Cant Trust, by Karma Rivera
"Can't Trust," by Karma Rivera Courtesy Bandcamp
With an election looming, another week means another emotionally exhausting news cycle. Refresh your mind and your palate with these five recent releases from nationally renowned and locally based artists.

“Can’t Put It In the Hands of Fate,” Stevie Wonder feat. Rapsody, Cordae, Chika, Busta Rhymes & “Where Is Our Love Song,” Stevie Wonder, feat. Gary Clark Jr


Making his departure from Motown records after nearly 60 years, Stevie Wonder released two new songs via his label So What the Fuss Music, distributed through Universal Music Group’s Republic Records. The rap-focused collab opens with a verse from Rapsody, also featuring Cordae, Busta Rhymes, and harmonica from Stevie Wonder himself. The chorus “Can’t put it in the hands of fate/ ain’t nobody got time to wait” could just as easily be a rallying cry at a Black Lives Matter march. The 70-year-old soul and pop legend also dropped "Where Is Our Love Song," featuring Gary Clark Jr., a single made in the classic Stevie sound we’re used to.
LISTEN TO THEM BOTH HERE.



"Can't Trust," Karma Rivera


Last month, Portland rapper Karma Rivera released some heat on Bandcamp in the form of "Can't Trust." Written and produced by Rivera and Gio Español, the song clocks at just under three minutes, and sees the emcee spitting bars about struggling with trust issues while pursuing romantic relationships. The catchy chorus goes off, and Karma nails the variegated delivery in her verses.
LISTEN TO IT HERE.


“Self Care,” Tank and The Bangas feat. Jaime Woods, Orleans Big, Anjelika 'Jelly' Joseph


On October 7, New Orleans outfit Tank and The Bangas dropped this solitary self-care anthem. The standalone single has an anxious, menacing tone, and feels like the sonic equivalent of someone trying not to go crazy while keeping themselves entertained during quarantine. Longtime Tank and the Bangas fans are likely to notice that former bandmate Anjelika 'Jelly' Joseph is credited here as a featured vocalist, as opposed to being included as part of the band's ensemble as she has in the past.
LISTEN TO IT HERE.



“I’m Trying to Get My Stimulus Check” and “Frfr,” Fountaine


Portland hip-hop artist Fountaine has dropped two noteworthy singles since the pandemic hit. The first one, “I’m Trying to Get My Stimulus Check,” dropped in April, and is a twerk-worthy bop that'll be fun to experience in a live setting once the gathering bans lift. In addition to "motherfuck Donald Trump" one of the most repeatable lines is "Better not cough in my face/ bitch stay the fuck out my way, aye.” If you paid your rent with that one and only $1200 stimulus check the government sent, here’s a chance to reminisce on that feeling of financial relief. Most recently, Fountaine offered a change in tone with “Frfr,” which is also available on streaming.
LISTEN TO THEM BOTH HERE.




“Sleepwalkin',” Snugsworth


Back in April, eclectic Portland-based hip-hop/R&B artist Snugsworth released the acoustic guitar-led "Makin' Up," as well as "Blurred Visions," a somber, slow-paced single with screwed vocals, also featuring singer Janae. In August, Snugs followed that up with "Sleepwalkin'," a more upbeat joint that sees the beat-maker stepping into the forefront once again. Check them all out on streaming platforms, as well as "Feel the Room," a track produced by Ceed that the artist released exclusively on Bandcamp.
LISTEN TO THEM ALL HERE.