Queer Jams of the Week
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The weekend is here, which means it’s time to get some new tunes to jam out to from your favorite queer artists. 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.
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From Demi Lovato’s reimagined pop-turned-rock songs, to K.Flay’s raging new LP, check out just a few of our favorite new releases below:
Demi Lovato, Revamped
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While re-recording past work has become something of a trend as of late, no one is doing it quite like Demi Lovato. On Revamped, Lovato takes a look back through some of their biggest pop hits and reimagines them as bonafide rock bangers, whether it’s soulful ballads (“Tell Me You Love Me”), monster pop smashes (“Heart Attack”) or already rock-adjacent singles (“La La Land”). Revamped is the work of an artist taking the narrative back from her years of pop stardom, and it’s a raucous delight to listen to.
K.Flay, MONO
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If you’re still wanting to rage after hearing Lovato’s new album, might we suggest K.Flay’s excellent new LP MONO? Throughout this dynamic new project, K.Flay goes for the jugular over and over again by turning her songwriting inward and learning that her experience is just that — hers. Whether she’s delicately singing about a toxic ex (“Hustler”) or self-flaggulating alongside some gnarly production (the excellent “Punisher”), K.Flay goes all in on every song, making MONO a must-listen.
Vagabon, Sorry I Haven’t Called
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On Sorry I Haven’t Called, Vagabon offers to bring listeners on a journey of sorts — with a flourish of house beats and slick pop sounds, the singer-songwriter is ready to whisk you off into a brand new reality, built for the sole purpose of keeping the vibes pure. It’s a smartly-produced, lyrically-rich album that promises to capture your attention for all 35 minutes. As Vagabon told Billboard, “The ethos of what I wanted on this album was just to tell the audience, ‘We’re fine, at least for now.’”
Big Thief, “Born For Loving You”
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Anyone who’s attended a Big Thief show in the last few years likely already knows “Born For Loving You” — but if you haven’t attended, now’s your chance to hear it. The studio rendition of the song maintains the joyful, heart-melting energy of the band’s live performance, bringing a pure injection of dopamine into your day. “Doesn’t matter what dreams come true,” Adiranne Lenker sings on the song’s buttery chorus. “I was born for loving you.”
Snail Mail, “Easy Thing”
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On her last album Valentine, Lindsey Jordan — a.k.a. indie star Snail Mail — proved to be a master of yearning bedroom rock. Her latest single, “Easy Thing,” yet again underlines that point. On this doleful guitar ballad, Jordan pines for the love that got away, waxing poetic on their relationship even though her ex is left looking like a “loser” throughout the song. It’s a simple, sweet moment of melancholy that we highly recommend you listen to ASAP.
King Mala, “Never Wanna Know”
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Imagine giving a s–t what your ex thinks about your life? That’s the mission statement of King Mala’s delectable new kiss off “Never Wanna Know,” a bubbly, middle-finger single in which she proudly proclaims that she’s not even remotely interested in whatever her former flame is up to nowadays. The grooving bassline confidently brings you from one biting lyric to the next, while Mala styles her voice like an audible shrug as she sings, “I never wanna know / If your past keeps you up at night, cause I never worry about mine.” If you are striving to be unbothered, press play.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
With summer in our rearview mirror, gear up your playlists for the fall with some new songs from your favorite queer artists. 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Dove Cameron’s new team-up with Marshmello, to Tinashe’s long-awaited new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Dove Cameron & Marshmello, “Other Boys”
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Dove Cameron is sick of flirting with the “Other Boys” — she’s ready for someone new to come along and sweep her off her feet. This slick, pulsating new song from Cameron and the track’s official DJ, Marshmello, sees the star pining for the love of the one person who’s not giving it to her. Cameron lets her cool, slinky vocal glide with ease over the chilled-out, relentless beat, singing that her “heart can’t be satisfied by anyone but you tonight.”
Tinashe, BB/ANG3L
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R&B-pop star Tinashe is back, and she’s ready to groove. On BB/ANG3L, Tinashe is getting all the way in her R&B-pop bag and delivering a sonic universe of entrancing, introspective jams to help you vibe your way into the weekend. Whether she’s boosting her own confidence on “Talk To Me Nice,” or letting herself get vulnerable with someone new on “Uh Huh,” Tinashe commands every moment of BB/ANG3L — and you’ll want just a slice of that conviction for yourself.
Romy, Mid Air
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After a winning career as the lead singer of The xx, it should not come as a surprise that Romy Madley Croft’s debut album Mid Air is as good as it is. Yet it bears repeating that this electronica-suffused, trance-heavy new project sees the singer boldly taking herself into new territory, whether she’s embracing groovy disco sounds (“She’s On My Mind”), or going full turn-of-the-century Eurorave with Fred again.. (“Strong”). Mid Air is the kind of reintroduction that succinctly and joyfully reintroduces fans to an artist they already loved in a brand new light.
