Stay in the mix of what’s new every week with Our Generation Music’s “Platinum Picks” from New Music Friday.
Playboi Carti — “KETAMINE”
Kenny Mason — “9”
Don Toliver — “DEEP IN THE WATER”
PARTNEXTDOOR — “REAL WOMAN“
With his long-awaited album, PND4, finally announced for April 26, PARTYNEXTDOOR continued the record’s rollout with its latest single “REAL WOMAN.” Packaging the forthcoming LP’s lead tracks “Her Old Friends” and “Resentment” — kicking off PND4 with the latter’s visual last week — on the new single, Party is back on demon time, evidently looking for a “Real Woman” worth his time. “That’s the type of girl I make my wifey,” he croons over a patented slow burn, underwater OVO beat. Make no mistake, PND is about to take over the game once again with its fourth installment fast approaching.
Zack Bia & Teezo Touchdown — “DAMN“
DAMN! Teezo Touchdown will never miss it seems. Connecting with Zack Bia for a bouncy, electro-club cut, the Field Trip Recordings CEO and Teezo craft a fun, carefree effort that exudes personality. Whiny stacked synths, thumping bass and a laid back hook from Teezo Touchdown — paired with a low budget, mannequin challenge-esque video (clad with cameos from Cole Bennett and others) — Bia brings the energy of his DJ sets, which are always accompanied by the artists whose songs he’s playing, to life on his latest single. This is Bia’s first effort since sharing his debut project Learn To Fly featuring Lil Yachty, Don Toliver and more. Texas native Teezo Touchdown is “the future of music,” and for good reason. Rising as one of the industry’s palpable multi-hyphenates, his debut album How Do You Sleep At Night? is a trove of genre inflections and quirky, out-of-the-box melodies. “The Original Was Better” seems to be an inkling to the vibes found on “DAMN!” Give that a spin if you haven’t yet.
Trippie Redd — “LEFT WRIST, RIGHT WRIST”
Trippie Redd isn’t only flexing the “fly sh*t” he has on both wrists, but seems to return to the atmospheric, emo-rap sound that he made his name off of. Contemplative keys and emotive croons fill the ad-lib heavy “LWRW,” which showcases the 1400 star in the studio and on what appears to be Miami Beach in a blacked-out outfit (I wonder how hot he got in that get-up). Nevertheless, Redd’s latest sounds like a one-off from SAINT MICHAEL back in November 2023. If you haven’t heard, it’s Trippie’s best in years, as “LWRW” embodies more of his artistic personality than the lyrical and singing prowess peppered throughout his last full-length.
Baby Kia — “Hell Can’t Save You”
Since going viral for an impromptu performance at his old high school, Baby Kia has swiftly become the face of the new Atlanta. Alongside 2sdxrt3all, L5 and others, the new brand of Atlanta street rap is punchy, vicious and in-your-face more than ever before — especially when the aggressiveness of the streets can be heard from across the way. Shouted at full volume, HELL CAN’T SAVE YOU, is just the latest breakout a fresh-faced Atlanta emcee has experienced over the past 12 months. However, Kia’s brash delivery and stark lyricism paint a picture of vulnerability hard to hear on the surface. Tracks like “BAD SPORT,” “STRAIGHT JACKET” and “RAIN CRASH” bring a new meaning to murder music — you can hear the pain in his voice. If hell can’t save you, no one can. Let Kia’s despair ring true through his music.
Lazer Dim 700 — “INJOY”
“Li Twan” turnt up with this one. His first show, first recording set-up and seemingly his first album post the viral acclaim, Lazer Dim 700 is the new “it” voice of the underground for all the right reasons. Kind-hearted, wholesome and determined, the Atlanta rapper keeps getting better by the day — melding the aggressive elements of the new Atlanta wave and current hitmakers like Destroy Lonely, Ken Carson, BabyDrill and others. A perfect medium of wavy and warped, his latest 15-track album “INJOY” is as maniacal as it is menacing. It’s impressive how far Lazer Dim has come in a short few months. Perhaps an OsamaSon, Nettspend and Xaviersobased trajectory is in his cards as well.
Ski Mask The Slump God — “Shibuya”
BLP Kosher — “Skidoo”
Kosher is the rap game’s Florida man. Through his Sunshine State grit and Jewish heritage, BLP Kosher’s signature drawl is impossible to ignore. With funny, fun-loving bars, Kosher’s appeal is in the head-turning yet hard-hitting whimsy he’s built his career off of. Big Dreidel beefs up status on “Skidoo,” flexing the Rollie on his wrist where his “I <3 boobies” bracelet used to be. While Bars Mitzvah and “Violent Lullaby” with Yung Lean remain as Kosher’s most polished efforts to date, “Skidoo” is tailor-made for a poolside summer bash.
Bktherula — “LVLP2”
LVL5P2 is BK’s defining moment. Sitting down with OGM’s Emwell in our latest episode of Well Well Well… LVL5 is all about controlling your own destiny — being grateful for your blessings even if they cause you struggle. “That’s LVL5,” BK told Emwell, as features from JID and Cash Cobain not only make the 13-song LP feel like an Epic, but a prime example of BK’s rising star power. She’s come a long way from her “SANTANNY” era, with hits like “CRAYON” paving the way for her mainstream breakout (which feels due extremely soon).