2. Palavé by Rsko ft Tiakola

[ Rap (FR) ]

From a global perspecive, French Rap isn't a niche genre. It's moreso the audience that look for it and who understand the lyrics that gravitate towards it and it resonates with them more.

I'm tryna get more English-speaking folks hip to it though, because there are so many gems! This collaboration between Rsko and Tiakola is crazy. They hit you with some life lessons as well. The beat and bass is really what caught my attention.

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3. Bad Bitches by Destin Conrad ft Kehlani

[R&B]

Many people may recognize Destin from his vine days (I know I did), but he is also a very talented R&B recording artist. His vocals are just feel good and he can really sing live.

This song has been on repeat because it just lifts your spirits and makes you want to move. It had me hooked from the first listen!

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4. Bittersweet by Naomi Sharon

[R&B]

This song elicits so many emotions. It really makes you sit back and and reflect on life. Naomi's vocal's are absolutely immaculate, and I am genuinely glad to have discovered such a talented artist. She is incredibly vulnerable on this track, and that vulnerability resonates from start to finish.

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5. Don't Go by Josh Levi

[R&B]

Josh sampled Destiny's Child No, No, No in this, and it surprisingly works. He still makes it his own style which I love.

The music video is just as good as the song, and you can really see how talented he is as a dancer as well. I'm glad they let him sample the song, because he made something beatutiful.

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6. Hear Me Out by Gabzy

[Afrobeats]

This song has been consistently been on rotation daily this month. Gabzy still needs to get his flowers man. With time though. Gotta trust the process.

He just knows how to give you a smooth song while also being a bit toxic in the process haha. He generally always has a great melody. Check him out if you haven't already!

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7. Let Me Grow by threetwenty

[Neosoul]

Some of you may recognize the vocals on this track if you were big VanJess fan's.

I recently learned that the group has dissolved, and now one of the sisters, Ivana, is pursuing music with her husband. They formed a new group called threetwenty. The sound is a bit different from VanJess.

It leans more towards the neosoul vibe. The lyrics of this song really resonated with me, especially as I go through my own personal journey. Sometimes it feels like the version of yourself that people first meet is the version they’ll always hold onto, even as you grow and evolve. But I've learned this shouldn't be the case.

Everyone has their own path, and growth looks different for everyone. We should allow people the space to grow, and if who they become still aligns with who we are, that’s a beautiful thing. But if not, it’s also okay to go your separate ways.

At the end of the day, I don’t think we should attach ourselves too tightly to anyone, because real connection allows for freedom, not control.

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8. SOS by L2B

[ Rap (FR) ]

L2B is a French rap group with three members: D2, KLN, and IDS. They came up on my spotify shuffle one day, and I’ve been hooked ever since I heard SOS.

I truly believe that music transcends language, so even if you don’t understand French, I still encourage you to give them a listen. Their production alone carries so much emotion and energy. I suggest starting out with their most recent album, Nes Pas Briller: Book I.

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9. Toxic by BNXN

[Afrobeats]

Afrobeats is such a feel good genre, and BNXN's song just makes you feel good. Perfect addition to your walks or vacation vibes.

When I first heard the song, I fell in love with the beat like many other Afrobeats songs. He is an incredible artist and his voice is smooth as butter.

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10. Someday by Elmiene

[R&B]

Elmiene's voice is so rich. I don't think I have heard a bad song from him yet. This song in particular really touches on the themes of longing, grief, and hope.

I assume when he made the song, he reminisced about a previous love, but while I listened, I thought of the versions of myself that I have shed and what that felt like going through those changes. I think it speaks to the quiet journey of self-reflection, self-love, and transformation, not with sadness, but with appreciation.

The repetition in the lyrics reflects the slow pace of personal growth. It’s not so much about loss as it is about recognizing that change is constant, and that the love you once had for yourself can be found again, even if it looks different the next time around.

I love songs like this that get me to sit with my thoughts and reflect.

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Thanks for listening. Be on the lookout for November's rotation!

-Léonella

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