Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists that could be shaking up the music industry.
Billions-EP by FATHERDUDE
New York City-based artist FATHERDUE is gaining a lot of steam thanks to his appearance on NBC’s Songland. He released a three-track E.P. called Billions. The real highlight is “Billions,” the song that FATHERDUDE presented to Usher on the NBC songwriting competition. I genuinely believe that FATHERDUDE could play an instrumental role in shaping the music industry for his generation with the correct production and songwriting teams behind him. B
Tracks to Download: “Billions,” “Land of Denial,” & “Do or Die.”
Chilombo by Jhené Aiko
Over the past few years, Jhené Aiko has increased her presence in the music world. Recently, Def Jam Recordings released the deluxe version of her third studio album: Chilombo. The “To Love & Die” singer-songwriter used this album to carve out her space in the music industry. Listeners are drawn into her hypnotic vocals that she brilliantly showcased throughout the 29 tracks. Chilombo’s success can be divided between Aiko and two producers (Fisticuffs and Lejkeys) as the duo produced a majority of the album. Another component of the album’s success is the superstar collaborators. From Future and Miguel [“Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E)”] and Nas (“10K Hours”) to John Legend (“Lightning & Thunder”) and Kehlani (“B.S. Remix), Jhené Aiko’s team did a phenomenal job delivering a spectacular album. I want to apologize to Ms. Aiko for sleeping on her. She has an impeccable career ahead of her. A-
Tracks to Download: “None of Your Concern,” “Speak,” “Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E.),” “10K Hours,” & “Lightning & Thunder.”
Rise-EP by Voices of Service
Voices of Service is one of my all-time favorite America’s Got Talent alums. This quartet is made up of Master Sgt. Caleb Green, Staff Sgt. Ron Henry, Sgt. Maj. Christal Rheams, and Sergeant First Class Jason Hanna. For their debut EP, the quartet revisited some of their top performances from America’s Got Talent: Season 14 and America’s Got Talent: The Champions-Season Two. I got chills throughout the EP. Voices of Service deserves to have a career in the music industry, and Rise EP perfectly showcases why. A+
Tracks to Download: “Rise,” “Brother,” “Choke,” & “Let Me Raise My Voice.”
“Lovers (Home Made)” by Anna of the North
Oslo, Norway native Anna of the North dropped her latest single: “Lovers (Home Made).” From the first note, I was immediately captivated by Anna’s voice. Her artistry will take her very far in this industry. I hope this track is featured on various playlists and streaming platforms worldwide. Bravo, Anna of the North! A-
“Quiet Footsteps” by Jono Dorr
Jono Dorr is slowly growing a remarkable reputation in the music world. His songwriting and producing skills helped propel Gnash, Hayley Kiyoko, and Kehlani in the music world. Now, Jono Dorr is stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. When I heard his first single, “Quiet Footsteps,” I thought that I was listening to either John Legend or The Weeknd. Jono has a great voice, and his sound is desperately needed in the music industry. B+
“I Still Do” by Kiiara
Kiiara rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! Over the past few years, the Atlantic Records artist has collaborated with a plethora of recording artists that range from Cheat Codes and Linkin Park to Steve Aoki to Ty Dolla $ign. Recently, she dropped her latest solo track: “I Still Do.” The song is bouncy and is a pleasant piece of ear candy. If Atlantic Records decision-makers had any common sense, they would promote “I Still Do.” It has the potential to dominate several radio and streaming charts. A
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