Canton Jones dropped his latest single, ‘YOU KNOW I DO (LOVER’S Version)’, today May 30th, 2025, through Cajo Records, delivering another chapter in his storied career. With over 24 million Spotify streams, 35 million YouTube views, three Stellar Award nominations, three Gospel Choice Awards, and a Trailblazer in Media & Entertainment Award, the Grammy-nominated singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer has cemented his place in gospel and contemporary music. Hailing from Deerfield Beach, Florida, and now based in Atlanta, Jones started performing at five in a family quartet and was crafting beats by 16. His two-decade journey includes performances for legends like Oprah Winfrey and Ray Charles, collaborations with Moses Bliss, Maverick City Music, and Nathaniel Bassey, and features on Erica Campbell’s Get Up! Mornings. Beyond music, Jones is a pastor and entrepreneur, partnering with brands like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Walmart for community outreach.
The track itself is a heartfelt anthem of devotion, blending gospel’s emotional weight with contemporary R&B’s smooth edge. Anchored by a steady backbeat, ‘YOU KNOW I DO (LOVER’S Version)’ weaves atmospheric instrumentals with modern production flourishes. Jones’ commanding baritone drives the song, elevated by gospel-inspired call-and-response vocals that add depth and reverence. Drawing from influences like Fred Hammond, Marvin Gaye, and Dr. Dre, the single balances theatrical flair with danceable energy, appealing to fans of soulful artists like Teddy Swims.
“The inspiration behind this track is to show everyone that it’s ok to love again… it’s the season of love,” Jones shared. His latest release captures that sentiment with raw emotion and universal appeal, making it a standout in his catalog and a must-listen for anyone craving music that speaks to both the heart and soul.
Get ready to vibe, because Jacqui’s latest single, ‘fries, bb’, is out now via Beeline Records. Born in South Korea, raised in China and in the U.S., and now spending most of her time back in South Korea, this neo-soul firecracker has been making waves since her 2022 debut EP, Birthday, stacked over 500,000 Spotify streams. Her journey’s been wild—rocking SXSW Sydney, opening for slchld, and owning Bangkok Music City earlier this year. Right now, she’s lighting up UK stages at Focus Wales and The Great Escape Festival in Brighton. Her voice has already popped off on Netflix’s My Holo Love with ‘White Clouds’ and Amazon Prime’s BUTTERFLY with ‘Sagwa’. Drawing from Erykah Badu, Jacqui weaves raw feels and playful vibes, serving a sound that’s got FKA Twigs and Mahalia energy but is 100% her own.
‘fries, bb’ is a slick, R&B-drenched bop that flexes Jacqui’s sharp lyricism and lush production. Her smooth-as-velvet vocals slide over a cheeky, polished beat, mixing flirty swagger with a fearless edge. It’s the kind of track that feels like a 2 a.m. diner sesh, oozing longing and effortless cool, pulling you deep into Jacqui’s world with every note.
Jacqui spills the tea on the track: “‘fries, bb’ takes place in a late-night burger shop, ordering things when I am not even hungry, just because I want to spend more time with this person next to me. Still, no moves are made and then it’s me saying “just so you know, I am into you.” I focused on creating a straight-forward and aggressive (in a cute way!) sound that penetrates the whole song which matches with the message I am carrying in this song. So that is why you will hear different types of distortion on my voice and the instruments.”
With ‘fries, bb’, Jacqui’s proving she’s a neo-soul powerhouse, dropping a track that’s as addictive as a late-night munchies run.
QO52 unleashes his blistering new single ‘Space Invaders’ today, May 6, 2025, through Musique Nomade, paired with a gripping music visualizer. This track is the lead-off from his upcoming album, set to drop in October 2025. Hailing from Gesgapegiag, Gaspésie, and now based in Sherbrooke, Quentin Condo, known as QO52—a nod to his Mi’gmaq roots and reserve number—blends hip-hop, grunge, and alternative rock with a fierce social edge. A 2023 International Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards winner for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, he’s earned nominations at the 2021 ADISQ Gala, 2022 Teweikan Gala, and 2022 GAMIQ. QO52’s commanding stage presence has electrified festivals like FEQ, Innu Nikamu, and FME, and he’s shared bills with legends like Cypress Hill. A frequent voice on TVA’s La Tour and Radio Canada, his music is a rallying cry for Indigenous rights, youth, and women’s protection.
