GRUNGECAKE

Category: Music Reviews

  • Watch St Panther’s performance video for soulful R&B single ‘The Deal’

    If you listen closely, you may feel like you’re hearing inspiration from D’Angelo’s ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’, which would be a timely heartwarming tribute to the late multiple GRAMMY-winning music icon. He passed away from pancreatic cancer on October 14.

    Two days ago, St Panther (they/them) released a soulful R&B single called ‘The Deal’. Shot live at Haven Studio in Los Angeles, California, they sing about a partner who doesn’t seem to understand the full scope of their happenings, outsiders pushing them to change, and learning to let go and wanting to play the long game before times changed.

    Regarding the new single, St Panther said:

    “Now I’m not sure if it’s always right to, but I tend to put music where prolonged silences live. I’m not sure why it’s so hard to say what sometimes only music can, but in this case, I wish someone had known me better and wanted to write a song like Dido’s ‘White Flag’ shortly afterward, a song that said—if nothing else—my love was true.”

    Watch the performance video below, directed by Julian Budge, to see St Panther, their various longtime collaborators, and the forthcoming EP’s co-producer, McClenny (HER, Khalid, Jamila Woods). The single is taken from their forthcoming EP titled ‘Strange World’, set to release on November 7.

    If you’re new to this space and it is your first time coming across St Panther’s music, we premiered their song ‘Infrastructure’ from HBO’s Insecure five years ago. We’ve been mesmerised.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyVVeUDD-t8&h=315]

  • Watch Ice Spice’s model-friendly music video for MIA-sampled ‘Baddie Baddie’

    Three days ago, Bronx-bred star rapper Ice Spice put out the official music video for her latest single, ‘Baddie Baddie’, which samples MIA’s larger-than-life record, ‘Bad Girls’, a song released thirteen years ago with over 200 million views on YouTube (Noisey’s upload of 145 million and 72 million from MIA’s official VEVO channel). On the track, the ‘Munch’ rapper takes aim at a man who was “begging to hit” and doesn’t really want her for who she is, but he sees her lifestyle as something to take advantage of if she lets him. In the next line, she mentions a fellow female rapper who might be inspired by her come-up and wants to be like her, but isn’t doing it well. Ice Spice doesn’t mention anyone by name, but the internet seems to think Stunna Sandy, who also wears tight curls, is the one.

    Watch the NYFW-centric music video, which documents some of the moments during the festivities and shows her relationship with South Sudanese-American supermodel/visual artist Anok Yai. Sunisa Lee and Bb Trickz also make cameos.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGzKA3aROGE&h=315]

    According to Ice Spice, someone purchased fake views for the music video, which now has over seven million views since its release on October 15. The music video is currently at #12 on YouTube’s Music Trending Chart.

    One comment under the music video says from a fan account says, “@parmik99 from 1 to 5 milliom in 37 minutes and 0 new comments.Dear Spice, don’ embaress yourself with bots”.

    Another fan @rick_bars, wrote, “Ice Spice is not Botting Door Dash is running ads on the video but, the ads team is not great lol. So it looks like this.”, a seemingly supportive comment.

    Before this release, Ice Spice collaborated with her former rival and fellow rapper Latto, called ‘Gyatt’, and later appeared on Kai Cenat’s popular Twitch account with over nineteen million followers.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1SdotpjkTU&h=315]

  • Watch R&B star Miguel display Mexican pride in official video for ‘New Martyrs (Ride 4 U)’

    A day ago, multiplatinum-selling American R&B singer-songwriter Miguel released the official music video for his latest single, ‘New Martyrs (Ride 4 U)’. In the wholesome visual, he drives a few friends around as they listen to his music, and his friends wave Mexican flags out of the windows, which appears to be an homage to his Mexican father and their culture. In the next scene, things get more serious as he rides out with fellow press agents towards New Mexico from Oklahoma. Next, the ‘Strawberry Amazing’ crooner takes on the role of a getaway driver for what appears to be a robbery/theft. Before it all ends, the directors (the artist and his son’s mother, Margaret Zhang, also credited as the creative director) show the ‘Sure Thing’ singer and his team leaving the van, heading towards the danger. A bomb detonates, and the scene ends.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNB5uDfG8W8&h=315]

    It is taken from his forthcoming album, entitled ‘Caos’, set to release on October 23 (Miguel’s 40th birthday).

