Welcome back to another jam-packed edition of What’s Going On, Biff Bam Pop’s weekly new music roundup! Whether you’re a diehard music nerd who’s always got their ear to the streets or just simply looking for a fun new song to add to your personal playlist, our column is your one-stop destination for the hottest releases, buzz-worthy artists, and sonic statements that will have you hitting repeat all week long. This week’s collection of tracks will get you grooving, reflecting on the social climate, and reveling in the power of freedom. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
City Girls – Hip-hop baddies City Girls recently dropped their third studio album RAW via Quality Control Music/Motown/Universal Music Canada. As the album title suggests, the project sees rappers JT & Caresha being unfiltered, fierce, raunchy, and fun — everything listeners have come to expect from the pair. The standout track is the latest single “Flashy,” a fun frothy dance-pop confection that features pop sensation Kim Petras. Speaking on what it was like working with Kim Petras, JT says: “Working with Kim Petras was such a vibe – when she walked in her spirit was so bubbly and cute, and she just gives this excited energy so when you work with her you just get instantly excited. We want to thank her for doing this with us and giving us our first pop record!” With Carehsa exclaiming: “She was so sweet, when I met her I loved her as a being. It was so fun, I think her energy was great. It was one of the most funnest videos that I’ve shot in a while. She fucked it up, she was a vibe!”
Listen to City Girls’ new single “Flashy” featuring Kim Petras below.
42 Dugg – Fresh off his release from prison last week, rapper 42 Dugg is wasting no time getting back in the game. The Detroit rapper’s new single “Go Again” is a charged-up banger that showcases his distinctive flow and lyrical prowess. Produced by FOREVEROLLING and GodBoyDinero, the track has a catchy beat that’s impossible not to vibe to. The 28-year-old superstar’s bold delivery and wordplay that paints a picture of his newfound freedom make this song a must-listen for hip-hop fans. “Go Again” is a testament to his continued rise in the rap game, and it’s bound to have you hitting replay. And it’s safe to say the streets were ready for 42 Dugg’s return as the “Go Again” music video has already racked up over 1.5 million views.
Listen to 42 Dugg’s new single “Go Again” below.
Wilderado – In a move that thrilled Wilderado fans around the world, the band announced a new alternate version of their recent single “In Between” featuring Matt Berninger of The National. One of the track’s producers James McAlister works closely with The National and made the connection after everyone thought the song would sound even better if they could get Berninger on it. And they were right! The addition of Berninger’s vocals adds extra magic to what was already one of the most beautiful singles of the year. Speaking on his admiration for Matt Berninger, lead singer Max Rainer says: “Matt is one of my favorite lyricists and singers of all time, plus he’s in one of the coolest bands ever. We’re incredibly grateful and honored to feature him on this track.”
Listen to the alternate version of Wilderado’s single “In Between” featuring Matt Berninger below.
John Buffalo – Musician John Buffalo is out now with “Who Gotta Lighter?” via State Fair Records. The latest single to be released from John’s forthcoming self-titled debut album, “Who Gotta Lighter?” packs a serious punch. Over sparse electronic production, the artist born John Dufilho unleashes his thoughts on the current state of women’s rights. Further explaining what “Who Gotta Lighter” is all about, John Buffalo states: “This is a song about equality for women. It’s ridiculous and just plain wrong that it even needs to be addressed in 2023… but here we are. It sounds like a call to arms, but really it’s more like a call for awareness. I don’t believe in violence, but I’m up for starting again.” We can get down with that!
Listen to John Buffalo’s new single “Who Gotta Lighter?” below.
Chxrry22 – Rising R&B singer-songwriter Chxrry22 is out now with her new EP Siren via XO Records/Republic Records/Universal Music Canada. The seven-track project showcases just why the Scarborough artist is one of the best and brightest new stars to emerge from the GTA, sounding confident and in charge on slow jams and more uptempo club friendly fare. Discussing the symbolism of the EP’s title, Chxrry22 explains “I’ve been working on this project for a very long time, but it wasn’t until the very end where I realized that the energy that I was embodying was that of a siren. Just one look of a siren can assert your dominance, and that’s your power. This is a soundtrack to the art of being a siren.” Perhaps no song on the project sums up that siren feeling more than “Favorite Girl” featuring rap superstar Offset.
Listen to Chxrry22’s new single “Favorite Girl” featuring Offset below.
Say She She – Brooklyn-based “discodelic” trio Say She She just released their sophomore album Silver via Karma Chief/Colemine Records. The trio consisting of Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown have won critics and listeners alike over with their irresistibly catchy post-disco sound and timeless appeal. In conjunction with the album, Say She She have also dropped a music video for the standout track “Questions.” A mid-tempo disco-inspired bop, “Questions” shines due to its funky groove and the group’s distinct vocals. The colorful Alyssa Boni-directed video will transport viewers back to dancefloor days of nostalgia and euphoria.
Watch the music video for Say She She’s “Questions” below.
