Music Roundup of June 2020

From the global pandemic to a major shift in the Black Lives Matter movement, the first six months of 2020 has certainly left a defined dent in history. Even so, it seems that artists have delivered with statement tracks and game changing albums. We've rounded up some of the top music moments, from emerging to experienced artists, over this last month

#1 Beyonce

Starting with the Queen herself, Beyoncé dropped an unexpected new track 'Black Parade' on Juneteenth. "I’m going back to the South, I’m going back where my roots ain’t watered down,” Beyoncé sings in the opening line of the song. With all proceeds going to Black-owned businesses, this track will no doubt wake up the 'unwoke'.

#2 Chloe x Halle

After passing on their album 'Ungodly Hour' to Beyoncé for feedback, in which to receive A+ results and a record deal with her label, Chloe and Halle Bailey are all that have been missing from your playlists. Their newest track 'Forgive Me', part of 'Ungodly Hour', is a power house of emotions and strength...someone call the Grammy's.

#3 Anderson .Paak

Not only is the track the perfect summary of .Paak's funk sounds and easy beats, it hits a political level relevant to the last few weeks. Featuring big names in the industry, like Syd and an impressive verse by Jay Rock, and directed by Dave Meyers (Kendrick Lamar collaborator) the track is an intimate portrait of this significant uprising in history, and the aftermath of protest.

#4 Yasin

Whilst technically Yasin released his newest masterpiece 98.01.11 in late May...we couldn't help but throw this album into the mix (shhh! don't tell anyone). With various tracks from the album staying up on Spotify Sweden's Top 10 for multiple weeks, this young rapper is on his way up, watch this space.

#5 Haim

The sweetheart sister trio is back with their third studio album 'Women In Music Part. III', featuring their recent hits 'Summer Girl', 'Hallelujah' and 'Now I'm In It' as bonus tracks. Proceeds from their first live performance of the newly released album raised over $5000 for The Bail Project. If you live in the UK, make sure to check out their bundle, in which you can receive a personalised voicemail message from one the team!

#6 H.E.R

A voice like heaven, 23 year old H.E.R released this extraordinary track, 'I Can't Breathe' in light of the Black Lives Movement. Honestly using her platform to expose the tragic consequences of police brutality. The track itself shows the true bravery from the artist, her pure talent and we can't wait to see what's next.

#7 Doja Cat X Gucci Mane

Whilst Doja Cat has been involved in her fair share of controversies this last month, she still came out on top with this release alongside Gucci Mane. The track 'Like That' is classic bop from both artists with Sailor Moon animations...make sure you watch to the end and catch Doja in the splits.

#8 Janice x Oscar Zia

Swedish artist Janice came through with this classic rendition of 'Älska Mig' (translating to 'Love Me'), a well-known track originally by the Ainsbusk Singers in 1991. After televising the cover, with Oscar Zia, live on Swedish National day, Janice realised the heaviness of the words and took it upon herself to release a cover in which all proceeds are donated to Afripedia, an organisation focusing on creating opportunities for creatives of African descent.

#9 Fenty Summer Playlists - Steve Lacy

Just as you thought Fenty couldn't get any better, they've gone ahead and created your ideal playlists to get you ready for the summer ahead. Collaborating with big names to host the selection process, like Steve Lacy and Imaan Hamman, with their intention to "soothe your soul and lift your spirits" - sign us up!

#10 Orion Sun

REC Philly's own, Orion Sun has produced a beautiful yet somewhat saddening track, 'Mamma's Baby' as way of coping during the uncertain changing time. The track raised over $18,000, in which all were donated to Breonna Taylor's gofundme and the Loveland Foundation."i won't stop fighting just like my ancestors even with the world stacked against me im 24 now but i'll always be mama's baby".