PreauXX-“Lost Airpods”

I seek therapy but never commit/I got trauma I could never forget/I got people who gon’ love me no matter/But watch the ones who gon’ hate from the fence…

As you can see, lost airpods aren’t the only concern on Preauxx’s infectious new single, but damn if he wouldn’t like to know where they are. Over understated, hazy production from LEE MVRS, PreauXX tells the tale of a hungover morning that continues to spiral out of control (despite him sounding cool and collected throughout). As we’ve become accustomed to, the Unapologetic rapper once again delivers proof that he’s one of the city’s most unorthodox and outstanding talents regardless of genre.

Frank McLallen-“Manic”

To say that we are living in stressful times would be quite the understatement, so Frank McLallen’s new sweet Beatles-esque pop track “Manic” has come like a much-needed salve. McLallen, a veteran of the local music scene who has been a member of bands including Ex-Cult, the Sheiks, the Tennessee Screamers, and Model Zero, confidently takes center stage on the first single from his upcoming solo album Extra Eyes. A perfect laid-back ditty for these beautiful (if stressful) spring days.

Zen Desire ft. Ronin-“Good Coffee”

Still not relaxed enough? Fair enough! May we suggest “Good Coffee,” the new single from local singer-songwriter Zen Desire? Grounded by Desire’s dulcet vocals and acoustic guitar and featuring an unexpected but welcomed guest rap verse from Ronin, the track blends elements of R&B, folk, and hip-hop to create a breezy and vibey track that is as comforting as–you guessed it–a cup of good coffee.

TANGELA-“Miso”

While one of our primary goals with this segment is to highlight songs that are hot off the presses, we can be convinced to revisit a previously-released track, especially when it goes as hard as TANGELA’s February release “Miso.” Produced by Ethan Hunt & Ryan Peel and featuring Elliott Ives on guitar, “Miso” is an exhilarating hodgepodge of trap, hard rock, and pop that just demands to be played LOUD. Our only complaint is that with a run-time of just under two minutes, we’re left wanting even more.

Bleu Levees-“Vieux Carre”

Earlier this month, Bleu Levees dropped his highly-anticipated debut album The Way of the Cat, which we’ve had on repeat ever since. We’ve been fans of the Memphis by the way of New Orleans rapper for years and his signature sound and conscious lyricism are both in top form throughout the project. One of our favorites is “Vieux Carre,” a sultry late-night jam that takes its name from NOLA’s oldest neighborhood (as well as a bourbon cocktail from the Crescent City). Be sure to check out the upcoming listening party for the album this Saturday (April 19th) at the Memphis Listening Lab!

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Cyrena Wages-”Unwrap Me”

Singer-songwriter Cyrena Wages has really mastered her particular blend of soulful country this year, which serves her well on this new holiday tune. As is true with many enduring holiday classics, “Unwrap Me” has a truly timeless sound that is sure to make it a local yuletide favorite for years to come.

Strong Nog: A Small Batch Holiday Compilation

23 songs for the price of one? Now that’s a holiday deal. Just last week, Small Batch Records released their 5th annual holiday compilation called Strong Nog, which features some killer tracks from Memphis rockers J.D. Reager, Alicja Trout, Graham Winchester, and Jeff Hulett. 

GloRilla and Kehlani-Xmas Time

It felt kinda inevitable, didn’t it? Coming off the biggest year of her career–and possibly the biggest year for any single Memphis rapper in history–Big Glo takes a victory lap with the track “Xmas Time” featuring Kehlani. Yet another banger from an artist at the top of her game. 

Cheyenne Marrs- “Santa’s Lament”

Released around this time last year, Cheyenne Marr’s “Santa’s Lament” is a nice mid-tempo indie rock track from the perspective of Old St. Nick himself. With a mix of melancholy and humor, Marrs embodies a Santa who is simply worn down from all the hustle and bustle and ready to kick his feet up until next year.

DJ Paul-‘A Xmas Flock’

Only Three 6 Mafia’s DJ Paul could flip the holiday classics “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Jingle Bells” into a crunk anthem about robbery and murder. To quote the song’s refrain, “Yeah Ho Ho Ho.”

William Bell-”Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday” 

We’re not necessarily ready to crown this William Bell classic as the greatest Memphis Christmas song of all time, but we can say that it should be included near the top on any respectable list. Truly one of the best songs ever released by the criminally underrated Stax soul singer. 

“Merry Like This”-KIRBY

For a more contemporary pop R&B sound, check out KIRBY’s “Merry Like This,” an upbeat and danceable jam from local singer KIRBY that is a great reminder that not every holiday song needs to be a slow-burner.

“If Christmas Can’t Bring You Home”-Reigning Sound

Quietly nestled in the middle of Reigning Sound’s excellent 2005 album Home for Orphans is an unexpected holiday tune that has become a local favorite over the ensuing years. With Greg Cartwright’s songwriting and the band’s signature “garage rock meets soul” sound, “If Christmas Can’t Bring You Home” is a winner.

