Whatever your mood, these three artists have the perfect releases to cater to you

DJ Lag , Blxckie and Patty Monroe are ready with new material and poised to make 2022 a year to remember for all the right reasons.

Written by Tshiamo Seape

If 2022 is to be the final act of the nightmare of the pandemic, we are going to need a soundtrack that lifts our collective spirits out of the doldrums of lockdowns and curfews. 

DJ Lag

 

DJ Lag should be a familiar name to most partygoers, whether you’re a die-hard fan of gqom or a casual listener, drawn to its dancefloor-filling potential rather than its technical specifications. After exploring the sound he helped to invent with several tantalising singles last year, Lag is finally ready to drop his long-awaited full-length debut. Appropriately titled Meeting With The King, the album promises to be the next step in the evolution of one of South African music’s most influential artists. Lag has always created infectious and dynamic music powered by the thrust of gqom’s signature percussion; however, lead singles off the forthcoming release are elevated by features like Lady Lu and Amanda Black on Lucifer and Destiny, respectively. 

Blxckie

In just two short years, rapper/singer Blxckie has positioned himself as an artist to watch the SA music scene. Following the release of his debut B4Now last year, Blxckie is back with a collection of songs featuring the effortless tonal and vocal switches that have become the hallmark of his music. This malleability also lends itself perfectly to collaboration, which Blxckie is no stranger to. On fortune teller, the opener to his 4LUV  Nicole Elocin silky, early 2000’s reminiscent pairs perfectly with the slightly nasal, rap/sung delivery that has come to the fore in recent years. Other standouts on the release include the contemplative cold – a revealing mediation on the relationships. Still relatively new to the game, Blxckie has made serious inroads into becoming a household name. His resume is a series of checked boxes with stellar collaborations (Nasty C, Yanga Chief, DJ Maphorisa) and accolades (SA Hip Hop Awards Freshman of the Year 2021) already under his belt.

Patty Monroe

Patty Monroe has left fans eagerly awaiting a release since 2018’s Malatjie. And after a four-year absence, Patty is back with the aptly named, Perfect Timing. The EP – released earlier this year – features tracks tailor-made for moving your feet. The combination of smooth melodies and driving baselines fit perfectly with Monroe’s distinct vocal delivery. The final product is an EP that works in the car, at home or turning up with the homies. Pop a bottle and let loose or pull down the shades, and dive deep into Perfect Timing. This is a project worthy of repeat listens, no matter how you listen.

With the woes of early January firmly behind us and the promise of warm weather in the waning days of summer, now is the perfect time to get familiar with these proudly local gems.