  • Listen to Billy Holley’s new song ‘Rising’

    UK songwriter and recording artist Billy Holley is a composer whose music transforms survival into song and struggle into strength. His debut single “Rising” blends modern pop balladry with cinematic production at Grammy-level standards. Drawing comparisons to major artists such as Ed Sheeran, Dermot Kennedy, and Lewis Capaldi, Billy’s music captures universal themes of resilience and hope with a sound built for international charts.

    [media-credit name=”Billy Holley” align=”none” width=”200″][/media-credit]

    Billy Holley has released “Rising,” a sweeping, cinematic debut single engineered at Grammy-award-winning standards and designed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest names in contemporary pop. Officially launched on 9 September 2025, the track immediately entered the UK Top 40 (Pop #37) and reached #93 All-Genres, marking a stunning arrival for one of the UK’s most exciting new artists. With production inspired by Grammy-winning engineers and major-label workflows, “Rising” captures Billy Holley’s personal story while aiming for stadium-sized impact — transforming real-life survival into a world-class record built for international radio and streaming playlists.

    “My goal was to create a debut that could live next to the biggest records in the world,” says Billy Holley. “I’ve studied major artists, Grammy winners, and the craft behind their hits — and ‘Rising’ is me stepping into that space with my own story.”

    The single channels the emotional intensity of artists like Lewis Capaldi, Dermot Kennedy and Ed Sheeran, yet stands apart with a bold cinematic arc and major-label production designed for global impact.

  • Brook Lynn unleashes fierce debut single ‘Oh My Gosh’, a bold Dance-Pop anthem

    Forged in the heat of nightlife and self-assurance, Brook Lynn’s debut single ‘Oh My Gosh’ arrives as a fierce declaration of intent. The track blends polished Dance-Pop production with a sultry vocal performance that positions her as a rising figure in modern Pop. ‘Oh My Gosh’ radiates unapologetic energy—its rhythm tailored for crowded dance floors and late-night playlists.

    [media-credit name=”Brook Lynn” width=662 align=”center”][/media-credit]

    As a debut, ‘Oh My Gosh’ introduces Brook Lynn’s creative thesis: Bold femininity and emotional dominance through sound. Her tone is confident without dilution, sensual without submission. The result is a modern club record with an unmistakable Pop identity.

    The artist’s focus extends beyond streaming. Brook Lynn aims for radio rotation across FM and digital stations, aligning her sonic identity with the evolving landscape of global Pop. ‘Oh My Gosh’ functions both as an introduction and assertion—a clear statement that Brook Lynn intends to occupy space in the genre’s forward movement.

  • Watch G Herbo and girlfriend Taina Williams relish New York City in ‘Whatever U Want’ featuring Jeremih

    There’s a lot in G Herbo’s heart and mind.

    Two days ago, Chicagoan star rapper G Herbo released the official music video for his song, ‘Whatever U Want’ featuring fellow Chicagoan and R&B star singer, Jeremih. The ‘PTSD’ artist’s real-life girlfriend, Taina Williams, daughter of Emily Bustamante, who was famously linked to Brooklyn rapper Fabolous since 2004, is his leading lady. Throughout the record, he shares what he requires from Williams to hopefully make their marriage last, to have and keep her attention, to keep the talks about other women at bay, and the reality of pacifying his absence with diamonds, or whatever her heart desires. When it comes to himself, he just wants what he never had (an understanding wife, maybe?).