“Let It Snow”-Valerie June

It’s a tall task to put a unique and memorable twist on a holiday classic, especially one as ubiquitous as “Let It Snow,” but Valerie June makes it look easy on this rendition. Of course it helps when you have a voice as distinctive as Ms. June’s, which is both playful and warm.

“Rock and Roll Christmas”-Cordell Jackson

Cordell Jackson–the rockabilly pioneer and the first woman on earth to own and operate her own rock ‘n’ roll label–can also claim to have arguably the rarest and most sought-after Christmas single on earth. Her 1956 romp “Rock And Roll Christmas” can be found on various reissue compilations, but if you’re lucky enough to come across an original 45, you’ll be having a very merry Christmas indeed. 

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Memphis music is truly unstoppable, constantly evolving and shaping the soundscape with its rich history and innovative artists. Every month brings fresh talent and exciting new releases, making it clear that the city’s musical legacy is as strong as ever. November has been no exception, with an impressive lineup of projects that showcase the heart and soul of Memphis’ diverse music scene. Here are five standout releases we’ve been playing on repeat this month, and we’re sure you’ll love them as much as we do. Dive in and discover your next favorite Memphis artist!

Al Green-”Everybody Hurts”

Although Al Green’s recently-released cover of R.E.M.’s 1992 classic “Everybody Hurts” was certainly not something we were expecting, the iconic soul singer’s excellent rendition of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” from last year gave us at least an inkling that such things were possible. Ever since Johnny Cash scored a late-career hit with his cover of Nine Inch Nails’ dour “Hurt,” aging legends have often returned to the deep well of angsty Gen X anthems for inspiration. Count this one amongst the best, especially as Green is able to imbue the song with a sense of optimism. 

In his social media posts announcing the song, the good Reverend wrote “Recording ‘Everybody Hurts,’ I could really feel the heaviness of the song, and I wanted to inject a little touch of hope and light into it. There’s always a presence of light that can break through those times of darkness.” Amen.

IMAKEMADBEATS-”MAGIC”

Last week, producer extraordinaire IMAKEMADBEATS made his triumphant return with a mesmerizing performance of his new album WANDS at the Planetarium. As is true with albums such as J. Dilla’s Donuts, WANDS is best experienced in-full, but to keep with the theme of this article, we’ll suggest starting with “MAGIC,” one of the album’s many stand-outs. If you haven’t check out the album yet (and you absolutely should), think of it as “Lo-Fi Hip-Hop Beats to Study and Travel the Cosmos To.”

Hitkidd-”Lookin’ For Ah Trick”

Earlier this month, Memphis producer Hitkidd released his newest album Hitkidd For President, yet another collection of trunk-rattling bangers that proves crunk is still very much alive. As he’s been known to do in the past, Hitkidd assembled some of Memphis’ baddest women for a posse cut with the undeniably great title ”Lookin’ For Ah Trick.” Featuring Jucee Froot, La Chat, and the late great Gangsta Boo, Hitkidd transports us back to the elbow-throwing mid-2000s. Also, shout out to Talibah Safiya, who provides a gorgeous outro to the album on the track “Land of the Free.”

General Labor-”Calculator”

From Lost Sounds to NOTS and Optic Sink, Memphis has been a strong breeding ground for kick-ass synth punk bands for a couple of decades now. General Labor, the duo of Thomas Corbin and Elijah Poston, have established themselves as worthy entrants into this tradition, especially with their new album  The Airtight Garage. Album opener “Calculator” has been released as the first single and is a perfect summation of the band’s sound and philosophy: using technology to rage against the machines.

ISpeakWithAGift Ft. Preauxx- “F.T.O.S.”

and is a perfect summation of the band’s sound and philosophy: using technology to rage against the machines.I honestly can’t remember if we’ve ever covered the artist ISpeakWithAGift before in this space, but if not, shame on us. The rapper-producer, who has been regularly releasing music for the better part of a decade, has earned a dedicated following with his unique production and smooth flow that seems to grow more skillful with each release. His newest single “F.T.O.S.,” which features an excellent feature from a very hungry sounding Preauxx, is a woozy banger reminiscent of early releases from A$AP Mob. 

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Lawrence Matthews ft. Idi x Teco – “Once More & Again (Our Mourning)”

We told you back in January that Memphis musician Lawrence Matthews’ forthcoming album was something not to be missed, and every subsequent single he releases just reinforces why. “Once More & Again (Our Mourning)” is his latest tour de force, a stunning and poignant song that pays homage to Southern traditions. Helping to deliver Matthews’ message is Memphis duo Idi x Teco, who each masterfully open and close the track with powerful verses. You won’t be able to play it (or watch the visuals) just once. It’s haunting in the best way possible.

