Ben's Staff Picks

Xolo Maridueña's Résumé Continues to Grow with "On My Way"

Exclaim! Staff Picks

PUBLISHED Aug 30, 2023

If someone ever figures out what Xolo Maridueña can't do, alert the presses (and give Exclaim! the exclusive). The Blue Beetle and Cobra Ka...

RAAHiiM Sets Himself Apart on 'BUT IF iiM HONEST'

Exclaim! Staff Picks

PUBLISHED Aug 23, 2023

If RAAHiiM's third LP BUT IF iiM HONEST only gave us "Energy," that would be enough for me. The punchy synths and funky bassline carry a "P...

Exclaim!'s Staff Picks:​ TOBi and Topaz Jones Don't Relinquish Their Grips on "All Night Long"

PUBLISHED Aug 2, 2023

TOBi's inimitable tone and dynamic lyricism have had my playlists in a stranglehold since his contemplative single "City Blues" took Toront...

Exclaim!'s Staff Picks: Teo and WESTSIDE BOOGIE Take Flight on "Wings"

PUBLISHED Jul 24, 2023

Sacramento up-and-comer Teo and L.A. heavyweight WESTSIDE BOOGIE have been drinking their Red Bull. The duo take flight on their new single...

Exclaim!'s Staff Picks:​ Jahkoy Swaggers Through the Flame on "Man on Fire"

PUBLISHED Jul 17, 2023

After dabbling in Caribbean grooves and melodies on his February album Healing Phase, Jahkoy settles firmly back into the R&B swagger that...

Exclaim!'s Staff Picks: Katie Tupper's 'Where to Find Me' Locates Her Commanding Vocals

PUBLISHED Jul 5, 2023

The effortless silk of Katie Tupper's vocals shines throughout all five songs on her new EP, Where to Find Me, but perhaps most of all on "...

Exclaim!'s Staff Picks: Summer Walker Vibes Out on the Mellow 'CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE'

PUBLISHED Jun 30, 2023

Summer Walker's latest offering, CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE is overflowing with mellow, vibey tracks that exude a delicate blend of swagger and vul...

Exclaim!'s Staff Picks: JRDN Sounds Confident and Conversational on "Call My Name"

PUBLISHED Jun 15, 2023

Don't call it a comeback! People might see this and think to themselves that JRDN is back, but the truth is, the Toronto-based R&B crooner...