It’s hot as hell out there and not just because the planet’s on fire. While we all collectively crisp under the merciless sun (thanks to climate change), What’s Going On has got a fresh batch of scorching new tracks to keep your playlists as sizzling as the sidewalks. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
Besphrenz – Philly-born experimental trio Besphrenz are ready to level up with bert, their first full-length album, dropping October 24th. Blending indie-rock, R&B, and straight-up vibey soul, the record pairs dual vocalists C.J. Smith and Tay Jones with producer Rob Devious’s dreamy, layered soundscapes. The first taste of what listeners can expect from the album is “yeah,” a swoony collab with Philly rock faves Anthony Green (Circa Survive) and Keith Goodwin (Good Old War). Trading verses over lush downtempo grooves, it feels like a backyard jam session in the best way.
Listen to Besphrenz’s new single “yeah” featuring Anthony Green and Keith Goodwin below.
Asaf Avidan – Asaf Avidan never makes the same record twice, and we love him for it. The singer-songwriter, who’s basically lived everywhere (Jamaica, Israel, Italy, France, no big deal), just dropped “Haunted,” the first single from his new album Unfurl, due out October 10th via The Orchard. Fun fact: the song emerged after a wild creative block was cracked open, thanks to Carl Jung, vertigo, Mexico, Brad Pitt, and Hitchcock. “Haunted” starts soft and folky but quickly goes full cinematic drama with strings, jazz grooves, and even a bit of a hip-hop feel. Reinvention? Absolutely.
Listen to Asaf Avidan’s new single “Haunted” below.
J.I.D – Platinum-selling, GRAMMY-nominated rapper J.I.D just dropped GDLU (Preluxe), a four-track mixtape stacked with features from Eminem, Lil Yachty, and 6lack. Coming hot off his buzzworthy new freestyle “32,” the Preluxe sets the tone for his highly anticipated fifth album, God Does Like Ugly, which drops August 8. Born and raised in East Atlanta on a steady diet of his parents’ funk and soul records, J.I.D’s rise from his DiCaprio EP breakout to one of rap’s sharpest pens shows no signs of slowing.
Listen to J.I.D’s “Animals” (Pt. 1) featuring Eminem below.
thiarajxtt – Toronto-based Punjabi super-producer and global hitmaker thiarajxtt is out now with “Jogi,” a silky Afrobeat-R&B ballad featuring longtime collaborator Bir. Released via Universal Music Canada, “Jogi” finds Bir lost in his lover’s divine aura, referencing the tragic Heer Ranjha romance as he contemplates renouncing the world for love. It’s dreamy, soulful, and perfect for late summer nights. If thiarajxtt wasn’t already on your radar, he needs to be.
Listen to thiarajxtt’s new single “Jogi” featuring Bir below.
Kim Petras – Do you want to get GRAMMY-winning pop icon Kim Petras out of her shirt? That’s what she’s hoping on “Polo,” her hot new single out now. The track co-produced with Margo XS, Nightfeelings, and atlgrandma, pairs distorted synths and a club-ready beat with Kim’s irresistible vocals and flirty hook: “You want to get me out my Polo shirt.” Pure dance-pop magic, “Polo” sees Petras kicking off her latest era in a big way.
Listen to Kim Petras’ new single “Polo” below.
