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:

 

 

 

Multi-talented UK rapper/songwriter Jonny Virgo blends hip-hop and DnB with contemporary sounds in his latest release “Fantasy.” Over DnB breakbeats and sublime textures, the emcee reminds us of the reality of life far from the virtual distraction that continues to keep us in a fantasy. As singer/songwriter Debo Ray preps for her forthcoming EP, Echoes and Embers, she drops “A Flicker” as the third single, which finds her diving into the delicate issue of mental health and the hurdles she had to overcome to find solace and inner peace. The production is a seamless blend of modern jazz with neo soul, underpinned by spirited vocal performances and sultry melodic runs. We head to the Netherlands with the help of KUÒ, Restless M.I.N.D and DJ DNS, who team up for “Voeding Voor Je Mind.” The track has a classic boom-bap feel reminiscent of DJ Premier and is layered with a catchy melodic hook, engaging rap verses, and scratched vocals to complete the job. “Voeding Voor Je Mind” is the 2nd single from KUÒ and Restless M.I.N.D’s forthcoming album, scheduled for May 22. Preddie‘s “thoughts of you” is a heartfelt track about inner feelings and thoughts. The production flips a classic soulful sample with soft drums and finds the rapper sharing his experience with heartbreak and the healing power of music and his art. Denmark-based singer/songwriter Ju Kaia enters this week’s playlist with “Womandatory.” Here, she blends neo soul/R&B with hip-hop elements and delivers a solid performance ripe with sultry vocal runs, self-defining songwriting that highlights raw confidence in her femininity and the strength of sisterhood. Belgian singer/songwriter NAY-EL’s new release “Walk by faith” is an uplifting piece that explores the power of faith and letting things take their natural course. Over a piano-laden backdrop, the singer delivers an airy vocal performance ripe with inspirational lyrics about choosing faith rather than fear. Kenny Barz steps into this week’s playlist with “Afrocentric,” an engaging track about blossoming love and the undeniable attributes of that special someone. The production here is punchy and echoes the late 2000s underground sounds with a modern twist, but Barz’s vivid storytelling is the icing on the cake. Rapper Provurb flips a classic R&B/soul sample into a new house party feel-good jam titled “Joy.” The track finds the cmeee reflecting on his growth from a young man, and the power of self-belief and finding joy in the small things. Emerging rapper/songwriter Roman Toyi dives deep into accountability from a nuanced viewpoint in “RESOLVE”. The jazz-piano-driven piece finds Toyi caught between two opposing sides, where he has to choose to face the consequences of turning a blind eye and move on. The rapper takes listeners through the emotional turmoil that comes with that responsibility and shows us how deeply flawed we all can be when it’s time to do what is right.

 

QU/NTEN returns to our playlist with “Intact,” a heartfelt piece about love and choosing that special someone. The production has an ethereal and atmospheric vibe and features Airplane James, who adds an offbeat melodic performance to it. Emerging singer-songwriter Ben Righter‘s new single “SLEEP” explores escapism and wishful thinking about an ideal world. Over a soulful and relaxing backdrop comprising lush pads, warm strings and soft drums, the singer reflects on the modern world where chaos and calamity are commonplace, and the only place he finds true peace is when he dreams. Alternative Afrobeat and Afro-punk artist OkiTheWizard steps into the spotlight with “DON CORLEONE.” The track is a modern Afro-fusion track that blends commanding rap verses with English, Pidgin English, and Yoruba. “Won’t Drown” by SMOOTHDAWOLF  is an inspirational track that finds the rapper breaking through the odds and overcoming hurdles. The production has a raw energy and evokes urgency as he raps with a double-time flow underpinned with motivational lines that will make audiences get up and take action. Multi-faceted Turkish Dutch artist, producer, and songwriter Aylinka drops “Gri”, a hard-hitting, socially conscious track that exposes the imbalance in the real world. Over a dark and brooding backdrop, the emcee details the dark truths behind the modern world we live in, filled with social and racial tensions, and the growing lack of trust in the system that surrounds her. Fusing Turkish and Dutch languages, she highlights her nuanced roots as she weaves through the labyrinths of an unsettling landscape. Cuban Rain connects with Blacklist for “MPR (Money Power Respect),” an updated version of the classic LOX single. The track uses the same string sample with brand new punchy drums underpinned by vivid lyrical schemes and stories that reflect the modern life that the emcees live in. Pavy packs his bags for “This Summer (South Of France),” a heartfelt piece about a past relationship. Over a soulful backdrop featuring lush strings, keys and sublime vocal melodies, the emcee reflects on his experience with a potential lover and the hard work involved in making things work out. Vlad Tz eners this week’s playlist with “Lose My Mind,” a lyric-dense piece that highlights raw lyricism with a stream of consciousness over a cinematic boombap backdrop. HipHop duo Obp, made up of Jesster and FT pay homage to the culture with “Rocksteady.” The track is a raw, stripped-down track that blends classic drum break with vocal samples from rap luminaries who laid the foundation. The emcees, on the other hand, step up to the podium with unfiltered bars laced with energetic flows and well-crafted rhyme schemes that capture the essence of hip-hop.

Freq1c‘s “Wounds” is a heartfelt and reflective piece about confronting hard truths and painful emotions. The production is cinematic and brooding, while the melodic approach has a contemporary pop feel with a hip-hop punch. The overarching theme is influenced by Neville Goddard’s Law of Assumption worldview and highlights the dangers of unprocessed feelings. J. Faith and Mertz deliver this aptly inspirational gem, “G.L.O.R.Y.” on our playlist, and it is a wonderful soul lifter. The production is anthemic and layered with cinematic strings and chords that create a glorious atmosphere, while the insightful bars give listeners the push to go forth, seize the day and make the best out of it. Rapper/songwriter Curtis Smoove‘s “Fill Up My Cup” is a reflective piece about the never-ending struggles that one has to face in this cold world. Over a laidback piano-laden backdrop, the rapper delivers a melody-driven performance ripe with vivid storytelling that everyone can relate to. Multi-talented artist Drew Drake instructs us to let loose and have fun in his latest release, “Let The Groove In.” Blending retro funk/disco and R&B vibes, the rapper delivers an engaging performance ripe with uplifting and feel-good themes that remind us of letting our hair down for once. NATEBO‘s “Mine” is a hard-hitting inspirational track that highlights the rapper’s offbeat style and expressive flow over a distorted backdrop laced with pulsating basslines and synths.