R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Justine Skye, Molly Santana, J.P., Leon Thomas & More

Last week (May 30), Leon Thomas dropped Mutt Deluxe: Heel, an expansion of his 2024 sophomore LP, whose title track has become his breakthrough hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Alongside guest appearances from Big Sean, Halle and Kehlani, Heel also houses “Catch a Stray,” a cheeky, introspective cut that dials up the rock influences that pierce every pocket of the Mutt album.

Produced by an all-star team featuring key Mutt collaborators Freaky Rob and D. Phelps, as well as Thomas himself, “Catch A Stray” trades on a breezy guitar melody and steady percussion. Thomas spends the song balancing the tension between giving in to love and maintaining money as the apple of his eye. By the song’s end, he finally lands on: “Oh, I’m loyal to the money ’cause it’s loyal to me/ And I don’t wanna lose it/ So if I have to choose between you and the money/ You know what I’m choosing.” While he’s slowly and surely making progress, Thomas is still a mutt at heart on the closer for his deluxe LP. — KYLE DENIS

Benji Blue Bills teamed up with versatile producer BNYX for their Out the Blue joint project, where they take viewers on a sonic voyage exploring various 808-laden spacey sonics dominating rap’s underground. “MORGAN” finds the duo at their best while Benji navigates bouncy 808s with Benny’s guidance. The Power Rangers-themed visual packs on the nostalgia as BBB transforms into the Blue Striker – hilariously laced in a navy Nike Tech sweatsuit –  to save the city from the twerking villain, but don’t look the giant seductress in her eye or you’ll meet your demise. — MICHAEL SAPONARA

With a video straight out of Severance and with a beat produced by Hollywood Cole that flips the same sample in the rare B-side “Exhibit B” from Yasiin Bey and Jay Electronica, these two prove to be a couple of barbarians that the late, great Sean Price would be proud of. Mavi and Earl go back and forth, much like Jada and Styles, as they rap circles around each other and the competition. — ANGEL DIAZ

Justine Skye and Kaytranada’s “Oh Lala” is a sultry, groove-heavy anthem about the irresistible pull of late-night chemistry and lingering desire. Over Kaytranda’s signature bounce — a mix of house, funk, and soul — Justine floats with effortless cool, painting a picture of two people who just can’t quit each other, no matter how many times they say they will. The chorus’s repetition (“If you bring that ooh, I’ll la-la-la-la”) feels like a flirtatious loop, echoing the cycle of temptation and surrender. 
 
Lyrically, the song leans into sensuality with a playful tone. Justine isn’t trying to define the relationship—“Don’t think I’m in love/ But I can’t let you go tonight”—but she’s fully present in the physical tension. The pre-chorus and bridge highlight a mutual understanding: this isn’t about labels, it’s about energy, rhythm, and a connection that’s hard to shake. “Oh Lala” is a sleek, late-night vibe with a wink —charming, indulgent, and impossible not to move to. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON

After breaking through with “Bad Bitty” last year and facing the full gamut of the Internet’s opinions on his life and artistry, rising Milwaukee rapper J.P. is back with his new single, “My Peace.”

Serving as his first release of 2025, “My Peace” finds J.P. leaning further into his gospel influences and delivering an inspirational number dedicated to the force that grants him stability in his most turbulent times. “Lately I’ve been out my head/ And my patience is thinning out/ You’re my peace when I’m in trouble/ Calm me down before I blow up,” he croons over pensive production, courtesy of Keylime. — K.D.

Molly Santana perfectly set the table for her album with the Molly and Her Week of Wonders short film, which is seemingly inspired by the 1970 Valerie and Her Week of Wonders horror-fantasy film. In a time where artists’ rollouts seem lazy, Santana’s lead-up felt refreshing with an accompanying visual. The 17-track project hit streaming services on Friday (May 30), and her repertoire was on display with futuristic songs like “BRB” featuring Showjoe. Molly’s take on starry rage-rap shines as she promises to turn her creative gifts into a lucrative career. “I’m comin’ back rich, promise that I’ll see the cash,” she raps. — M.S.

The Oakland rapper and producer links up with Long Beach MC Vince Staples to give fans an unexpected westside connection. Produced by Ovrkast. himself, he and Vince provide a plethora of bars about the strange times we find ourselves living in over a somber yet hard beat. — A.D.

Lil Tecca’s “OWA OWA” is a hypnotic blend of flex-heavy bars and carefree energy, wrapped in a woozy, melodic beat. The track centers around Tecca’s signature lifestyle: fast moves, luxury items, and casual entanglements. The repeated “owa-owa” refrain, borrowed from The Buggles’ new wave classic “Video Killed the Radio Star,” adds a playful, almost psychedelic rhythm to the song, acting as a quirky response to everything from sex to success. Tecca delivers lines with a cool detachment, balancing brags about Chrome accessories and packed rosters with moments of self-awareness — “A lot in my head, it’s just replayin’.”

The bridge briefly hints at emotional tension, but it never lingers long, instead returning to the vibe-driven momentum that fuels the track. “OWA OWA” doesn’t overcomplicate things — it thrives on mood, movement, and melody, offering a snapshot of Tecca coasting through life, fully immersed in the now. — C.C.