When 7Z MAXI released his latest single, "Back From The Dead", the collision between the unforgiving pavement and the holy pulpit feels surprisingly organic. The Philadelphia-based solo artist, sometimes operating as Holy Boy Maxi, is tunneling straight back to the gritty, nostalgic energy of 2012 underground drill music. He is handing down a heavy, paradox-laden survival guide directed at the youth navigating treacherous environments...

Cat Mayel's "FREE" arrived, not on a silver platter, but more like a rogue pigeon delivering a very important message – a crumpled napkin with profound scribbles. This Nigerian producer, composer, arranger, and all-around sonic sorceress has served up a single dose of alternative neo-soul that feels… well, free. As free as a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, anyway. It goes where it...