#HitsOfTomorrow: A Weekly Rundown Of The ‘Should-Be’ Hits

Another week of new releases including Taylor Swift joining Ed Sheeran for an updated version of his “The Joker And The Queen” just in time for Valentine’s Day, while H.E.R joins forces with Saweetie for her latest “Closer.” Beyond that, Doja Cat releases a cover of Hole’s “Celebrity Skin” in advance of her Super Bowl commercial with Taco Bell and Nicki Minaj gives us a second new release in as many weeks with “Bussin” featuring Lil Baby (again). While these tracks are likely to make a fast dent on the charts, here’s this week’s Hits Of Tomorrow that need that little extra nudge!

“Don’t Forget My Love” – Diplo, Miguel

There was a time where a Miguel song – especially a collaboration with Diplo – would result in immediate love at radio. Sadly that’s not the case. Miguel’s last big hit was his collaboration with another electronic producer Kygo and “Remind Me To Forget.” His latest song “Don’t Forget My Love” may fall into the same lyrical sphere but the production here is far more fast-paced and Diplo does a great job of turning the track into a euphoric jam that actually compares close to his Silk City alter ego. With an upcoming album next month, Diplo is using this collaboration to mark a new. The track is ideal for the upcoming spring/summer months and hopefully gets to not just be a hit at dance stations but at Top 40 radio too.

“Harder” – Lion Babe, Busta Rhymes

NBA2K21 players will already know this song but for mainstream audiences, we’re finally getting to enjoy this collaboration between the two New Yorkers. Lion Babe and Busta Rhymes come together for this dancefloor-ready banger “Harder.” Part house, part hip-hop, the song harkens back to the early Nineties when tracks like this would have instantly made a huge splash on the charts. Does that happen in 2022? Hard to say. Lion Babe is certainly deserving of finally getting that big Top 40 hit and well, anytime we get to hear Busta Rhymes flow is a treat. Here’s hope “Harder” gets the chance to go higher…up the charts!

“Black Hole Friend” – Chymes

Ever since Chymes got on the radar following a tweet from BTS’ Jungkook – she’s been on the up and up. The singer might just score her biggest hit to date with her latest single “Black Hole Friend.” Previewing her upcoming EP, the single offers a clever play on a toxic friendship – “Here’s to my black hole friend, you’ll never see me again.” If there is any justice, the track will serve as her breakthrough on Top 40 radio and the song’s title will become a part of the modern pop culture lexicon.

“Holding Me Up (Parachute)” – PARADISE LTD, Wild Culture, Tomi Saario

Austrian duo Felix & Flo, once known as Wild Culture, have now taken the next sonic step in their career and are now going by PARADISE LTD. This new avatar for the electronic producers serves them well as “Holding Me Up (Parachute)” featuring Tomi Saario is a glorious electro-pop ditty that hopefully gets the chance to soar on the charts. Slickly produced and performed, there is literally no reason for the song not to break through at Top 40 – here’s hoping their concept finds the love!

“Calm Down” – Rema

Nigerian pop star Rema deserves our attention with “Calm Down” – his latest self-proclaimed Afrorave single from his upcoming debut album Rave & Roses. The single has just the right level of infectiousness that there’s just no way the song won’t crossover and make its way up the charts on mainstream Top 40 radio. “Calm Down” is yet another perfect example of how African artists are making their mark globally without compromising their roots. Smash!

“No Ceiling” – Willy P & Peter Kuli, Buppy

Cleveland native, Denver-based indie hip-hop artist Willy P crosses genres and styles with “No Ceiling,” featuring singer/songwriter Buppy. The disco-like production by Peter Kuli gives the song an interesting twist, making for an enjoyable alternative bop. It’s perfect for the diversity that houses Top 40 radio today. The empowering track that tackles self-doubt feels like the perfect vehicle to push Willy P into the mainstream light without any authenticity compromised for the artist.

BONUS: Best Collab We Didn’t Know We Need

“The Last Goodbye” – ODESZA, Bettye LaVette

As a diehard fan of Blues Hall Of Fame vocalist and legend Bettye LaVette, it was the most pleasant surprise to hear her classic 1965 release “Let Me Down Easy” get a complete sonic redo with another favorite of mine – ODESZA. The track is deconstructed without compromising the soul and the pain of LaVette’s original vocals making for a soaring modern rendition now titled “The Last Goodbye.” The two worlds blend beautifully and after a near four-year hiatus, it’s good to hear from one of the most interesting and creative electronic duos out there. Something tells me while we may not hear this first on the radio, it’s going to make its way into endless ads and trailers! Sleeper hit of 2022?

On the cusp!

“Billions” – Caroline Polachek

“Tell Her” – Molly Hammar

“25/8” – Cautious Clay

Listen To #HITSOFTOMORROW Playlist on Spotify!