Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Kehlani, Ben Platt, Romy & More
Written by djfrosty on May 31, 2024
Pride Month officially kicks off tomorrow, so be sure to update your playlists with some new tunes from your favorite queer artists before then! . Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
From Kehlani‘s blissful new single to Ben Platt‘s romantic new album, check out just a few of our favorite new releases from this week below:
Kehlani, “Next 2 U”
On her latest single from next month’s new album “Crash,” Kehlani is fusing the old and the new. “Next 2 U” is a rare gem in Kehlani’s discography that expertly blends together her well-honed R&B sound with the newer, industrial production elements of her sound to make a grinding-yet-gorgeous new track about dedication. Her vocals remain unparalleled in their effortless grace, and the accompanying music video only further underlines the star’s calls for a free Palestine, making “Next 2 U” a thrilling addition to Kehlani’s already stunning body of work.
Trending on Billboard
Ben Platt, Honeymind
For Ben Platt, there’s no need to over complicate things when it comes to love. Honeymind, the Broadway star’s third studio album, sees Platt leaning effortlessly into lush, rich ballads about the nature of his relationship. Pair his voice with buttery strings, simple guitar and bass or even just a piano, and the results come back the same — Platt knows exactly what (and more acurately, who) he is devoted to in this gorgeous new LP.
Romy, “Always Forever”
Donna Lewis’ 1961 hit “I Love You Always Forever” has already served as the basis for plenty of pop songs — but Romy’s recent interpolation of the track feels instantly electric. “Always Forever” continues Romy’s hot streak since the release of her critically-lauded album Mid Air in 2023, this time turning up the volume on her pop stylings. The rising star spends her verses building up a sense of tension and longing, only to let the iconic melody of Lewis’ track serve as instant gratification on the song’s delirious chorus. “Always Forever” is yet another reminder that when it comes to ecstatic dance music, Romy is the one to watch.
Zolita, Queen of Hearts
Zolita wants to get real with you — and then, she’d like to dance. On Queen of Hearts, the rising pop singer’s latest LP, Zolita dives deep into the peaks and pitfalls of queer romance, detailing thrilling nights on the town followed by mornings filled with questions and hurt feelings. Spurning that journey along is a set of irresistible, impeccably-produced pop bangers that worm their way into your head and take root, especially on album standout “All Over Again.” If Zolita’s goal was to deliver a stylish, smart album about LGBTQ love just in time for Pride, then consider her mission accomplished.
Dua Saleh feat. Serpentwithfeet, “Unruly”
We cannot imagine two artists more naturally suited to collaborate with one another than Dua Saleh and Serpentwithfeet. So, when the two linked up on their hypnotic new song “Unruly,” it does not disappoint — the pair’s experimental, otherworldly sounds mesh together into a web of gorgeous, celestial soundscape. It’s a testament to both artists that “Unruly” works as well as it does, instantly elevating the vibe the moment it starts.
Channel Tres, “Cactus Water”
Summer is here, and Channel Tres would like to celebrate the sweaty season with a sultry new cut of his own. On “Cactus Water,” Tres celebrates hot nights out on the dancefloor, with a kinetic beat and grooving bass backing up his swaggering vocal. After offering to “lick you up, lick you down,” Tres brings the song to an electrifying pinnacle, making it an immediate go-to for your summer playlists.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below: