Kanye West may very well be one of the least predictable artists of his generation. When you think he’s gone punk, he collaborates with pop princess Rihanna and legend Paul McCartney. When you think he’s finally won over the media, he gets in trouble from an post-awards show. So these instances might explain why during his NYFW show, Kanye premiered a brand new song titled ‘Wolves’, the first track from his album-featuring Chicago rapper/singer, the super creative Vic Mensa, as well as ‘Chandelier’ singer Sia. The record takes a much darker turn from his previous singles ‘Only One’ and ‘FourFiveSeconds’ and rather than including wildly successful established and iconic artists like Ms. Fenty and The Beatles frontman, it features two lesser known but up-and-coming and diversely talented artists. The track was produced by Cashmere Cat, along with Sinjin Hawke.
You can listen to the song and watch the accompanying visuals from the show below.
Rapper Mick Jenkins is one of our Top Chicago Artists to Watch for in 2015, and his new OnGuad produced track ‘Time’ is proof why. ‘Time’ is set to appear on The FDC and 119 Productions’ upcoming Chicago Sights ’N Sounds compilation, and you can stream it now, below.
After releasing their track ‘Perfect‘, featuring Childish Gambino and Kent Jamz, production team THC released its follow-up this week. The new track, ‘futurebabymama’, is in anticipation for their newest album and features Kent Jamz (of OverDoz), who provides a nice verse and a head-bobbing hook. Ventura rapper, Kyle, also delivered a very solid verse, and the song goes into a smooth outro led by West Coast rapper, Buddy. It was not stated whether or not this new song will be on the album.
One day after winning two Grammys for his debut single ‘i’, from his forthcoming second studio album, Kendrick Lamar is back with a new fiery record. Over a gritty Boi-1da beat, he spits three vicious verses, addressing his own hypocrisy, culture vultures, and the death of Trayvon Martin. He also shares the hook with Jamaican dancehall artist Assassin (you may recognize him from Kanye West’s 2013 album Yeezus). After the third verse, the record shifts into a smooth jazz melody crafted by frequent TDE collaborator Terrace Martin, along with what appears to be James Fauntleroy and a female vocalist. Kendrick’s next move sonically for his upcoming album is still unknown, but he’s now proven that he’s still musically ambitious and fearless on the mic, so the results should be fantastic.
As a gift to fans for reaching 10 million likes on Facebook, EMD superstar Martin Garrix (‘Animals’) released his new track (and video to go with it), titled ‘Forbidden Voices’. Check out the video below, and fans in Chicago can catch Martin performing at this year’s Spring Awakening Music Festival.
Last winter Norwegian producer Cashmere Cat and DJ Mustard started working on this track, which now is conveniently titled ‘Ice Rink’. Listen to the collaboration below and be sure to catch him on tour with Ariana Grande (kicking off this month).
Check out Vic Mensa’s second new track this year with Electronic musician Kaytranada, this time led by friend and SAVEMONEY affiliate Towkio, titled ‘Involved’. If you like this one, definitely be sure to look out for Towkio’s upcoming debut, titled .wav Theory, which is expecting a April release with confirmed executive production by The Social Experiment’s Peter Cottontale. Stream the track below and also be on the look out for Vic’s upcoming 2015 projectsStreet Lights (EP) and Traffic.
Last year Vince Staples released one of rap’s best projects, with his Hell Can WaitEP. Today we have the official video for one of the EP’s stand out tracks ‘Screen Door’. Check out the Complex premiere of Staples’ ‘Screen Door’ video here and watch Vince Staples break down the lyrics for his Hell Can Wait EP track below.
After releasing a lot of new and unexpected music in 2014, Jaden Smith has continued this trend in 2015 by taking to Twitterto share a link for his new EP and his new track and video, ‘4 My 1’, produced by Daniel D’artiste. The This Is The Album EP has three tracks and includes ‘4 My 1’, ‘Scarface’, and ‘Weekend In Atlantis’ (all produced by D’artiste). Stream the EP and check out the ‘4 My 1’ video below.
Last year rapper/singer Kyle (‘Keep It Real’) released his new track ‘Just a Picture’ with singer Kehlani. Today we have the official video, directed by superduperbrick and James McCloud. Speaking to THE FADER, Kyle explained that the song “was inspired by the fear that there will be a ‘selfie class’ in middle school 20 years from now. Our kids grow up thinking that liking someone means double tapping their picture.” Check out the new video below!
The Early Registration 