New Music Round-Up: Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift and More

Singles

N.E.R.D & Rihanna - 'Lemon'

After delivering an incredible verse on her Kendrick Lamar collaboration 'LOYALTY.' earlier in the year, Rihanna ups her game on 'Lemon'. Her rap feature includes braggadocious lyrics like "It's Rihanna n*****, my constellation is space". Amazing. It is also great to hear N.E.R.D back together. Pharrell's bars are brilliant and the production is next level. A total triumph.

Migos, Nicki Minaj & Cardi B - 'Motor Sport'

This technically came out last Friday but it was in the afternoon so it missed out on the round-up and it is too good to miss. Not only do Migos sound great but having both Cardi and Nicki on a track is a dream. "I'm the trap Selena // ¡Dame más gasolina!" is a moment and Nicki effortlessly switching up her flow is proof that she's one of the best rappers in the business.

Taylor Swift - 'Call It What You Want'

More Taylor. A pensive bop that merits repeated listens. We can't wait to hear Reputation in full next week.

Lil Uzi Vert - 'The Way Life Goes [Remix] (feat. Nicki Minaj)'

It's always enchanting to hear Nicki swap her hard beats for something more mellow. This is sublime.

David Guetta & Afrojack - 'Dirty Sexy Money (feat. Charli XCX and French Montana)'

You can always rely on David Guetta and Charli XCX to create bangers and this is no exception.

Madison Beer - 'Say It to My Face'

Madison Beer is taking this popstar business seriously. A hit with a glorious vocal performance.

RAYE & Mr Eazi - 'Decline'

Sampling Ashanti and Ja Rule is brave but RAYE does it with ease. One of her best to date.

Aly & AJ - 'I Know'

Another gorgeous electro-pop number from arguably the greatest sister duo in pop today.

Miguel - 'Told You So'

Three tracks in and it sounds like War & Leisure could be one of the albums of the year.

Sia - 'Santa's Coming for Us'

Sia has a way with hits. The first cut from her Christmas LP is cute and catchy as hell.

Shaun Ross - 'Symmetry'

https://open.spotify.com/album/6QqIyw1oSDZv1Vop7EUbDH

Shawn may be known as a model but his debut single proves that he's a singer too.

Big Sean & Metro Boomin - 'Pull Up N Wreck (feat. 21 Savage)'

All three artists shine on this all-star collaboration. 

Wiley - 'I Call the Shots (feat. JME)'

Wiley is on fire on his latest single.

Lil' Kim - 'Took Us a Break'

The rap icon is back.

Albums

Sam Smith - The Thrill of It All

Sam Smith bares his soul on his sophomore album. A selection of moving ballads.

Shawn Mendes - MTV Unplugged: Shawn Mendes

Shawn's talent is front and centre on his first MTV Unplugged album. Stunning.

Maroon 5 - Red Pill Blues

Six albums in and Maroon 5 are still killing it with help from SZA and Future.

Shamir - Revelations

Shamir gets personal on his second album and the results are beautiful.

21 Savage, Offset & Metro Boomin - Without Warning

One of the best surprise releases of 2017 so far by three superstars.

Emeli Sande - Kingdom Coming - EP

A stunning collection with features including Giggs and Wretch 32.

Dave - Game Over - EP

Dave hones his incredible lyrical talent on his second EP.

Skepta - Vicious - EP

An excellent EP by an excellent rapper.

Words: Sam Prance

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