By : Brian McNeal
This one is for all the music lovers out there.
With music being pumped out like never before through various streaming services, it can be pretty difficult to find quality artists throughout the fray. So I’ll be starting this as a monthly series that will highlight 5 artists to add to your playlist to help power you through workouts, work, study sessions or to just provide the soundtrack to your life.
I’ll highlight artists from a wide spread of genres, including hip-hop, R&B/Soul, Pop, Blues, Alternative, Country and more.
If you’re a music lover like me, feel free to hit me up on IG (@overdoseon_life) to share some of your favorite artists and songs. But without further ado, here is your list. Enjoy!
Genre: Alternative R&B, Electronica, Soul music
Hailing from the musical powerhouse of Detroit, Christian Berishaja, better known as JMSN, is a songwriter/producer with a soulful sound that calls back to the crop of singer that were running things during the Motown era. Thoughtful, candid and sometimes brash, JMSN, has provided his unique sound to some well-known hip-hop acts such as The Game and Ab-Soul. With a sound that fills a void in today’s music, JMSN provides music that is fun, serious and always real.
Songs to Get You Started:
- “Drinkin’”
- “Slowly”
- “Always Somethin”
- “Cruel Intentions”
Catch the vibe during:
- At-home cleaning sessions
- Study sessions
- Kickbacks/Game Night
- Night time drives/roadtrips
2.RaRa
Genre: Hip-hop/Rap, Trap
Representing TI’s label, Hustle Gang, Rara continues the trend of trap lyricism that was popularized by his mentor Tip, UGK, Gucci Mane, and a litany of others. Rara has a propensity to float In and out of a variety of different pockets within the Trap music genre. This is evident as he effortlessly flows over a beat that samples Sade’s “Smooth Operator” on one song, and then floats over UGK’s infamous “Wood Wheel” beat. On top of this, Rara is a skillfull producer, with majority of his songs/beats being produced by himself. Rara has all the ingredients to become a staple in the hip-hop game, whether it’s making beats or rapping.
Songs to Get You Started:
- “Trap N Designer”
- “Wood Wheel Freestyle”
- “Work of Art”
- “Faith”
- “Dust The Bowl Off”
Catch the vibe during:
- The pre-turn up
- Workouts
- Study sessions
- Work
Genre: R&B, Neo-Soul
As fruit from the Isley tree (her father is Ernie Isley, yes, from the legendary Isley Brothers), Alex Isley brings a sultry, mellow vibe to the R&B game. With a lifelong passion for music that started at an early age, Alex Isley has a background that is heavily influenced by jazz music. Inspired by legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Kurt Elling, she has a sound that is reminiscent of modern acts, SZA and H.E.R., but clearly has her own lane.
Songs to Get You Started:
- “On II You”
- “When It Rains”
- “Into Orbit”
- “Chilld’s Play”
Catch the vibe during:
- Study sessions
- At home cleaning sessions
- Kickbacks
4. Money Man
Genre: Hip-hop/Rap, Trap
Atlanta-based rapper, Money Man, is one of Cash Money/Rich Gang’s newest affiliates. With a work ethic that is similar to another very popular Cash Money artist, Money Man has been consistently pumping out music that has built him a strong online following. With a sound that is synonymous with modern Atlanta sounds, Money Man provides a cadence that will surely sound familiar to most listeners. With over a million streams of each of his Black Circle series of mixtapes, and the Birdman stimulus package, Money Man’s future is bright.
Songs to Get You Started:
- “Philly”
- “Secret Society”
- “Breather”
- “All Over You”
Catch the vibe during:
- The pre-turn up
- Workouts
- Study sessions
- Work
Genre: Alternative R&B, Electronica, Neo-Soul, Funk, Techno
British producer/songwriter Jamie Lidell is the epitome of coloring outside of the lines. With his genre bending sounds, all powered by neo-soul inspired vocals, Lidell has an expansive musical palette that allows him to create timeless music to power almost any setting you may find yourself in.
Songs to Get You Started:
- “Walk Right Back”
- “You Rewind”
- “Building A Beginning”
- “Believe In Me”
Catch the vibe during:
- Study sessions
- At home cleaning sessions
- Kickbacks
- Night time drives/roadtrips
