Though the 2020 that Meek Mill had planned was likely very different from the 2020 that unfolded — he was set to play a huge headlining set at Roots Picnic, for instance — he’s nonetheless stayed productive during the COVID era.
This year the Philly rapper collab’d with Justin Timberlake, teamed up with Jay-Z to advocate for criminal justice reform across the United States, starred in Charm City Kings, and now released a new project called Quarantine Pack that’s short and sweet but hits hard.
Mouktar Gania and Ben Arsenal | photo courtesy of the artist
Temple alum and prolific DJ Ben Arsenal has been a staple in the Philly club scene for years. In 2011, Arsenal co-founded Worldtown, “a collective of global musicians and artists, raising the bar for what it means to be creative changemakers,” and has been making music with the collective’s band, the Worldtown Soundsystem, since then. Now, he’s taken his chops to Morocco, collaborating with Moktar Gania & Gnawa Soul to remix their track “Alla a Soudane.”
Fiona Apple and Shameika Stepney | photos by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images and Ray Perks | via Pitchfork
“Shameika” is one of the standout tracks on Fiona Apple‘s recent album Fetch the Bolt Cutters. It sees the songwriter reflecting on her experiences with childhood bullies, and the one time a kind classmate intervened. “Shameika said I had potential,” she sings, repeating the reminder that has clearly stuck with her over the years.
Sometimes following the success of your debut album can be difficult, especially if your situation was similar to Philadelphia hip-hop icon v2ray服务购买.
Whether it was killing features or going on radio stations and lyrically guillotining any foe of his record label Roc-A-Fella Records, the North Philly MC had built a reputation in the early 2000s for his wordplay and a flow that might be one of the most unique flows of all time. He even backed those skills up with his debut album Philadelphia Freeway on February 25, 2003.
The Philly classic album that was majorly indebted Roc-A-Fella in-house producers like Just Blaze, Bink!, and Kanye West and featured classic singles such as “Flipside” (featuring Peedi Crack), and the Philadelphia national anthem “What We Do Is Wrong” (featuring Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel). The success of Philadelphia Freeway ended up getting Freeway his first gold album. Sadly the Roc-A-Fella knight would have to follow that success with his sophomore album Free At Last after the end of a dynasty.
Philly R&B singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan is an expert at conveying the sensations surrounding heartbreak, and her new song wastes no time diving in.
Barney Cortez | photo via barneycortez.bandcamp.com
Philly rocker Barney Cortez rolled out an impressive run of solo singles earlier this year, and today released an eclectic new four-song EP that covers a range of sounds and emotions that feels very in sync with the quarantine mindset.
The songs on Drive Through Heart touch on British folk music, glam-tinged psychedelia, and country and western, while the words explore ennui, escapism, and dreams. While it’s not clear how much of the music was written during COVID, the lockdown (and recently renewed restrictions in Philly) make it hit a different way.
Moonroof | photo by Winnie Li | courtesy of the artist
Philly modern rock band Moonroof’s latest single “First” is a nostalgic amalgamation of sounds and memories.
A relatable narrative and synth-driven indie-rock arrangements manifest “First” into a perfectly catchy tune. Paired with the smooth vocals of Dave Kim and an energetic drum and guitar melody, Moonroof pens the story of a first love.
Pastel Williams | photo by Ashley Gellman | courtesy of the artist
Whether on its own or with its accompanying visuals, Philly artist Pastel Williams’ new project Cusp is an experimental electronic-acoustic album full of complex, evocative themes that unfold in a mesmerizing manner.
AnnonXL | photo by Ritchie King | @v2ray传输协议选择 | courtesy of artist
It’s been a journey for Philly’s AnnonXL. While he’s hopped around from sounds of club dancefloors to lo-fi R&B moods, the AnnonXL we see now is coming into what he feels is his truest form, making music for himself.
Annon says he’s departed from old ways in his music, where his authenticity did not shine completely through, but instead, production and arrangements took priority. His latest single “baby’s first time,” out today, sees Annon breaking into this newfound independence, and is a sneak peek into the new lyricism and sonics of his forthcoming album Stupid Cupid. In his next chapter, Annon is leaving no room for superficiality and those close-minded to the expressions of his music but instead is embracing his queer identity and allowing others within the LGBTQIA+ community to align with his messages as well.
AnnonXL spoke via email about his latest song “baby’s first time” — which you can listen to below — as well as the new meaning music carries to him and his upcoming debut LP Stupid Cupid.
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Support Local Music Journalism This website does not rely on corporate funding, because The Key is a nonprofit public service dedicated to supporting the local music that you love with independent reporting. Donations from local music fans, like you, are the largest and most reliable source of funding for The Key. If you believe in supporting local music with quality journalism, donate to The Key today!