Stream ‘Space Invaders’:
‘Space Invaders’ is a relentless, old-school hip-hop banger laced with cyberpunk-rock grit, evoking a scorched, dystopian soundscape. Heavy, pounding beats collide with QO52’s razor-sharp bars, delivering a fierce rebuke to those who falsely claim Indigenous identity for personal gain. The track’s raw energy and unapologetic lyricism channel the spirit of Public Enemy and Mobb Deep, fused with the apocalyptic intensity of a Mad Max fever dream. It’s a sonic gut-punch, blending classic hip-hop flow with alternative rock’s searing edge, making a bold stand against cultural exploitation.
QO52 stated: “This song is about the people who falsely claim that they are Indigenous in order to benefit from programs, spaces and platforms that are intended for actual Indigenous People.” His words underscore the track’s urgency, cementing his role as a vital voice in music and advocacy, using his platform to confront injustice with unflinching clarity.
Nyah Grace has announced her second album Divinely Devotedfor release on June 11th 2025 via Palawan Productions. Marking the announcement the acclaimed Manchester by way of Oregon neo-soul singer has released the brand new single ‘Only Mine’.
The new single finds Nyah’s honeyed voice conveying the complexities of human experience with the gravitas of Sade or Mahalia over slinky pianos and a smooth looping bassline.
Regarding the single Nyah says, “‘Only Mine’ was written by myself, De’Jour Thomas and Abi Nav in just one day. Recorded out of De’Jour’s small home studio in LA, I wanted to tell a story of a relationship evolving from something casual, into real love. It was exciting for me to explore the sultry, vulnerable side of love with this song, and the intimacy that comes with opening up to someone.”
The song is already proving a radio hit with early support coming from BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music. “That track is just gorgeous, that song really captures the start of a relationship and the electricity that comes with it. Perfectly captured in a soulful three-minute pop tune. Thank you Nyah Grace”, praised Emily Pilbeam on her 6 Music show this week.
The new album Divinely Devotedbirths a new direction for Nyah Grace. Coming five years after her debut Honey-Coloured, Nyah now delivers a bespoke brand of smoky, sassy confessional R&B over 10 tracks, co-written and produced with De’Jour Thomas (Chlöe, Fousheé, Monaleo).
The new single ‘Only Mine’ proved foundational and as the first song the pair created together for the album it saw De’Jour’s sparce production aesthetic allowing Nyah’s sumptuous voice room to breathe. That recording, and Nyah’s trust in the process, set the tone for what followed.
“It all happened super quick,”Nyah says. “De’Jour has got such an ear, musically, and for some reason we both knew exactly what the album was supposed to sound like.”
That chemistry is more than evident amid the relatable relationship blues and swaggering gospel chorus of ‘Down’. “That’s probably my favourite song,” she enthuses. “When I first heard the demo, it was just like ‘Whoa! This could be something really, really cool’. What’s funny is some of those lines were just one-takes I’d written a minute before, thinking it was just going to be a demo. Afterwards he was like, ‘Okay, it’s done’. That song really captures the moment.”
That creative synergy can be heard across the Lauryn Hill-styled opener ‘Back Of The Cab’ as Nyah relates the tale of slightly tipsy, tearful female passenger “venting to the Uber driver about like the shitty night she’s just had. I’m really trying to jump out of my comfort zone lyrically.” It’s further lifted by subtle production touches – a heavy exhalation at the start, a subtle switch so the outro sounds like it’s playing on a car stereo, a slamming door – oozing the creative confidence that’s apparent throughout.
That sense of innovation extends into ‘Fall Into You’, as a voicemail from Nyah’s mother comes through with some reassuring maternal advice. “I was going through something really, really bad at the time,”Nyah explains, “and I was just like having one of those moments calling my mum every day, trying to like figure out what was going on. It’s funny because it sounds like it’s rehearsed or planned, but it wasn’t. My mum always knows the right thing to say.”
Elsewhere, Nyah shows off her vocal chops over a spooky guitar figure on the slow-burn R&B of ‘I Know’ – “It’s nearly impossible for me to sing live. It’s the lowest that I can possibly go in my register and then it jumps three octaves!” – while emoting heavily amid the three sorrowful chords of ‘Seventeen’. “The goal was to do that in one-take, together in the room, which we pretty much did. It’s a ‘fake one-take’ as we supplemented a few little things later, but you can hear my voice breaking in there. It was super intimate.”
As well as revealing a newfound maturity in Nyah’s writing, Divinely Devoted is also the most personal set of songs Nyah has released. “I don’t like drawing inspiration from my life, so in the past I would story-tell a lot. I’m not the kind of person that when something happens, I’m like, ‘Oh, I need to write a song about it’ – I just write what feels good. But I’ve brought more of my personal life to the table here.”
