Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Kehlani, Kevin Abstract, Blondshell & More
In need of some new tunes from your favorite queer artists? We're here to help. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists.
From Kehlani's lovelorn new R&B track to Kevin Abstract's confessional new collaboration, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
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Break ups don't always have to be a hot mess. With her latest offering 'Folded,' Kehlani isn't aiming to put her ex on blast, but rather to extend them an olive branch. A breezy R&B melody helps the singer glide through this airy song of moving on after lost love, as she asks her lover if they can come pick up their clothes. 'I have them folded,' she offers.
We love it when a plan comes together, and seeing Brockhampton frontman Kevin Abstract reunite with his old friend Dominic Fike on their new duet 'Geezer' feels like the best of plans. Over some indie guitars and a scattershot beat, the pair trade verses about finding their way to success, even when the people around them still feel stuck in the same place. It's a tender take off Abstract's upcoming new LP, and one that's only bound to make you more hype to hear the whole thing.
If you're still jamming out to Addison Rae's cult-favorite track 'Diet Pepsi' from last year, then allow us to offer you a little bit more with a slightly different vibe. Indie star Blondshell takes Rae's breakout alt-pop track and puts the emphasis back on the 'alt,' as she translates the song into a shimmering alt-rock track that sounds like it could've come off her latest album. Add in Blondshell's excellent live vocals, and you've got a killer cover on your hands.
When it comes to soundtracking modern romance, there are few people more adept that Michelle Zauner. So it's no wonder why A24 tapped the alt-rock star to pen her new Japanese Breakfast song 'My Baby (Got Nothing At All)' for their new film Materialists. Throughout this sunny slow jam, Zauner takes some light shots at the gold-diggers of the world, opting instead for a tune about how little her lover has — and how special that makes their own connection in turn.
The Yoruba word 'gbesoke' roughly translates to 'lift it up' in English — and after listening to salute's latest collaboration with Peter Xan, you'll understand why they chose to use that word as their title. With salute's top-tier dance production working overtime alongside Xan's alt-rock voice delivering commands to the listener, 'Gbesoke' easily accomplishes its goal and will have you lifting it all up as you bounce along to this banger.
What even is Pride Month without a big, campy, gay pop song to play? Thankfully, G Flip is here with just the right track for the occasion. 'Big Ol' Hammer,' the Australian star's country-meets-synth-pop magnum opus, sees them embracing their butch side as they sing about a lover that makes the 'feel like a man.' The music video only adds further context, with Flip dancing it out in a garage surrounded by fellow queers in coveralls as they declare that they're hanging 'in a tool belt, like a big ol' hammer.'
Check out all of our picks below on Billboard's Queer Jams of the Week playlist:
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