New Music - Janelle Monae ft. Jidenna "Yoga"

Newly minted record executive, Janelle Monae has finally released some new music. It has a bit of Beyonce's recent foray into a more hip-hop sound feel to it. Definitely not what I was expecting to hear. Jidenna is one of the artists on her Wondaland label. Check out his single "Classic Man" here.

New-ish Music - Tink ft. Charlamagne the God "Around the Clock"

Timbaland's newest protege is Tink. She is part Rye Rye, Angel Haze, and Jhene Aiko. A number of artists, including Justin Timberlake have been telling us to watch out for her. Now that I've finally heard her song, I'm a little hopeful but also kind of underwhelmed. I like the old school sound Timbaland went with. Sounds like that mid to late 90s era that made him who he is. But why is Charlamagne the God on the song? I see where they were going with it, but it sounds a bit unnecessary.

New-ish Music - D'Angelo "Sugah Daddy"

If for some reason you haven't heard this yet, here you are. This is one of those songs that I need to hear bumping at a house party to fully appreciate. Not saying I don't like it, but my simple earbuds are not doing it justice. I need it playing on vinyl, with just enough bass.

New-ish Music - My Brightest Diamond "This Is My Hand"

My Brightest Diamond is my replacement for Florence and the Machine, right now. She kind of reminds me of Feist. Check her out here.

New Music - Santigold "Kicking Down Doors"

I thought the beat was gonna go harder, but I still think it knocks. It's totally what I would expect from Santigold. M.I.A makes herself standout, but Santigold really does put out some good stuff without all the extra.

New Music - The Black Keys "Fever"

You can definitely hear the 60s influence, a little The Doors maybe. Gonna wait and listen to the whole album before I decide on this. Their new album Turn Blue, comes out on May 13.

New Music - James Blake "40455"

Honestly, he could sing anything and I would probably like. His voice is just so soulful. "40455" sounds more like an art piece, like it would be in a museum with looping video of a naked chick and a deer staring at each other. Haha, okay, maybe not that. 

New Music ~ Neon Trees "Sleeping With A Friend"

Tyler Glenn, lead singer, said "sonically speaking it's our biggest-sounding song to date." Which is true, but I think there is a lot of restraint here that keeps it from going into that over the top territory. I'm digging it. Check out the song and their Rolling Stone article here.

New Music - Misun "Nothing Else"

The vocals sound a little off in the beginning. It's a bit underwhelming, which means I'll probably love it after a few more listens.

New Music - Wizkidayo "Eledumare"

I'm not blown away, but it's a nice track. I'm sure it will grow on me.

New Music - M83 "Ali Matthias"

This is a track from the You and the Night soundtrack. They describe it as paying tribute to French 70s soundtracks. And that is a pretty good description. Like you could see Amelie riding her bike at night or something, haha.

New Music - Blitz the Ambassador "African In New York"

Being African in New York truly seems like it's own unique experience, and Blitz the Ambassador is trying to get that point across. The Coming To America clip in the beginning is perfect cause so many people have that African prince in America mindset. But the Ghanaian rapper paints the real picture of hard work and sacrifice.

New Music - Phoenix ft. R. Kelly "Trying To Be Cool Remix"

I am surprised how well this works. R. Kelly didn't overpower it like you would expect, he blends right in. Maybe they should do a new song together, don't know about a whole album just yet.

Foreign Friday - D'banj ft. Big Sean and Snoop Lion "Blame It On The Money"

Everyone is excited to see what D'banj would do now that he is apart of G.O.O.D Music. His contributions to the last tracks were negligible, even embarrassing. So it is fantastic to see him actually singing-rapping. This track is a club/car banger for sure. But the question is how will Americans respond to a Nigerian style track.

New Music - Wale ft. Rihanna "Bad(Remix)"

Rihanna sounds fine on the hook, but she can't touch Tiara Thomas. This sounds like a way to build some buzz, there is nothing wrong with that, but this isn't a remix.

New Music - Slum Village "Sirens"

Something is off about this, I think it needs to be listened to loud; like he says "we need everything louder." But maybe it's missing Kanye's touch or Dre's or somebody's to put it over the edge. 

New Music - Francis and the Lights "ETC"

New Music - Quadron ft. Kendrick Lamar "Better Off"

I like the Groove Theory mixed with Corinne Bailey Rae sound of this. Definitely a laid back groove.

New Music - Ólafur Arnalds "Only The Winds"

This is Ólafur Arnalds' first single off his new album For Now I Am Winter, out February 25. Absolutely beautiful. Makes me wish I had been forced to learn piano as a kid. Check out more of the talented Icelandic composers work here. I smell and Oscar in his future.

New Music - Ra Ra Riot "Dance With Me"

FUN! And I don't mean Lena Dunham's boyfriend's band. I can't wait for this album to come out, I can already feel myself jumping around my apartment by myself. Hmm, that last part sounds a little "forever alone." Haha, whatever, I'm not ashamed. Their new album, Beta Love, will be released January 22. Check out the band performing "I Shut Off," another track off the album, after the jump.