10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of June 11, 2021
Each and every week we look forward to our New Music Friday series, and today just might be the best ever.
With new music from Lorde (finally!), Jena Rose, Doja Cat and more, women truly set the stage for powerful anthems this week. If you're looking to add new tunes to your weekend playlist, you've come to the right place! Keep scrolling for the 10 big things that happened in music the week of June 11, 2021.
1. Queer Hip Hop Artist Kidd Kenn Drops New EP, Problem Child
What do Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B all have in common? They're all big fans of hip hop up-and-comer Kidd Kenn. Kidd, a queer artist who has made it his mission to be a voice for the people, is truly a force to be reckoned with. He just released his EP, Problem Child, and it's everything we imagined and more. Featuring breakout song "Good Day," this is one album you won't want to stop playing.
2. K-Pop Group EXO Releases New Album, Don't Fight the Feeling
The K-pop fever is real, especially when it comes to group EXO. The nine-member group just dropped their latest album, Don't Fight the Feeling, and it's jam-packed full of absolute bangers. They also dropped the music video for the title track, and it's incredible. From the dancing to the vocals to the set, it's just pure perfection.
3. The Front Bottoms Drop Playful Music Video for 'Voodoo Magic'
Something you don't see all too often are animated music videos, so when we saw the new video for "Voodoo Magic," we were pleasantly surprised! The Front Bottoms teamed up with blink-182's Matt Skiba for this killer song and collab, so you just know it's full of angst, punk moods and soul. Upon listening to it, we instantly knew it was going to become one of our summer jams.
4. ButterFly Ali Comes Out With New EP, Preacher's Kid
You might recognize ButterFly Ali from the show The Rookie, but did you know he's also a singer? This week he dropped his EP Preacher's Kid, and it's definitely worth a listen. Featuring mostly upbeat and R&B songs, there's something everyone can jam to on this album. In a press release about the album and the song "Truth Is," ButterFly Ali said, "I didn't want to shy away from heavy thoughts and concerns in this song, and wanted to open up more conversations through the vehicle of music."
5. DJ Marshmello Shows Off In New Album Shockwave
Anytime a Marshmello song comes on the radio, we instantly get in the dancing mood. We're willing to bet it's the same for you, too. With the release of his new album, Shockwave, we see plenty of dance parties in our future. He also dropped the music video for the title track, and it comes as no surprise that he's rocking his iconic mask. The song itself is 100% going to be on all the top summer playlists—we're calling it now!
6. Olivia O'Brien Releases Part 1 of Sophomore Album, Episodes
Dream girl Olivia O'Brien blessed us with the first part of her sophomore album, Episodes. The first part includes six tracks, and each one is just as good as the last. Our favorite song has to be "No More Friends." It's relatable, cute and easy to sing along to. And we couldn't not mention the genius visualizer for the song! Olivia looks stunning and keeps it simple with a white background and a single camera. We're obsessed, to say the least. And if you're wondering, part two will be released later this summer.
7. Doja Cat Has Fun With New Music Video for 'Need to Know'
We've been Doja Cat's biggest fans ever since the release of "Say So." These days, any time she releases a new song or music video, we race to YouTube and Spotify to see what she has in store for us. Just this week she came out with the music video for "Need to Know" where she plays an alien, and it does not disappoint. And better yet? SZA, The Weeknd and Ariana Grande are some of the big names collaborating on her upcoming album, Planet Her, out June 25.
8. Pop Star Jessie J Stuns With New Single 'I Want Love'
One of our favorite Jessie J songs of all time is "Bang Bang," and we weren't sure if her new song "I Want Love" would live up. But it totally did. It's super poppy, danceable and is the perfect track to blast on the highway. In a press release about the song, Jessie J said, "I wanted to come back with a song that felt classic but modern. Big vocals and get everyone on the dance floor. I cannot wait for the world to hear this song and to dance and sing along loud."
9. Lorde Surprises Fans With Long Anticipated Single 'Solar Power'
Lorde fans rejoice, she has finally announced a third album, Solar Power! It's been years since the release of her last album and this one couldn't have come at a better time. This week she dropped the title track from the album, and if it's a hint for what's to come, it's solid gold, baby. The music video for "Solar Power" features a dancing Lorde and will leave you feeling so hyped and counting down the days for more Lorde music.
10. Jena Rose Releases Powerful Music Video for 'Checkmate'
We might be biased because we're Jena Rose's literal No. 1 fans, but holy moly, her music video for "Checkmate" gave us chills. The rising star is quickly on her way to becoming a household name, and if this video is any indication of what's to come, it's superstar status. Inspired by The Queen's Gambit and her love of chess, "Checkmate" is Jena's twist on love and toxic relationships. In an interview with Sweety High, Jenna told us, "In the video, I go down the rabbit hole of the strategy of a toxic relationship. Relationships, whether they're with your partner or a friend or family member, are so big and complex that we really wanted the video to reflect that."
Miss last week? Look HERE to find out all about the top ten things that happened in music the week of June 4, 2021.