We're just three months into 2018 and there’s already been a considerable influx of new music released. From Tory Lanez to Migos to Cozz, every time I open up Apple Music, the “New Releases” section is fresh and gleaming with new tracks from some of my favorite artists.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, here are some newer female acts that deserve a listen.
1. Rico Nasty
Formerly known as Taco Bella, Rico gained fame for singles such as "Hey Arnold," "Iggady (Remix)" and "iCarly." In 2016, she put out an EP called "Life of a Rockstar." Her biggest song, “Poppin,” was featured on an episode of HBO’s “Insecure.” I have had her latest mixtape, “Sugar Trap 2,” in heavy rotation since its release.
Latest Single: "Smack a Bitch"
Biggest Song: “Poppin”
Personal Favorite: "Key Lime OG"
2. ABRA
Gabrielle Olivia Mirville, professionally known as ABRA, is an Atlanta-based R&B singer and producer currently signed to Awful Records. Born in New York, raised in London and Atlanta, the singer has released three projects since 2015: "BLQ Velvet," "Rose" and "Princess."
Latest Song: "B.R.A.T"
Biggest Song: "Fruit"
Personal Favorite: "Pull Up"
3. NAO
A British singer-songwriter and record producer from East London, NAO has a sound that can only be described as combining soul with electronic music, funk and classic R&B. She's released several EPs over the years, but her full-length project, "For All We Know," was released in 2016. Her song "Inhale, Exhale" has been featured on an episode of "How To Get Away With Murder."
Latest Single: "Nostalgia"
Biggest Song: "Girlfriend"
Personal Favorite: "Happy"
4. Jorja Smith
Jorja Smith is probably the most well-known on this list. The British singer has been featured on Drake's "More Life" project and the "Black Panther" soundtrack. She's collaborated with Kali Uchis, been included on the soundtrack for Season Two of "Insecure" and had one of the biggest songs last year in the U.K. with "On My Mind." Jorja is set to release her debut album later this year and will be stopping in Minneapolis on May 1, 2018 for a show at the Fine Line Music Café.
Latest Single: "Let Me Down"
Biggest Song: "On My Mind"
Personal Favorite: "Blue Lights"
5. Jamila Woods
Featured on multiple Chance The Rapper songs, Jamila Woods is a Chicago-based soul singer, songwriter and poet. She released her debut album, "HEAVN," in 2016.
Biggest Song: "LSD"
Personal Favorite: "Lonely"
6. Joyce Wrice
After doing hooks for Jay Prince and Dom Kennedy and covering other artists' music, Joyce Wrice is stepping out on her own. She released her EP "Stay Around" in 2016 and got the chance to showcase her unique sound for A COLORS SHOW.
Latest Single/Biggest Song: "Good Morning"
Personal Favorite:
7. Kari Faux
Los-Angeles-based rapper Kari Faux is the go-to artist for Issa Rae's music team. Her songs have been featured in multiple "Insecure" episodes, including the series premiere of the show. Donald Glover is also a fan of the rapper, remixing her song "Small Talk" for his mixtape "STN MTN / Kauai."
Latest Single:"Lowkey"
Biggest Song: "Small Talk"
Personal Favorite: "Night Time"
8. Kelela
I don't even know where to begin in describing my love for Kelela. Her star has been slowly rising for quite some time now. Her debut mixtape, "Cut 4 Me," was released in 2013 and her debut album came out just last year. In the five short years of her career, she's racked up plenty of classics, including her collaboration with Solange on "A Seat At The Table."
Latest Single: "Frontline"
Biggest Song: "Rewind"
Personal Favorite: "Send Me Out"
With their own interesting styles, all of these women bring something unique to music. Each one seems to be a breath of fresh air, air the music industry is in deperate need of.
