This Fresh Finds column features releases from MALIA, OG Parker, Jessie Reyez, Bnxn, Cecily, and Omah Lay.
Check out our roundup below, and don’t forget to let us know who you’re listening to in the comment section.
MALIA- Back In My Body
R&B Neo-soul sensation MALIA delivers a gentle approach to self-care and reflection and moving forward on her new album “Back In My Body.”
Following the heartbreak experienced in MALIA’s 2022 project What’s After, “I Love You?, ‘Back In My Body” is a concept album that captivates the senses, elevates the mind, and touches the soul.
With her beautiful vocals, melodic melodies, and infectious rhythms MALIA succinctly allows the dust to clear and slowly raises the curtains, building strength through the lyrics to reflect, reset, and begin again.
Standout tracks include “Minding My Own,” “Cruise Control,” “Feels So Good” with the title track ‘Back In My Body” which sets the tone for the album. From the first note, as she sings in the lower registry, MALIA makes you feel every word she sings and all the song’s emotions.
Just as the chorus comes, you can breathe like in a relationship
I’m back in my body /Good to be home /Took me some time to learn what I’ve always known/ I’m back in my body /Starting to see / Finally feels like the best version of me…
The hope is that this album serves not only as an inspiration but as an invitation for others to embark on a healing journey as well.
Album collaborations include James Gadson (Bill Withers, Michael Jackson, D’Angelo) Erick Walls (Beyonce, Usher), and Grammy-nominated David Michael Ott.
MALIA is captivating audiences worldwide, amassing 40+ million streams and catching the attention of Alicia Keys, who handpicked her to cover a track for the 20th anniversary of Songs In A Minor, earning her a feature on Alicia’s Spotify profile.
OG Parker – Moments
With over a decade in the music industry, 50 million records sold, 8 Grammy nominations, and one Grammy win in 2022(Album of the Year for Jazmin Sullivans On It”). OG Parker continues his momentum with the release of his highly anticipated EP titled “MOMENTS,” his first release on Neutral Records.
The EP includes previously released singles “No Fuss” featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR and the R&B-tinged posse cut “Rain Down” with Chris Brown, Latto, Layton Greene, and late rapper PnB Rock. In addition to his 2023 single “Still Work” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and GRAMMY-winning songstress Muni Long.
Speaking about the EP Paker says “‘Moments’ is a testament to my journey as a music producer. This EP isn’t just a collection of songs – it’s a curated soundtrack of the special moments that have shaped my career. Through each track, I invite listeners to experience the artistry and emotion behind my story, offering a glimpse into the heart of what I do best.”
Jessie Reyez – Ridin
Jessie Reyez teams up with Lil Wayne on her latest track ” Ridin.’ If you’re turned on by pain and pleasure then ‘Ridin’ has got you covered.
The track is a pure sensation into the raunchy and provocative, taking the listener through a moment of lustful intimacy and sex therapy.
Coasting over a melodic blend of guitar strings and drums produced by Monsters and Strangerz (Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5) and Jeff Gitty.
Reyez opens up about how past intimate relationships have proven to fall flat and now desires to simply be physically pleased by her partner.
Her signature songwriting skills are on full display as she includes various plays on the word RIDIN as well as numerous double entendres that fuel a heightened level of sexual healing. Lil Wayne’s iconic flow supports the track with his raw and witty lyricism and amplifies the tone of Jessie’s intense passion that she longs for.
Bnxn – Phenomena
Rising Nigerian Afro-fusion pop star, Bnxn, has shared a brand new single called “Phenomena” out via EMPIRE.
Produced by Malawian-South African chart-topping producer, Gemini Major, the record is a tropical mix of house and Afrobeats and talks about a love interest Bnxn is trying to pursue. Throughout the song, Bnxn sings in celebration of the extraordinary moments that define life – the song delves into the highs and lows of success, the surreal feeling of being in the spotlight, and the joy that comes with it.
On the record, Bnxn says: “Through this track, I wanted to capture the essence of living in the moment, with a sense of confidence and a touch of humility. It was an incredible experience, allowing me to express a deeper side of my journey. The lyrics speak to the reality of being on top, the sacrifices made, and the thrill of it all. It’s about being unstoppable and letting the world know that we are here to stay. I hope listeners will resonate with the vibe and energy of this song, embracing their own “phenomena” moments as they groove to the beat.”
“Phenomena” is Bnxn’s first solo release of 2024 following an unprecedented joint album between him and Ruger called RnB which has 256 million streams to date and peaked at #3 on Apple Music Top Albums chart. Bnxn currently has over 2.1 billion career streams to date and collaborations with Wizkid, Stefflon Don, Olamide, BLK Odyssy, Burna Boy, D Smoke, and more.
Cecily -Awakening PT. II
Cecily has the vocals and style that is reminiscent of true R&B soul from the 70s, through the 90s and she puts it on full display in her latest project “Awakenings PT. II.”
The multi-talented singer and songwriter brings real musicians to the project, playing every chord, as she allows them free rein to let loose across the 39-minute, 19-second 8-track project.
According to Wordplay magazine, “the project was inspired by the text ‘All About Love ‘by Black Feminist writer bell hooks and features previous singles “I Am Love” and “A Flower In Winter”
The project as a whole delivers an unparalleled listening experience, one that is truly worth your time. Track #5, “Domination (Love Is Free),” offers a clever perspective on discussing love, making it one of our top favorites.
With most music being trendy, Cecily is forging her path in the music industry remaining true to her genre-blending sound.
Keep up with Cecily on her Instagram here.
Omah Lay – Moving
Afrobeats star Omah Lay shares new single ‘Moving’ with the news of his sophomore album Clarity of Mind slated for this winter.
Combining subtle percussion and a propulsive rhythm, the irresistible track is destined to serve as an empowering anthem for all experiencing change that is also sure to turn up the temperature on dance floors worldwide. It follows a series of high-profile collaborations with artists such as Kehlani, Tyla, and SPINALL.
“Moving” is Lay’s first solo release since the violin-laced hit track “Holy Ghost,” which dropped last year.
Lay and other Afrobeat artists continuously hit the pulse of music and make it clear that Afrobeats deserves to be center stage.
