Noname: Song 33

With references to George Floyd and Toyin Salau, “Song 33” by rapper, poet, producer and activist Noname is presumably a response to J Cole’s recent, widely lambasted release, on which he criticizes and tone-polices her. Over the mellow Madlib-produced beat, Noname (aka Fatimah Warner) meditates, “Wow, look at him go / He really ’bout to write about me while the world is in smokes? / When …

Los Retros: New Humanity

Oxnard, California-based artist Los Retros (aka Mauri Tapia) melds genres, crafting music that exists somewhere between hazy soft rock, jazz fusion, and ’70s psychedelia. “New Humanity”—from his new EP, Everlasting—is no exception. Ethereal, high-pitched vocals offset a deep bass line and gentle percussion, while drifting synths and sirens lend their own allure. Not only a vocalist and instrumentalist, Tapia also produced this track.

Ric Wilson: Fight Like Ida B and Marsha P

Named for two fearless activists who fought for equality during different eras, Chicago-based Ric Wilson’s “Fight Like Ida B and Marsha P” is a multi-faceted work: a protest song; a party anthem; an ode to freedom fighters, Black women, and Black queer and trans individuals; and a call to action. Produced by Norbert Bueno, the song combines a funky, bouncy bass line, a little Detroit …