Zayè, born Jasmine, is an artist from Chicago, who is making waves in the music industry with her unique sound and style. Growing up listening to her brothers rap and being inspired by artists like Tupac and Lil Wayne, Zayèfound her passion for music early on. She is now based in California and has recently announced the release of her upcoming EP, “Daze In,” which is set to drop later this year.
When asked about her artist name, Zayè explains that it was a spontaneous creation. She was in a car with her significant other at 3am and trying to come up with a name that spoke to her identity as an artist. Zayè just came to her, and it stuck.
Describing her sound, Zayè says that it’s not limited to one genre. She enjoys exploring music and having fun with it, creating a unique sound that hasn’t been heard before from a female artist in this generation. She attributes her musical inspiration to her brothers and the way artists like Tupac and Lil Wayne speak life into their music.
Zayè’s upcoming EP, “Daze In,” was inspired by the work ethic her significant other instilled in her. It’s about the level up of her work and being confident in what she creates, sharing it with the world regardless of the reception. The project is set to drop before the year ends, although Zayè hasn’t announced a specific date yet.
Zayè is focused on promoting “Daze In” and getting her music out into the world. However, she is open to exploring and creating new projects in the future. Her message to fans through this EP is that there are no limits to sound, creativity, and that with change comes growth.
If you want to follow Zayè on her musical journey, you can find her on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Her links are provided above.
From Lola Brooke‘s “Just Relax” to Coi Leray‘s “BOPS,” this week’s list (April 28) of best new songs will separate you from the crowd (and is truly carried by the hip-hop girlies). Curated by Natalee Gilbert and Tallie Spencer, these selected hits will make your musical pallet stand out.
Read our selections for this week below:
Lola Brooke – “Just Relax“
Interpolating Black Sheep‘s “The Choice Is Yours,” Lola Brooke’s highly anticipated single, “Just Relax,” is about being true to yourself. In her signature gravelly cadence, the Brooklyn-bred MC detail why she and the average chick are not one of the same. Lola Brooke also iterates that the wannabes will never be on her level, saying “Bitches wan’ be this, ’cause I was always that/Niggas say they rich? Let’s keep it a stack/I ain’t with the tic, I be movin’ tac/Bitches think they it, all that shit is cap.” Big Gator first teased the record back in January.
Rico Nasty – “Turn It Up“
Rico Nasty’s brash rhyme schemes meet their match with 100 gec‘s triple-bass heavy hip-hop production in “Turn It Up.” In the single, Rico Nasty puts the people who didn’t show her support from the get-go on blast. Additionally, the Las Ruinas femcee highlights how success is ultimately the best revenge, saying “I know that they gon’ ride my wave/I keep the boat rockin’.” The almost three-minute record also finds Rico Nasty showcasing her and these individuals’ many differences . “She see this fit cost more than her whole closet,” Rico Nasty boasts.
Coi Leray – “BOPS“
The undeniable trendsetter’s “BOPS” iterates the prowess behind her pen game. Over the cowbell-led hip-hop beat with laser sound effects, Coi Leray highlights her luxurious lifestyle, silences the smack talkers, and encourages women worldwide to get a little rambunctious. For those who once doubted her artistry, Coi Leray reminds them that she has hits across the board. She dedicates her wins to “them hatin’ ass bitches in the back.” One user on YouTube confirmed Leray’s effortless ability to make straight bangers. “It’s uh motherfucking BOP! BOPPITY BOP BOP, BOP! PERIODT,” they wrote. “BOPS” comes after her feature on RAYE‘s “Flip A Switch.”
Machine Gun Kelly and Cordae – “Doja Freestyle“
Machine Gun Kelly and Cordae traded a series of witty bars in his first episode of The Cypher. As they kicked back at MGK’s friend’s backyard, the rappers freestyled over Central Cee‘s “Doja,” tying in every entendre perfectly. MGK hopped back in his hip-hop bag after channeling into a pop-rock sound for some time. Cordae, on the other hand, dropped a few clever rhymes of his own. The themes in “Doja Freestyle” examine their authenticity, upbringing, unmatched pen game, and how they deal with wangstas. One of my favorite lines is from Machine Gun Kelly. He spits, “I shook his hand but I didn’t like his vibe so I used anti-bacterial/I’m too sick no venereal/But I must be a disease ’cause the way that my competition keeps on trying but dying I’m tellin’ you this is a burial.”
