Featuring tracks by guardin, Lil West, fats’e, Blvc Svnd, Lil Tracy, and more essential songs from underground artists.
Photo: Ashly Nicole
Keep up to date with essential songs from underground artists by following our Unleashed playlist on Spotify:
guardin — “tom from myspace” (prod. Brody)
The lead single off of his hotly-anticipated project Creature pt. 1, guardin’s “tom from myspace” entices the listener to step into a picturesque and nostalgic auditory paradise. Dreamy acoustic guitar-led production from fellow New York-based artist Brody fuses with his enchanting lyricism to generate a lulling atmosphere, fitting aptly within the theme of self-indulgent sentimentality. — Haz Ali
Tommy Ice — “Take From Him” (prod. Rellymade)
Tommy Ice displays another example of his malleable sound on “Take From Him.” Behind the lens of an infectious, rose-colored beat, Tommy gets candid about being fed up with friends and love interests alike. — Jenna DePasquale
fats’e — “can’t find my keys”
fats’e’s anticipated project Charlie presents an experimental pop sound from the “Room To Breathe” vocalist. “Can’t Find My Keys” is the most captivating example of the album’s danceability as a bright guitar riff accents fast-paced party talk. — Jenna DePasquale
Kamiyada+ — “Traumatic” (prod. Kwon x Andrew Luce)
When it comes to bringing dimension to go-hard tracks, Kamiyada consistently shines. In “Traumatic,” the zealous DMV rapper asserts his vocal versatility over a hypnotically minimalist industrial beat. — Jenna DePasquale
PHYNX x Prettyheartbreak — “i h8 u”
The strobing instrumentals of PHYNX and impassioned vocals of Prettyheartbreak come together to form and edgy twist on modern pop megahits. The juxtaposition of an increasingly danceable build and searingly spiteful lyrics make “i h8 u” the ultimate recipe for release. — Jenna DePasquale
Grandma — “Downtown Life”
An eclectic multi-instrumentalist with a flair for capturing the 80s in a bottle, Grandma is one of Atlanta’s best-kept secrets. “Downtown Life” is escapism harnessed by vocals beyond his years as he continues to cultivate new wave for a new generation. — Jenna DePasquale
Lil Tracy — Bad For You (prod. 6houl)
“Bad For You” serves as another puzzle piece in the mystery of Lil Tracy’s Anarchy. The dire tone of the long-awaited release’s track embodies the intoxicating qualities of a toxic romance. — Jenna DePasquale
Lil West — “Hot Sauce”
Always unapologetically himself, Lil West has grown adept a conveying his vulnerability in an accessible fashion. With heartbreak remedied through gentle vocals and a kickback-friendly beat, “Hot Sauce” is as addicting as the condiment itself. — Jenna DePasquale
Blvc Svnd — “Brainzz”
The eccentric Blvc Svnd stays prolific with his punishing track “Brainzz.” With a flow fit for hardcore and enough energy to sustain an unrelenting rhythm, listeners are offered another peek into the rapper’s dizzying mind. — Jenna DePasquale
Sg Lily x Lilac — “Head On My Shoulders”
Sg Lily and Lilac join forces in their latest single “Head on My Shoulders.” Intimate layered vocals intertwine with atmospheric synth-based production to render a lucid ambience that makes their collaboration so intoxicating. — Rani Boyer