#5. BabyJake Feat. Bipolar Sunshine – Funny Thing About Love

BabyJake | Baby Jake | Free Listening on SoundCloud

One of those “almost painfully uplifting” tracks. Sounds like a track that’s soon to be playing at every H&M, Urban Outfitters and Abercrombie & Fitch near you.

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#4. Hoodie Boy – Moments

Hoodie Boy | Free Listening on SoundCloud

More catchy retro-glam tunes from Hoodie Boy’s recent album drop.

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#3. Danny George Feat. Darren Morgan – Say Something

Danny George | Free Listening on SoundCloud

There was a good 4-5 years last decade or so when every hot song sounded like this. I call it the “Chet Faker” sound, but there’s probably a more apt name for it. Broody, emotional, vocal driven jams made to be played for intimate crowds in the most niche joints in the city.

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#2. Curren$y – Smoke Break

Curren$y Spitta | Free Listening on SoundCloud

I’m not going to pretend to understand Curren$y’s release schedule. This song “dropped” a week or two ago on his latest release, but also has a music from from 2001. Whatever it is, hip hop’s hardest worker is just my fave. Yea his songs have a formula. Yea he has one sound. But he’s like the Sublime of rap. Put on anything and just chill. It’ll be good. (plus that beat is totally stuck in my head)

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#1. Emawk Feat. Zach Ezzy – FAIY

emawk | Free Listening on SoundCloud

Emawk was already on my “artist to watch” radar last year, and boy is he delivering. Unique sounds, swagger for days and a real ear for making catchy tunes.