IShowSpeed & Kai Cenat – “Dogs“
The two popular Twitch streamers sample Baha Men‘s “Who Let The Dogs Out” in their latest single. On “Dogs,” IShowSpeed and Kai step away from their computer screens to drop some bars on the mic. The lyrics at hand reflect their expertise in shutting it down, getting to the bag, and “going the fast route.” The individuals who attempt to slow them down only inspire them to go full speed in everything they do. IShowSpeed even spits, “I’m a dog, man, I’ma bark (Arf)/No steppin’ out when I spark (Hah).”
Jackson Wang and Ciara – “Slow”
Jackson Wang and Ciara tell a lover they’d like to take it slow in their single of the same name. Without giving them room to make assumptions, the two singers explain why they should savor every moment. Ciara assures her better half that no one else has caught their attention, while Jackson Wang gives his sweetheart a chance to go at their own pace. Gliding over the light, playful R&B beat, both artists encourage that special someone to take their time with giving affection. “Slow the pace, ain’t a race, woah/I’m here all night for love, that’s right,” Ciara and Jackson Wang sings. “When you please me, pump the breaks/You can take your sweet time/Ease your mind and remember.”
Pacman Da Gunman has a lot to say since you left. The “you” in this instance is all his fallen friends. He wrote a four page letter and turned it in song to let them know what has transpired since their departures from this earth. This sentimental song features Don Bonelli and speaks on the deaths of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and his late friend/mentor Nipsey Hussle. Pacman sings “I’ve been trying to catch a vibe ever since you left, analyze how I slide ever since you left” on the hook, bringing you inside his current mental state.
Detroit’s Allstar JR has six new tracks to round out the deluxe version of his triumphant LP, Organized Crime 2. Allstar JR is using his deluxe as a victory lap, celebrating that he made it through some of the biggest obstacles of his life. Detroit is known as one of the most historical music hubs in the world.
Independent Atlanta rapper Tony Shhnow released his new project today called ‘Love Streak,’ along with the music video for “If It Wasn’t For Me.” “I know if I ain’t come back around, you would be in love right now,” Shhnow raps on the track. Breaking away from his traditional “plugg” sound, Tony’s new project, Love Streak finds the Atlanta MC rapping with a sharp and well-researched East Coast flair over new-age boom-bap production as he fills the rhythmic space with lover-boy raps, his dizzying technical ability, and an impressive guest list to match.
Chicago’s up-and-coming R&B duo is quickly gaining traction for their distinct sound and vibe. Their latest single “What You Know” follows up their debut release “Steam” and brings listeners a raw yet smooth look into the realities of life in the hood. From tough topics such as drug use, violence, and poverty, Chicago’s dynamic duo sing their way through the darkness, shining a light on struggles faced daily in certain areas. They express the sentiments felt by many.
Introducing 20-year-old Hertfordshire-based singer, songwriter, actress and dancer MIRIAM NYARKO with her brand new single titled ‘BUILT ON YOU’. Written and composed by Miriam Nyarko, and produced by Samuel Jinadu, who has also worked with the likes of MOBO Award winner Still Shadey and The Voice UK winner Annatoria, ‘Built On You’ is an infectious musical offering that is driven by Miriam’s exquisite voice, her R&B fuelled harmonies and melodies, lush guitar arrangements, afrobeats-tinged percussion drums, and an uplifting faith-filled message.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Built On You’ and how the song came about, Miriam Nyarko says, “the track was created in under half an hour, and easily became one of the most favourite songs I’d ever written. The song is inspired by my Bible verse for 2023, Matthew 7:25, which says, ‘The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundations on the rock’. This song is my personal testimony shared to inspire anyone listening. This is my love story, my faith story, declaring that God is my firm foundation”.
Highly recommended if you like the sounds of Tori Kelly, H.E.R or Madison Ryann Ward, Miriam Nyarko found her passion for music from the very early age of four, when she started singing at her local church. She quickly unearthed her penchant for acting and dancing soon after, and was starring in her first West End musical at just 10-years old. Miriam has also been honing her songwriting skills from a very young age as well, winning a songwriting competition that gave her the chance to perform her original music at the renowned Royal Albert Hall when she was only fourteen.
Fast forward to 2023, and you might remember Miriam Nyarko as Miri in the Disney and BBC series Almost Never, or from playing a young Nala in the West End musical The Lion King, or from touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company on their award-winning shows, including The Boy In The Dress, and Matilda: The Musical, but the British, Ghanaian and Bajan native is also emerging as a rising singer and songwriter to watch in the UK’s R&B and Gospel music scenes. Following her debut single ‘Step By Step’ in 2020, she is ushering in her new musical universe with the brand new ‘Built On You’.
