French artist Kurtys, with his rich cultural and unique sound, is creating ripples far beyond his native Paris region. As the founder of Oshean Records, Kurtys has not only established himself as a self-produced artist but also as a confluence of diverse musical influences. Born to a Brazilian father and a Beninese mother, his music is a reflection of this varied heritage, echoing the Parisian and...

Laru’s “Contra el Río” arrives with its shoulders up. The Spanish-language debut single uses a firm dembow groove and intense vocal delivery to meet the feeling of pushing ahead when life keeps adding weight. The companion video gives every pressure a face, object, or physical task. For anyone building a plan while bills, doubts, and other people’s demands crowd the frame, Laru has made a...