It has been an incredible start to the summer and, honestly, the talent in the Twin Cities is unlike I’ve ever seen. It’s been a joy to participate in it for a little while. I want to share with y’all some new heat to keep you cool during these blazing months. I think you’ll enjoy it!

Kamilla Love ft. Dua Saleh - “Maria”

I’ve got to start this Come-Up with the song I’ve been waiting to hit my Spotify for over a month, Kamilla Love’s “Maria” featuring the omnipotent Dua Saleh. I’m so deada** when I say that I’ve been sitting at the crib, staring at the wall waiting for this track to release. I first heard it at Dua’s show at Fine Line, where they previewed it. When I say the crowd went crazy, y’all just had to be there. Then I was at Hi Cotton Ball, where Kamilla Love teased me again with her performance of the track, and still no release. BUT FINALLY, the time has arrived. Kamilla’s Aaliyah-esque voice that pulls you in later matched by Dua’s rapping in SPANISH! Come on. This sh*t just ain’t fair.

Taylor Rouge - “Pull Up”

The easiest way to get me to bop my head is kick off a song with a soft piano key and sexy vocals. I’m a ‘90s baby and those 2000s R&B vibes are my bread and butter. Taylor Rouge is something special, and the music video is something else too, a not so subtle throwback to the ‘00s. Incredible stuff.

Tailor Briann - “PMS”

Tailor Briann is something else, and I mean that in all the best ways. She has this cocky bodacious flow and vibe that makes you want to break a sweat on the dance floor. This is all on display in her latest single, “PMS,” where she shot the music video in a beauty shop. Check it out. There ‘s even the #PMSChallenge to add to the buzz. I got to see Tailor Briann perform live at Afropunk alongside Essjay the Afrocentric Ratchet and she did not disappoint, and, well, nor does this song. 

Chase Vibe - Kaleidoscope

Northside’s pink-haired lyrical assassin Chase Vibe is back with a new album, Kaleidoscope. The album is only eight tracks, but packs a lot of heat. There’s bangers and “softer” songs, but each one will knock you out like LL Cool J. In the latest piece, you see the maturation in Chase’s beat selection and the sharpening of his penmanship. It’s a a must listen for all hip-hop heads. My favorite track is “Late Night Groove,” but there are plenty to love, like “500 Degreez” and “Hotline Vibe.”

KayCyy - Get Used to It

KayCyy needs no introduction on the Come-Up. The St. Paul native is officially a SUPERSTAR, and was recently named as one of the XXL Freshman Class of 2022. (Here’s his Freshman Freestyle.) His recent album, Get Used To It, has also been heavy in my rotation lately. The man is stamped and as Twin Cities hip-hop lovers, it’s our duty to show love. Major congrats to KayCyy. Now, the album, it’s trademark KayCyy: beat switches, crazy flows, futuristic sounds with the vocals to boot. He’s got it all. My favorite song off the album is “Hold You Up” featuring Annahstasia.

BdotCroc - “Love Is”

It’s so good to finally have the North Minneapolis legend BdotCroc back on The Come-Up. The latest single, “Love Is,” which she spits over an R&B beat is about heartbreak, heartache, and love frustrations — and she snaps. The music video is shot by arguably the busiest video producer in the country, Matt Wales.

Student 1 - “Confines”

It’s been a LOOOOOONG time since I’ve had the pleasure of featuring Student 1, and I forgot how big of a fan I am. I’ll never forget when I saw a video of him performing live with a backpack on and thought it was the illest sh*t I’d ever seen. My boy is tough. He makes his return just in time for these sunny and humid July days with his single “Confines,” which honestly is such a perfect Minnesota summer song. His music video, which was shot on an iPhone just shows him at skate parks, by rivers, and so, in short, outside — what every Minnesotan looks for after dreary winters. Student 1, I love the song, family, but why’d you make it 1:44????? I NEED ANOTHER VERSE!