Allison Russell, The Returner
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Where her Grammy-nominated debut Outside Child sought to reckon with the trauma of her past, Allison Russell’s latest LP, The Returner, makes the case for living right now. Brimming with rich polyrhythmic texture and an emboldened folk sound fused with funk, disco, pop and rock, The Returner is an ode to joyfully remaking the world around you in your own image. Russell fights against oppression on the anthemic “Stay Right Here,” dismisses her innermost fears on “Demons” and vows to accept the gifts the world gives her on the titular track. Uplifting, inspirational and unabashedly itself, The Returner is the feel-good soundtrack you’ve been needing.
Blondshell, “Street Rat”
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After releasing one of the best indie-rock debuts of the year back in April, Blondshell is already back for more with “Street Rat.” No, she’s not talking about the lovable rogue from Disney’s Aladdin — instead, the fast-rising indie star tries her hardest to break through an unyielding cycle of bad habits that just won’t die. Floating over dreamy guitars and a relentless beat, Blondshell gives into the romanticism of her negative traits by the song’s end, making “Street Rat” a perfect dose of seratonin — even if it’s wrong, it just feels right.
Baby Queen, “Quarter Life Crisis”
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There comes a moment in every young adult’s life where you start to realize that the glittering days of youth are about to be over, and you start to feel some panic set in. If you’re currently there, don’t worry; Baby Queen has a song to soundtrack your predicament. On “Quarter Life Crisis,” the rising pop star contends with her life experience and lack thereof, feeling stuck in the middle of youth and wisdom. It helps that the lilting-yet-angsty music accompanying her only adds to the drama, making this particular “Quarter Life Crisis” one we’re happy to ride out.
Anjimile, The King
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“There’s a flood of flame,” Anjimile’s voice cries out on his new album’s opening track. “And it calls your name.” Thus begins the spiral of anger, confusion and sadness that is The King, the indie singer-songwriter’s masterful expression of grief. Written during the height of the 2020 protests against police brutality, Anjimile calls out the systems of power that protect corrupt cops (“Animal”), while also mourning from his own personal traumas (“Mother”) and wondering when if and when the world is going to meaningfully change (“The Right”). A portrait of rage and sorrow in the midst of dark times, The King is one of 2023’s most vital albums — and an instant classic from Anjimile.
Boyish, Little Demon Boy
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Looking to dive headfirst into the melodrama that is queerness in the modern day? Look no further than alt-pop duo Boyish’s new EP Little Demon Boy. Throughout this smart, empathetic and carefully-crafted project, India Shore and Claire Altendahl explore everything ranging from codependency (“Split Up”) to societal expectations (“Girls Are Mean”) to the endless need for validation (“Doomscroller”), all while giving us top-tier production and deliciously dreamy guitar licks. Boyish prove definitively on Little Demon Boy that they are the next big thing in the queer indie scene.
Check out all of our picks in Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Need some new tunes from your favorite queer artists for the weekend? We’ve got you covered; 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Victoria Monét’s stunning new album to Omar Apollo’s moving new ballad, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Victoria Monét, JAGUAR II
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While her new album may be sold as a “part two,” don’t go and get it twisted — Victoria Monét’s JAGUAR II is not your typical followup. Throughout all 35 minutes of her magnificent new project, the singer-songwriter re-establishes herself as the name to watch. Blending together her signature R&B sound with a distinctive funk groove, Monét waxes poetic on one night stands (“Alright”), toxic entitlement (“Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)”) and even the materialistic drive of the entertainment industry (“Hollywood,” featuring surprise appearances from Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as Monét’s 2 year old daughter Hazel). JAGUAR II is Monét’s magnum opus, and one we can’t seem to stop listening to.
Omar Apollo, “Ice Slippin”
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Painting a picture with words is a difficult task for most songwriters — but when Omar Apollo does it, it seems easy. On his new single “Ice Slippin,” the alt-R&B star recreates a memory as vividly as possible by using every tool at his disposal. Through his heart-rending songwriting, production wizardry and soulful performance, Apollo painstakingly recreates his mental state when trying to come out to his family, painting an intimate portrait that any queer person listening can immediately relate to.
Ashnikko, WEEDKILLER
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Over the last couple of years, Ashnikko has slowly built her profile as the in-your-face, hyperpop-adjacent pop-rap star who will not compromise for anyone. While that character remains well intact throughout her new album WEEDKILLER, Ashnikko does go out of her way to break down some of the edifice surrounding her persona. With her signature grinding beats and sweltering vocals making up the vast majority of the album, it’s on standout track “Dying Star” feat. Ethel Cain that Ashnikko finally gives us a glimpse at the person underneath the pop star — and it will only make you want to go back and listen to the rest of this chaotically intricate album and hear it from a whole new perspective.
