These 10 Artists Will Be The Soundtrack Of Your Summer
From Afrobeats to R&B, these songs you do not want to miss.
The weather may not be playing ball for all, but at least where music is concerned, summer is off to a great start. From Normani’s debut in June to Kehlani’s new (innuendo-heavy) era, we’re in for a summer of anthems and bangers. Haven’t already started crafting your summer playlist? (You know, the playlist that will accompany you on your travels, at cookouts and poolside parties…) Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We curated a playlist of 10 tracks by femme artists that you absolutely do not want to miss from your summer roundup. From hype songs to get ready with, Dancehall and Afrobeat teases, to flirty R&B tracks, take a look at these 10 tunes to listen to on repeat in the months ahead.
Anycia – “Back Outside” feat. Latto
Already a trending track for both Atlanta rappers (and their first time teaming up), Anycia introduces her reign with blaring horns and bass. “Back Outside” follows up her debut EP, Extra, which dropped back in October 2023. Consider “Back Outside” the anthem to your summer of functions, fêtes and freedom.
Ling Hussle – “Black Barbie”
Dropped in August 2023, Ling Hussle dips her toes into the Drill genre to gas herself up on “Black Barbie.” From the very first line, the South London artists will hook you in with a beat drop that is uniquely her, ending the track with soft and sweet vocals. Play this when you’re fly and feeling yourself.
Alex Mali – “Trending”
Known for her blend of Dancehall and R&B, Brooklyn-born Trinidadian/Jamaican singer and songwriter Alex Mali manifests popularity, confidence and success with “Trending”. Featured on her debut album, Trust The Process, this track is one to play at the start of your day for an uplifting vibe and something to “chip” to.
FLO – “Summertime”
BRIT Award-winning UK trio FLO — Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renée Downer — have so far made songs about friendship and uplifting your homegirls part of their artistic practice. “Summertime” is no exception. This track sets the tone for a season of fun with the girls and the girls only; pouring into each other and looking good while doing it. “Me and my girls are going in this summer,” indeed.
Safa – “Casual” feat. Jwalt
Safa says leave that boy alone! “Dating is such a game these days so you can’t really hate the player, you gotta hate the game,” she wrote on Instagram about the track. So when your “Summa Boo” isn’t giving the effort and attention you deserve, just “keep it casual”.
Baby Tate – “Baecation”
“A lot of times growing up, I didn’t feel free to be as expressive as I wanted to be,” Baby Tate told Billboard in 2023. “And so I always was using music as an outlet to express myself. They’re always asking, ‘Who do you make music for?’ I’m like, ‘I make music with girls and gays.’ The boys can come too, but that’s who I make music for because that’s who has embraced me the most.” Well, “Baecation” does that and more. Consider this your flirty summer getaway.
AMARIA BB – “Live Some Life” (feat. Ding Dong)
Blending R&B with dancehall influences, Amaria Braithwaite hails from east London’s Hackney and likely won’t make it out of your playlist rotation for time. Whether it’s at a house party or a summer picnic, use Amaria BB‘s “Live Some Life” to celebrate “success and badness… purpose and greatness”.
Ayra Starr – “Goodbye (Warm Up)” (feat. Asake)
If you liked 19 and Dangerous, the Beninese-Nigerian singer-songwriter’s sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, will make you a full-on, lifelong fan. Ayra Starr is confidently moving onto better things – and more specifically suitors – in “Goodbye (Warm Up).” This is the kind of track that you want to help you welcome in a new romantic chapter – or just a summer of fun.
Shenseea – “Work Me Out” (feat. WizKid)
Taking dancehall beyond the shores of Jamaica, Shenseea has been an unequivocal champion of confidence. The closing track on her latest album, Never Gets Late Here, “Work Me Out” is sewn together with strings, echoes, and an addictive beat. From the club to the stereo on your late night drive, play this track to defrost your waistline and lift your spirits.
Maeta – “DJ Got Me”
Ever feel like the DJ’s speaking directly to you? Indianapolis-born, Los Angeles-based Maeta captures this phenomenon perfectly in “DJ Got Me.” Created in collaboration with renowned producer Kaytranada, it is a modern reimagining of the classic Indeep hit “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life.” The catchy single teased her Endless Night EP and follows up the hit that was “Through The Night.” This is one to sing and dance to all day long.