    In his next verse, he focuses on his unfortunate childhood filled with drugs, hustling to make a living, needing love as a kid, thugging, and the numbing loss of some of his closest friends to gun violence. He reveals the importance of securing mental health, but states that if he doesn’t continue to put others and his business first, it could hinder his livelihood.

    Watch the music video below to see how they’re living.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpDXC6eH9IE&h=315]

  • Watch Ghanaian rapper O’Kenneth’s sumptuous video for ‘Balenciaga’

    O’Kenneth’s ‘Balenciaga’ video is more than fashion flex. It’s a visual manifesto about status, identity, and aspiration in Ghanaian Drill culture.

    O'Kenneth

    Less than two weeks ago, Ghanaian rapper O’Kenneth, best known for being a member of the popular African Drill act Asakaa Boys, released the official music video to his latest single ‘Balenciaga’. From the opening, style is foregrounded. Sharp tailoring, designer labels, and polished visuals set the tone. ‘Balenciaga’ isn’t just a name-drop here, it’s a metaphor. The imagery underscores a life both desired and earned.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywLXZmCObD8&h=315]

    Watch the Loner Pixels-directed video above. It’s from his forthcoming album ‘Came of Age’, and the music video was filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa.

  • Watch Compton artist Buddy long for mental freedom in ‘Free My Mind’

    If you’re wondering why we’re covering Buddy’s ‘Free My Mind’ now, it was uploaded to his official YouTube account seven days ago.

    With his bare chest in frame, Compton’s famed singer Buddy has returned with the official music video to his relatable single, ‘Free My Mind’ from his latest album ‘Don’t Forget to Breathe’ released on March 29, 2024. He believes that as soon as he frees his mind, things will work out and he will be just fine. By the looks of it, the artist runs through a list of activities that may help him cope, like running on the beach, sitting on a roof, dipping himself into the ocean, and getting his hair cut, to probably achieve some form of freedom.

    On the track, he raps about being lost and alone (see ‘Find Me’ released in 2017), looking at pictures of slain friends to remind himself that life is short, and questioning if he would make it rich from his music, or if he would rot in Hell. He also mentioned redefining himself, leaving RCA Records to release independently, almost losing his father, his health, healing, asking God for forgiveness, bullshitting and still not living up to his potential and more. Before it closes out, he reveals he lost a Presidential Rolex (a very expensive wristwatch), being stuck, and hiding his feelings.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3wwu5uvyIo&h=315]

    The well-made music video ends with Reverend Simmie Sims’ sermon on December 17, 2021, where he explains why he praises God. Mr Sims boldly states that he could only be alive in that moment after all of the things he’s been through, only by the grace of God. If you believe in God and Jesus Christ, this one might hit different.

    Since Buddy is an independent artist, we ask that you stream his latest EP, ‘Marmalade’, released on September 12. It’s a four-track project with features from Indigo Boys, Guapdad 4000, Huey Briss, and Kalan.FrFr. It’s worth the fuss if you enjoy non-interruptive music like me.

  • Coi Leray and Shoreline Mafia team up for West Coast banger ‘Act Like You Know’: Watch the video

    Coi Leray and Shoreline Mafia’s collaboration is currently #17 on YouTube Music’s Trending Chart.

    [media-credit name=”Courtesy of the label” width=1080 align=”center”][/media-credit]

    A week ago, a day after her daughter’s father, fellow artist Trippie Redd, released his surprise single ‘Sketchy’, Coi Leray and Shoreline Mafia shared the official music video for their new collaboration, ‘Act Like You Know’. The visual starts off with the Boston-born star, known for her multi-platinum-selling record, ‘Players’, going through what appears to be TSA security, or security at a local club. With no visible stress in sight, the ‘Blick Blick’ rapper struts in a pair of hot pink six-inch high-heels as she cradles her daughter in her arms. She took no time to make it clear that she wouldn’t get intimate with a financially challenged man, reminding listeners that she’s paid, that her girl squad are baddies, and likens herself to a “bird bitch” because she wants “bread only”, which was a clever way to convey that message.

