These days, it seems every new artist who finally catches their big break with a viral hit also tends to catch accusations of being an “industry plant.” Totally aside from this being a delusional way for sourpuss haters to undermine other peoples’ successes, it’s also usually a reflection of a triumphant rollout doing exactly what so many fans say they want: Artist development. Naturally, Flyana Boss has been the target of exactly those sorts of allegations as a result of the ubiquity of their hit single ‘You Wish.’ They tackle those head-on in the video for the song, which they finally shared today after three months of social media dominance and a remix featuring none other than OG “weird Black girl” Missy Elliott. Like their newfound mentor, Flyana Boss leans all the way into their geeky inspirations in the colorful video, which references one of their favorite cartoons, The Powerpuff Girls, casting the rappers as kaiju-like monsters demolishing a miniature cardboard city. They also have some fun with those “industry plant” accusations, plopping themselves into a planter marked “industry” and adding an interlude with a DoorDash delivery guy who declares himself the “brand plug” after realizing he’s on a music video set. It’s a good, funny video that perfectly showcases the girls’ quirky shared sense of humor and dynamic, best-buds chemistry. [via Uproxx]
ScarLip is leveling up! The Bronx rapper is keeping the momentum going with her latest release, and one of her most creative to-date. She has dropped off a new track ‘No Statements,’ which is a hard-hitting rap tune that’s delivered in ScarLip’s signature aggressive style. The song discusses the theme of snitching, emphasizing how she and her crew won’t participate in snitch activity. The track also was accompanied by a complimenting visual, where she can be seen in various settings. One of which includes taking over a prison bus with her crew. [via HNHH]
The Tampa rapper and singer Doechii has talent and charisma to burn, and she seems to be on the precipice of something big. Last year, Doechii signed with TDE and released her she / her / black bitch EP. This year, she released the hid Kodak Black collab ‘What It Is (Block Boy)’ and the ‘Int’l Players Anthem’ freestyle ‘Universal Swamp Anthem.’ Last month, Doechii came out with the clubby and excellent single ‘Booty Drop.’ Now, she’s about to head out on tour with Doja Cat and Ice Spice, and she’s come out with another attention-grabbing single and video. Doechii’s new track ‘Pacer,’ which she previewed while performing at Coachella earlier this year, is very much in the Rico Nasty lane. It’s a shouty maximalist anthem, and Saint 808’s production is full of in-the-red electronic streaks and overdriven rock guitars. Over those digital crashes, Doechii screams that she’s a rock star and she’s on God’s time, as her voice moves between guttural roar and sweet drama-kid singing. Director Nikko Lamere’s big-budget video goes full Halloween, playing around with S&M and goth-rave aesthetics. This is a big, fun, catchy song, and Doechii is very much hoping that you will notice. [via Stereogum]
Back with another statement piece, CHIKA uncovers the captivating music video for her new single ‘DEMIGOD’. It notably adorns her acclaimed debut SAMSON: The Album out now. The video opens in an intense fashion. CHIKA addresses herself in the mirror donning an ornate green dress and golden headscarf. She declares, “I am what I am,” and her delivery proves chilling in between thick synths and the track’s icy bass line. The visual follows her through the forest and flames only to reach a coronation at the head of the table. As she presides over her world, it lives up to lines a la “I don’t want beef; I want cheddar.” She is the ‘DEMIGOD” the game needs. [via Broadway World]
Nolay is back with heat in unapologetic new banger, ‘Nothing To Something’, fresh with fire visuals. The urban rapper is truly showing her raw talent in this track, toying with countless flows and delivering bars with conviction and ease. Nolay is motivational in her self belief, using the opportunity to pay homage to the artistic success she has carved out for herself. In her lyrics, she covers topics of ambition, trailblazing and proving people wrong, walking listeners through her elevation from “nothing to something”. [via GRM Daily]