ListenUp
A stunning song by serpentwithfeet, Mahalia joins forces with Little Simz, Sade returns and more in music
serpentwithfeet: bless ur heart
Since serpentwithfeet’s 2016 debut EP blisters, we’ve been entirely beguiled by the Brooklyn-based artist. Today, the Baltimore-born singer (aka Josiah Wise) releases the first track from his upcoming debut LP soil, “bless ur heart.” Like much of serpentwithfeet’s previous music, it’s an enthralling and dramatic piece of R&B/gospel that surges to a stunning climax. The accompanying video is as bewitching as the song itself.
Mahalia feat. Little Simz: Proud of Me
Many can relate to the message of Mahalia’s “Proud of Me,” a song and video about going home to loved ones with something to show for yourself. With a guest appearance by Little Simz, the beautiful track gets additional gravity. It’s a next-level release from the English singer.
Sade: Flower of the Universe
Sade’s first new song in seven years, “Flower of the Universe” beautifully checks off all the singer’s signature components. It’s a smooth ballad with just the right amount of supporting orchestration; captivating from start to finish. The track, produced by No ID, will appear on the forthcoming “A Wrinkle in Time” soundtrack alongside work from other beloved, powerful vocalists.
Poppy Ackroyd: Paper
A black and white ode to the typewriter, Poppy Ackroyd’s new video for “Paper” ensnares attention along with her mesmeric instrumentals. Regardless of how you classify Ackroyd (neo-classic and post-classic among the many options), this composition washes forward with waves of optimism. The track hails from Resolve, the musician and composer’s recently released and first full-length album.
ZHU feat. Tame Impala: My Life
ZHU (aka Steven Zhu) hinted at a collaboration with Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker a couple months back, and now “My Life” has arrived. With plenty of synth chords and a four-to-the-floor beat, this track is somewhat straight-forward deep house, but it’s ZHU’s glossy production that takes the hazy track up a level.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
