Ariana’s back and breaking our hearts in a haze of neon-lit pink in her new video for “7 Rings”. In pink faux fur, metallic pants, sequinned bodysuits and a whole host of scintillating, Elizabeth Taylor-worthy diamonds in her most gloriously opulent video yet, Ari looks like an undisputed bad bitch – which the lyrics to “7 Rings” also make undeniably clear:
“Been through some bad shit- I should be a sad bitch. Who woulda thought it’d turn me to a savage? Rather be tied up with calls and not strings, write my own checks like I write what I sing…” Amen, Ariana…
James Blake feat. Travis Scott and Metro Boomin – “Mile High”
Yesterday London-born legend James Blake dropped “Mile high”, an atmospheric slow jam featuring Travis Scott and Metro Boomin, as the first single from his much-anticipated new album Assume Form.
The twelve-track album (out today!!!) also includes features from André 3000, Rosalía, and Moses Sumney. Blake will be touring the album in the UK this April, so get your hands on some tickets before they go…
Loyle Carner – “You Don’t know”
If you didn’t know: Loyle Carner loves his Mum. Like, a lot. Queen Jean Coyle-Larner has been a constant presence in Loyle’s lyrics and videos and for new track “You Don’t Know” she stars on a series of dates, all overseen by her doting son (sometimes wearing a security guard uniform, try not to scream).
The track, featuring Rebel Kleff and Kiko Bun, is the second drop from his imminent second studio album which, to be honest, we’re ready for about now please & thank you…
AJ Tracey – “Psych Out!”
This week AJ Tracy shared “Psych Out!”, a smokey downtempo track and the second from his forthcoming self-titled debut album, expected on February 8th. The release comes a couple of days after AJ dropped a tracklist for the album, which will feature collaborations with the likes of Giggs and Jay Critch.
And he’s gone all out for it’s accompanying video – set in a mansion (obviously), the visuals feature cars, lots of girls, a pair of heart-shaped shades and his own ring of fire. Duck and cover before the 8th.
Sigrid – “Don’t Feel Like Crying”
Whatever the magic formula for addictively feel-good pop songs, 22-year old Norwegian singer Sigrid has cracked it. An ode to marching on through heartbreak, her latest release “Don’t Feel Like Crying” soundtracks all those nights spent dancing it away:
“Wallowing in it would be such a waste, that isn’t gonna fix it anyway” she sings, “I dry my eyes, ’cause I don’t feel like crying. At least tonight, no, I don’t feel like crying…” See you dancing wildly later, without a sad-drunk tear in sight.
Little Simz feat. Cleo Sol – “Selfish”
Little Simz has teamed up with west London soul singer Cleo Sol for “Selfish”, alongside confirmation of her third studio album Grey Area – a reflection on the turbulence of her mid-twenties, is due March 1st.
With intimate and cinematic visuals providing some serious interiors inspo, the song ruminates on the selfish things we do, either in the name of self-care or from pure ego-driven laziness: “You don’t have prove you got it when you know it’s yours,
I don’t wanna feel disloyal for wanting to do me.” Here’s to doing what you want 2019.
Mabel – “Don’t Call Me Up”
R&B bae Mabel’s following up a seminal 2018 with “Don’t Call Me Up”, a high-sass anthem about getting over a shitty man, going out and throwing it right in his face.
As ever, Mabel serves a series of ’00s, Y2K inspired fits in the video, including the best selection of statement coats we’ve seen all winter. From pre-night out glam rituals in the bath to dancing with her mates and airing his calls, “Don’t Call Me Up” sets the ultimate glam standard for your weekend ahead.
Sean Paul feat. Stefflon Don – “Shot & Wine”
It’s hard to believe it’s been 17 years since Sean Paul graced us with the timeless gems “Get Busy”, “Like Glue” and “I’m Still In Love with You”, but the Jamaican rapper is still serving the kind of dancefloor bangers that only a legend can.
“Shot & Wine” – featuring East London rapper and all round sass goddess Stefflon Don – sounds like the best beach party of your life and when it feels approx -10 degrees outside, what more could you want to see you through the January blues?