Muja Messiah - Cooler Heads Prevail

The South Minneapolis legend is back to bless us with a new EP, Cooler Heads Prevail. His cadence, his rhyme schemes, his message, which critiques the current state of Twin Cities’ Hip-Hop, society at large, amongst other things are poignant, refreshing and necessary. He’s a legend that backs the talk, while reminding us that ain’t nothing wrong with spitting a fresh 16. My favorite track off the EP is “Sourdough” with Why Khaliq and Juice Lord. I also loved the promo for the EP, “Can’t Take It Anymore.” Muja, you a fool for that one — LMAO.

Finding Novyon - CMBYCK SZN

It’s always a good time to feature Finding Novyon. One of the hardest-working local rappers — who switches cities as much as he releases new music — has blessed us with a new project, CMBYCK SZN. Novyon has done a little bit of everything in his music career, but loved how he blended some light trap sound with straight rapping in this latest project. I guarantee that you’ll find several gems on here to jam throughout the summer! 

Obi Original - “Pastures of the Unknown” 

Obi Original might be my favorite artist in the Twin Cities right now. Everything the man produces, sings on, and raps on turns to gold. His crew, Ozone Creations, is phenomenal. Also, Afrobeat is at an incredible place right now on the global stage, and to have an artist of his caliber establish himself in the scene from Minnesota is spectacular. Obi Original is a GENERATIONAL talent and deserves his laurels. “Pasture of the Unknown” is not new, but the music video, in partnership with BLISH Studios, is. This gives us Obi, arguably at his best, just him, his patented Afrobeat sound and him singing like rent was due. SPECIAL SPECIAL STUFF. 

QT? - It’s a Long Way Down

Just cause it’s summer, doesn’t mean we need pure bangers, trap beats, Afrobeats and such. Sometimes we need chill bops for those breezy summer days. That’s precisely where QT? comes in. It’s a Long Way Down is a chill, lyrically-laden and good vibes only project. Nine short tracks of QT? doing what he does best, setting the vibes right. Appreciate you for the dope project — including a Juice Lord collab “LONDON 71” — bruv, and congrats again on becoming a pops! 

Orphan Andy - “Crossroads”

Orphan Andy makes his debut on The Come-Up with a new single, “Crossroads.” As a young’n who grew up on Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, “Crossroads” has a special place in my heart. Orphan Andy’s song is not a cover, but it’s a fun track nonetheless. I love Andy’s confidence and delivery. The chorus, “Meet me at tha crossroads,” might make Bone Thugs feel happy and old at the same time. I definitely hope we get a music video sometime, Andy.

Jack Bentley - “Bentley Flow”

St. Paul’s very own Jack Bentley makes his appearance on The Come-Up with his single “Bentley Flow,” which is, honestly, just that. It’s Jack, in a booth, with the homies, turning up and rapping like he’s been possessed. Yo Jack, you might have one with this one.

Lil I.C. - F**k Wit a Do It

I don’t know what I’m more impressed with, that Lil I.C. sampled Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” for his single or that his producer used a drill beat. All I know is that “F**k Wit a Do it” is a certified banger. I’ve got to shout out Motivation To Hustle, cause I first learned of Lil I.C. on his IG page, where he was featured getting sturdy in downtown Minneapolis. A dancer and drill beat killer, what a combo. Trust me, y’all gonna rock with this one. 

Benjiareyouokay - “No Idols”

This new feature on The Come-Up Benjiareyouokay, formally White Moe, is fierce on the mic. No stumble, no lack of swagger, he’s solid as he spits his rap on single, “No Idols.”

MaLLy - “Super Hi”

MaLLy’s single “Super Hi” is the chill, slow track you’ll need when you want to cool off or chill underneath some shade. As someone in the middle of various transitions, I loved his storytelling about self-transformation and changes. 

Hope y’all love the selection! If you have new artists or new music for me to check-out — reggae, reggaeton, Afrobeat, house, R&B, hip-hop/rap — SEND IT MY WAY! DM me anytime @thejeffbissoy on IG and Twitter.