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 seamlessly together on the song, …

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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 …

Nnabu: My Word

Sublimely blending Afropop and R&B, Nnabu achieves sheer romance with his new song, “My Word.” Since his first release six years ago, the artist’s musical stylings have evolved, he tells The Fader, who premiered the tune: “I have broad influences, and I turned away from Afrobeats at first but then my sound just started expanding. I grew up in the Bronx, so I grew up …