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New music from Montreal, Jamaica, Denmark and England this week

Protoje feat. Popcaan: Like Royalty Grammy-nominated reggae singer-songwriter Protoje (aka Oje Ken Ollivierre) taps fellow Jamaican recording artist Popcaan for “Like Royalty” from his recently released album. “The song is about letting my people know that, as long as I’m healthy and strong, they have nothing to worry about,” Protoje said in a statement accompanying the track. Popcaan provides contrasting vocals, but the duo works …

Link About It: This Week’s Picks

Nina Chanel Abney's newest art project, the rediscovery of a breed of singing dogs, Crack Magazine's initiative for young directors and more

Nina Chanel Abney’s First AR Artwork, “Imaginary Friend” Created with voice, script and music assistance from Chris Chalk, Jeanette E Toomer (Jet) and El Tsid and available on the Acute Art app, Nina Chanel Abney’s latest artwork is an AR companion known as “Imaginary Friend.” Unveiled 28 August, the piece is Abney’s first-ever augmented reality work and was made to be a kind of talisman. …

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From Afropop to avant-pop and a "Thong Song" cover, our favorite new songs this week

Amber Mark: Thong Song (Sisqó Cover) Sisqó’s 1999 campy hit “Thong Song” may be oft-disparaged, but it remains a masterstroke written by the then-19-year-old. NYC-based singer, songwriter and producer Amber Mark has just covered the track—and with relish. Mark (whose style pulls elements from countless genres, including R&B, dance, pop, bossa nova and beyond) says, “Yes, lol I covered ‘Thong Song.’ I HAD TO DO …