Madeline the Person, “Tantrum”
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Life is weird and chaotic and self-destructive — and that’s the mode that Madeline the Person is blissfully embracing on her new single. While “Tantrum” may sound like a delightful soft-pop song, the lyrics show the singer throwing away all of her preconceived notions about relationships. She decides to indulge in all of the behaviors that she’s been avoiding thanks to therapy and throw caution to the wind. “Tantrum” is ultimately an anthem to instant gratification — even if we know it’s “wrong,” it sometimes just feels too good to ignore.
Soccer Mommy, “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” (Taylor Swift cover)
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An indie rock phenomenon covering a nearly-20-year-old country song may not have been on your 2023 bingo card, but Soccer Mommy is here to show you why it should have been. Covering a deep cut from Taylor Swift’s debut album, Sophie Allison nails her performance throughout “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” walking the fine line between staying true to the original while making a cover your own. This dreamy, vibe-driven cover is a masterclass in putting your twist on a classic song.
Anjimile, “Animal”
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Anjimile wants to make sure you’re listening to him. “Animal,” his powerful third single from his upcoming album The King, immediately grabs you with a distorted growl from an acoustic guitar, as the rising indie star rages against the systems of power that allowed George Floyd to die at the hands of violent police in 2020. Managing to capture all his fury and frustration with just his voice and a guitar, Anjimile makes his point crystal clear in the very first verse: “If you treat me like an animal/ I’ll be an animal.”
Charlotte Day Wilson feat. Snoh Aalegra, “Forever”
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What happens when you blend a multi-hyphenate artist, a rising R&B star, and a chopped and screwed interpolation of a Foundations classic? “Forever” is what happens, the entrancing new track from Charlotte Day Wilson and special guest Snoh Aalegra. With layers upon layers of production constantly unraveling around Day Wilson’s magnetic voice, and Aalegra showing her stunning vocal clarity on her gorgeous verse, “Forever” is a song that feels like an instant classic from two top-tier performers.
Jaboukie, All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel
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Looking to dance, laugh, and over-examine all of the choices you’ve made in your life? Jaboukie is here to facilitate that process (roughly in that order) on All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel, his excellent debut album. Throughout the project, the comedian-turned-musician embraces industrial hip-hop, indie rock and even some glistening pop to deliver a melting pot of sonics, all while gassing himself up (“BBC”), getting nostalgic (“Cranberry Sauce”) and much more.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard‘s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Another week means another opportunity to listen to some excellent new tracks from your favorite queer artists. 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Reneé Rapp’s long-awaited debut album to Doechii’s steamy new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Reneé Rapp, Snow Angel
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Much like the titular winter fixture, Reneé Rapp’s Snow Angel is all about leaving her imprint on pop music. Throughout the rising singer-actor’s debut album, Rapp paints in broad strokes, employing soulful R&B and raucous pop-rock to create an accurate image of her life. The results come in the form of impeccably-written ballads detailing heartbreak and loss (“I Wish” and “Willow” immediately stand out), uptempo bops meant to stir your spirit (“Talk Too Much,” “So What Now”), or even an instantly-relatable queer femme anthem with “Pretty Girls.” From start to finish, Snow Angel serves as an unflinching self-portrait of Rapp’s not-yet-quarter-life crisis — and it leaves even more room for the star to bloom.
Doechii, “Booty Drop”
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What more do you need to know than what’s in the title? Doechii makes a promise on her sexy new single, repeating again and again the she “can make your booty pop.” Turns out, she’s not kidding — from the killer bassline to Doechii’s effortless flow, “Booty Drop” is the exact kind of song designed to get you out on the dance floor shaking your money-maker.
Anitta, Funk Generation: A Favela Story
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Just a year after giving us her killer album Versions of Me, Anitta is ready to give fans just a taste of what’s to come. With her new 3-track bundle Funk Generation: A Favela Story, Anitta dives head first into funk carioca, letting her buttery smooth voice glide over jumping bass and entrancing rhythms that will pull you in immediately. It’s a complete journey into Anitta’s Brazilian upbringing — and one you need to hear for yourself ASAP.
Demi Lovato, “Confident (Rock Version)”
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Continuing her high-octane revitalizations of past hits, Demi Lovato is ready to boss herself up. On the new, raw version of “Confident,” Lovato gives their brassy anthem some serious edge by trading in new growling vocals and putting a heavy focus on the song’s slamming drums. Be sure to do some stretches before listening — because you will be banging your head by the time you reach the end.
K.Flay feat. Vic Fuentes, “Irish Goodbye”
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Everyone’s experienced the Irish goodbye at some point or another in their lives — that moment when you look up and realize you haven’t seen your friend in the last 30 minutes. Now, K.Flay and Pierce the Veil’s Vic Fuentes are ready to give that practice its very own theme song. With glitching guitars, relentless drums, and some top-tier songwriting to help, K.Flay proves yet again that she’s a master of bottling angst into a much-needed release of musical dopamine.
