#WeekendPlaylist: Slaps of the Week

This week’s picks are pretty international, filled with Spanglish ballads to Swedish Soundcloud rap, and a guy who has “Foreign” in his name. Jokes aside, some of our favorite artists are coming out of the woodwork with long-awaited new music. From Syd’s upcoming album, her recent collab with Lucky Daye, plus a ton of other singles you’ll want to check out. 

Bladee & Ecco2k – “The Flag Is Raised”

Stockholm-based music collective, Drain Gang, comprised of members Bladee and Ecco2k, released their recent album “Crest,” which blends electronic, cyber pop, and cloud rap to create an ethereal musical experience. The first track, “The Flag Is Raised,” is a smooth, lighthearted introduction to the experimental album. “Suddenly everything turns gold for me, suffering isn’t anymore/Gold wash over me shining like the sun, nothing’s ugly.”

Syd – “CYBAH (feat. Lucky Daye)”

Syd’s angelic vocals mesh well with Lucky Daye’s syrupy falsetto on “CYBAH.” The two singers describe the sweetness of love and detail their affection for their lovers. Produced by Brandon Shoop, “CYBAH” is a dreamy, electric guitar-forward track sure to liven up any party. 

ROSALÍA – “HENTAI”

The sixth track on her long-awaited recent album, “MOTOMAMI,” is a slower jam on the upbeat Latin pop project. One of the only Spanglish songs on the project, “HENTAI” hosts mostly Spanish lyrics over the mellow piano and string instrumentals, juxtaposed by an English refrain sung partially over machine-gun percussion.

KrispyLife Kidd – “Trapping With My Engineer”

In line with fellow Michigan rappers like Rio Da Yung Og, RMC Mike, Louie Ray — KrispyLife Kidd is a master in dark humor. “Trapping With My Engineer” packs back-to-back hilarious punchlines and comical adlibs, delivered with an effortless cadence.

Normani – “Fair”

Normani’s first solo song since 2019 describes the betrayals of heartbreak and love. “Fair” is a vulnerable track led by a poignant piano with heavy bass and an overall ethereal sound. One thing is for sure, Normani’s emotional lyrics pair well with HARV production. 

Still Woozy and Remi Wolf – “Pool”

Gentle guitar strums and Remi Wolf’s pillow-like vocals set the tone on “Pool.” Still Woozy jumps in to deliver a tender and raw verse, and the two describe encounters with friends and mixed emotions. “Pool” is equivalent to a warm hug.

Fivio Foreign – “Magic City (feat. Quavo)”

Fivio Foreign recruits Quavo for a victorious track with “Magic City.” The two describe the fast life and flex their successes over an AXL and Mike Dean-produced drill beat. 

Doechii – “Persuasive”

A celebration of her signing to Top Dawg Entertainment, “Persuasive,” is triumphant and lively. Doechii’s sweet and airy vocals describe her affinity for marijuana on the dancey Kal Banx-produced track. 

Sy Ari Da Kid – Youtube Type Beats

Sy Ari Da Kid gained popularity for his singing and songwriting abilities, but his recent project, “The Shadow In The Shade,” finds him focused on rap. Like the other narrative-heavy songs on the album, “Youtube Type Beats” tells an immersive story, with slow, enunciated bars over sample-based ’90s R&B production.

Omar Apollo – Tamagotchi

Omar Apollo gets provocative on this groovy pop single, “Tamagotchi,” ahead of the release of his debut album, “Ivory.” Omar Apollo sings in a Playboi Carti-like-style over classic Neptunes production. Rapping and singing in Spanish, Apollo continues to display his effortless versatility.