Release Radar: Amindi, SZA, & More
There is a whole bunch of new music coming our way, and it’s hard to keep track of who is dropping what and when. To keep you from missing a hot new drop, here are my picks of extended plays, mixtapes, and albums you should keep on your radar.
CAKES DA KILLA
Project: SHITS&GIGGLES (Album)
Release Date: Unknown
Cakes da Killa is preparing to seamlessly lace together brash rap bars and hip-twirling house beats yet again with his fourth studio album SHITS&GIGGLES. The “Luv Me Nots” rapper is teasing the new project while traveling the world performing his unabashedly queer dance music for crowds that know how to have a good time. If you need an introduction to Cakes da Killa, his 2022 release Svengali has all of the sultry sounds, witty lines, and dance-inducing grooves needed to sell you on the artist.
Qendresa
Project: LONDRA (Mixtape)
Release Date: Unknown
Qendresa’s Midnight Request Line is one of the best R&B projects of the 2020s. The singer, songwriter, and producer from London dropped the mesmerizing album in 2020 and then disappeared into the ether, leaving admirers of her art baffled. Qendresa, whose IG name is ironically “whereisqendresa” took to the picture-focused app this past August to say “Great shit takes time… but that time is coming.” And with that post came the announcement of her mixtape LONDRA. The beautiful mind behind “Be Mine” was still stingy enough to withhold a release date though.
SZA
Project: Lana (Deluxe Album)
Release Date: Unknown
SZA recently held a free, surprise concert for her fans in Brooklyn, NY where the “Snooze” songstress announced Lana. Functioning as the deluxe version of the critically acclaimed SOS, Lana will have 10 songs at most and is set to be released sometime this fall. SZA, the blueprint for large swathes of R&B’s current sound, will certainly crash the charts with this upcoming release.
ChloTheGod
Project: NEARLY STRAIGHT (EP)
Release Date: October 13th
Some of the newer blood on this list, ChloTheGod is a name you’ll want to be hip to early on. With a string of strong and deliciously distinctive singles, the smiley ginger-haired artist is ready to unleash her bright raspy voice on R&B airwaves. Give singles “Outta My Mind” and “Bless Your Heart” a spin to hear the range the singer-songwriter is working with.
EARTHGANG
Project: RIP HUMAN ART (Album)
Release Date: September 22nd
The Dreamville duo have stood the test of time in the cutthroat music industry, and are now mere days away from releasing yet another record since debuting in 2014. Composed of Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot, this rap one-two punch has remained firm in their artistic vision even as the face of hip-hop has changed considerably over their tenure. Meant for ears that favor a rough alternative spin on the popular genre, Earthgang wowed millions when they visited the COLORS studio in 2018 to perform their song “UP.” This upcoming album will be a good listen for hip-hop heads who search for artists who keep the music — the craft, the delivery, the message — the main thing.
flo milli
Project: Thanks for Coming Here, Ho (Album)
Release Date: Unknown
“It’s Flo Milli shit bitch,” rings the gifted lyricist’s rapper tag. Flo Milli has been rapping circles around the majority of her young hip-hop peers since the 2019 release of “Beef FloMix” and “In The Party.” The Alabama-born emcee’s unwavering confidence and consistent output has garnered her a genuine and diverse fanbase. Her upcoming album — the final act in what we’ll call the ‘Ho Trilogy’ — is sure to have more of the punchy lines and bad bish energy that’s made the artist beloved. In the meantime, Flo Milli is feeding us finger licking appetizers in the form of freestyles — the most recent of which being “Chocolate Rain” which interpolates the drum line from Kelis’ “Milkshake.”
Slayyyter
Project: STARFUCKER (Album)
Release Date: September 22nd
An electronic star with a mainstream hit, Slayyyter gained a considerable amount of crossover appeal with “Mine.” This makes her second studio album one of the most anticipated electronica records of 2023. With a high gloss aesthetic and a penchant for dope house beats, the blonde bombshell is primed to see her name in big blinding lights.
Baby Tate
Project: EP & Album (Titles Unknown)
Release Date: Unknown
She grew up, dropped the “Yung” from her name, and has played by her own rules ever since. Baby Tate has delivered in the realm of rap (see: “Pedi”), in the heartfelt rhythms of R&B (see: “What’s Love”), and is now taking on the dance club scene with her newest single “Jersey.” Baby Tate told FOTB that the EP, which will be out before the end of the year, will feature five songs. One of these songs will be the uptempo “Jersey” alongside two more unheard dance club tracks. Tate is also working on her next studio album with Justin Tranter who has written for acts such as Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani.
Maiya the Don
Project: Mixtape (Title Unknown)
Release Date: October 6th
TikTok wig-influencer turned emcee, Maiya the Don has had a well-deserved come-up. Maiya’s natural charisma makes her stand out amongst the massive influx of young rappers. Her breakout song “Telfy” — which takes the violin section of Sisqó’s “Thong Song” and overlays a New York drill beat — became a sort of anthem for fashion lovers at the very height of Telfar’s popularity. The Don is serious about her craft and is working to ensure she is worthy of her name. The rapper had this to say earlier this year, “I’ve decided I want to do a mixtape before I do an EP/album! Build my catalog and give ‘ya music while still developing as an artist.” Seeing as her current output already got the 21-year-old a cleared Mary J. Blige sample and a spot on tour with her more seasoned friend Flo Milli, the wait for a lengthier project won’t be too long.
Amindi
Project: Take What You Need (Mixtape)
Release Date: September 22nd
The stylish Inglewood native is hard at work touring and promoting her new mixtape Take What You Need. Amindi’s chill soul voice has been known to glide across a mean breakbeat and wow when backed by jazzy percussion. The singer’s rhythmic storytelling is perfect for ears that have an affinity for the more hip-hop-based musings of Erykah Badu.
Doja Cat
Project: Scarlet (Album)
Release Date: September 22nd
Doja Cat has been an influential member of the pop music ecosystem since “Say So” irrevocably changed the music industry’s relationship with TikTok. For better or for worse, Doja Cat ushered in a new era for those seeking breakout stardom, unwittingly bridging the gap left post “Soundcloud era.” Doja Cat’s unmistakable voice and cadence allow her to effortlessly straddle the line between two or more genres, and Scarlet may be the best exercise of her dexterity yet. With four lead singles, Scarlet has already fanned the flames of music discourse which the chart-topping artist only seems to revel in.