Jamila Woods, “Boomerang”
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While you may know Jamila Woods for some of her softer, slower jams over the years, she’s here to show you that she can give you plenty of reason to dance on her new single. With “Boomerang,” Woods picks up the tempo, turns up the synths and lets her breezy vocal do the heavy lifting, as she looks a little bit closer at that one relationship that just keeps on coming back.
Slayyyter, “Erotic Electronic”
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Looking for something a little more racy? Of course Slayyyter is here to help. On “Erotic Electronic,” the rising pop singer strips herself down — no, literally — as she offers up all of the lengths she will go to in order to get with her lover. Add in some ground-shaking EDM production and a series of peaks-and-valleys synths, and you’ve got another club banger on your hands.
Calum Scott, “At Your Worst”
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Sometimes, a heartfelt love song is all you need to get that nice warm feeling going — and Calum Scott is certainly capable of giving you that. “At Your Worst,” the latest from the singer, is a moving slice of pop balladry that sees Scott celebrating his lover even, and especially, in the lowest moments. The soft guitar and bass section certainly helps keep you interested, but the real star, as tends to be the case with Calum Scott songs, is the singer’s gorgeous voice.
Shamir, Homo Anxietatem
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Anxiety seems to be the overarching theme for 2023, and Shamir is well-versed on that subject. Throughout Homo Anxietatem, the singer-songwriter seems to seek out, understand and eventually dispel anxiety, studying as many different sides of it — the pressure of stardom (“Obsession”), the stress of a relationship (“Our Song”), and the relief that comes in accepting your life for what it is (“Wandering Through”). It’s no surprise that an artist as talented as Shamir could turn anxiety into its very own concept album, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive.
Arlissa, “AUDACITY.”
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Knowing your worth is important, and Arlissa wants her ex to know that they cannot afford her. On “AUDACITY.”, the pop-R&B singer grooves her way through a betrayal from her former flame, before coming out the other end stronger. The simplicity of the production mixed with the singer’s inimitable vocal makes lines like “you had the audacity/ to act like you can handle me,” hit that much harder on this burning new jam.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard‘s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Beat the summer heat with these cool new jams from some of your favorite queer artists! 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Tove Lo’s latest dance anthem to Chappell Roan’s campy new summer single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Tove Lo, “Elevator Eyes”
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If you give Tove Lo the good ‘ol up-down, rest assured that she will be writing a sultry single all about you. “Elevator Eyes,” the latest track to come from the Swedish pop star’s Dirt Femme era, sees Lo embracing a moodier, more pared-down production style to her last few singles. Don’t fret, though — the song’s lyrics and the singer’s performance bring plenty of heat all on their own, as the star evaluates an interested party and looks to make her next move.
Chappell Roan, “HOT TO GO!”
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If you’re an adult in need of your own personal cheerleader, Chappell Roan has got you covered. With her new single “HOT TO GO!” the rising star offers up a great impression of a cheer captain as she instructs you on how to dance to the new track while also letting her future lovers know that she is ready and waiting. It’s fun, it’s camp, and it’s exactly the kind of jam that will have you dancing along in no time.
G Flip, Drummer
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If you’re wondering what to expect from an album titled Drummer, it’s literally right there in the title. Throughout Australian upstart G Flip’s debut album, the singer-songwriter embraces her instrument of choice, leading this pop-rock project with slamming drums leading the way. Ranging from heartbroken pop songs (“The Worst Person Alive”) to uplifting love anthems (“Good Enough”), Drummer makes good on the promise of its title, soundtracking the rising star’s love life over a killer beat.
Allison Russell, “Snakelife”
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It bears repeating that the world is currently a hard place to be for Black queer and trans folks — but that’s not the future that Allison Russell sees for her community. On “Snakelife,” the folk singer’s stirring new single, Russell conjures up a vision of transformation and evolution, envisioning and even conceiving a future in which “every child is safe and loved, and Black is beautiful and good.” With a voice that is simultaneously gorgeous and haunting, Russell makes certain that you feel as strongly as she does that this new world is coming, whether you like it or not.
Mykki Blanco, “Holidays in the Sun”
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Get ready to rave your way into Mykki Blanco’s self-described “Italian cowboy era.” The star is back with “Holidays in the Sun,” their first single off of the forthcoming EP Postcards from Italia, and they are ready to rave. Over a relentless beat and some delicious bass hooks, Blanco extolls the virtues of simply vibing in the sunshine while you can. It’s a delectable cut from the often-elusive talent, proving yet again that Mykki knows how to write a banger you can dance to.
