The gloves are officially off in the Ga rap community. Fast-rising hip-hop artist Keddi has delivered a direct and uncompromising message to his peers with the release of a bristling teaser for his new track, “Shele,” a potent Ga slang term for “challenge.” The strictly hip-hop record serves as Keddi’s opening gambit, a daring verbal gauntlet thrown at any rapper who claims the top spot....

Listening to “Small Town Syndrome” by thinking silly is an exercise in delightful contradiction. Dylan Morrison’s project, shaped here by the production hand of collaborator Margot Taylor, builds a sleek, propulsive chassis of dark pop and minimal techno, only to house an engine of pure, grinding ache. It’s the sound of someone forcing a smile so wide their face hurts, a dance track for...