Ready to amp up your playlist? This week on Beats of the Week, KLAT’s editors are sharing their top picks alongside fresh sounds from some of the hottest emerging artists in the industry! From Afrobeats rhythms to high-energy hip-hop anthems, these tracks have kept the world jamming. Let’s discover the sounds defining the culture right now!
Declan McKenna- Brazil In Brazil, Declan McKenna’s sharp lyrical commentary digs into political hypocrisy and societal issues. With lines like, “Oh, Lord, what have I become?/I’m the face of God, I’m my Father’s son,” McKenna portrays a disillusioned voice, questioning morality and power. The track continues with thought-provoking lyrics that highlight themes of deception and control: “Why would you lie about how you feel?” This indie anthem uses upbeat melodies to contrast its deeper critique, resonating with listeners far beyond its original release, especially after going viral on TikTok in 2022.
Shenseea and Wizkid- Work me Out Jamaican sensation Shenseea teams up with Wizkid for the irresistible track “Work Me Out.” With playful lyrics like “Just one night to work me out, give sexercise and burn me out,” the song invites listeners to embrace spontaneity and desire. This sultry anthem is perfect for your party playlist, blending catchy rhythms with a vibrant energy that will get you moving!
Solange- Junie In “Junie,” Solange Knowles brings her soulful melodies and innovative rhythms to the forefront. The song, from her critically acclaimed album A Seat at the Table, explores themes of identity, love, and self-empowerment. With playful and evocative lyrics like “First one’s a fool, who’ll be the fool now,” Solange challenges listeners to reflect on their choices and the societal pressures that shape them. The upbeat tempo and infectious energy make it a standout track, inviting listeners to jump along and embrace their individuality.
San Francisco TKO’s- ooh baby baby In Ooh Baby Baby, the San Francisco TKO’s deliver a heartfelt exploration of love, regret, and resilience. With lyrics like, “You know it’s so hard to admit that you’re wrong,” the song captures the struggle of acknowledging one’s mistakes in a relationship. The emotional weight continues as they reflect on lost love: “Even though you broke your lover’s heart, you just have to call.” The catchy chorus, “I call my baby late at night,” highlights the comfort found in a new, loving partner.
Grover Washington, Jr and Bill Withers-Just the Two of Us “Just the Two of Us” is a timeless classic that beautifully encapsulates the essence of companionship and love. Featuring the smooth saxophone melodies of Grover Washington, Jr. paired with Bill Withers’ heartfelt vocals, the track emphasizes the strength and resilience found in togetherness. With lyrics like “We can make it if we try” and “Building castles in the sky,” the song tells a story of the power of love and partnership in overcoming life’s challenges.
Asake and Wizkid- MMS From his album “Lungu Boy,” Asake drops “MMS,” featuring Wizkid. The title stands for “Mr. Money Sound,” highlighting Asake’s journey and musical inspirations. Reflecting on self-discovery and perseverance, the track has achieved great success, becoming Wizkid’s longest No. 1 single in Nigeria, topping the Apple Music charts for 68 consecutive days.t-
Rod wave- 25 “25” by Rod Wave from Last Lap highlights his introspective side with gentle keys and soulful samples. His soft vocals convey sincerity as he grapples with loneliness, aging, and the struggle for genuine connections, poignantly asking, “In a world full of weirdos, fools, and scrubs, what are you willin’ to do for love?”
Milli Vanilli- Girl I’m Gonna Miss You “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You” by Milli Vanilli, released in July 1989, became a major hit at the time, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Gold certification. The song also reached number one in several countries, including Austria, Belgium, and Canada. In Netflix’s current No.1 hit show, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the Menendez brothers play this track at their parents’ funeral, prompting viewers to question its authenticity. Since the show is based on true events, it has led to renewed interest in Milli Vanilli’s music amidst the portrayal of their role in the brothers’ story.
Maddie Regent- You could break my heart Indie-pop artist Maddie Regent releases her new single, “You Could Break My Heart,” following her hit “Sleeptalking.” Co-written with her boyfriend, Cade Hoppe, and featuring Harper James, the track combines lush sounds with Maddie’s ethereal vocals. The song explores the vulnerability of falling in love and the fear of heartbreak. Originally from Toronto and now in New York City, Maddie has captivated fans with her EPs, MISS REGENT and Girl of Your Dreams. “You Could Break My Heart” is out now on all streaming platforms.
Grandview- Freestyle All Night Emerging hip-hop artist GRANDVIEW just dropped his latest single, “Freestyle All Night,” featuring Yung Senju, on September 27. The track combines humor and introspection, appealing to fans of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Logic, and Mac Miller. Born from a spontaneous creative session, the song explores what one might do on their last day on Earth, with lines like “If Eden’s on Earth and this my last 24, will heaven hug me once I leave my mortal form?” The collaboration between GRANDVIEW and Yung Senju highlights significant growth in GRANDVIEW’s rising career.
Sunsetto- ‘The Sun, The Moon & The Big Machine Toronto-based artist Sunsetto has released his debut album, THE SUN, THE MOON & THE BIG MACHINE. This conceptual project explores love, ambition, and the digital age, capturing the push and pull of chasing dreams while craving authenticity. The Key track “CROSSFIRE,” co-written and produced by 9AM, reflects on lost potential and choices shaping one’s path.
Caitlin Lavagna- October Caitlin Lavagna, an Actor-Musician graduate from Rose Bruford College, is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and drummer. Following her success with the single “Gold,” which made her a BBC Radio Wales Welsh A-Lister, Caitlin has continued to shine in both music and acting. This year, she secured first place for Best Solo Artist at the Newport City Radio awards and performed live at BBC Studios in Cardiff. Caitlin’s latest track, “October,” is part of her self-release journey as an unsigned artist. With a growing presence, she headlined multiple festivals and is set to perform with The Heavy North at The Globe in December
And that’s it for this week’s Beats of the Week! If these tracks didn’t get your feet moving, we don’t know what will! Keep the vibe alive by following us for more music selections from our editors and new artists breaking onto the scene. Catch you in a bit with more beats that bring the heat!”
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