    OhGeesy, one-half of Shoreline Mafia, who is of Mexican descent and a Trump supporter, opens his verse with a line about still walking in “with a toy” with metal detectors on sight, and his bandmate Fenix Flexin (also of Mexican descent, Polish and Black) calls out a woman who desires to own a Hermès Birkin bag, but according to him, she’s more of the “Coach type”, flying a lady out from Cleveland, Ohio, and him liking that she likes the finer things in life like him.

    Check out the music video below to see her pleasing glow up.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C2WlJaOihU&h=315]

  • Watch Houston rapper Monaleo’s cookout-themed video for ‘Sexy Soulaan’

    Monaleo isn’t just rapping over beats; she’s rewriting the guest list.

    About a week back, Houston rapper Monaleo—who married longtime partner and fellow emcee Stunna 4 Vegas last month—dropped the official video for her latest single, ‘Sexy Soulaan’. It’s the boldest record of her career, a cut that doesn’t just take up space but redraws the borders of who’s allowed in the room.

    But that’s the surface heat. What gives ‘Sexy Soulaan’ its real charge—and what might leave non-Black listeners squirming in their seats—are the harder truths braided through her verses. These aren’t tidy punchlines for the algorithm; they’re cultural flare guns, a refusal to dilute rage, pride, or sexuality to fit anyone’s comfort zone.

    The visual looks like a Summer cookout: Smoke rising from the grill, a circle of women moving like they own the block. But the vibe is sharper than it seems. For Monaleo, who first made her mark with ‘We Not Humping’, this isn’t a party. It’s a statement of ownership.

    She sets the tone early: “I ain’t beefing with bitches/They’re throwing salt on me ‘cause they can’t get in the room.” That could have been the headline, a tidy clapback at rivals. But it’s not the line that lingers. What makes ‘Sexy Soulaan’ hit different—and what might rattle non-Black listeners—are the bars that refuse to dilute.

    “All the non-Blacks to the back”, she demands, then raises the stakes: “I ain’t shaking white hands, I watch them dig in they hole.” The dismissal is blunt, but it’s also history speaking. She remembers the exclusions, the erasures, and she refuses to play nice.

    She presses harder, enforcing cultural boundaries that outsiders often test: “If you ain’t Black, then you can’t say ‘nigga’, I enforce that.” Even the cookout—a metaphor that’s been meme-ified beyond recognition—gets pulled back into sharper focus.

    “You’re not invited to the cook out/But you can watch from the middle of the streets, be the look out”, she raps, before landing the gut punch: “‘Cause I remember we was pushed out/So if you can’t say the word, then your ass getting put out.”

    The strength of ‘Sexy Soulaan’ lies in this refusal to soothe. Monaleo isn’t angling for crossover approval or playlist safety. She’s speaking to her people, her culture, and her history, daring everyone else to keep up. The production pounds, her delivery cuts, and the visuals double down: Joy and defiance mingling in the open air, women hyping each other in ways rarely centred in mainstream Rap imagery.

    In a moment where women in Hip-Hop are often pushed toward marketable archetypes—the party girl, the sex symbol, the crossover darling–Monaleo isn’t budging. ‘Sexy Soulaan’ is radical precisely because it doesn’t care about palatability. It’s dauntless, not for its shock value, but for its honesty.

    Monaleo isn’t just rapping over beats; She’s rewriting the guest list.

    Monaleo has always had a knack for cutting through noise with scalpel-sharp honesty. Here, though, she’s louder, riskier, and utterly uninterested in compromise. ‘Sexy Soulaan’ doesn’t just plant a flag—it waves it in your face and dares you to look away.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wwSNzPotho&h=315]

    ‘Sexy Soulaan’ sits at #30 on YouTube’s Trending Chart.