Their names and reputations are self-explanatory, but all the artists with new music this week share one thing in common: they all have something to say. How–and with who, since all three songs are major collaborations–matters less, especially when they prove you can easily start a conversation or revolution with cumbia, rock, or R&B.
BINA. & Tkay Maidza “R U OK?”
Ahead of her upcoming mixtape, Soft Rage, out Nov. 6 via Platoon, singer-producer BINA. tapped Australia-raised artist Tkay Maidza for her newest single, “R U OK?” As for the answer to that question, we’re doing more than OK, based on how the track hypnotizes you with its methodical rhythm and confessional-style lyrics.
BINA., no stranger to using genres as a way to convey her emotions, embodies her mixtape’s title by venting her frustrations over slower R&B and trip-hop production. While the beat certainly does a lot to put you in that daze-like state, it’s the repeated questions she asks herself that raise a mirror up to the listeners.
When Tkay Maidza comes into the picture, she nearly runs away with the song, flowing and trading one-liners with BINA. By the last leg of “R U OK?,” the two ask each other that very question as distant piano keys and electronic flashes populate an already atmospheric single.
Listen to “R U OK?” the new single from BINA.
Cain Culto & Lido Pimienta “Duelen”
As the only featured song on his hotly anticipated debut album, CULTO, Kentucky’s artist provocateur Cain Culto is finding time to mourn and rise with Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter Lido Pimienta on “Duelen.”
True to the arsenal of singles he’s released over the years, Cain touches on issues like inhumane Cobalt mines, ICE raids, and Gaza with familiar confrontational energy and equally impassioned production. Through and through, “Duelen” functions more like an anthem than your typical track.
While Cain explicitly mentions issues ever present in music, Pimienta’s delicate vocals cut through the thumping drums. From there, she reaches the same highs as Cain’s most righteously enraged vocal deliveries across an already accomplished career, singing broadly about resistance in an unjust world.
It’s a testament to Cain that even on his biggest moment, he chooses to double down on his positions rather than filter himself. And judging by his most recent show in LA at The Roxy, the rest of the cities on his tour can expect that same uncompromised vision to come full throttle.
Listen to “Duelen” the new single from Cain Culto & Lido Pimienta.
Tom Morello & Kneecap “Unconquered”
For his debut solo album, Everyone Gets Everything They Want, out via Mom + Pop, Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello brought in the heavyweights with similarly outspoken rap trio Kneecap on “Unconquered.”
While some of the album’s features, ranging from Serj Tankian (of System of a Down fame) to Beartooth, were released ahead of time, the Kneecap collaboration remained unheard. Safe to say, “Unconquered” is a natural meeting between like-minded artists.
“I’m a big fan of Kneecap and they have fearlessly stood up for their beliefs in this time where it can cost you a lot,” said Morello. “They asked what I was thinking and I said the song has got to be called ‘Unconquered’ and it’s got to have the spirit of the best of what we’ve done in our careers.”
As expected from a team-up of this caliber, Morello brings that Rage energy for the Irish rappers, all of whom live up to the precedent set by Zack de la Rocha. It should also come as no surprise that a group commonly heard over electronic production are naturals with the sort of hell-raising rock that packs a punch.
Listen to “Unconquered” the new single from Tom Morello & Kneecap.
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