Blvck Hippie – Basketball Camp

Have you ever wished someone made an album that perfectly encapsulated your high school experience? Blvck Hippie frontman Josh Shaw did, so they went about making it themselves. Basketball Camp is the Memphis band’s newest album and it doesn’t disappoint. The group blends their wide range of influences (part pop, part rock, part punk, part jazz, part everything else) and impressively makes one cohesive soundtrack over which Shaw layers his raw and visceral storytelling. Conjure up your teenage angst and let this one rip.

Rose A. – S4U/GDL/SOS

It’s been a minute since Memphis songstress Rose A. has dropped new music, but this summer she’s gifted us not one, not two, but three new tracks. All three songs feature slithering sensual production courtesy of producer Spek Was Here, over which Rose A. layers her saccharine and delicate vocals. The whole project is impressive, but where Rose A. truly shines is on “S4U,” an intimate reworking of the Britney Spears’ classic “I’m a Slave 4 U”. Her arrangement is like someone stripped away the original production and instead seductively purred the lyrics into your ear. It’s *chefs kiss*.

Marco Alexander – “Wiseman” (Acapella: TRIBE Arrangement)

Choosing to cover another artists’ song is never an easy feat, but choosing to cover a Frank Ocean song? Wheww…that’s not for the weak. It’s safe to say that Memphis musician Marco Alexander understood this though because his version of Ocean’s “Wiseman” is utterly breathtaking. Backed by the talented “TRIBE”, he reimagines the track and flips it into an acapella masterpiece. “This feels like the ‘Amen’ to a prayer” Alexander wrote of the arrangement on Instagram, and honestly, there’s not a better way to describe it.

Gloss Up – Not Ya Girl: Act 1

After dropping her debut album Different Shades of Gloss in 2019, Gloss Up garnered major attention after her appearance on Hitkidd’s hit posse cut “Set the Tone” with fellow Memphis  rappers GloRilla, K Carbon, Slimeroni, and Aleza. She hasn’t taken her foot off of the gas since, which begs the question: If you’re outside and not listening to Gloss Up’s new album Not Ya Girl: Act 1 at full blast, then what are you doing??? It’s summer, Memphis! Turn this shit up.

The post WAMM in Rotation: Our Favorite Music of June ’24 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

MonoNeon ft. George Clinton – “Quilted!”

One thing’s for sure, there’s no shortage of funk in musician MonoNeon’s music. But if y’all had any doubts, he kicked it up a WHOLE notch by enlisting none other than funk legend George Clinton for his latest single, “Quilted”. The duo are just as fly as you’d imagine, trading catchy verses over a groovy bassline. The best part? The hook goes “Look at me mane!” and that’s Memphis as fuck.

Bartholomew Jones ft. PreauXX and AWFM – “Gold On Me”

In last month’s “WAMM In Rotation,” I wrote, “what’s better than one Memphis powerhouse on a track? Two.” and I’m here to admit, I was wrong. Because the only thing that’s better than one Memphis powerhouse on a track isn’t two – it’s three. Case in point: “Gold On Me.” The track finds musician (and Cxffeeblack founder) Bartholomew Jones linking up with fellow Memphis rappers PreauXX and A Weirdo From Memphis and together they create an unstoppable, play-this-at-full-volume anthem. “Gold On Me” has been on repeat since it came out, and that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon.

Mulherin – “Blue Moon”

It’s been two years since Memphis duo Mulherin has released new music, but lucky for us the short hiatus is over. This month (thankfully!) they returned with their infectious new single, “Blue Moon.” The track features bouncy, dance-ready production over which the brothers layer their perfectly harmonious vocals. If the rest of their new music is as strong as this one, then the two year wait was absolutely worth it.

Rose Gold Jones – “Beautiful Things Don’t Ask For Attention”

Earlier this month, musician Rose Gold Jones dropped a mysterious trailer for his new album. It was the perfect teaser, intriguing enough to make you pay attention without giving away what’s to come on the actual LP. But now Jones has released the full project and it definitely lives up to the hype. Beautiful Things Don’t Ask For Attention is an impressive collection, featuring vibed out, surreptitious production and Jones’ effortlessly flowing verses. Beautiful Things Don’t Ask For Attention is his debut album on his self-founded independent label, so it’s safe to say this is only the beginning of promising releases from the Memphis musician.

Aaron James – “The Last Day of the Cold”

Allow me to paint a picture for you. It’s a beautiful sunny day; warm but with a cooling breeze so it’s not too muggy. You’re laying on a blanket in a park with your headphones on, fully relaxed and unbothered. What song are you listening to? If your answer is anything other than Aaron James’ “The Last Day of the Cold,” I hate to tell ya but, you’re wrong. The Memphis songwriter’s latest single is the perfect soundtrack to this exact scenario: beautifully light, airy, and carefree. It’s a must-add to your summer playlist.

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