Photo by Hüseyin Asim Yilmaz | IG: @asimrevac
We’ve arrived at the start of a new week. Hopefully, you’ve gotten the rest you need to recharge and grind. Before you dive in, I’ve got some new tracks and projects to share. Just a heads up: some of these songs might not be suitable for all ears, so use discretion when pressing play in public.
Donelle Valentine’s “Odyssey”
NYC’s Donelle Valentine just released his latest project, Odyssey, a seven-track R&B adventure. Valentine previously dropped a few of these songs as singles, then bundled them into an album to kick off his 2025 rollout. Four tracks stand out: “Rough Drafts,” “C’MON,” “Room,” and “Politicn.”
“Rough Drafts”
Odyssey begins with “Rough Drafts,” a slow-burning R&B gem that sets the tone with an early 2000s vibe. Valentine delivers a soulful, melody-driven sound—it’s not just an intro; it’s a statement. The track opens with a voicemail montage showcasing romantic options around him, zeroing in on his top contender. Lyrics like “You’re my number one but just for now” and “You’re on my to-do list, yeah, I know I’m moving ruthless” carry a cool charm. The hook blends modern swagger with classic R&B, and “You’ll be notified when you’re up next” keeps his roster intriguing. He confesses attraction, hinting at a soft spot, before a raw twist: a tearful, drunken voicemail from a caller pleading to reconnect, leaving a lingering ache. It’s the perfect lead-in.
“C’MON”
“C’MON” brings energy with a surprising mid-track beat switch. Sampling Usher’s 2004 hit “Lovers and Friends”—produced by Lil Jon with Ludacris—Valentine flips it into something fresh yet familiar. The tempo speeds up, like a cardio-class motivator, but his vocals anchor it with the quality you expect from him. “C’MON” proves Valentine can honor R&B’s legacy while pushing his own sound forward.
“Room”
“Room” is a smooth R&B gem, perfect for a genre revival moment. Valentine dials it back, crafting an intimate sound in just over two minutes. It’s an invitation for his female companion to come over, with a step-by-step escalation toward the bedroom. The line “It’s action when I get you in my room” keeps it direct yet smooth, blending vocals with a beat that’s chill and suggestive. Compared to other tracks, this leans hard into classic R&B territory, showcasing his range.
“Politicn”
Closing Odyssey, “Politicn” shifts gears. Unlike “C’MON”’s nostalgia, it’s less about power hustling and more about romantic pursuit. Valentine redefines “politicn” as a seduction dance, staying in R&B’s lane but with a harder edge. Lyrics flex his take on romantic tension, making it a strong counterpoint to the opener.
Jay Waves’ “The Marina”
Jay Waves dropped The Marina on February 26, 2025, just in time to heat up winter’s tail end. This album’s a vibe throughout, and two tracks—“Ocean Water” and “Cowboy Jodeci”—highlight his melodic rap prowess. Waves ties his name and the album’s nautical theme into a cohesive sound.
“Ocean Water”
“Ocean Water” is a reflective gem you’ll sink into. At just under two minutes, it’s a short, potent dose of laid-back rap. The wavy feel mirrors its title—think coastal breezes and deep thoughts—perfect for kicking back. It nods to Waves’ moniker and The Marina’s aquatic vibe, offering a meditative flow that’s relaxing and replayable. Ideal for unwinding.
“Cowboy Jodeci”
“Cowboy Jodeci” flips the energy into a smooth cruiser. Picture a ‘63, top down, as Waves spits, “Been in corners slappin Jodeci / Yeah I bet your chick going to notice me / This some real player poetry.” It’s effortless cool—vibing with homies, smoking natural, Floetry rubbing you down while you floss with a loaded piece. Blending 90s R&B homage with modern swagger, it’s laid-back confidence in motion.
The Marina showcases Waves’ range—reflective one minute, riding hard the next. Stream it on Spotify or Apple Music, and track his moves on socials.
Leroy Bandz and Richie Evans’ “Like Ah Boss”
Leroy Bandz and Richie Evans dropped “Like Ah Boss” on February 27, 2025, with a music video out the gate. Bandz, a rising artist, brings bold drive, aiming to carve his spot with a sound mixing grit and groove. Pairing with Evans, a seasoned hustler, feels natural as they flex their grind. Evans, a Phoenix-bred MC, adds depth from years in the game—think Highly Favored EP (2023) with Rick Ross and Jay Rock. His flow blends Bandz’s intensity with a cool, collected swagger that says “been there, bossed that.” It’s a hustle anthem with teeth.
Kid Travis’ “Tweakin’”
Kid Travis returns with “Tweakin’,” a pop-R&B blend about the chaos of attraction. Lyrics like “I’m symptomatic / I been going through withdrawals all day / Feel like I’m an addict / Ever since you put those lips on me” capture a silky spiral where “head is spinnin’” and “heart is in the ceiling.” At just over two minutes, it’s a vibe that sticks, turning emotions into a soundtrack.
ChevyGangCas’ “Party & Bullsh!t, Pt. 6” ft. Murkemz
ChevyGangCas’ “Party & Bullsh!t, Pt. 6” featuring Murkemz flips Biggie’s classic into a modern trap banger. With Bootleg Kev and AZMix on production, it’s celebration and chaos—ideal for shaking up your 2025 playlist. No quiet reflection here; it’s a middle finger to slowing down. Stream it on Apple Music now.
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