AND WE’RE BACK! Not sure what it is, but there’s something in the air or the water in Minnesota. Why? Because there’s been too many releases for an East Side young’un to keep track of. I feel like every day I get a new DM with a project. I ain’t complaining though, I’m impressed and proud. This is the energy I love for Minnesota.

With so much new music and discoveries, this month’s Come-Up is gonna be longer than usual, but I know y’all don’t mind!

Why Khaliq - North Baby

It feels like a decade since the last time I featured St. Paul’s Why Khaliq. Quick story: I ran into Khaliq on Grand last summer, and called him out for ghosting. His response, “I got something in the works.” True to his word, he released North Baby earlier this year. All I can say is that it’s an album dedicated to all the hustlers and movers from Minnesota. If you feel that you’ve been missing that ether lately, give the album a listen. My favorite track is “Real N*ggas.”

Ricki Monique ft. MMYYKK - “CEREAL”

I’m not sure there is a harder working artist in the city right now. I try hard not to play favorites, but Ricki Monique has been setting ablaze and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. On her last single, “Immortal,” the production, the video, and the song all were something special. Her latest single, “Cereal,” is just a continuation of her growing ascendance. I get the feeling that Ricki has an album or project on the way. I’ll have to ask her when I eventually do a feature on her. Until then, enjoy “Cereal” and the incredible live color performance. While we at it, Colors Show, you gotta invite Ricki to do a set! 

Shy-I ft. Obi Original and YungM3tro - “Shift”

Not too long ago, I did a feature on Obi Original and Ozone Creations and how they’re pioneering an Afro-fusion in the Twin Cities. In the interview, I had the pleasure to connect with Ozone affiliate Shy-I, a Nigerian rapper from the Twin Cities, now residing in Texas. These dudes are not to be messed with, especially Shy-I. A student of the game, he truly spends time crafting his bars and it shows in his recent single, “Shift.” The song is a certified banger! 

KayCyy - “OKAY!”

First and foremost, a major congratulations to KayCyy! The St. Paul native was a writer on Kanye West’s Grammy-winning “Hurricane.” The Cities are truly blessed to have such talents break out on the national scene. Speaking of which, KayCyy has been on a tear dropping new music as of late. One of which is his recent single “OKAY!” which Drake even played on his IG stories not too long ago. The man is blowing up, so don’t sleep! 

RZ Shahid - “Caged In”

It’s also been some time since I’ve featured RZ Shahid on the Come-Up. Excited to share his recent single, “Caged In,” where he describes the poisons we all consume, but more importantly goes in on the void we call life, the various traumas that impact us, and how he’s trying to find his way out. The chorus, “That won’t take your pain away, that won’t bring you pleasure,” in many ways rings like a warning, but also like a guiding voice trying to get us back on track. The vocals and bars are solid, and the beat? Exquisite. Big ups RZ Shahid! 

Nazeem - “Diamond In Da Ruff freestyle”

Let me get something off my chest real quick: NAZEEM IS ONE OF THE BEST SPITTERS IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF MINNESOTA. I said what I said. One half of Blood$moke Body, the Minneapolis artist has decided to bless up with a new freestyle every quarter. This time it’s the “Diamond In Da Ruff freestyle,” which he spits on a silky beat with a sexy flute that would make any freestyler foam at the mouth. Plus, you already know the song is filled with confidence, swag and unequivocal drip. Check it out!  

K. Raydio - Weary

It’s truly such a blessing to have K.Raydio releasing new music more often. A legendary lyricist, songwriter, vocalist and producer, she has the whole package. In her recent single, “Weary,” she reminds us anew exactly what we’ve been missing out on. In her own words, “‘Weary’ is about the reminder that sometimes what you love doesn’t love you back, and you have to remember your worth. Heartbroken by a city that raised me. Weary, but still moving forward amongst the blaze. Art will always prevail.” For even more new K. Raydio, check out 80s Baby. 

Nerdy Star - “Rollie”

A new feature on The Come-Up, Nerdy Star is someone I’d like to see more of. Capable of rhyming, while also rocking a tight melody, she’s oozing with talent. The Twin Cities’ have several new media and hip-hop groups focused on highlighting the rapping talent in the state. One of them being Faders Up at Urban Lights, which hosts cypher sessions for lady emcees. Viewing one of these sessions is when I discovered Nerdy. Check out her single, “Rollie.”

Prince Riley ft. Say Summ - “Nasty Madentials” + “Real Girls”

Prince Riley is nice. That’s it. That’s the write-up. Aight, I kid, there’s more. But seriously, the North Minneapolis royal is starting to set himself apart from his peers with his consistent bangers, hype beats, and captivating sound. Truly, I’ve been impressed. Mans is so nice, I had to features his two latest singles, “Nasty Madentials” and “Real Girls.” Make sure to check them out and vibe out! 

While y’all do that, I’ll be streaming his 2021 project, Homeless Heart, till he drops a new one.

Libianca 

A new feature on The Come-Up, who certainly won’t be a one-hit wonder, is Roseville native and Cameroonian legend Libianca. You might be familiar with her already, as she starred in the last season of The Voice. A dope singer, who combines R&B with Afrobeats, Libianca is yet another exciting talent to come out of our state. I’m truly excited to see what comes next for her. Till then, enjoy her cover of Doja Cat’s “Woman.”

Maya Marchelle - Trap Evangelist 

Excited to share with y’all Maya Marchelle. Maya is a versatile creative, comedian, rapper, and singer who can truly do it all. Her latest project, Trap Evangelist, is a gospel-meets-trap EP, drawing out her best qualities. An exceptional talent you won’t want to miss! 

OKnice - Have You Tried Being Happy? 

Last, but certainly not least, we got OKnice. I’m not one for over exaggerations, but OKnice may have dropped the best Twin Cities rap album this year. Some of y’all might read that as overhype, but truly, Have You Tried Being Happy? is a special special project. The acoustics, the rhyme patterns, and the message. The album damn near fixed my seasonal depression. Okay, that might be a reach, but honestly, stream the album and pay close attention to what OKnice is rapping about. The trials and tribulations of life, fear of the future, while trying to appreciate the moment. We’ve all been there.

This is it for The Come-Up, but as always, if you have new local music you’d like me to check out–rap, R&B, reggaeton, reggae, afrobeat–shoot me a message on IG or Twitter!