HoneyLuv feat. Cakes da Killa, “Bring It Back”
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Speaking of a banger you can dance to, we simply must talk about DJ-producer extraordinaire HoneyLuv’s latest team-up with rapper Cakes da Killa on “Bring it Back.” Dripping with Cakes’ laid-back confidence and HoneyLuv’s razor-sharp prodcution, “Bring it Back” is exactly the kind of homerun you think it’s going to be, moving you to get up out of your seat and start grooving to the fiery new song ASAP.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
As we move toward the end of summer, there’s still time for you to find your song of the summer from your favorite queer artists. 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.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Kali Uchis’ team-up with El Alfa and JT to Demi Lovato’s collaboration with LE SSERAFIM, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Kali Uchis feat. El Alfa & JT, “Muñekita”
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Get ready for your new sexy summer anthem. Kali Uchis invited Dominican dembow superstar El Alfa and City Girls member JT for her flirty new single “Muñekita,” where the trio strut their way down a delicious Latin beat, spitting Spanish bars about how truly fabulous they all are. On her own, Uchis could have made an excellent Spanish-language anthem — but with Alfa and JT in tow, it’s a party you’ll never want to leave.
LE SSERAFIM feat. Demi Lovato, “Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s Wife”
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How should a K-pop act like LE SSERAFIM capitalize on a viral banger like “Eve, Psyche & the Bluebeard’s Wife?” Their answer is to invite pop-rock icon Demi Lovato onboard for a verse. The bones of what made “Eve” such a great song remain fully intact — from the house-inspired production to the delicious vocals from each member. But with the addition of Lovato, jumping back into her dark-pop era for a bossed-up verse, “Eve” ascends to even greater heights.
Towa Bird, “This Isn’t Me”
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Just three singles into her career with Interscope, Towa Bird is already proving to be one of the most exciting new artists on the scene. “This Isn’t Me” only adds to her already prestigious discography with a tender but gritty indie rock anthem about finding yourself stuck in a social quagmire where you simply do not belong. Fuzzy guitars, chunky drums and an expertly restrained vocal all make “This Isn’t Me” a perfectly-crafted ode to social anxiety.
Teddy Geiger, “Never Enough”
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With her latest single “Never Enough,” Teddy Geiger just can’t stop thinking about consumption. Over a delirious and often hypnotic melody, the singer-songwriter examines our insatiable craving for more and more of just about everything. “Once you have a little bit of something, it’s never quite enough; when the show has been binged, you want more of it,” she told Billboard of the new song. “You’re always left feeling like there’s something lacking, unless you can come to peace with the feeling itself.”
Durand Bernarr, “Kiss from a Rose” (Seal Cover)
We didn’t know that we needed to hear one of the most uniquely talented voices in music covering a ’90s soul staple — yet here we are! Durand Bernarr took on Seal’s iconic “Kiss from a Rose,” opting to keep what works about the soft-rock-meets-soul anthem, and letting his unbelievable voice do the work. Throughout this marvelous cover, Bernarr proves again why he is perfectly situated to become the next big star in R&B — all you have to do is press play to find out why.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Weeks playlist below:
Summertime may be in full swing, but it’s never too late to find your song of the summer. Billboard Pride is here to help with the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Sam Smith’s new collaboration with Calvin Harris to Anne-Marie’s new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Calvin Harris feat. Sam Smith, “Desire”
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Each time Calvin Harris and Sam Smith have teamed up to make music, the results have been blissful — whether it was the cooled-down stylings of 2018’s “Promises,” or the disco euphoria of this year’s “I’m Not Here to Make Friends.” Their latest collaboration “Desire” follows in those same footsteps; a thundering trance beat and a set of stuttering synth lines perfectly match with Smith’s delicate vocal, as they declare that just “the thought of you is keeping me awake.”
Anne-Marie, Unhealthy
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Trying to encapsulate what Anne-Marie’s Unhealthy is all about is like trying to grab a fish with your bare hands — just when you think you have a good grasp, it manages to wriggle away. But that’s part and parcel of the accomplishment in the pop singer’s latest LP; Unhealthy is about embracing chaos and learning to accept what can’t be fully understood. The sonics match that theme — Anne-Marie oscillates between gorgeously-sung ballads (like “You & I” featuring Khalid), angsty pop-rock anthems (“Haunt You”), and pure pop anthems (“Trainwreck”), the British phenom refuses to just be one thing, when she can be everything.
CHIKA, Samson
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Much like the titular Bible character, Chika is ready to find strength in what makes her vulnerable. On her full-length debut Samson, the rapper goes beyond proving why she deserves recognition for her pen game, and acknowledges the emotional turmoil that has plagued her life for the last few years. Embracing blatant honesty to devastating effect, Chika burns bridges (“Mad”), flexes her skills (“Prodigy”), and weaves a compelling narrative web of an artist rejecting her position as an overlooked superstar. Chika didn’t mince her words, so we won’t either; Samson is a masterpiece.
