I’ve only known Bad Bunny for some of his Reggaeton and Latin Hip Hop hits. So I was intrigued to see him perform live on the biggest American TV stage and evaluate it. It was a good show. Super fun upbeat Latin party vibes. He’s got a bag of hits. Featuring Lady Gaga was random, but interesting. It was fairly elegant by today’s standards. Nothing too tacky or edgy like some of the rumors about it suggested it would be. I think the the whole criticism of it being in Spanish was overblown. Latin music is more ingrained in pop culture today with it having such a huge global fanbase. Good vibes are good vibes. And ultimately, there really aren’t many homegrown American pop stars that have the catalog of hits, relevancy and popularity these days to perform at the Super Bowl halftime stage. So I give credit where credit is due.
SOFI TUKKER, J Balvin – “COOK”
I was hoping this song would be a little better. But I gave it a second listen because they both make good catchy music. It’s a pretty dope track.
Feng – “J*b”
I like it. It’s different than every other melodic hip hop track out. Might not be a “hit,” but there’s definitely some creative quality here.
BNYX®, Kid Cudi, Röyksopp – “EVERYWHERE I GO [REMIND ME]”
Jordan Ward – “Themselves”
Badboo – “Mon bb mon bo”
Badboo is an independent pop artist from France. I discovered her through my recommendations, and I think she’s a potential star. In terms of international dancehall pop, this is a super-underrated song.
Don Toliver – “ATM”
Just yet another dope single from Don Toliver. Has his music ever disappointed?
Top 5 Indie R&B Tracks of 2025
I’ve listened to over 5,000 new music releases in 2024. These are my Top 5 favorite Indie R&B tracks of the year.
5. Dizzy Fae – “Magnify”
A talented star in the making. She has that cross-over R&B/Hip Hop/Pop similar to Doja Cat, but with more charm.
4. Mabel – “Right On Time”
Mabel. Don’t. Miss. She’s more known more for her pop hits, but this was a nice gem off the indie mixtape she put out over the summer. Back to the Indie R&B roots she debuted with 10 years ago. She is simply one of the best R&B singer/songwriters in the game.
3. Jordyn Simone, TA Thomas – “GREY”
I’m not the most lovey-dovey ballad guy in the world by any means, but this is a gorgeous duet. Easily one of the most chill and easiest on your ears tracks you will ever hear.
2. bLAck pARty – “Distant Lover”
Absolute quality. Probably the best love song I’ve heard in a couple years. What a melody. Dope album too.
1. Venna, Jorja Smith – “Myself”
Technically not indie, Jorja Smith is one of the best singers in the world, and Venna is a Grammy award winning musician. But this isn’t a mainstream radio song. It’s art. Real music. Timeless. If you told me this is one of the best songs you’ve ever heard, I wouldn’t argue!
New Music Has Been Rough
New music the past couple months or so has been pretty awful. Pretty disappointing especially because the industry usually puts out some of their strongest music in 4th quarter of the year. There are almost no repeat-worthy and hit-caliber songs coming out. I don’t post “new music” just because it’s new or because it’s by an artist I’ve featured before. It has to be quality. REPEAT-WORTHY. And not AI. Maybe it’s just me. Then again, when you’ve heard it all and have a super-high standard, it’s hard to be impressed. Let’s hope the new year brings us better music.
Kali Uchis – “Muévelo”
I meant to post this when it came out a couple weeks ago, but better late than never.
Dope New Music 