toxic,” that touches on being in a poisonous relationship. The single, executive produced by multi-platinum producer and VP of A&R at Empire, Hitmaka, is accompanied by a music video inspired by the musical Chicago and follows Tink’s 2022 album, Pillow Talk. Stream here.

3. Lojay – “MOTO”

Lojay has announced a new EP, GANGSTER ROMANTIC, and is sharing the project’s latest single, “MOTO.” The heart-wrenching Afrobeats track showcases a more vulnerable side to Lojay as he reflects on romantic loss and yearning. Arriving with a music video directed by Atlanta-based Des Gray, the visual explores the narrative of Lojay’s relationship and eventual breakup. Due for release on March 3rd, the upcoming EP is an intimate reflection on the past year of Lojay’s life, as he repurposes his candid journals and emotional entries on love, life, and heartbreak into a broody, sonic diary. In support, Lojay will embark on an Australian tour in March, further solidifying his status as one of the most exciting new Afrobeats artists. Stream the song here.

4. KAROL G, Romeo Santos – “X SI VOLVEMOS”

Karol G has released a new single, “X Si Volvemos,” which will appear on her upcoming album, Mañana Será Bonito. The track is a collaboration with Romeo Santos and tells the story of a passionate and sensual relationship between a couple. The song was composed by Karol G, Santos, and Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, with production by Ovy On The Drums. The album title, Mañana Será Bonito, was inspired by a mantra that Karol G used to tell herself when things weren’t going well. “X Si Volvemos” follows a huge year for Karol G, with “PROVENZA” being named the top music video on Vevo’s Global Top Ten Music Videos of 2022 chart and “Cairo” showcasing her experimental sound and powerful lyricism. Stream the new single here.

5. Dirty Audio x Maahez – “Bobo” ft. Albania Sofia

Dirty Audio and Maahez have released their latest collaboration, “Bobo,” on Do Not Duplicate Recordings. The pair has collaborated with Miami-based singer and songwriter Albania Sofia, whose alluring vocals pair with Dirty Audio’s heavy-hitting basslines and Maahez’s genre-blending abilities to create an atmospheric soundscape perfectly blending each artist’s unique sound. “Bobo” is a one-of-a-kind listening experience that meets at the apex of tech-house and reggaeton, showcasing the dynamic production techniques and sophisticated sound design of Dirty Audio and Maahez. The track solidifies the pair as forces to be reckoned with in the dance world. Stream the single here.

6. Sho Madjozi – “Chalé”

South African rapper Sho Madjozi releases her new single “Chalé” and its accompanying music video via Epic Records. The Amapiano-beat-driven song features rhymes in Sho’s native Tsonga language and an English chantable chorus. The music video, shot in Cape Town, highlights Sho’s magnetic presence and showcases an entirely real group of fans who crashed the shoot. “Chalé” was created with DJ, producer and collaborator Tboy DaFlame while Sho was on tour with Stromae in North America. The track follows her single “Toro” with DDG and continues to position Sho as a global force. Stream the song here.

7. Pink Pantheress, Ice Spice – “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2”

PinkPantheress and Ice Spice have collaborated on a new cut of “Boy’s a Liar” called “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” and featuring Ice Spice adding a new verse about a two-timing guy. The collaboration was arranged through social media, as PinkPantheress noticed Ice Spice following her on Instagram and reached out to her. PinkPantheress, who is not a fan of remixes, agreed to the collaboration because she believed Ice Spice would be able to match her well on the track. Ice Spice’s unique flow and beat choices were the reason PinkPantheress was confident in her ability to deliver a successful remix. “Boy’s a Liar” was co-produced by Mura Masa and appears on PinkPantheress’ three-song EP, Take Me Home, released in December 2022. Stream the single here.

8. mmeadows – Light Moves Around You

Progressive pop duo mmeadows, made up of Dirty Projectors member Kristin Slipp and collaborator Cole Kamen-Green, have unveiled their album, Light Moves Around You. The album is a mix of organic and electronic sounds and reflects the duo’s complementary talents and deep connection. Ahead of the release, the duo shared “When We Are Together We Are Really Free,” which showcases their trademark style and features production by Kamen-Green. The track is accompanied by a bold video directed by Haoyan of America that creates an atmosphere at once carefree and ominous. mmeadows is a means of survival for Slipp and Kamen-Green, and the album is a cohesive body of work that showcases their vocal-focused pop songwriting and liberal usage of found sounds and vintage instruments. The duo aims to emphasize the subjective nature of understanding in their work, and the album manages to stay reserved and abstract without ever feeling vague. Stream here.

9. Rosemarie – “Fool’s Gold”

Los Angeles-raised Rosemarie has returned with a poignant new single, “Fool’s Gold.” Rosie’s dulcet vocals and melody work soars on the R&B earworm, a song about a complex but alluring love. Rosemarie made her Interscope Records debut last year with EP, Sinnergy — featuring breakout tracks “Henny Talk” and “03 Love” featuring Juvenile. With all new music coming this year, and live shows, Rosemarie is sure to be a fixture on the R&B scene. Stream the song here.

10. Marco Giovanni – “Straight Face”

Singer/songwriter Marco Giovanni has released his debut single, “Straight Face,” produced by GRAMMY-nominated Poo Bear (Justin Bieber, Usher, Mariah Carey). The airy R&B track showcases Marco’s dynamic and polished vocals over bouncing bass lines, and syncopated drum beats, with the new artist sharing the single is “about taking your girl on a drive. She’s riding shotgun, and you’re both just living life.” Marco developed his musical skills at a young age and was soon discovered by Poo Bear, thanks to social media. The Connecticut-born artist is excited to take the first big step in his career and share all of who he is through his music. Fans can expect more new music from Marco in the coming weeks.

11. Lusaint – “Dark Horse”

Manchester-based singer-songwriter Lusaint is making a big splash with the release of her debut single, “Dark Horse,” on the new indie imprint, Heavenly Fire. The song is the lead single from her debut EP, self sabotage, which will be released later this year. The track showcases Lusaint’s powerful and melodic voice, which has drawn attention since her breakthrough in 2019. The song opens with a soft piano refrain and builds to a powerful chorus, backed by soaring strings and a commanding groove. Lusaint wrote “Dark Horse” during a vulnerable time in her life, and it holds a great deal of emotional significance for her. With tens of millions of streams and critical acclaim from the likes of BBC 6 Music, Radio X, and BBC Introducing, Lusaint’s future looks bright as she continues to establish herself as a unique and talented voice.

12. Ebony Riley – ebony

Detroit-born R&B star Ebony Riley unveils her debut EP, ebony, available now via Interscope Records. The seven-song masterpiece showcases her blend of modern R&B and sass, sensuality, and sensitivity, while taking listeners on an emotional journey that is sure to have them hitting the replay button. The lead track, “Deuce Deuce,” features a cameo from Lori Harvey in the official music video and sets the tone for the project with its upbeat, empowered message. Ebony’s background in modeling and early musical education in gospel and ’90s R&B is evident in her music, which draws inspiration from artists like Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill. Stream ebony here.

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Cover courtesy RAYE