Shamir, “The Beginning”
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Looking for a throwback to the late ’90s? Shamir has got you covered with “The Beginning,” a scrumptious pop-rock jam that’s ready to transport you straight back to the age of Savage Garden and Third Eye Blind. It’s fitting, then, that the lyrics to the delectable new song are all about looking back on the good old days of a relationship, and realizing that maybe they weren’t as “good” as you thought they were. “The Beginning” is just another reason why Shamir remains a vital voice in the indie pop-rock scene.
Kidd Kenn, “Coming”
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That’s Mr. Kenn, if you’re nasty — and “Coming” will certainly encourage you to access your nasty side. With his latest single, rising rap star Kidd Kenn is happy to go full “WAP,” but this time for the gays, flexing all of the various way that he can get his lover hot over an entrancing melody and booming beat. Yes, “Coming” is exactly what it sounds like — a hip-hop banger for you to press play on immediately.
MAY-A, “Something Familiar”
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When Hamlet said that we would all “rather bear those ills we have than fly to others that we know not of,” MAY-A felt that. On her latest single “Something Familiar,” MAY-A gives into comfort over consistency, basking in knowing the person she’s with well, even if she doesn’t really like them all that much. Add in her updated, rocked out sound to give the song a boost of adrenaline, and you’ve got yet another jam from the rising star.
Jaboukie, “not_me_tho”
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If you want to work yourself to the bone to get ahead, that’s just fine — just don’t expect Jaboukie Young-White to join you. On his latest single off of his upcoming new album, the comedian-turned-writer-turned-actor-turned-musician is skewering hustle culture with a carefree, shrugged-off anthem. Throwing up a middle finger to late-stage capitalism, “not_me_tho” is Jaboukie at his most effortless, laughing at the social climbers sweating their way to the top as he casually waves at them from his self-made pedestal.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
With a hot and sticky summer comes our latest picks of hot songs from your favorite queer artists. 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.
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From Troye Sivan’s sweaty return to dance-pop to Reneé Rapp’s self-talk anthem, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Troye Sivan, “Rush”
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No, Troye Sivan’s new single is not explicitly about your favorite brand of poppers — at least not directly. With “Rush,” the Australian pop superstar unleashes a half-decade of pent up energy, released in a flurry of relentless dance beats, chunky synth chords and Sivan’s crystal-clear voice. Celebrating dopamine-fueled 3 a.m. dance parties, Sivan soaks every single second of the song’s two and half minutes in beatific dance floor ecstasy, delivering this year’s most definitive queer anthem right when we need it most.
Reneé Rapp, “Talk Too Much”
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It’s hard to stand a chance when self-sabotage is your love language, as Reneé Rapp masterfully points out on her excellent new single. Throughout “Talk Too Much,” the soon-to-be-former Sex Lives of College Girls star goes searching for flaws in her partner, only to be met with punchy guitars and the reassurance that she’s the one waving red flags. The song is as funny (her self-questioning soliloquy as a bridge is perfect) as it is irresistibly catchy.
PVRIS, Evergreen
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On her latest album, Lynn Gunn wanted to create something that was both timeless and of the moment. Evergreen, the latest full-length album from her solo project PVRIS, manages to accomplish that goal with shocking effect. Singing about everything including burnout from our specific semi-apocalyptic reality (“I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore”) to fighting off a more generalized feeling of ennui (“Senti-Mental”), PVRIS successfully taps into a new wavelength, making it clear that they are here for the long run.
Chelsea Cutler, “I Don’t Feel Alive”
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Who would’ve thought that a song about dissociation could feel so good? Chelsea Cutler has always excelled at taking raw sincerity and turning it into fabulous music, and the same is true for “I Don’t Feel Alive.” Over a seemingly joyful, jangling acoustic guitar and a stomp-clamp beat, Cutler dives deep into her own self doubt, questions her reality and points out all of her worst tendencies, all while combatting an all-encompassing sense of detachment from her own life. By the song’s end, though, she’s looking at her progress, and looking to a better future.
Claud, Supermodels
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Based on its singles alone, you would be forgiven for thinking that Claud’s sophomore album Supermodels was going to be a pretty sad album. You wouldn’t be entirely wrong — the album follows the path of a relationship in turmoil, occasionally seeing Claud own their own faults (“Dirt”) or call out their lover’s (“Every F–king Time”). But on bright spots like “A Good Thing” (which now has a music video featuring America’s Sweetheart Paul Rudd), Claud lets themselves dabble in hope and happiness, bringing a thematic and sonic variety to this excellent new album.
Maddie Zahm, “Where Do All the Good Kids Go?”
