Like most of Kelela’s catalog, “linknb” feels futuristic, alien, and nostalgic at the same time. It’s really just Kelela over guitars and drums, but somehow she makes it sound like a genuine revelation. —Steffanee Wang

If Happydranker ever gets tired of rapping, he could catch a second wind as an ASMR influencer – his gravelly voice and muddy instrumentals typically cocoon you in sound. “3PM IN SOHO” breaks that mold, if only a little, energized by the presence of fellow Philly rapper Lil Hawa, whose nonchalant verse spurs Happydranker to slightly-more-legible bars. – Vivian Medithi

When the world needed Isaiah Rashad most, he arrived as “a man on a mission,” as the song’s acronym iterates. After a five-year hiatus, Rashad returns effortlessly bouncing over a twinkly beat. He sprays his blunt, unfiltered perspectives on everything from the government to Elon Musk — reminding us that everything is for sale, even air. — Kylah Williams

Chenayder’s return to music after a two year hiatus has a lovely singsong quality. Its light and lilting verse melody lands on a chorus that’s dense with harmonies, and feeling. I have my eye on this one. —Tobias Hess

A gorgeous five minutes that doesn’t feel like five minutes which is a feat in this two-minute-or-less song economy. That’s thanks to Kelsey Lu’s serpentine voice, illusory writing, and a stunning beat that morphs like a summer thunderstorm. —SW

This standout from Sexyy Red’s latest mixtape Yo Favorite Trappa Favorite Rappa was co-produced by frequent collaborator Shawn Ferrari, who has a knack for crafting hard hitting trap beats that recall the late 2000s heyday of Gucci Mane and Jeezy. “I got my own money, but I love fucking with tricks,” Red raps over a ripple of minor-key synths. “Everything about me sexy, perfect ten, bitch, I'm it.” – VM

I was pleasantly surprised when alternative singer Kezia entered The FADER offices alongside super producer Oscar Scheller (who was here for an interview). Kezia has been working with Scheller on new music that combines lush guitar rock with slinky R&B melodies. Her new song, “Innocence” sounds sad and summery, my favorite musical intersection. — TH

Young-signee Tommy Barlow's music reminds me of Mark William Lewis’s baritone poetics. His new song "Earth Killer" features production that is minimal and churning. Its layered vocals, give the generally austere track a wider cinematic frame that feels like its queueing up the end credits. — TH