As the Afrobeat genre continues to rise in popularity within the United States hip-hop scene, new artists like New Jersey’s Deji Moscato are bringing a new flare to Afrobeat and hip-hop this summer just in time for cookout season. With Nigeria’s biggest act, Wizkid, blazing through the American music scene with summer hit, “Essence,” featuring singer Tems, new artists like Deji Moscato have a new space to integrate R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeat into one style.
East Orange native Deji Moscato brings a sensual summer vibe to his latest Afrobeat track, “No Harm.” Deji Moscato combines his vocal flare with a fresh production style on the song, proving that Afrobeat artists are undeniably making their long-lasting mark in the music industry this year.
“No Harm” begins with a xylophone sounding instrument repeating the melody, as the high hats, 808s, and catchy baseline drop underneath Deji’s vocals. After the instrumental introduction, Deji Moscato belts the chorus, singing, “Babygirl it’s funny/ I just want your body/Whine up slow for daddy.” For the duration of the dance track, Deji Moscato asks the girl in the song to dance with him and proclaims how enticing her body is to him.
Deji Moscato’s “No Harm” combines an uptempo dance beat with playful vocals and lyrics, easily making this single a lively track to keep on repeat this summer.
Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, RnB Hunter’s latest single, “Jungle,” brings back old school R&B vibes and vocals with a new flare.
Although many R&B listeners insist that R&B is dead, new acts on the scene like RnB Hunter undeniably prove that R&B will never die; it is simply in the middle of a brand new resurgence.
New Jersey is no stranger to new talent – and RnB Hunter is one of the many artists breaking through within the Tristate area. Based in Newark, New Jersey – the home of vocalists Whitney Houston, Sarah Vaughan, and Faith Evans – RnB Hunter is in the perfect place for crafting fresh, new R&B music with the soul and influence of his R&B predecessors.
With vocals comparable to classic R&B artists Tank, Tyrese, or Jaheim, RnB Hunter’s smooth delivery and skilled intonation make him a standout amongst New Jersey’s up-and-coming vocalists.
RnB Hunter’s latest single, “Jungle,” is a record for all audiences, especially for fans of old school 90s R&B and listeners of Giveon, Luke James, or Lucky Daye. RnB Hunter’s “Jungle” begins with horns riffing in the introduction, and as the hip-hop snares flutter and the 808s drop, his vocals glide into the song, singing, “The jungle is hot tonight/I can hear em whiling’/2 door coupe, pull up we stylin/Could be dangerous might hear sirens.'”
The “jungle,” a metaphor for the streets, is the subject of the entire song, with RnB Hunter inviting his love interest to ride around the “jungle” with him in a two-door coupe. He speaks to his love interest, singing, “Baby it’s no way you from the Jungle/With the cheaters and runners it’s okay/Said you never been I can tell you wanna” and that the “jungle” is “home of the killers and robbers.”
As the song progresses, RnB Hunter continues to sing to his love interest about the “jungle,” asking her to “slide if you want to” and that he’ll keep her “safe from the gangsters and thuggas.”
RnB Hunter’s single “Jungle” sets the tone for the future of the new R&B scene. With a knack for crafting melodies and effortless runs, RnB Hunter is a true singer/songwriter and has a bright future within R&B and in the music industry.
Watch the music video for “Jungle” and stream on Apple Music!
Up-and-coming R&B singer, Marlena Moniece, has started the summer off right with her latest single, “Andale.”
With an old school hip-hop beat, smooth vocals, and a catchy chorus, “Andale” tells the story of Marlena’s sensual yearning for her lover. Marlena Moniece starts the song off with lyrics, “I pay attention to your smell/When you kiss me in the neck” and then begs him, “Don’t cool down/Don’t cool down.” As the song gets softer and a piano riffs, Marlena bursts into the chorus, exclaiming, “Andale, Andale, Andale, Andale, Let’s get away.”
Marlena Moniece, managed by B-Room Music in New Jersey, released “Andale” on all streaming platforms on June 18th. On June 28th, she released the accompanying music video on YouTube, with colorful neon visuals, a 1990s nostalgic vibe, and close-up camera angles of her dancing in the street and posing in front of an animated background. “Andale” sums up Marlena Moniece perfectly as an artist – playful and bold with a touch of 90s nostalgia.
New Jersey has always been a hub for new talent – from Whitney Houston to Bruce Springsteen. The next-up rappers, singers, producers, and artists are currently exploding onto the scene. Here’s 7 new artists repping Jersey that you should listen to.
Even though many music lovers credit New York as the birth-place of hip-hop and culture, New Jersey has always been the hub for rich music, new artists, and creativity. From Newark’s Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons, to South Orange’s the Fugees, Maplewood’s SZA, and Hackensack’s Coi Leray, New Jersey has always been the home of the music industry’s next-up sound. Hailing from North Jersey, here are a few artists that are pioneering their sound in the New Jersey scene.
Amaru Cloud
Montclair, NJ
New Jersey based rapper, Amaru Cloud, has been consistently releasing quality singles with catchy choruses and well-written verses. Amaru Cloud has crafted his unique sound with smash hits “Calabasas” and “Ándale,” with his witty lyrics in “Calabasas” rapping, “Balenciaga on the tip toes, the drip though/She want Prada, I don’t trick though, I ditch those/Gеt a dollar, make it flip though, I sip fours.” Amaru Cloud’s braggadocious lyrics and melodic hooks unveil his potential to become the next-up sensation out of New Jersey.