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Being asked to be a grownup while actively growing up can leave a person feeling robbed of their childhood. Maddie Zahm, for one, is ready to talk about that experience on “Where Do All the Good Kids Go,” her heartwrenching new single. Pairing her sensitive voice with a moving piano melody, Zahm recounts years of adults expecting more out of her while her peers kept their distance, and the endless recursion loop of confusion and hurt that came as a result. It’s a stunning piece of confessional songwriting that manages to break you down while also giving you just an ounce of hope by the time the final chord is struck.
Palehound, Eye on the Bat
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El Kempner always excelled at writing insightful and poetic lyrics as a part of Palehound — but not ever like they do in Eye on the Bat. Throughout this vulnerable, chaotic new project, Kempner strips away much of the edifice surrounding their past music, now letting themselves get vulnerable and be seen through get real about people pleasing (“U Want It U Got It”), breakups (“Independence Day”) and much more. It’s all done through the star’s singular indie rock style, making Eye on the Bat a must-listen album.
Shamir, “Our Song”
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Shamir is feeling nostalgic for the good ‘ol days on his latest song. Performing through the lens of looking back on the bitter ending of a relationship, the singer-songwriter spends much of “Our Song” wishing things were different — wishing he was a bigger person back then, wishing that his ex hadn’t managed to “infiltrate” his mind, and so forth. To fit the stirring lyrics, the song’s sound manages to smartly straddle the line between dreamy pop music and grittier rock offerings, making “Our Song” a fascinating must-listen.
Idman, Risk
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If you somehow haven’t listened to rising singer-songwriter Idman yet, allow us to introduce you with their fabulous new EP. Risk sees the star-in-the-making mix together pop, R&B and hip-hop into a eclectic mix of must-listen bangers talking about heartbreak (“Hate”), infatuation (“Still”), and pure confidence (“Beach”). With beats and melodies as versatile as the blissful riffs they regularly sing throughout each song, Risk is exactly the kind of project that makes us want to hear more and more from Idman.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
It’s the last day of Pride Month, but certainly not your last chance to check out some new tunes from your favorite queer artists! 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.
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From The Japanese House’s thrilling new album, to Mxmtoon’s team-up with Ricky Montgomery & Cavetown, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
The Japanese House, In the End It Always Does
“Perform my stupid rituals, everything in cyclical,” Amber Bain sings on her new album. “Hold on to this feeling ’cause you won’t feel it for long.” This is the prevailing sentiment behind In the End It Always Does, the sometimes-nihilistic, otherwise-curious new album from The Japanese House that ponders the patterns of our emotional inner lives. Whether it’s a lack of physical connection (“Touching Yourself”), or predetermination in the middle of a relationship (“Morning Pages” with MUNA), Bain examines the cycles of her love life with surgical precision, and through the lens of some impeccably-crafted indie-pop.
Mxmtoon, Ricky Montgomery & Cavetown, “Nobody Loves Me”
Turns out when you take three exceptionally gifted singer-songwriters and put them together on one song, you get a pretty great final product. “Nobody Loves Me,” the collaboration between Mxmtoon, Ricky Montgomery and Cavetown, sees the trio offering up their own interpretations of hopelessly pining after the objects of each of their affection. With soft, silky production that lends itself perfectly to the delicate subject at hand, “Nobody Loves Me” is exactly the kind of song to sit and introspect to.
Greta Van Fleet, “The Falling Sky”
No, it’s not Chicken Little — it’s just Greta Van Fleet letting you know that the sky is, indeed, falling. In this delicious rock single, the band struggles against the seemingly unyielding problems of the world, as frontman Josh Kiszka opines that “I don’t wanna lose this time.” Add in some flavorful guitars and even a brassy harmonica solo, and “The Falling Sky” quickly becomes a must-listen anthem for perseverance — especially given Kiszka’s recent coming out, and the state of affairs for queer people in this country.
Daya, “Juliene”
Looking for a sizzling, sexy anthem for your summer playlists? Enter Daya. “Juliene,” the singer’s latest single, follows Daya as she pursues the titular character down a burning-hot beach so they can find some alone time. Some A+ alt-pop production and an ethereal vocal performance later, “Juliene” transcends into a flowing, scintillating jam that’s bound to get stuck in your head shortly after your first listen.
Chika feat. Freddie Gibbs, “Truth or Dare”
If you’ve ever wanted to be let into a songwriter’s process, then Chika has exactly the song for you. On “Truth or Dare” (featuring a fabulous guest verse from rap superstar Freddie Gibbs) the 25-year-old rapper focuses her aim at the industry and her own career, calling out shallow trends and materialist incentives before turning her focus inward. Throughout the dexterous second verse, Chika slowly deconstructs herself before wondering if any of this is really even worth it. “Nowadays, music about a few seconds that make you sway from side to side,” she spits. “Why am I thinking so much ’bout my lyrics? Forreal I’m just wastin’ my time.” That may be how Chika feels, but we think pressing play on “Truth or Dare” is maybe one of the best uses of your time today.
