With everyone stuck inside and socially distancing from each other, there’s never been a better time to stay up to date on some of the latest releases in the world of music. We’ll be updating this playlist each week. Here are this week’s music suggestions from the Amherst Wire staff.

Trevor Wilson

“Popstar” – Rico Nasty 

Since the release of her 2018 album “Nasty,” New York-bred rapper, singer and songwriter Rico Nasty has hit quite the hot streak. In 2019, she dropped her collab project “Anger Management” with Kenny Beats. The album proved to be a refreshing injection into Rico’s discography, featuring her frantic, emphatic flow alongside speaker-bursting production.

With her first single since “Lightning” dropped in mid-March, Rico returns with “Popstar.” Rico remains as unapologetic as ever, spitting about her lavish spending habits, disruptive love life and more. She flows effortlessly over the bright yet screechy instrumental featuring boisterous 808s that can be found throughout her discography.

While this song may not be anything new or flashy from Rico, it serves as a great precursor for her upcoming project.

Other picks: “Pretty Lady” – Tash Sultana, “forever” – Charli XCX

Shane Guilfoyle 

“Bricks in the Attic” – Lil Gotit

Other Picks: “Night Mode” – UnoTheActivitst (feat. 2gramcam), “Skybox” – Gunna 

If you’ve ever wondered where Lilgotit stashes his bundles, this song might hold some answers. “Bricks in the Attic ” surfaces early as the intro track to Gotit’s next project, titled Hood baby 2, which sees it’s release slated for May 24th. 

With production from DMC Global, Gotit walks his flow across the beat. The Atlanta artist exudes finesse through cadence as if the deliverance of these lyrics come simply as second nature. And through this deliverance, the YSL recruit’s voice falls in line perfectly with the track’s melody.  

“Bricks in the Attic” holds glimpses into Gotit’s past and present. There are stories to be found embedded behind every-statement as the Hood Baby acknowledges previous struggles while expanding into life post-success. Overall, “Bricks in the Attic” is solid and pulls weight amongst Gotit’s standout tracks, such as his momentous single, “Superstar.” It’s a clear testament to the 20-year-old’s capability in crafting memorable and catchy melodies; a task which grows ever more important in our zeitgeist. 

Astghik Dion

“X6” – Luchii ft. LUCKI

LUCKI has never been afraid to show his vulnerability, allowing pain and heartbreak to be a driving force in most of his music. Yet, there’s something about the Chicago artist that separates him from “emo rap,” his aura of nonchalance and acceptance towards the world. Listening to LUCKI is like having your life crumble around you but being perfectly at peace with it. 

The new Luchii produced track is saturated in LUCKI’s renowned “alternative trap” sound, something you can listen to during quarantine when it’s 5 a.m. and there’s nothing to do but stare at your ceiling and reminisce. “X6” is forgiving, resonating with all of us who seem to not be able to change our ways just yet, “bad intentions, I don’t think they’re done with me.”

Other picks: “DND” – Polo G, “Rufus”  – Chuuwee & Trizz

Jonathan Kermah

“Old Streets (Remix)” – 2KBABY ft. Lil Dirk

St. Louis’s 2KBABY breathed a soul into the nautical instrumental of his breakout single “Old Streets” back in 2019, now on his debut project “Pregame Rituals” he brought along Chicago’s Lil Durk for the remix. Like 2KBABY, Dirk spills out pain as he sings of loss stemming from street violence and longing for better days in the past. Trauma shouldn’t be this pleasing unto the ears.  

Other picks: “10 F*cks” – Tory Lanez and Mansa, “Section” – Yxng Bane