The last 7 days have been all about rap, pop, R&B, and funk.
The last week of February brought a bunch of exciting releases both at home and abroad in the music scene—from Yzomandias’ comeback to Yeat's collab with EsDeeKid and the anticipated album featuring Bruno Mars' signature style.
Drop a comment telling us which new release you love the most. And don’t forget to follow our official REFRESHER playlist on Spotify, which we update every Friday with fresh tracks. If we missed anything important from the music world, share your tips in the comments.
P.S. If you’re in the mood for a bit of nostalgia, check out the list of the best releases from 2016, featuring hits like One Dance, Panda, or Cheap Thrills and successful albums from Frank Ocean and Beyoncé.
1. Yzomandias – Type Beat / Hip Thrust
The biggest music release of the past week in our region belongs to Yzomandias, who dropped a double single Type Beat / Hip Thrust along with visuals by Adam Rohal and KODAWA on Wednesday night.
The first track, Type Beat, produced by Tommy Gun, Yung Rox, and Decky, delivers a modern and dark sound with an energetic vibe. Dominated by 808 bass and fast-paced hi-hats, it highlights Yzo's flow and confident delivery.
The second track, Hip Thrust, is credited to KK, a new member of the Milion Plus label, and kicks off with singer Sara Rikas before Yzomandias steps in, showcasing perfect wordplay and flow that give us chills.
In my left sock, a bag full of snow.
Yzo is Santa Claus, and today there will be Christmas (yeah).
2. AstralKid22 – autotune saved my life
After dropping the video single 100g last week, rapper and producer AstralKid22 from CONSPIRACY FLAT delighted us on February 22nd with a new album, autotune saved my life.
The LP features 10 tracks, lasting less than half an hour, with several noteworthy names from the scene, including Shimmi, Šmolki, Calin, and Loudz1.
Astral blends melancholic cloud rap, trap beats, and a pronounced autotune that's more than just an effect—it's a full-fledged instrument. The lyrics teeter between themes of anxiety, loneliness, digital identity, and celebrating success. The vibe is dark but catchy, making us really enjoy autotune saved my life.
3. Loe Shimmy – No Mileage
Loe Shimmy has been on fire in recent months, confirmed by the deluxe version of his album Rockstar Junkie: after the party, and his latest track No Mileage, which dropped with a music video.
The 26-year-old Florida rapper wows fans with his melodic sensitivity, consistently selecting productions that highlight his voice. No Mileage is no exception, as Shimmy effortlessly blends laid-back flow with an emotive autotune touch, revealing personal confessions and flexing in the lyrics.
Uh, baby girl, I already told you what it was.
I ain't looking for no love, I'm tryna stack it to the ceiling.
4. Yeat feat. EsDeeKid – Made It On Our Own
Yeat teamed up with the mysterious British rapper EsDeeKid to bring us Made It On Our Own, the first taste from the upcoming album A Dangerous Life, with a still unknown release date.
The new release, with a music video inspired by Toosie Slide, is a raw celebration of independence from the new rap generation. The vibe is built on a dark beat with prominent bass and hypnotic synth lines by producers Mathaius Young and Lucid. While Yeat brings his energetic flow full of ad-libs and confident bars, EsDeeKid adds contrasting dynamics. The result is a modern, highly authentic banger.
And we made it on our own, so it got my vision faded (woo).
Tell her that I need her now, if I like that b**ch, then, I’ma take her.
5. BLACKPINK – GO
At midnight today, the K-pop group BLACKPINK members—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—dropped an EP titled DEADLINE, featuring the track GO with a music video.
Produced by Cirkut, the track showcases boldness, dynamism, and distinctive instrumentation. BLACKPINK blends sharp rap sections with a catchy chorus that aims to become a viral hit. GO is fierce, balancing modern pop, trap, and dance electronics, which we find exciting.
Never gonna settle for second, I need a gold medal.
Get up on the floor, tell me when to go, no slow jams.
6. Bruno Mars – The Romantic
Bruno Mars is one of the most successful artists of the 21st century, and he's out to affirm his global star status with his new album The Romantic, which dropped at midnight on all streaming platforms.
Released under Atlantic Records, the album includes 9 tracks, including the radio hit I Just Might, lasting half an hour. The 40-year-old Honolulu native stays true to his signature style and performance that has charmed the music world, celebrating love in its various forms—from carefree infatuation to nostalgic memories of lost emotions.
A well-crafted mix of pop, R&B, and gentle funk shines on The Romantic, earning it top marks.
7. 070 Shake – If You're Free
Wrapping up the list is 070 Shake, who released the emotional track If You're Free after a long musical break since her last album.
Balancing between alternative R&B and ethereal pop, the track feels like an intimate statement from 070 Shake about freedom, escape, and finding her identity. The minimalist production features gentle synthesizers, a pulsating bassline, and a gradually building atmosphere that envelops you. If You're Free emphasizes authenticity through emotion and the artist’s voice, released under Def Jam.
I know there's a war, and it's not outside.
You said I could be free, but I ain't yours.