G Flip, “The Worst Person Alive”
Ever had an ex that decided to treat you like Public Enemy No. 1? G Flip most certainly has, as they explain on their latest single “The Worst Person Alive,” a scathing indictment of the multi-hyphenate’s past relationship. Fueled by a pounding drum beat (performed by G Flip themselves) and seething lyrics that question any and all intentions from their former flame, “Worst Person” seeks to find answers amid the mess and drama of a relationship at its end.
MAY-A, “Lola”
Australian indie-rock star MAY-A wants to talk about growing apart. On “Lola,” the first single off of her forthcoming EP Analysis Paralysis, the singer-songwriter looks her relationship with two different people; the person she gets to be with in private and the person they change themselves into in public. Through the dreamy guitars and subdued percussion, MAY-A paints a vivid image of a relationship where no one knows where they stand, making this an excellently evocative single to kick off her new era.
Check out all of our picks in our Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
As we head into the final weekend of Pride celebrations around the U.S., get into some of our favorite new releases from LGBTQ artists! 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.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Kim Petras’ long-awaited new album to Demi Lovato’s seething new anthem for abortion rights, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Kim Petras, Feed the Beast
What is the titular Beast of Kim Petras’ new album? For each person it’s different, but for the fast-rising pop superstar, it’s pop music itself. Throughout Feed the Beast, Petras gives in to every pop urge she’s had throughout her career, leaning hard into the Eurodance and rave tracks that raised her (employed to particularly excellent effect on album standout “King of Hearts”), while also dipping a toe back into the bubblegum stylings of her past performances. It’s a relentless, thrilling rollercoaster of pure pop indulgence — which is nothing less than what you’d expect from Petras.
Demi Lovato, “SWINE”
If you thought Demi Lovato was angry on Holy Fvck, you’d better sit down for their new single. “SWINE” is Lovato at her most furious, fueled by righteous indignation at the looming first anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. Pounding, relentless drums and roiling guitars make “SWINE” sound like a long lost nu-metal anthem, as Lovato bitterly snipes, “F–k what I think, I don’t know a thing/ The government knows my body.” That sound only adds to the star’s seething vocal, as they rage against the system that aims to strip women of their bodily autonomy. When Lovato sings to “give these motherf–kers hell,” it doesn’t sound like a lyric; it sounds like a call to action.
Boyish feat. King Princess, “Kill Your Pain”
There’s just something about the pairing of indie-rock duo Boyish and queer star King Princess that works perfectly. On “Kill Your Pain,” the new collaboration from the trio, Boyish & King Princess are completely in-synch, as they lament a relationship so all-encompassing that they began to lose sight of their individuality. Mikaela Straus fits just right with lead singer India Shore, as they trade verses back and forth about the frantic, messy realization of a connection this doomed.
Hayley Kiyoko, “Somewhere Between the Sand and the Stardust“
With her new single, Hayley Kiyoko is letting us in on something hard. “Somewhere Between the Sand and the Stardust” follows the pop singer as she processes her own grief in the wake of a friend’s death. Her voice, brimming with layers of rich vocoder notes, mournfully tries to make sense of the passing, while also acknowledging the end of her friend’s pain. It’s a heartbreaking ode to losing those we love, and one we highly recommend listening to.
Big Freedia, Central City
Big Freedia never went away — but this week, she’s back in a big way. Central City, the bounce icon’s first full-length studio album in nearly a decade, serves as a hand-guided tour from Freedia through the sonic landscape of New Orleans, featuring all the bounce and hip-hop you could hope to get your hands on. Dash in massive guest appearances from stars like Lil Wayne, Ciara, Faith Evans and plenty more, and you’ve got a monumental moment for the Queen Diva on your hands.
The Blessed Madonna feat. Jacob Lusk, “Mercy”
It’s time to let your hair down, queers — The Blessed Madonna is here with a brand new Pride anthem, just in time as the final festivities of June begin to take place. “Mercy,” featuring vocals by the enchanting Jacob Lusk of Gabriels, is a slice of house music heaven, complete with a four-on-floor beat and some groovy bass to elevate the vibe. By the time the choir kicks in on the song’s post-chorus, you’ll be giving it your all on the dancefloor.
Kidd Kenn, “Everywhere I Go”
For those who have been following the career of up-and-coming rapper Kidd Kenn, be warned; his new era is upon us. “Everywhere I Go” sees the once-rapid rapper switching up his style — gone are the flexed out bars of past singles, now replaced by a more melodic, more even-keeled flow. With that flow comes a new attitude; throughout the track, Kenn exudes nothing but cool, collected confidence on this delectable new offering.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below: