Is it too late to say Happy New Year?! If not, then Happy New Year y’all! I would’ve said it anyways, cause it’s been a minute. Life has been hectic, and it’s been hard to write and keep up with the music, and there’s been a lot of it.

To make up for my absence, I’m featuring more artists to compensate. Also, it's Black History Month, so you already know this Come-Up ‘bout to be live!

Ricki Monique feat. yourbeautifulruin - “Immortal”

Ladies, gentlemen, and nonbinary peeps, we have an early contender for song of the year. Trust me when I say, “Ricki Monique’s “Immortal” is all that and then some.” The storytelling, the creative’s journey from girl to woman, dream chasing ambitions, an incredible hook and captivating video to match. Ricki left it all on the track, and beyond that she also gave us arguably the most visually pleasing shots of Minneapolis I’ve seen since Gordon Parks. (I said what I said.) Also, Ricki’s hair, TALK ABOUT CREATIVITY!!

Ricki’s lyrics and soft singing and raps are emphatic, lulling you into her world. My only wish is that Insecure was still around, cause this is definitely a song Issa Rae and the crew would use for their soundtracks. Ricki! You’re a real one. Thanks for your incredible art. Much love. 

QT? feat. Juice Lord - “London 71”

“Spinning, spinning, spin around the axis, tryna find a little bit of traction….” Imma have this hook stuck in my head for weeks. It’s catchy and so good. In his latest single, “London 71,” featuring St. Paul's very own Juice Lord, QT? delivers us that feel good hip-hop we all love and adore. Upon first listen, the throwback ‘90s boom bap beat catches you, but once QT? And Juice Lord hop on to preach Black creativity, exploration and wealth, you'll find yourself astroplaning on your living room couch. Well, at least I did, LOL. Anywho, check out “London 71.” Oh, by the way, the video was shot by local legend, Destiny Roberts.

Also to my boy Sean McPherson and my girl Sanni y’all need to bump this and “Immortal” on The Message! 

Tone LaDon feat. $avior Playa - “Handle My Set”

It always gets me excited when I get to share first-time features on The Come-Up. Let me introduce you to Minneapolis’ Tone LaDon and $avior Playa, whose recent single, “Handle My Set,'' is a must listen. To me, when I hear “Handle My Set,” it’s more than just checking on and making sure my homies and my community are straight, it’s about making sure that as an individual, I’m handling my business, socially, professionally, emotionally, mentally, and physically. The “Handle My Set” music video is hilarious, fun, directed in Arizona, and follows Tone LaDon and $Savior Playa living life and handling their set.

Jija - “Control”

I wish it were possible to sound a horn for you as you read this, but mentally, just for me, sound a horn, cause we have another first time feature!! **Horns sound** Jija makes her way with her single, “Control.” The single was pieced together by familiar names – Ness Nite was the producer, Alex Tumay mixed, and Alec Ness mastered the single. A talented singer with range, Jija will make it to your alternative-R&B playlist with “Control.” Her previous single, “Red,” is also incredible. Be on the lookout for her upcoming EP, S I R E N. 

Roz - “Take My Heart”

An autotune assassin, Roz, the smooth singing artist from Minneapolis, and first-time feature on the Come-Up, will have you in your feelings and thinking about your special one or the one that got away. Since the fall, they’ve been dropping heart-tugging, eyes watering, nose sniffling music. If you have the heart for it, please check out their single, “Take My Heart.” They also have a single, “Interlude,” which is much less romantic, and more triumphant and hype.

Rising Path - The Shift

**Sounds horns again** We have another new Come-Up feature! Please get familiar with Minneapolis group Rising Path. Their new album, The Shift, is a special combination of ‘80s, ‘90s R&B, with sprinkles of Motown, ‘90s-funk-type instrumentals.

This album is for everyone, but especially the mature listener that sips cognac on ice and enjoys reminiscing ‘bout them better days. The album isn’t all slow jams of course, there’s also great features by Twin Cities rappers such as J. Plaza, Blood $moke Body, Cashinova, and Brandon Pulphus.

