Here are some fresh tracks to chill out to as summer comes to an end. This week’s picks include new releases from Khalil and abhi//dijon as well as some re-discovered tracks from Janelle Monae, Wale and a selection from Jay-Z.
While counting down to his supposed comeback at the MTV Video Music Awards, Justin Bieber teams up with his BFF Khalil and R&B powerhouse Kehlani on this smooth track. Produced by Rex Kudo and Charlie Handsome, they croon over a stripped-down beat and a melody that tugs at your heartstrings. “Future” is a tender tune about reflecting on the past and looking forward to better things.
This R&B duo have been keeping a low-profile since releasing their EP last year. Nearly a month ago, they emerged from the shadows and released “Jon B”, a single off their upcoming mixtape Stay Up.
This track is one of their smoothest songs yet and is a significant departure from all their earlier stuff. “Jon B” tells the classic story about sneaking out with the girl next door and features Dijon’s mellow vocals laid over a great beat.
Having successfully pulled off a concert this past Saturday with her labelmates from Wondaland Records, the songstress that is Janelle Monae also dedicated a song to the black people who have suffered at the hands of police brutality.
Taking the subject matter into her own hands, Monae delivers a tune with her dulcet tones, remembering those who have passed on. The song was a concert-exclusive, but thanks to YouTube, you can listen to it right here.
SZA puts her sultry vocals to good use on this track, played against the all too familiar backtrack of “Just Friends” by Musiq Soulchild. Wale drops some lyrical bars here too, but the star of the song is truly SZA.
Following President Obama’s summer playlist on Spotify, Jay-Z has followed suit by putting together some of his favorite tracks on TIDAL, his own music streaming service. Titled “Summer Sauce 2,” this mix is purely hip-hop, from current stars 2 Chainz and Future, to the classics by Eazy-E and UGK. Stream it via TIDAL here.