Samad Savage has been a blazing force within the New Jersey hip-hop scene for years, and his sound has been leaving his loyal supporters constantly wanting more. A strong member of the Montclair community and music scene, Samad Savage’s projects have consistently aligned with his mission to change the world and unite communities. Beginning his rap career at the age of 17, Samad Savage has continuously fused topics of individuality, domestic violence, and positivity into his lyrics.
“If I back it up, is it fast enough?” The voice behind the viral Tik Tok song, “Vibe,” Cookiee Kawaii has strived to put Jersey Club on the map for audiences across social media, and she has done just that. With the “Vibes” music video showcasing the classic Jersey Club dance moves that partygoers perform on any dance floor, Cookiee Kawaii has spotlighted and revitalized the Jersey dance scene like never before.
Another New Jersey rising star, Daidough’s viral tracks “WOP 4 WOP” and “A Hood Near You” showcase his clever verses, captivating cadences, and his melodic rap flow. Gaining notoriety for his viral verse on song, “No Letting Up Pt. 2” within rap group, GMGB, Daidough’s high-speed bars and skillful lyricism make him an easy standout act in the New Jersey scene.
Well-known battle rapper, Tsu Surf, has been a strong force in Jersey for years. His latest project, MSYKM, has features from Jim Jones, Dave East, G Herbo, Lady London, and other notable hip-hop acts. His poignant storytelling, raspy tenor voice, and classic flow have made Tsu Surf a star in New Jersey and within the hip-hop scene.
Kaylee Ameri’s smooth vocals, intimate lyrics, and soulful intonation take her music and songwriting to the next level. Her R&B single, “Give It Up,” cleverly samples Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine,” with lyrics, “When shit bad baby would you hold it down?/I don’t want nobody else around.” Kaylee Ameri has managed the catch the attention of listeners across New Jersey, and her consistency and transparency in her storytelling has kept listeners hooked.
With his deep, gritty vocal range, Big Moose brings an explosive energy to each of his tracks, opening up about the woes of the streets and his personal life. Starting his rap career with his fellow collaborator, Qua Louie, who passed away in May 2016, Big Moose has continued to turn his pain and experiences into music.
After going viral on Tik Tok and being featured on E News for her woman empowerment messaging on the platform, Law follows up her latest single, “Over It,” with new summer anthem, “Controller.”
Law, an R&B/Pop singer based in New Jersey, has exploded onto the scene with her voice, her multi-instrumentalist talents, and her entertaining Tik Toks. After releasing her summer anthem, “Over It,” Law follows up “Over It” with her newest single, “Controller.”
Uptempo dance track “Controller” is a message to Law’s old lover – her blatant refusal to be taken advantage of and controlled in their relationship. Her sultry vocals compliment the production, and her whisper-like tone swells with harmonies throughout the song as the beat explodes into the chorus. In the beginning of the song, Law sings, “You better get on your knees and pray to God that I don’t leave/Cause once I walk out that door/Ain’t no changing my mind.”
As the song progresses, Law continues to sing directly to her lover, explaining, “Feel like I’m living in a prison/It’s like you’re the warden/And I’m wearing all these chains.” She then switches the tone of the song lyrically and vocally at the start of the chorus, professing, “I’m not your controller/Stop trying to control me.” At the end of the chorus, she flips into her higher register, singing lyrics, “You cannot control me/You’re just the king of misery.”
“Controller” sets the tone for Law’s journey to finding herself as an independent woman and vocalizing that journey throughout her music.
With so many releases this month, it can be hard to figure out which albums to download and stream in your Library. Follow us on Instagram @sloppyvinyl for weekly suggestions every Friday for the newest albums and singles.
Polo G:Hall of Fame
Polo G’s latest album, Hall of Fame, which recently earned him his first number 1 album on the Billboard 200 Charts, is definitely worth the listen. With features from fellow Chicago natives, Lil Durk and G Herbo, the late Pop Smoke, DaBaby, Lil Wayne and more, Hall of Fame uncovers Polo G’s trauma, losses, and lessons learned, all while shapeshifting Chicago drill into the mainstream music scene.
Hip-hop trio, Migos, dropped their latest album, Culture III, on June 11th to mark the start of the summer. With appearances from Drake, Polo G, the late Juice WRLD, and NBA Youngboy, Culture III is a continuation of Migos’ iconic sound – high-hat driven trap beats, each member of the groups’ notable flow, and their lively ad-libs.
Atlanta native, Lil Baby, and Chicago native, Lil Durk, released joint album The Voice of the Heroes on June 4th. After seeing both artists thrive with their solo projects this past year, listening to this duo collaborate on this joint album is exciting for both their core fans and hip-hop lovers as well. With features from Travis Scott, Meek Mill, Young Thug, and Rod Wave, The Voice of the Heroes is easily a go-to album for Summer 2021.
With her much anticipated debut album release, H.E.R.’s Back of My Mind explores her vulnerabilities and her deepest thoughts that she tends to keep in the “back of her mind.” Following up from her debut self-titled E.P. and her second E.P. I Used to Know Her, H.E.R.’s debut album doesn’t miss.
Saweetie’s Pretty Bitch Music is set to be released on June 25th to start off the Icy Girl Summer. With singles “Tap In,”“Back to the Streets” featuring Jhene Aiko, and “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat, Pretty Bitch Music is highly-anticipated amongst Saweetie’s fanbase and across social media. Until her album release, stream her latest singles out now.
