Friday is a good day for many reasons, but a big one around here is all of the new music that regularly awaits us — and this week’s edition of Teen Vogue’s New Music Friday is no different. From stick-up-for-yourself bops from Ryan Destiny and somegirlnamedanna, to hazy, August-ready tracks courtesy of Skip Marley and mxmtoon, there are plenty of options to channel whichever vibe your Friday requires.
Oh, and we’d be foolish not to give due to Black Is King, the visual masterpiece by the one and only Beyoncé. So vibe out, press play, and start dreaming up TikTok dances in your head. This week’s picks are ready for you.
Skip Marley feat. Rick Ross, “Make Me Feel”
The newest track from Skip Marley sounds the way an August afternoon feels: It’s down-tempo and chill, but you can still sense the heat on your skin. Rick Ross opens the song with his trademark riffing, and Skip quickly joins in with a reminder to find beauty among even the hardest times. “Even though it’s rough out there / no one knows because no one cares / you give me hope / when none is found / life is short / time’s running out,” he sings, adding a plea to “make this a good night even through the bad times.” If realistic optimism had a soundtrack, this would be it.
Ryan Destiny, “Do You”
The former Star actor hinted to Teen Vogue that she was working on new music in February of this year — and now we have the first hint of her new sound. “Do You” is a R&B anthem all about confidence and knowing what you’re worth. “I’m going to tell you what’s on my mind / won’t let myself get hurt like that / I’m not the one, it don’t work like that,” Ryan croons. Blast this uptempo jam when you’re gearing up to hold your own against a love interest that’s done you wrong.
Mxmtoon, “Bon Iver”
This dreamy song from 20-year-old Maia is just waiting for you to sway along during a socially-distant beach or field hang. It also has a perfect message for uncertain times: “Even when the sun goes down / still knows my world goes ‘round,” the Oakland resident sings on the track as a guitar plucks along. “Time waits for no one / but there’s beauty in the moments / and the spaces in between,” she adds. So how are you going to make the most of the now?
DeathbyRomy, “Fiending For a Lover”
DeathbyRomy’s deep voice will instantly pull you into a rock-inspired pop beat. If you’re the kind of person who starts planning your Halloween costume on August 1, this track is for you. The synth layering enhances crashing symbols and lyrics that capture that particular angst of loneliness, while knowing that not just anyone will do. (You have standards, after all!) “Fiending for a lover / I’ve been feeling so alone / No, I do not want another / I’d much rather be alone,” Romy boasts before launching into narration that captures a night you won’t soon forget.
somegirlnamedanna, “seriously just stop”
Need another “I’m over your antics” anthem? Try “seriously just stop” on for size for a crystal-clear message that anyone will get. Finger staps and staccato verses punctuate a hard line in the sand between somegirlnamedanna and her ex. “I see you typing but don’t bother sending, here’s my response,” she adlibs between a verse and a chorus. Mic drop.