Raised in a small farm town in Oregon, Nyah was a “big Disney Channel kid” who set her heart on a singing career aged six. In 2018 Nyah moved permanently to the UK, finishing her schooling and completing her debut at the same time.
Cooked up alongside producers Steve Chrisanthou and Michael Graves, the album Honey-Coloured peaked with whip-smart Corinne Bailey Rae duet ‘My Sista Told Me’ and racked up over 12 million streams. Last year’s single ‘More’, recorded with Jay Mooncie and Dayyon, was the first hint of her current direction, gaining support from Radio 1, Radio 2, BBC Introducing, Mi-Soul, Jazz FM, Smooth FM and many more.
The maturity in her new album Divinely Devotedis abundantly clear as De’Jour’s stripped-down productions accentuate the purity of Nyah’s sensuous delivery, helping Divinely Devoted stand proud alongside defining releases from neo soul greats such as Erykah Badu, India.Arie and Jill Scott.
A groundbreaking exhibition celebrating 100 years of Black British music has opened at the Barbican Music Library. Black Sound London explores the evolution of Black music in Britain, from the 1919 arrival of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra to the rise of contemporary stars. Spanning jazz, lovers’ rock, jungle, grime, and more, the exhibition showcases how these genres moved from underground scenes to international stages.
Co-curated by Lloyd Bradley and Scott Leonard, Black Sound London features rare sound installations, vintage mixtapes, magazine covers, and fly-posted walls that document a century of musical innovation. Leonard emphasises the exhibition’s role in empowering the Black British music community to tell their own stories, ensuring that their contributions are accurately represented and preserved. In addition, two special “heritage collection days” will invite the public to share personal memories and have related artifacts 3D-scanned for future archival.
Running until July 19, Black Sound London highlights the resilience and DIY spirit of Black British artists who built their own platforms and audiences without mainstream support. The exhibition not only honors the past but also highlights the continuing impact of Black British music on global culture, making it an essential experience for music lovers and historians alike.
Anonymous Trapwave R&B and rap artist ARCHIVED starts the year strong with his highly anticipated single, ‘Bae I’m Back‘. Known for hits like ‘Ring Finger’, ‘Okay Okay’, and ‘How Else’, ARCHIVED continues to carve out his own lane in the genre, blending atmospheric production, pop-infused melodies, and trap-driven rhythms. Produced by REVEAL, the track is a fast-paced yet melancholic love song that captures the thrill of reconnection in the digital age, drawing influence from artists like Drake and D-Block Europe.
Staying true to his signature sound, ARCHIVED delivers both a chill Trapwave original and a sped-up version with an electrifying energy. His commitment to anonymity challenges the industry’s image-driven culture, pushing fans to focus purely on the music. “Music is about connection and emotion,” he says. “I want the focus to stay on what’s being heard, not who’s behind it.” With ‘Bae I’m Back’, ARCHIVED captures the excitement of rekindling love after time apart, making it the perfect anthem to kick off 2025.
Shanghai-born, UK-raised, rapper and songwriter 424KP continues his meteoric rise with the release of his latest single, ‘2Safe2Say’. Known for his ability to blend a multilingual background with an experimental sound, KP’s signature melodic rap and autotune-infused flow have captivated audiences across the globe. With over 30 million streams and co-signs from industry heavyweights like Lil Tjay, NLE Choppa, and Murda Beatz, KP’s artistry is earning him a place among the most exciting voices in hip-hop today.
Now boasting nearly 250,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, 424KP has solidified his position as a standout artist, showcasing his British and Chinese heritage in his music. ‘2Safe2Say’ pairs heavy trap beats with chilled, melancholic production, creating a hypnotic soundscape that resonates with fans of hip-hop, pop rap, and melodic rap. The track reflects KP’s knack for combining raw, authentic storytelling with irresistible melodies.
Drawing from his personal experiences, KP channels his life’s challenges into his music, fueling his relentless drive to provide for his family and achieve global recognition. His hard work and authenticity has already earned him a spot on Spotify’s New Era: Asian Hip-Hop editorial playlist and opportunities to perform alongside artists like Polo G. With ‘2Safe2Say’, 424KP demonstrates why he’s a force to be reckoned with, setting the stage for what promises to be a monumental year ahead.
