“Declan Rice” – Odumodublvck

Odumodublvck’s relatively short career, up until this point, has been fuelled by a number of things: his husky, commanding rap voice; witty, audacious lines and his sheer relentlessness; releasing music at a rate many other wouldn’t necessarily opt for. But most of all, Odumodu’s continuous ascent has been particularly powered by his patent charisma: a contagious personality that has made a growing swath of listeners fans and some believers. The rapper’s latest single “Declan Rice” is once again powered by this charisma; he spits vicious lines over Trillxoe’s drums before bursting into a melodic hook that’s highlights his growing penchant for crafting addictive hooks. 

“Soweto” – Victony, Rema, Tempoe ft. Don Toliver

When Victony released his debut album, “Outlaw”, Soweto, the project’s penultimate track, was more of a deep cut, that of course was before TikTok breathed new life into it making it an unlikely hit. It racked up millions of streams months after release and became Victony’s biggest song till date. Now in a bid to further boost its reach, Don Toliver and Rema were recruited to add extra flavour to the already delicious record. The pair — Rema and Don Toliver — don’t particularly deliver standout verses but they don’t get in the way of the track either, leaving their combined star power to do most of the heavy lifting instead. 

“No Doubt” – WANI & Odunsi (The Engine)

Nostalgia is a tool that Odunsi (The Engine) and WANI have severally employed in the course of their distinctive careers: the former’s debut album was largely characterized by the four-on-the-floor beats which emerged in the 1970’s while the latter made a name for himself sampling and interpolating classic R&B records. Once again, the pair employ a familiar tool; WANI singing an incredibly sticky and simple hook that sounds like something out of 90’s R&B album while Odunsi’s delivers an equally smooth verse that’s slightly reminiscent of the old Odunsi. It’s short and sweet and it’ll most likely have you coming back for more.

“SETE (Remix)” – K.O ft. Young Stunna, Diamond Platnumz & Oxlade

K.O’s unlikely 2022 hit “SETE” has gotten an update; the South African bringing Tanazanian powerhouse Diamond Platnumz and Nigerian vocalist Oxlade onboard in a bid to score a truly continental hit. Fellow The Blxckie verse was shelved in order to make room for the aforementioned artists who both deliver, adequately complementing K.O’s sultry croons with equally smooth verses. 

“Lock Up” – Nonso Amadi & Zinoleesky

Nonso Amadi recently announced the release of his debut album When It Blooms and “Lock Up” comes as the first single after the announcement. On paper, Nonso Amadi and Zinoleesky is a tricky collaboration put in reality it works seamlessly. Nonso opens the record, threatening fire and brimstone for his love interest: “Many men shall fall / Some of them might run / Better make I talk too much / Or make i no talk at all”. This isn’t exactly familiar territory for Zino but he does a good job regardless, employing a more staggered flow to equally declare his affection to his love interest.

“Poison” – Aisosa 

Budding R&B singer Aisosa has shown promise since he debuted in 2021 with “All Time Low”, a shimmering slow-burner that highlighted his candid songwriting and a balmy vocal ability that’s equal parts warm and emotive. The follow-up “Abeg” was equally sultry even though it paired his R&B sensibilities with Afropop influences. Today, the 24-year-old released his debut project — in collaboration with producer UndieJulius — At Night You Flood My Thoughts, a 4-tracker that expands on the initial promise he’d shown. “Poison” is the standout, an accusatory ballad that places his soft lilt over poignant strings and slow drums. It’s a compelling record and arguably his best till date.