In this week’s episode of The New Music Friday Top Picks, we bring you fresh songs, from heartbreaking Afrobeats songs to chest-thumping hip-hop and street-hop bops, just for your listening pleasure.
Joeboy – Taxi Driver:
Young Legend label boss and Afrobeats star Joeboy is back with another emotive track, Taxi Driver, and we can’t get enough of it. On this latest single, Joeboy teams up again with hit producer Tempoe and Xtofa as he draws themes of heartbreak on the mid-tempo track. Following the release of his previously released single, SMH, Joeboy unveiled snippets of the new single in videos where he narrates his heartbreak story to the taxi driver, who’s the main character, and titled after the track.
On the track, he cites sad tales of being jilted by his muse- a relatable story for listeners- while yearning for comfort. While we anticipate the release of his forthcoming album, Viva Lavida, Joeboy is entertaining us with yet another captivating heartbreak single.
PsychoYP – Different Pattern:
The leading voice in the Nigerian Hip-hop scene, PsychoYP has shared his latest single for the year, Different Pattern– an electric, upbeat track laced with chest-thumping lyrics. PsychoYP, known for his energetic flow, twists, and turns, especially with hard-core rap, did not fail to miss this new track. I get different pattern, I get jam with Zlatan, a nod to his ability to blend effortlessly with various artists and still stand out. He name-drops some of Abuja’s leading voices in the music industry on the track, such as Teezee and Odumodublvck. PsychoYP brings eclectic, punchy lines and catchy hooks on the infectious beats constructed by THK, David Acekeyz, and Arieenati. Once again, PsychoYP reminds us who he is.
Rybeena – Despasito:
Rybeena has been on the wave of street-hop, but in this new song, he brings another refreshing sound to Despasito, off his latest album, Virtuoso. This time, he effortlessly blends mellifluous melodies on the high-life track with street lingua. The song and title take after his Mexican babe, who he incessantly woos despite her unwillingness. This opens up an interesting conversation on the culture of “toasting” women outside the Nigerian borders. He humorously sings, Gba funmi, shodigba tingba gba Grammy, which translates to Accept my proposal, is it until I win a Grammy? Rybeena flowed brilliantly with catchy lyrics on the infectious beat. It is reminiscent of beer palour gatherings and Indigenous parties.
TAR1Q – Must Have Been:
Chocolate City signee and fast-rising act Tar1q is back with another single for 2025, Must Have Been. Following his previously released single, Zuko, Tar1q shares another emotive track filled with vibrant melodies and unforgettable lyrics. This heartbreak song, paired with log-drums elements, sees Tar1q sing deeply about the emotional and mental battles he faces as he mourns the loss of his relationship. While a female voice assists with melodic verse, he still yearns for his muse. The beat and chorus are captivating, and Tar1q will capture listeners with this latest single.
Smur Lee, Big Fearless – Mr. Caesar:
Remember the infamous saying, “Give what belongs to Caesar to Caesar”? Well, Port Harcourt-born Street-hop Smur Lee reminds us that when it comes to money, she doesn’t follow the rules on her new single, Mr. Caesar. She calls for Big Fearless on the track as the duo effortlessly delivers a jam out of the Ampiano-laced track. The street-hop track, which takes after her viral hit Juju, sees Smur Lee deliver another club banger with her catchy hook and street-infused lyrics, and Lambaa, which takes the highlight of the track. Smur Lee has cooked another one, and we are here for it.
Enjoy our new music Friday top picks and more on our weekly new music playlist, carefully curated for your listening pleasure.
