It feels like the moment June began, it’s been an influx of great music coming out. Fans have been eating this month, as everyone from Tems to Megan Thee Stallion to NxWorries has dropped new music. So let’s dive into the best hip-hop and R&B songs of this month.
Tems – Burning
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At long last, Tems’ debut album is finally here and the delivery for this LP is strong. Early into the album is the third track “Burning,” an introspective cut diving into her newfound fame and the constant battles surrounding it. The smooth, monotone production provides the right amount of empty space for the Nigerian singer’s vocals and songwriting to shine.
Don Toliver – Glock
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Don Toliver is red-hot this summer with his latest LP Hardstone Psycho, containing multiple hits like the sexy drill-inspired album cut “Glock.” Driven by a well-executed Whitney Houston sample flip, the production on here makes listeners want to dance the moment it comes on. Adding in Donnie crooning over the New York-inspired sound, “Glock” is a banger for warm, late nights ahead.
Glorilla – TGIF
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Glorilla has another summer anthem on her hands, a headline that never seems to get old. The Memphis rapper’s newest single “TGIF” has been an instant fan favorite since the moment a snippet first emerged on social media prior to its release. Powered by monstrous horns and heavy bass, Glorilla injects the track with an infectious hook and makes it a solidified hit.
Megan Thee Stallion – Paper Together ft. UGK
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Megan Thee Stallion just dropped her self-titled album and one of the early standout tracks, “Paper Together,” is one of Texas royalty. Over the syrupy production, Megan turns into Tina Snow and brings her pimpin’ to the booth. The cut also contains an appearance from UGK, featuring Bun B and the late Pimp C. To have a Bun B verse and an unreleased verse from a late Texas legend is crazy, but being someone raised in the Houston culture, “Paper Together” is the ode to her hometown Megan has always been destined to make.
Bossman Dlow – SportsCenter
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Bossman Dlow is keeping the summer singles coming with his newest release. “Sportscenter” delivers the heavy-hitting bass production and witty one-liners that have garnered the Florida native social media success. Sometimes, the only confidence boost you need is listening to Bossman Dlow casually talk about buying $2000 shoes for no reason.
NxWorries – KeepHer ft. Thundercat
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There aren’t many songs able to capture the loneliness of a divorced man’s refrigerator in the winter quite like the NxWorries track “KeepHer.” The super duo released an album of the year contender and this collaboration with Thundercat is one of the strongest tracks by far. The cold, bony production by Knxwledge matches the raw emotion of Anderson .Paak on here to a tee. Some tracks can teleport listeners to the time and place inspiring the track and “KeepHer” does a great job of it.
Tommy Richman – Devil is a Lie
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The Virginia native is wasting no time following up on his massive hit “Million Dollar Baby” with another highly-anticipated track. For anyone still doubting Tommy Richman, “Devil is a Lie” puts an end to the one-hit-wonder conversations. The song’s Neptunes-inspired production meshes well with Tommy’s punk pop star persona, making it party-ready as Tommy continues his hit-making streak.
Smino – Polynesian
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The St. Louis lyricist is back on the scene with a new single, “Polynesian.” Marking his second release of the year, Smino jumps in and out of the pockets within the groovy instrumentation. Confirming at Roots Picnic that more music is coming soon, his latest release sounds like a warm, enticing invitation into the rapper’s next music era.
Kaytranada – Witchy ft. Childish Gambino
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When “Witchy” was first previewed, fans knew Kaytranada had something special coming. The Canadian producer links with Childish Gambino to deliver a track fitted for the rooftop party vibes. The grandiose production sounds summer-ready as Gambino matches the energy with some impressive vocals of his own.
For more on Megan Thee Stallion: Instagram | X | Spotify
For more on Tems: Instagram | X | Spotify
For more on Don Toliver: Instagram | X | Spotify
For more on Glorilla: Instagram | X | Spotify
For more on Bossman Dlow: Instagram | TikTok | Spotify
For more on NxWorries: Instagram | Spotify
For more on Tommy Richman: Instagram | TikTok | Spotify
