“I’ve cried tears writing some of the words in this ep and some of these songs have quite literally changed my life. This EP is an accumulation of some of my most vulnerable human experiences and I’m happy to be sharing them with you. I’ve worked incredibly hard these past 2 years to get to this point where I’m comfortable releasing a body of music and I feel like my patience is paying off. I hope that these songs grow to mean as much to you as they mean to me ❤️” Monét Ngo  Following three consecutive single releases, Vietnamese-American schoolteacher and artist Monét Ngo has officially welcomed us into the After School Club. Serving as his debut EP, the project contains eight unique tracks, with each possessing its own respective alt-rock éclat. Filled with voltaic guitars and rockstar production, Ngo’s vocal presence consistently takes command, just as he leads in the classroom. Underneath the heavy-hitting guitars and instrumentation are Monét’s heartfelt, vulnerable and introspective lyrics; many of which depict his real-life experiences. “Strawberry Fields,” for example, reflects on the once difficult living circumstances of Monét’s life, which he ironically now misses to a degree. The source of inspiration for “Ruby …

South Florida and Chicago rapper Blvck Svm connects with NYC producer/DJ Austin Marc for a cold new track titled “mercurymorris.” Serving as the first single off Svm’s debut project with EMPIRE, the song contains Blvck’s familiarly surgical flow over Marc’s 808-heavy production. The eerie instrumental is an excellent fit for Svm’s low-key yet assured rap tone, as he effortlessly spits bars like “new set of Burberry specs from London was flown / the shadow extend to my orbital bones.” Blvck’s ability to craft stylistically chill records with elite-level lyricism is a signature quality of his, to which he’s self-aware via the bar: “The cloth I’m cut from is sewn with thread imported from region unknown / the cotton substantially grown, essentially I’m in a league of my own.” For every [silent] killer-line, Blvck Svm’s trajectory continues to rise on his own terms. Peep “mercurymorris” below!

Chicago artist Ine’a J makes her Lyrical Lemonade debut with a star-studded new EP titled Planet J. Also known as the ‘pen fairy,’ Ine’a displays her versatility by shining over an array of modern R&B, soul and trap production. On select songs, the heavy levels of bass fascinatingly contrasts with her gleamingly delicate, yet confident vocals. My personal favorite track is “CLOSE 2 U,” which features Freesole artist Freejay. Ine’as’ singing talents are maximized to the fullest over a gloriously mellow and melodic instrumental, which Freejay also delivers on by way of his [rap] verse. In many respects, Planet J is a magical listening experience with Ine’a J providing the sorcery. The EP’s sounds are distinctively hers, and from start to finish there’s not a single moment of turbulence aboard her musical spaceship. Be sure to give the project your listening attention in full below!

“Miss my dawgs is just about missing family members, or missing long-lost friends that you know you can’t hang out with anymore, but it can go for anything. I remember sitting on my homie’s balcony in Miami, drinking shroom tea and I came up with the idea and just kept singing it and was like.. man I gotta make this song tomorrow. I went to the studio recorded it, left a verse open, and sent it straight to 6lack the week I was at swan eating dinner and got the verse from him. This is how it went” – Kaash Paige Def Jam Recordings artist Kaash Paige returns to Lyrical Lemonade with a melodic banger titled “Miss My Dawgs.” Featuring R&B/Soul sensation, 6LACK, the pair reminisce [about] their respective loved ones over a slowed but bass-heavy instrumental. Paige’s vocals exude plenty of sorrow, while 6LACK effortlessly maintains the levels of emotional gloom felt throughout the track. Despite the song’s somberness, it’s ironically an excellent choice for the whip/speaker, considering the absurd amount of bass and modern trap-soul production. Give this heartfelt offering a listen below!

“My girlfriend and I went on a break earlier this summer, and I had alot of time to think about what I wanted to do and say when we reunited. I never do this but ended up writing her a song, she happened to dig it and once we’d smoothed things out I showed it to her” – FRANK LEONE Chicago experimentalist FRANK LEONE returns to Lyrical Lemonade with one of the most creative love songs I’ve ever heard titled “PATIENCE ON ROCKY SEA$.” Produced by Kishie, the turbulent production aligns with the conceptual notion of romantic turmoil that LEONE experienced this summer. LEONE’s vocals are certainly smooth, but the instrumental fascinatingly employs sounds that you’d commonly hear on a trap anthem, such as the 808’s and complementary levels of bass. However, Kishie and FRANK somehow make it work, as the contrasting styles seamlessly mesh for an affectionate record that you’d previously never heard. With two full length and self-produced albums, an FX Television show and more planned for 2023, it’s safe to say that FRANK LEONE is smoothly sailing for the rest of 2022. Listen to “PATIENCE ON ROCKY SEA$” below!

North West London artist Emzo makes his Lyrical Lemonade debut with a fruitful banger titled “Strawberry Laces.” With a drill-heavy rap flow, the Different Breed produced music video employs a unique 90’s visual aesthetic. With a catchy melody and addictive chorus, Emzo absolutely decimates the instrumental in a timely manner. If you’re a fan of UK drill, Emzo is a must-add to your roster of London-based talent. Watch the official music video for “Strawberry Laces” below!

“This song is incredibly close to my heart and personal & i’m so overwhelmed with gratitude for the positive feedback i’ve been receiving. I love you all” – Ashley Taylor LA-based artist Ashley Taylor makes her Lyrical Lemonade debut with a heartfelt single titled “ALL THE SAME.” Produced by Max Delgado, the song melodically opens up with Taylor’s deeply burdened feelings toward a significant other, which consequentially affects her perception of others. Ashley’s vocal range is extensive, as she alternates in pitch and tone to emphasize the complexity of emotions that she felt at a particular time. The track’s overall mood is certainly melancholy, but despite the somber lyrics, Taylor’s singing is the definition of graceful. It’s extremely apparent that her words are not only genuine, but also intentional. With a bright future ahead, it makes plenty of sense for Ashley to discard anything that deters the trajectory of her success. Listen to “ALL THE SAME” below!

“An ode to falling in love while expecting heartbreak. Knowing someone is bad for you but still choosing to indulge in the relationship. Joe & I made this in our friends dorm room at NYU together on a cold winter night in 2019.” – Justend New York’s multi-faceted artist Justend returns to Lyrical Lemonade with a visual for his catchy song “poison.” Produced by Joe Aste, the song served as the final single leading up to the duo’s collaborative EP release titled poison spacegirl! With addictively harmonized vocals and contrasted heavy-hitting [rap] lyricism, “poison” is a relatively simple yet effective offering that immediately captures your attention. Delivering in introspection and style, it’s a safe bet that the pair are very capable of making several more records together. Watch the official music video, directed by Zion Lewis below and be sure to stream poison spacegirl!