Ladies, gentlemen, and all my nonbinary peeps: The snow has melted, the clouds have parted, and the flowers are sprouting. It can only mean one thing — it’s the two-week transition we call spring in Minnesota. 

It also means that it’s time to do some spring cleaning, and what better way to transition from a dreary winter to a blazing summer than with some new local tunes to get pumped?! 

Ricki Monique - Good Seeds

Ricki Monique can do no wrong. We’re living in her world and her world only. Fill in your preferred phrase to describe an astronomical rise and it applies — Ricki Monique is S P E C I A L! I don’t usually exaggerate, except when I do, and truthfully Ricki has blessed the Cities with yet another incredible project. 

Her debut EP, Good Seeds, has the power to combat mental illness, and restore the energy the pandemic stole from you. Could it help you regain all the money you lost in crypto and NFTs? Okay, maybe not, but the jazzy tunes, the bars, the singing, the energy will help you get back on your feet. Ricki makes healing music, and Good Seeds is the reset we all need right now. Oh, and check out my feature on her. Lastly, my favorite track is “FTG”!

Nado NSE - Live While U Can

It’s been a few years since I’ve featured Nado NSE. The Congolese and South St. Paul native took a break from the music, but announced his comeback just in time for the summer. Live While U Can, his sophomore EP, is a progression of his dark and raw twisted world. Nado’s back, so too are the emphatic beats and the rugged voice fans all love. Unfamiliar with Nado? I highly recommend listening to “Riot,” “Emperor’s New Groove,” and “Shogun,” which is definitely my favorite. Welcome back, Nado! 

AubreyKingx - “Don’t Touch Me”

I don’t know much about AubreyKingx, a new feature on The Come-Up, but after listening to his single, “Don’t Touch Me,” I need to know more. His single is a trap beat, which he accompanies with a catchy refrain and solid bars. Only thing I’d say is I need a longer song! Clocking in at 1:30 is not enough for me to get jiggy. Still, excited to see more of him. 

KayCyy - featured on Fivio Foreign’s “Hello” and “On God”

One day, I’ll be doing a documentary on the rise of KayCyy, formerly known as KayCyy Pluto. The St. Paul native is a SUPERSTAR and the city is lucky to have him repping for us on the national and global stage. He sings the hook and has the last verse on “Hello,” the recent single by Fivio Foreign, which also has Chloe Bailey. Watching the video and hearing his cadence on the beat, I’m awestruck by his growth and delivery. This is an artist that isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Minnesota, we got one! 

Shotta YG ft. Celly Ru and Ty$tick - “Mob Ties”

FIRST AND FOREMOST, WHO TF PRODUCED THIS BEAT??? Sheeeeeeesh. Two first time features on The Come-Up, Shotta YG and Celly Ru probably have my favorite record of the featured singles/projects on this playlist. The energy, the beat, and the streets are ever present throughout the whole track. Nahh, these South Minneapolis cats are like that. Excited to check out the rest of their portfolio, cause this was special. Big ups, y’all! 

Ty$tick ft. Blacc Beckham - “Where You At”

I dunno about you, but after the track above I had to keep looking for more. Came across this track, “Where You At,” from a few months back. Here, Ty$tick features Blacc Beckham, yet another dope spitter that can do no wrong on a track. This one is truly special. It’s got that gudda feel mixed with that soul. It’s the type of music that makes you want to grind harder.

Forgivemewavy - “Top 5” and “I Like What I See”

It’s been some time since I’ve had the chance to bless y’all with some new new from Forgivemewavy. But the kid is back, and maybe better than ever? Two recent singles caught my attention, “Top 5” and “I Like What I See,” both of which will likely make my playlists this summer. Only thing I got to say is, Wavy stop releasing these short-a** songs!!! 

Bigg Kiaa ft. Jojo Picasso - “I’m Him”

Two new features on The Come-Up are Bigg Kiaa and Jojo Picasso. Came across their recent song, “I’m Him,” frolicking on Twitter and I was hooked. Their tandem flows go right into each other, and honestly the song is a hit. If you see me rolling in my whip blasting this out the window, either jam with me or keep it pushing. If you like the single, make sure to check out Kiaa’s recent EP, The Awakening.

Craishon - “Needs”

I’m excited to present y’all to Craishon, a brand-new feature on The Come-Up. A singer with an alternative R&B style, which he blends with sped-up hip-hop tracks with some 808s, he’s special. His single, “Needs” will be a favorite this summer. Song made me want to cruise by the Mississippi with the sun shining, 75 degrees with a light breeze. Love it.

Alameda - “Post Nut Clarity”

Another new feature, Alameda is a singer who got on my radar with her single, “Post Nut Clarity.” I don’t really like comparisons, but her voice reminds me of SZA when she first came out. “Post Nut Clarity,” like “Needs,” is a fast-tempo alternative R&B bop that the discerning listeners will love. And if you love that single, you need to listen to “Gonna Bleach My Eyebrows.” 

This has been a Come-Up with plenty of new features and it makes me so happy to share new artists with you all. The city is blessed right now with some incredible talent. As always, if you have an artist you want me to check out or if you’re an artist/producer and would like me to listen your last project, shoot me a DM on Twitter or Instagram, @thejeffbissoy. 

Much love!