Stay in the mix of what’s new every week with Our Generation Music’s “Platinum Picks” from New Music Friday.
Midwxst — “Mistakes”
“Learning from all my past mistakes… Swore I wouldn’t break my habits, I been through a whole lotta sh*t, but you would never know,” Midwxst croons, healing from his “Mistakes” on his latest single. Focusing on breaking through the adversity that’s plagued him, his debut effort of 2024, alongside 9lives, is the epitome of the Indiana-bred singer-rapper’s versatility — bodying the hazy, electro-island vibes of “Mistakes” with an ease and seamlessness that turns heads. Back in action for the better, with BIA 4.0 trending towards a summer release, expect Midwxst to be all over our playlists this year.
KA$HDAMI — “OASIS”
KA$HDAMI is on a “Different Timing” with his new album OASIS — a 12-track atmosperhic escapade featuring Dro Kenji and rising R&B star Karri. Recently co-signed by Brent Faiyaz, the DMV native continues to evolve into a silent assassin of hitmakers in the new wave — bred from the same crop as Tana, Slump6s and more. However, Dami’s hypnotic brand of pluggnb is a specific kind of vibe, with tracks like “Loyalty,” “Pocket Change” (which slyly samples Drake’s “Hotline Bling”) and “Good Wishes” entrancing you with glittery melodies and punchy percussion that sways from rage rap, pluggnb and dancehall. Dami and Kenji are a dynamic duo anytime they link up, continuing the energy coursing through “KILL EM FOR ME” on “DIFFERENT TIMING.” Years removed from WORLD DAMINATION, KA$HDAMI levels up in a big way on OASIS — proving that many are late to realize the true potential he possesses.
Wolfacejoeyy — “CAKE / DONT BE DISHONEST”
Hit after hit, no one is as consistent as Wolfacejoeyy in the underground. Sharing his latest two-pack “CAKE / DONT BE DISHONEST,” Joeyy’s Jersey vibe reaches new levels of wow factor. Perhaps as his most narrative and polished efforts to date, “cake” and “don’t be dishonest” act in tangent of one another, as the former evokes feelings akin to the watery vocal flourishes found on Drake’s Take Care. Its clear Joeyy continues to take strides into mainstream conversations, becoming one of OGM and Complex’s Artists To Watch in 2024…. Don’t take your eye off Wolfacejoeyy.
Smino — “mister misfit but ain’t missed a fit in months“
Smino has the rap game in a chokehold whether you realize it or not. His first track of 2024, the St. Louis wordsmith reminds us why his patented slant rhymes are forever untouchable on “mister misfit but ain’t missed a fit in months.” How fitting. Since Luv 4 Rent’s release, Smino has laid relatively low — opting to share visual freestyles on his YouTube channel instead of DSP drops. “Dat Prescott,” “Smi myself and I” and “Mr. Pinterest” have filled the void for those looking forward to a new Smino tape. Don’t expect “mister misfit” to be gone for too long, though.
Lil Durk — “Old Days“
Lil Durk makes the “Old Days” feel like yesterday. Paying homage to the people and places that made him, the Chicago native strikes a chord with lyrics that cut deep, especially at the visual’s ending where “long live the fallen soldiers” appears on screen. Long live King Von. “Remember the Old Days.”
Kid Cudi — “INSANO (NITRO MEGA)”
One of the many INSANO deluxes Kid Cudi plans on dropping this year, NITRO MEGA tacks on 18 more tracks — both new and old — with features from Lil Yachty, Pusha T and others. If you aren’t feeling Cudi’s new INSANO soundscape, he officially released two classic and beloved cuts, “DOSE OF DOPENESS (2007)” and “ROCKET (2011)”. A celebration of Cudi’s legacy, NITRO MEGA brings the best of both worlds for fans.
Anderson. Paak & The Free Nationals — “GANG$TA” (feat. A$AP Rocky)
Many can recall one of the most iconic Tiny Desk Concerts in history, Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals, but seeing Andy and the band finally get back together is a real treat. Recruiting A$AP Rocky for the aptly titled “GANG$TA,” grandiose 007-esque production meets the sample-clad boom-bap bounce of New York within Rocky’s fiery flair. Simply put, he takes over this track, where .Paak provides relief by way of a heavenly hook. Beachy guitars, contemplative keys and whirly synths give “GANG$TA” so much more personality on a track occupied by two of music’s most revered smooth talkers. “GANG$TA” is a moment to be cherished.
SZA — “SATURN”
Yeat — “2093 (P3)”
2093 seemingly split Yeat fans right down the middle. While some still cling on to the Twizzy Rich eras forged from records like 4L and Up 2 Më, others gravitate towards the otherworldly, futuristic essence the LA-based rapper brings forth on his new studio album. Seperated into three phases, with features like Drake, Lil Wayne and Future sprinkled throughout, 2093 sees Yeat in final form — evolving into the transcendent, innovative superstar he set out to become. He’s living in the future, and we’re all just catching up.
Ken Carson — “SUCCUBUS”
Inciting MORE CHAOS with a deluxe looming, Ken Carson returned with the visual for “SUCCUBUS” without any warning. A highlight off the Opium star’s latest album, A GREAT CHAOS, Carson flexes in a digitized, distorted world reminiscent of a dead TV signal meets an early 2000s video game. If aura is your thing, Ken’s latest packs a punch.
Lil Yachty — “Something Ether”
Boat’s been in his bag for what feels like forever now, and “Something Ether” continues his tear yet again. Contrasting the laid-back, jazzy raps found on “A COLD SUNDAY,” Lil Yachty opts for the experimental, something from the ether, if you will. Crinkly 808s meet brash autotune on the fast-paced cut, as Boat cuts in-and-out flexing in the strobe-draped visual below. Always willing to take the risk, “Something Ether” is something worth diving into with BAD CAMEO also on the way.