“This Time” is perfect for that special someone. For me, my favorite song on the album is the opener, “Pretend” with Blood $moke Body. Rising Path, I pray some visuals accompany this incredible album soon!!

TarXan - “Roll”

I don’t know what it is about this song that gets me so hype, but I love it. It might be how ignant it is, perhaps how great and simple the music video is, or simply because I can tell TarXan had fun making the song, but I truly love this record.

TarXan, is another first-time feature on The Come-Up and his single “Roll” is a must listen. It’s the type of song that goes viral on TikTok, with an easy choreography that you spending an hour learning, and then learn you can’t stop singing  “Row, Row your boat, I am the goat” at the most inappropriate times. Honestly, this song should probably be on affirmation playlists. 

Red Ruby feat. Rich Garvey - “Act Like U Know”

**Sounds horn** again. We got another new feature. This time it’s St. Paul singer, Red Ruby. She linked up with producer and rapper Rich Garvey for a brand new single “Act Like U Know.” I wish the song were on Spotify so that I could put it in one of my lo-fi/alt-Hip-Hop playlists.

Red Ruby is a special talent and one to watch. I, for one, am excited for her future projects. Also, at some point we gotta have a conversation about Rich Garvey. Man is becoming a feature assassin. He truly doesn’t miss, neither in beat production or on the mic. Sheesh. 

Denaisha - Aquarius Season

Earlier I mentioned it was Black History month. I’d be remiss if I didn’t share a new project that was released during what is also aquarius szn for those who observe or f*** with astrology. In any case, I want to show some love to yet another new Come-Up feature, Denaisha, for their latest project, Aquarius Season. **Horns sound**

Aquarius Season is an R&B project with alternative sound. It combines many of the things that I love most in music – funky and mysterious beats, a melodic voice that hooks me, vocal range, and utmost confidence that borders on cockiness. (You’ll understand when you listen to their audacious lyrics.) Denaisha is a talented singer and artist who I’ve got my eyes on for sure. 

Sumer - Addicted

Are you familiar with the Twin Cities’ group, Ozone Creations? If you are, you’re already well aware of the insanely talented Sumer. If you’re not, then prepare to be blown away. Sumer is a skilled singer whose voice fills a space and makes you feel warm. The appropriately named single “Addicted” hooks you with melodies that leave you craving more. Sumer, I hope we get a solo album soon!

Ch!nwe - Obscured

Another talented artist associated with Ozone Creations, the Nigerian-American artist Ch!nwe is someone I’m excited about. Ch!nwe just released a new six-track EP titled, Obscured, which combines trap, hip-hop and some afro influence. If you listen and aren't disappointed that there isn’t more, clean out your eardrums and listen again. Jokes aside, Ch!nwe is on the long list of Twin Cities artists who have a bright future. My favorite song on the EP is “Sedative” featuring fellow Ozone Creations artist, Bakarii.

Diane - Earth to Diane

**Sounds horns again** Last, but certainly not least, we have yet another new Come-Up feature, Diane. Diane’s recent EP, Earth to Diane, is a heavily rock-infused-with-boom-bap hip-hop album, exploring the numerous muses of Diane. A radio host on The Current, a musician who identifies as LGBTQ+, and DJ, Diane is busy in many areas. My favorite tracks on the EP are “Sometimes” and “DTGHAF.”

This is it for me, but I wanted to say that since it is Black History Month, I challenge all my readers to not only listen to the artists on The Come Up, but to also attend their live shows, if possible, buy their merch, and share their incredible work with their networks. The Twin Cities hip-hop scene has been evolving so much in recent years, but there's still so much work to be done to make the music heard. Listening is only the first step! 

Lastly, I’m always searching for new hip-hop, trap, Afrobeat, Afropop, reggaeton, dembow and R&B beats by artists in the Twin Cities. So, please, if you’ve got a single or an artists’ project you want to share with me, shoot me a DM on Twitter or Instagram, @thejeffbissoy. I’m actively looking for new talent, especially LGBTQ+ artists, so don’t be shy!

Much love and stay safe!