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

Have no fear, Drake is here! The rapper drops his latest single “Search & Rescue” and while he’s the only credited artist on the track (though produced by a myriad of who’s who in the rap game), there is a prominent sample that features Kim Kardashian. Ye’s ex-wife is heard here saying “I didn’t come this far just to come this far and not be happy, remember that.” The audio clip from Keeping Up With The Kardashians is likely to fuel more rumors about the beef between Ye and Drake but for now, we have yet another smash from the Canadian talent.

Beyond Champagne Papi, we get a sense of déjà vu with the mega collab of David Guetta, Anne-Marie and “Players” breakthrough rapper Coi Leray. After the smashing success of the much-delayed “I’m Good (Blue)” with Bebe Rexha last year, Guetta has once again taken a Nineties dance classic and decided to update it in the most gimmicky/commercial way possible. “Baby Don’t Hurt Me” samples Haddaway’s smash “What Is Love” and the result is likely to be on the charts through spring, summer and beyond.

While these tracks will impact the charts and streaming playlists for months at end, there are several songs that might fall below the radar (or not be appreciated above the initial hype) and thus, deserve to get a shout-out here as this week’s #HitsOfTomorrow, the should-be hits that deserve our attention!

“Everybody Needs Someone” – Noah Cyrus, Vance Joy

While her sister is still atop the charts with the pop megahit “Flowers,” Noah Cyrus returns with her first new single since her debut album The Hardest Part dropped last year. She joins forces with Australian native Vance Joy on the beautiful “Everybody Needs Someone.” The melancholic single continues the singer-songwriter’s distinct trajectory away from her big sis as she proves yet again that she’s a fine artist in her own right. The track was written by PJ Harding and Cyrus and produced by Harding with Mike Crossey. Trust me, even if this doesn’t become a hit now, it will be featured on some streaming show or film and it will hit…big!

“In The Joy” – JJ Lin, Anderson .Paak

I love when the title does exactly what’s intended. “In The Joy” is a joyous collaboration between Mandopop star JJ Lin and Anderson (half of Silk Sonic) .Paak. The track celebrates the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community and their achievements. Slated to serve as the theme song for the upcoming documentary The Bridge, the single is in that rare breed of being upbeat, inspirational and not cheesy. In fact, the song could just as easily fit on a blockbuster film soundtrack as it does here. Lin and .Paak shine on this unexpected gem that if it catches on, its meaning and significance would go well beyond one community but become a mainstream force on the charts.

“Terms And Conditions” – Mahalia

Honestly, Mahalia can do no wrong. I think it’s criminal that she continues to be underrated globally as she is one of the best young R&B/soul singers we have today. “Terms And Conditions” might just rank as her best single yet. The clever lyrics, the charged vocals and perfect production make for one of the smoothest singles you’ll have heard in a long time. There really shouldn’t be a place on the planet where this song shouldn’t soar but for some reason, the hype machine behind the artist just isn’t in place the way it deserves to be. If we’re lucky, this track, on just its merits, will become the big hit it deserves to be this upcoming summer. Here’s hoping that’s the only term and condition required to make this a hit!

“Outline” – PARADISE LTD, Wild Culture, OTHERS

Let’s be clear. The Eighties are everywhere and while some have perfected the sound, others have just copied the modern adaptations and have left our palettes with a bad taste. The same cannot be said about PARADISE LTD, who gave us a sneak peek last year into this with such fantastic tracks as “Body Talk” and my fave “Holding Me Up (Parachute)” (it ranked in my year-end Top 100 last year). They now return with “Outline,” a single that further perfects this retro sound. You can hear the Prince and Michael Jackson influence on the track as it includes that similar rhythm and bounce which gets you instantly moving. Featuring OTHERS, the single is an instant catchy slice of dance-pop perfection. Can you say SMASH?!

“Jealous” – Kiana Lede, Ella Mai

Hell hath no fury like a vulnerable woman. And this week, we’re blessed with two! Kiana Lede and Ella Mai join forces for “Jealous,” a confessional song if there was one. The single punches us with the bitter truths about love and both singers give it their all, making us the ones jealous of their honesty and their passion. This is a slow-burn record that will get you on every listen. In a week full of interesting collaborations, this one works the best because there is something raw here and hopefully, that’s what gets the track to the top of the charts.

Even More Hits!

“Stockholm” – DICE

“Days Go By” – SBTRKT, Toro y Moi

“ctrl alt delete” – Ukiyo, Ula

“10 Out Of 10” – Oliver Heldens, Kylie Minogue

Listen To #HITSOFTOMORROW Playlist on Spotify!