This week for First Beat, A$AP Ferg and Nicki Minaj connect once again, while Skip Marley keeps his winning streak intact with a vibrant collaboration.
A$AP Ferg, “Move Ya Hips” Feat. Nicki Minaj & MadeinTYO
The last time Ferg and Minaj connected, they crafted their multi-platinum single “Plain Jane.” In 2020, the New York MCs reunite to whip up a club scorcher, led by TYO’s snappy hook and Minaj’s blistering verse: “Feeling like Bishop in Juice, word to my dude, this Jimmy Choos on my shoes.”
Jorja Smith, “By Any Means”
The elusive U.K. singer-songwriter swoops back into the music space with her powerful track “By Any Means.” Smith vows to stand up and support the Black Lives Matter campaign with her courageous ode to the movement. The Lost & Found singer isn’t a stranger to addressing social issues — in 2016 she wrote “Blue Lights” to speak out against police brutality.
Mariah the Scientist feat. Lil Baby, “Always n Forever”
For her latest single, the 22-year-old Atlanta songstress scripts an entrancing earworm with features savant Lil Baby. Knitted with love, “Always n Forever” expresses why Mariah’s loyalty remains unrivaled, despite dealing with competition. As for Baby, he easily lassoes his lover’s heart with his cunning wordplay and wit, making this song a must-listen.
Skip Marley feat. Rick Ross & Ari Lennox, “Make Me Feel”
Earlier this year, Marley netted a hit with his silky collaboration “Slow Down,” alongside H.E.R. For his second act, the Jamaican hyphenate strikes gold again with his smoky single “Make Me Feel.” Though the trifecta of Marley, Ross and Lennox looks jarring at first glance, this combination proves to be a dulcet mixture of swag and melody.
Hit-Boy & Dom Kennedy, Also Known As
One of the most underrated rapper/producer tandems today is Cali representatives Dom Kennedy and Hit-Boy. Today, the rap twosome collided once again with Also Known As The duo’s shining moment? When they float on the triumphant “We Blessed” with elastic ease. The West Coast MCs even ride shotgun with Nas, who is designated to hook-duties on the sleek “City on Lock.”