Heaters: CHIKA, Kasai and Monjola
Welcome to ‘Top 10 Tracks’, the essential weekly round-up of the best new music.
At the end of each week, we curate a collection of must listens to keep you in the loop. Ranging from rappers in the Emerald Isle to boundary-pushing, experimental producers and everything in between, we’ve got you sorted.
This week, we have a collaboration from Tony Allen and Skepta, an intoxicating cut from Kasai and a flurry of cuts from eclectic Irish producers.
Kasai Drunk Diary, Weed & Liquor
Raised on a diet of gospel, Bjork, Erykah Badu and J Dilla, West Londoner Kasai’s output maintains the same evocative and emotive pull of the music that soundtracked her childhood.
‘Drunk Diary, Liquor & Weed’ is an intoxicating and empowering anthem and a blunt message to boys on their bullshit.
Tony Allen Cosmosis Feat. Skepta & Ben Okri
Legendary drummer and producer Tony Allen leads the charge for spiritual reincarnation on ‘Cosmosis’. Meanwhile, Skepta sets the braggadocio aside for an examination of the ego.
Giveon When it's all said and done (Deluxe)
Following his nod for 2021 GRAMMYs, Giveon has beefed out his 2020 project When It’s All Said and Done.
CHIKA ONCE UPON A TIME
Lyrical dexterity in abundance, rapid fire word play and charisma to boot, it’s no wonder CHIKA is up for Best New Artist at the GRAMMYs and has found fans in Cardi B, Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg and Diddy.
Her new EP chops it up between trap and more traditional beats while maintaining her trademark flair.
Olive On Da Beat Bandersnatch EP
Shapeshifting producer Olive On Da Beat invited Hare Squead’s Screwface Jax and Daryl Bengo on his otherworldly electronic odyssey Bandersnatch.
Worth noting the sheen on the EP comes courtesy of Olive himself and Grammy Award winning engineer Ruadhri Cushnan.
For fans of Illangelo, Flume and Park Hye Jin.
Matty Mickeymouse
Matty of BADBADNOTGOOD continues to expand his solo catalog with ‘Mickeymouse’, a cut built on swirling astral synths that coattail strings that gently take you on a four minute journey.
Monjola Smile
Continuing the funky path he laid out in ‘Feels Right’, our Future of Irish Music pick Monjola is back with an uplifting anthem.
‘Smile’ is an exercise in gratitude and is the perfect accompaniment to ease in the brighter months.
Loraine James Simple Stuff
Hyperdub’s Loraine James announced her forthcoming album ‘Reflection’ with a new single in the shape of ‘Simple Stuff’.
She’s described it as “a turbulent expression of inner-space, laid out in unflinching honesty, that offers gentle empathy and bitter-sweet hope.”
Lewis OfMan Dancy Party
CBAKL Ali In His Prime
Portrush producer CBAKl is one of Ireland’s most prolific producers and you can count on him to provide a lean serving of soul-inspired magic.
As it suggests, the drums in ‘Ali In His Prime’ pack a punch.
