Another week and month have passed, and as we chug along during the last few (still pandemic-stricken) months of 2021, we continue to bring you the latest Asian hip hop and R&B music, news, and then some—from all over the world.
For the first week of September, we got a brand-new full-length album from Nafla after a year-long break; the first EP from Owen’s Members Only Records; a “dare to be you”-themed joint single from Malaysia’s Joe Flizzow, Hullera, and Bunga; the first single from Tuan Tigabelas and Sickness MP’s forthcoming collaborative album, and the arrival of the 88rising-produced official soundtrack for Marvel’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings.
Check out today’s new music, freshly delivered.
Priya Ragu – damnshetamil
Swiss-Tamil musician Priya Ragu finally shared her long-awaited debut mixtape, damnshetamil. The 10-track release includes her 2020 breakout hit, “Good Love 2.0,” her latest single, “Lockdown,” as well as previous releases “Kamali” and “Chicken Lemon Rice.”
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She released a mini-documentary for the mixtape last year and has since gained wide acclaim for her “her sharply evocative, vibrant and meticulously crafted songs.” Sophie Williams of NME describes Ragu’s work on damnshetamil as one that “freely darts between genres to reveal endless sonic possibilities.”
From its lush and syrupy opener “Leaf High” to the spritzy bonus track “Santhosam,” Ragu showcases a gamut of influences ranging from classic R&B to Tamil’s exuberant sonic palette. Don’t miss it. — MG
DonWilson – “Lemme Taste It (Kahit May Magalit)”
Def Jam Philippines signee DonWilson plays with fire in his latest R&B single, “Lemme Taste It (Kahit May Magalit),” emphasizing that he’s willing to take a chance on someone he desires, “even if someone gets mad.” The track is his second solo single of the year, following “Luna.” — MG
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MEEZ X SPARKAMAN X IFF – “Don’t Sleep”
British artists Meez, Sparkaman, and IFF caution against complacency in their latest UK drill banger, “Don’t Sleep.” The track opens up with smooth Hindi vocals before jumping into a trappy verse from Meez, followed by breakneck verses by Sparkaman and IFF. Don’t sleep on these Brummie kings. — AK
RIGHT X HIPZ – “NGỦ TRONG PHÒNG THU”
Vietnamese rapper RIGHT is on a roll. Fresh from a new single last week, he drops his third collaborative single, “NGỦ TRONG PHÒNG THU” (Sleep In The Studio), with HIPZ. Catch the playful track’s music video premiere today (September 3) at 8PM, Hong Kong time. — AK
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ASTRALANGELS – “AA LIFESTYLE! (豪华)”
Malaysian crew AstralAngels are back with another experimental bop titled, “AA LIFESTYLE! (豪华),” featuring members Ceeq, 5haf, and August Fear. The single comes from their latest 2021 release, Astral Angels Drop 3.0. This fast-paced cyberpunk tune is perfect for a lonely night-time boogie amid the lockdown. — AK
Shan Vincent de Paul – Made In Jaffna
Tamil-Canadian artist Shan Vincent de Paul dropped his highly anticipated third album Made In Jaffna today (September 3). Made in Jaffna traces the rapper’s origin story after his family moved to Canada when he was young to flee the Sri Lankan civil war. The album explores the dichotomy between his mixed upbringing. On Made In Jaffna, De Paul perseveres through these identity struggles with razor-sharp multilingual verses. Stream it now. — AK
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Anisha Khemlani contributed to this feature
