The weekly Top Submissions aims to showcase a selected crop of acts that cross our paths. From the best tracks/videos from far and wide, we gather the upper echelon of artists you can find and give them a platform to be further recognized for their works. So, sit back and tune in, and don’t forget to show them some love by following them on all social media platforms
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Listen to the playlist on Spotify 1 here:
Rimarki – “Nightshift”
Uk rapper/songwriter Rimarki enters our playlist with “Nightshift,” a heartfelt track that explores the jaded emotions that come with being stuck in a never-ending rat race.
Gaidaa – “Jealous”
Sudanese Dutch R&B singer/songwriter Gaidaa recently unveiled her new EP YARN, an 8-track body of work that explores themes of love, growth and self-discovery. This is led by the single “Jealous,” a heartfelt ballad that explores the fears that come with blossoming love and the euphoria of emotional numbness. The production is dynamic and ripe with lush keys, warm pads underpinned by Gaidaa’s rich vocal runs and emotionally punchy lyrics.
Jeffery – “RUN IT UP”
Montreal-based rap artist Jeffery enters our playlist with “RUN IT UP,” a hard-hitting bravado track that is brimming with no-holds-barred lyricism anchored on go-getter themes.
Brady Johnston x Blueprint – “For What Gain”.
Brady Johnston and Blueprint team up for “For What Gain,” a jazz-hop infused piece that talks about the ups and downs of life. From the good times to the bad times, the emcees reflect on the never-ending cycle called life.
Kil Ripkin x Jah Freedom – “Ego Bruisin”
Kil Ripkin and Jah Freedom deliver a hard-hitting, lyric-driven track to our playlist. The aptly titled “Ego Bruisin” is a showcase of lyrical dexterity over a thumping backdrop. This is raw, unfiltered hiphop.
XZARKHAN – “Facing Worlds”.
XZARKHAN embodies the 90s in this new track, “Facing Worlds,” which is bolstered by jazzy chords, dusty bass-grooves and fiery and graphic raps that detail the downside of street life.
Dephree – “Paper Chase”.
Rapper/activist Dephree teamed up with Random Chance for his new track “Paper Chase.” The track has playful elements and showcases Dephree’s melody-tinged raps that focus on securing the bag and enjoying the dividends of his labour.
Dylan Owen – “Nowhere Town Kids”.
Dylan Owen drops “Nowhere Town Kids,” the second single from his upcoming mixtape DO WHAT YOU DO MIXTAPE. The single is a summer-tinged soft rock/pop/hiphop infused track that takes audiences down memory lane into Owen’s childhood. Over the smooth guitar licks and warm textures, he reflects on his experiences growing up in a small town and how it shaped him into who he is today.
TBA – “what a day.”.
TBA‘s “what a day” is a reflective piece that dives into loneliness and being stuck in a repeating cycle. The production is soulful, jazzy and dynamic.
Naithemosthigh x flapslaps – “WATER [LOFI]”.
The duo of rapper Naithemosthigh and producer flapslaps team up for “WATER [LOFI].” A playful summer-tinged track that blends rich lofi harmonies with expressive raps.
Shyheim Nwadiei – “searching”
Indie rapper Shyheim Nwadiei pours his heart on wax in new single “searching.” The laidback single explores self-discovery, reflection and the power of self-belief and stepping out of one’s comfort zone in search of true purpose. Armed with his melodic flow and insightful songwriting, Shyheim Nwadiei takes listeners deep into his world in this semi-autobiographical track.
Realz Reality – “Show Me Love”
Emerging rapper Realz Reality sends out a plea in “Show Me Love,” a heartfelt single that details the trials and tribulations of a young black man trying to find his way through the system created to undermine his existence. “Show me Love” is produced by CJonesSound.
Sareem Poems – “Be You”
Sareem Poems sends out this uplifting and timeless message in “Be You.” The feel-good soul/boombap-infused tune is about being true to oneself and flushing out the white noise from detractors and naysayers.
SHOWTIME RAMON – “Ovechkin”
Prolific rapper SHOWTIME RAMON steps into this week’s playlist with “Ovechkin,” a hard-hitting, barbed lyrical display. The production by Off Scales is gripping and ominous, and SHOWTIME RAMON doesn’t disappoint at all with his off-kilter wit, references and devil-may-care energy. “Ovechkin” is inspired by hockey legend Alex Ovechkin.
RasPunk – “Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers Cover)”
Dub Reggae band RasPunk deliver this rousing version of “Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers Cover).” Backed by a headnodding and hypnotic reggae groove, cinematic textures with horns, slick guitar riffs and layered pads, the band revamp this classic song with an updated aesthetic.
Assembly Sounds – “Last Star”
Assembly Sounds switch things up with “Last Star,” a bravado track that is anchored in interstellar adventures from an urban setting.
Assembly Sounds – “Frozen Dreams”
“Frozen Dreams” by Assembly Sounds is a relatable and insightful piece about broken dreams, fears and hopes. Over a cinematic soundscape, the emcees deliver a timeless message of pushing through the doldrums and finding one’s true purpose in this world.
Gregory Da Silva – “Philadelphia Morning”
Scarborough-raised Gregory Da Silva taps into the spirit of Rocky and the underdog strength in “Philadelphia Morning.” The track samples vocals from the Rocky Franchise and the soundtrack as well, and the result is an uplifting anthem for anyone trying to make it in this crazy world.
GoodShip – “Young King” Ft. Dj Skaz
GoodShip’s new release “Young King” is an aspirational and inspirational track aimed at motivating young men in the hood. Over a reflective and ominous backdrop, GoodShip reminds young men of who they are and their potential to be greater than what society has in store for them. The track also features Dj Skaz (Big Daddy Kane‘s tour Dj), who helped on the scratches.
MARTIAN LAW x Roarz x Infectiouss – “Wound-Up”
MARTIAN LAW teams up with New Zealand Hip-hop duo rapper Roarz and producer Infectious for “Wound-Up.” The track is a hard-hitting and detailed piece that introduces new fans to their style, musical journey and stomping grounds in Christchurch.
Glane x – “Laps”
Glane X goes for the jugular in his new song “Laps,” a mellow lyric-driven piece that showcases his dexterity and expressive style. Over the moody backdrop, Glane x shares his thoughts on family, the never-ending daily struggles and making a way out of nothing.