Sean Paul, J Balvin's 'Contra La Pared'; Schoolboy Q's 'Numb Numb Juice': New Music Saturdays

Anderson.Paak has new music, guys and it is pretty incredible. Read on for more info on the track but also for some fun tunes to jazz up your playlist. Sean Paul and J Balvin - ‘Contra La Pared’ [caption id=“attachment_6273451” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Sean Paul and J Balvin. Image from Twitter @KennedyPaul79[/caption] After ‘Boasty’ with Wiley, Stefflon Don and Idris Elba, dancehall rapper Sean Paul has collaborated with reggaeton singer J Balvin on ‘Contra Le Pared’, which means _‘Against the Wall’ (_thanks Google Translate). The two had also previously teamed up with Major Lazer for 2017’s ‘Buscando Huellas’. For most of us whose Spanish vocabulary does not extend beyond the few phrases we picked up from Narcos, Sean and J Balvin sing to “a demanding lover that she has his back against the wall”, according to  Rolling Stone. Though the English lyrics are hard to understand, the song will make you want to bust a move. Ancient Pools - ‘Forget’ [caption id=“attachment_6273471” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Anna Jeter and Kevin Christopher of Ancient Pools. Image from Twitter @warszawarecords[/caption] Ancient Pools plunge your senses in nostalgia with the dreamy, 80s-inspired single ‘Forget’. The Washington-based ensemble, which includes Anna Jeter and Kevin Christopher, will be releasing their album on 12 April. Emeli Sandé - ‘Sparrow’ [caption id=“attachment_6273491” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Emeli Sande in the cover art of ‘Sparrow’. Image from Twitter @futurerockOk[/caption] ‘Sparrow’ is the British soul singer’s first solo since Kingdom Coming, her 2017 EP. The lyrics coupled with Sande’s robust vocals (which remind me of Alicia Keys), echoed by a gospel choir only aim to inspire. “We got magic in our bones just like the stars, we’re gonna shine bright and are golden. With the heart of a sparrow tell me what arrow could ever bring you down,” sings Sande. Arcade Fire - ‘Baby Mine’ (from Dumbo) [caption id=“attachment_6273531” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Image from Twitter @butiho1[/caption] The kings of indie rock, Arcade Fire, released their rendition of the signature Disney ballad ‘Baby Mine’ for Tim Burton’s live-action adaption of Dumbo, which almost made me tear up. The song, originally written by Frank Churchhill and Ned Washington, has been covered by many artistes over the years but the Canadian band’s addition of orchestral effects, give it a much grander feel. Mariah Carey feat Stefflon Don - ‘A No No’ (Remix) [caption id=“attachment_6273541” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Cover art of Mariah Carey’s song ‘A No No’. Image from Twitter @JoNews10[/caption] ‘A No No’, which sampled Lil Kim’s ‘Crush On You’, was initially released as part of Mariah Carey’s album Caution but a new version was recently released with British rapper Stefflon Don onboard. Mariah sings about bad blood with her former manager (“It ain’t even worth a slick reply”) and along the way subtly snubs old lovers (“Snakes in the grass”) in the trap-infused track. Schoolboy Q - ‘ Numb Numb Juice' [caption id=“attachment_6273561” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] A still from ‘Numb Numb Juice’. Screenshot from YouTube[/caption] Schoolboy Q released the single ‘Numb Numb Juice’, after being away for more than two years, which may be a part of a new album. In under two minutes, he proceeds to call just about everything that bothers him “bitch shit.” Anderson.Paak - ‘King James’ [caption id=“attachment_6273571” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Cover art of Anderson.Paak’s ‘King James’. Screenshot from YouTube[/caption] Besides the single, Anderson.Paak also released the tracklist of his next album _Ventur_a. Out on 12 April, it will feature Andre 3000, Nate Dogg, Smokey Robinson and others. Meanwhile, ‘King James’ is a homage to LeBron James, praising his efforts to give back to his community. Anderson also gives a shout out to Colin Kaepernick, the footballer, who as an act of protest against the injustice faced by the black community had kneeled during the US national anthem. Shura - ‘BKLYNLDN’ [caption id=“attachment_6273631” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Shura. Image from Twitter @Albumism[/caption] Three years after her debut Nothing’s Real, Shura has dropped the a chill single from her upcoming album Forever. The synth-pop musician, sings about love and longing to be with her significant other, which compels her to make the big move from London to Brooklyn. Karen O and Danger Mouse - ‘MINISTRY’ [caption id=“attachment_6273651” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Cover art of Lux Prima. Screenshot from YouTube[/caption] Yeah Yeah Yeahs lead singer Karen O and music producer Danger Mouse join forces for the concept album Lux Prima. All songs, particularly ‘Ministry’ for me, brough out the best from both musicians. Karen’s delicate voice paired with the instrumental finesse of the producer makes for a delicious number. LSD - ‘No New Friends’ feat Sia, Diplo, Labrinth [caption id=“attachment_6273701” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Screenshot from YouTube[/caption] This, without a fail, is a song that will play in all the clubs in your city for years to come. The jaunty track is the by-product of the tried-and-tested formula for a successful dance hit - keep the bass heavy and lyrics simple.