by Whether you’re looking for slick R&B vibes, high-energy club anthems, or straight-up lyrical mastery, this lineup has something for every playlist. From Rema’s smooth, Sade-sampling “Baby (Is It A Crime)” to Sy Ari Da Kid’s introspective album The Last Shadow In The Shade, this week’s releases are packed with undeniable energy and storytelling.
Rema – “Baby (Is It A Crime)”
Rema unveils the worldly-infused single, “Baby (Is It A Crime),” giving fans the full version of the viral snippet he’s been teasing for months. Sampling Sade’s timeless 1985 classic “Is It A Crime,” Rema injects his signature Afro-fusion sound into the record, creating a hypnotic blend of nostalgia and fresh innovation. Inspired by a session in Kenya last year, the track embodies his effortless ability to fuse old-school elegance with modern-day swagger. With his first-ever GRAMMY nomination still fresh, this single hints at even bigger moves ahead.
Sy Ari Da Kid – The Last Shadow In The Shade
Sy Ari Da Kid wraps up his trilogy with The Last Shadow In The Shade, a raw, introspective project that embodies struggle, passion, and the hunger to carve out your own lane in an industry that doesn’t always give you the light. The album is packed with soul-stirring samples and carefully curated features, ensuring every track adds to the story he’s telling; one of perseverance, sacrifice, and undeniable talent.
Lead single “Quote Unquote” links up Sy Ari with Freeway and Nick Grant, delivering hard-hitting bars laced with pain and legacy. Meanwhile, “Rebellion” featuring Benny The Butcher and CyHi is a street sermon, breaking down the harsh realities of survival and success in a world designed to keep you boxed in. The trilogy, which has already received love from hip-hop heavyweights like Jadakiss and T.I., cements Sy Ari’s place as one of the most underrated yet undeniable voices in the game.
Cartel Bo – “Go Get Em” feat. Baby Kia
With his highly anticipated EP PABLO on the horizon, Houston’s Cartel Bo drops another heater, “Go Get Em,” featuring Atlanta’s rising drill star Baby Kia. Over eerie bells and booming 808s, Cartel Bo delivers bars that hit like street commandments, while Baby Kia slides in with a menacing, gravel-voiced flow that commands attention. The Rozay 4K-directed video keeps it grimy; dark streets, blacked-out Escalades, and a vibe that makes it clear these two are not here for the gimmicks.
Coi Leray – “Keep It”
Coi Leray is back with a fresh dose of vulnerability in her latest single, “Keep It.” Ditching the high-energy, club-ready anthems for a moment of raw honesty, Coi pours her emotions into this piano-laced track, reflecting on heartbreak and disappointment. “If this is what love is, then you can keep it,” she sings, making it clear that she’s done with the pain. Produced by Taylor Hill and Tommy Brown, the track showcases Coi’s range, depth, and storytelling chops.
Bren Joy – “COUTURE”
Bren Joy is stepping into a whole new era with his latest single, “COUTURE,” a taste of his upcoming debut album SUNSET BLACK. Drenched in sensuality, the track fuses slick R&B vibes with an undeniable bounce. Bren’s signature smooth vocals glide over the beat as he seductively croons, “Baby show me that I’m yours.” Inspired by high fashion and modern aesthetics, Bren describes the track as an embodiment of youth, style, and desire. SUNSET BLACK is set to drop on February 21st. With a North American tour on the way, Bren Joy is proving that he’s an artist to remember.
