First Listen Fridays (14/8/26) – Tiana Major9, Kali Claire, and More New Music

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While you might be melting away in this heat, First Listen Fridays can hopefully soundtrack your weekend, whether indoors or in the sunshine. Kali Claire, and Juls, alongside Projexx, provide late-summer anthems; Tiana Major9 and Jordan Rakei show off their vocals, while Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats or Phro. and sbk are your go-to for rap this week. With this and more, let us get straight into the music.

Tiana Major9 – Heaven

Despite releasing her debut album earlier this year, this artist still has plenty of great new music in the vault. On ‘Heaven‘, that calming plucked guitar and her soothing vocals are a match made in- well, heaven. The drum pattern then mixes in as the singer gives her all on the chorus is a truly great moment. Jay Century and Benners have done such a top-tier job on the production front, adding stuff that pushes the track forward and forward. And as for Tiana? Just a quality singing display, using the high notes when necessary, and providing a performance full of passion.

Kali Claire FT. Anabel Rose – Wave by Wave

Kali Claire continues to be one of the most consistent and underrated artists in the U.K., whatever the genre she hops on. From her new EP, this song instantly mesmerises you with the guitar and the background harmonies. Then those energetic drum patterns come in, with Juls and Kali proving once again that they know how to get you on your feet. She sounds great over this production, and the blending of her reverberated background harmonies into the beat is a nice touch. Featured guest Anabel Rose then comes in and gives an equally gorgeous vocal display. Certainly a late-summer anthem to close it out in style.

Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats FT. Yebba – DIFFRENCE

Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats are teaming up once again, and I am excited. This first taste of their new project has that soul-inspired production, which has enough energy going on in the other instruments to match Denzel’s flow. It is some nice verses referencing people switching up on friends and how people are living the American dream, and not one given by Indians (Native Americans). Yebba gives a nice, slightly quirky chorus verse, which, alongside the background samples in the verses, is a nice touch. A terrific single with some insightful commentary on the pressures of fame and what greed does to people.

Buy the track here.

Juls & Projexx FT. Pa Salieu – CUTLASS

Speaking of Juls, he and Projexx have dropped their new collaboration album, ‘JUNCTION‘. Featuring Purple List alumni, Winny, Boj, Haile, and others, it is a record that celebrates the united cultures and music from Africa and the Caribbean. I have highlighted this track for the wavey and summery vibes in the production, which is matched by Projexx’s sleek flow and the usual fantastic energy you expect from Pa Salieu. Sometimes we get scorching anthems before or after the season, but I do like when we get them on time.

Buy the track here.

Jordan Rakei – Promise

Having already dropped a fantastic EP earlier this year, this artist is now in album mode. ‘Promise‘ starts off with great percussion, melodic guitar playing, and smooth AF vocals. The New Zealander/Aussie shows great vocal control and flexibility throughout, and alongside the string-hopping on the guitar, creates a euphoric chorus. Adding the piano on the second verse is a smart touch that adds a bit of atmosphere to this tale of love. Having seen this man in the flesh this summer, I can’t wait to delve into the whole LP when it drops in October.

Buy the track here.

SKALAH FT. Novelist – South of the Thames

An artist who has been building a reputation in the 140/Dubstep scene as one to watch, SKALAH is back with another banger. Those airy synths are such a nice way to start the production alongside those classic Novelist ad-libs. He then gives a great staccato flow before the drums kick in and the bass wobbles. This iconic MC matches the energy change with bars flying everywhere about being one of the best in the game. Having already made music with Flava D, D Double E, Capo Lee, and more, who is next?

Buy the track here.

Phro. & sbk – THE NORMAL ONE

The opening and title track from these two’s new collaborative EP, it kicks off the project in style. The airy synths provide a sense of melancholia, as sbk delivers a fast-paced flow that reflects on his journey so far. This feels like an artist who has contemplated his life so far and seems in control of his destiny. With witty wordplay and a mellow production, this does its job in introducing us to what this duo has to offer.

Tama Gucci – Hot Night

This New Yorker is new to my radar, but they will certainly remain on it after hearing this track. That wobbly keyboard melody has your attention, with his breathy, confident delivery fitting well over this electro-pop beat. As the title and lyrics suggest, this is all about meeting someone on a night out/house party, and Lucas del Calvo’s production fits the bill as well. An absolute banger that will have you skanking all night long; get this one on before, during, and after your Friday night.

Buy the track here.

Follow IndustryMe on Instagram, Threads, X, or YouTube. Press play on our First Listen Fridays playlist below or via YouTube Music to enjoy all our top picks. You can also check out previous editions here.

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