First Listen Fridays – J. Cole, Bellah with DESTIN CONRAD, and More New Music (30/1/26)
Welcome back to First Listen Fridays! We’re closing out January on a high, with ten sensational fresh songs that deserve to be played at full volume. IndustryMe Editors Tom and Kloe have sifted through the best of the new drops this week, picking out new bangers from Meet Me @ The Altar and Bellah. Let’s jump right into some musical magic.
Tom’s Picks
MJ Cole & PinkPantheress – Still Sincere
We love a new version of a classic when done right, and this is one of those moments. ‘Sincere‘ was a breakout moment for legendary garage producer MJ Cole, so to bring PinkPantheress on board for this remake makes absolute sense. While this still has the feel of that brilliant original track, it has more bubbly kick drums that the vocalist floats over nicely. The ad-libs are a nice touch as well, making this a song to remember and groove all night to.
Buy the track here.
Bellah FT. DESTIN CONRAD – Typical
Every time there is a new U.K./U.S. R’n’B collab, we get excited, and today is certainly one of those days. That mesmerising and tranquil beat hooks you in before Bellah’s soothing vocals really get things going. Her seductive lyrics alongside the bouncy, almost dance-pop-influenced beat just hit, as do the harmonies on the chorus. DESTIN certainly plays his part with an equally calming presence on the mic, making this a great little duet. The strings and the guitar solo at the end are the cherry on top of this great track.
Thundercat FT. Lil Yachty – I Did This To Myself
Our first taste of new Thundercat in 2026 is just as groovy and funky as we’ve come to expect. Flying Lotus’ production combines some great bass, keyboard playing, and kick drums to make the beat soar. Our lead sounds as great as ever, flying over this beat as he describes someone who gets what she wants, whoever she is with. Lil Yachty is also sensational on this beat, matching it to a tee with a sleek flow. This is truly a vibe, and already one of my faves of the year, so far.
Buy the track here.
Tom Misch – Sisters With Me
Having recently announced his first solo studio album in almost 8 years, Tom Misch is back with a bang. Taking things away from the soothing jazz he is known for, this melodic, indie-rock sound still has the grooves you’d expect. His vocals fit this style just as well as his music before, detailing a bond with someone else. An example of the power of partnership, this adds some glorious sax at the end to cap off a lovely moment.
Etta Bond & Raf Riley FT. D Double E – Attracted 2 u
Etta Bond has always been an artist who can do it on many different soundscapes, as shown here. This blend of house and techno from Raf Riley and Bond is matched by her distorted autotuned delivery, making for a real bop. The blaring synths really are an earworm that is sure to set any dancefloor or rave alight. D Double does his thing with a calmness and effortlessness that only a veteran of the game has. If Etta and Raf make more bangers like this, then I’ll certainly be listening.
Buy the track here.
Kloe’s Picks
Meet Me @ The Altar – Live Without
Newly independent and thriving, this band is back with a heavier sound than their previous works. The deluxe edition of their ‘WORRIED SICK‘ EP, which dropped at the end of last year, has finally landed. Of the new tracks, ‘Live Without‘ has captured my heart as a therapeutic banger. It truly feels like the band is getting back to their roots after losing some of their creative control due to music industry politics in recent times. I am fully behind them.
Buy the album here.
J. Cole – 99 Build Freestyle
Every rap fan can breathe a sigh of relief, Cole is back! Whilst we (in)patiently wait for ‘The Fall Off‘, North Carolina’s finest dropped a surprise ‘Birthday Blizzard ’26‘ mixtape, in honour of his big day. On this mixtape, he is bringing everything I wanted from him – from confronting critics and delivering bars that remind us why he’s GOAT status, as he delivers a DJ Clue classic mixtape that gives me goosebumps. From rapping over classic Bad Boy instrumentals, it’s clear Jermaine is locked and loaded. Personal favourite: ‘99 Build Freestyle‘. He is addressing the so-called ‘drama’ surrounding him, comment culture, and loose-lipped industry rats – he is asking everyone to step aside.
Buy the mixtape here.
Lauren Spencer Smith – Natural Disaster
If you need some perfect pop that feels incredibly raw and stripped back, please give this a listen. After stepping out with a strong sophomore effort last year, her incredibly titled ‘THE ART OF BEING A MESS’, Lauren continues this theme with her newest single. Behind her polished front, there’s an emotional, fragile girl who is able to articulate heartbreak with staggering clarity.
Buy the track here.
rum.gold – Walking Dead
A melancholic, tender record that deals with grieving a relationship that is no longer there – rum.gold provides an atmospheric record to adore. “You ever had to grieve a body that’s still breathing?”, he sings. This will resonate with people going through difficult times, in a beautiful way.
Buy the track here.
Jordan Ward – THEMSELVES
St Louis R&B sensation Jordan Ward has just dropped ‘BACKWARD’, a full-length follow-up to his ‘FORWARD’ album in 2023. The pro dancer turned singer-songwriter brings a more introspective, moodier vibe on these new tracks. Whilst I love his track with SAILORR, and had ‘JUICY’ on repeat when it first came out, it’s ‘THEMSELVES’ that has caught my attention. On top of an ’80s-type beat, Jordan glides effortlessly on a song that warns his lady not to rely on him financially. Think of it as an anti-gold digger anthem.
Buy the album here.
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