Renowned producer, vocalist, DJ, and sound director Joey LaBeija has made a triumphant return with his latest single,‘less than three’. A master of experimental R&B and downtempo soundscapes, Joey has carved a unique path in the music world, earning acclaim as the sound director for Mowalola, where he curated the sonic identity for seven seasons of the designer’s iconic fashion shows. He’s also known for electrifying performances, including unforgettable DJ sets for Frank Ocean. With ‘less than three’, LaBeija adds yet another milestone to a career defined by innovation and artistic daring.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Joey LaBeija is a multi-dimensional artist whose work spans music, fashion, and live performance. His sound is an evocative blend of experimental R&B, atmospheric electronics, and emotional vulnerability, drawing from influences as diverse as club culture and intimate songwriting.
‘less than three’ exemplifies this signature approach, unfolding as a hypnotic exploration of loss and acceptance. Built around looping guitar pedals and textured with moody synths, the track moves seamlessly between alien and familiar, blending shadowy downtempo beats with Joey’s layered production. Its eerie yet captivating tone mirrors the emotional complexity of its theme: finding beauty in the pain of letting go. The result is an immersive sonic experience that feels both introspective and expansive, a testament to LaBeija’s mastery of his craft.
“This song is about appreciating the beauty found in the pain of letting go,”Joey shared. “It wasn’t something I set out to make—it just revealed itself to me in the process, and that’s where its magic lies.”
Prague-based producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist badfocus, the solo endeavor of 21-year-old Prokop Korb, unveiled his latest EP, realities, alongside a mesmerizing video for its title track on November 29 via badfocus Music. Since debuting his project in 2020 at the age of 18, badfocus has rapidly emerged as a standout talent, performing at premier festivals across Europe and Canada, including EXIT, Sziget, and M4 Montreal, and sharing stages with electronic luminaries like Max Cooper, Pantha du Prince, and Grandbrothers. Influenced by artists ranging from Kendrick Lamar and Erykah Badu to Jon Hopkins, badfocus shapes a unique soundscape that fuses intricate alternative hip-hop with avant-garde electronic elements. Renowned for his organic and free-flowing creative approach, he cultivates a dynamic space for collaborators, producing music that captivates fans of XXXTentacion, Saba, and Arca. With appearances at international showcases such as Tallinn Music Week, MUSEXPO, and All About Music, badfocus continues to solidify his global reputation as a bold, boundary-pushing artist.
The realitiesEP, produced by badfocus, is a six-track journey through glitchy textures and raw emotion. Featuring Klara Wodehn, Twisted DV, Chris Villon, and ATM BENNY, it blends ethereal ambience, kinetic breakbeats, and auto-tuned vocals. The opener, ‘realities’, sets a nostalgic tone with shuffling percussion and a dreamlike video. Klara Wodehn’s vibrant hyperpop vocals shine in ‘tancovatforhours’, while Twisted DV’s sharp lyricism elevates ‘silverado’. Chris Villon brings introspection on ‘throwaway cup’, and ATM BENNY’s dynamic Drum ‘N Bass energy closes the EP on a high note. Mixed and mastered by Láďa Štěrba, realities is both captivating and deeply resonant.
Speaking about the EP, badfocus revealed: “Each track is like a memory for me. Memory of the amazing people with whom I collaborated, of the things that we’ve been through together. It’s basically the same as if you curate a playlist for yourself made of songs that make you feel a certain way regardless of the genre.”
Felece Tillman, a seasoned indie artist known for her emotive vocals and soulful storytelling, has unveiled her debut EP, Soulful Tales. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Felece honed her craft at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Virginia Union University, where she studied Vocal Music Performance. Her rich, four-octave soprano has graced stages from local venues to iconic spots like Blues Alley and The Carlyle Club. These performances have earned her a reputation for creating intimate, emotionally resonant moments that leave audiences spellbound. Her passion and talent shine through every note of this EP, a project deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Soulful Tales takes listeners on an emotional journey, featuring highlights like ‘I Can’t Forget’, a nostalgic ode to first love, and ‘Just When I Thought’ a warm reflection on rekindled romance. The five-track project is a heartfelt exploration of love, heartache, and rediscovery, seamlessly blending soul, smooth jazz, and contemporary R&B. Produced in collaboration with DaMone Arnold, known for his work with Jamie Foxx and Gerald Albright, Soulful Talesshowcases Felece’s artistic vision. The EP features contributions from longtime collaborators, including Al Carter’s evocative guitar work and Eugene Chapman’s soulful saxophone.
Felece shares: “Each song is a chapter of my life. I hope listeners find pieces of their own stories in my music.”
