Dr. Cryme, whose real name is Darlington Kwasi Agyekum, is known for his "Twipop" sound, which mixes rap, hiplife, and Afro-pop.  He has been one of Ghana's most varied hitmakers since his breakout song, "Kill Me Shy." He blends street anthems with radio-friendly melodies while staying true to his roots. Dr Cryme has showed both constancy and innovation across six major projects, from his first album,...

Listening to Arnold J.’s new single, "Muddy Waters," isn't quite like anything else swirling around right now. It arrives with the gentle insistence of incoming tide, pulling you into its specific gravity. Arnold J., Ghanaian-born and now Canada-based, weaves a sound tagged as alt-country and folk, but those labels feel thin, like trying to contain smoke. There’s earthiness, sure, but his soulful vocal lines...