DJ AyyMello: “Kendrick Lamar Squabble Up (Baltimore Club Mix)”
Don’t say you’re a fan of Baltimore club music if you don’t know who DJ AyyMello is. He won the eighth annual “King of Baltimore” club dance competition created by Bmore Than Dance and was a featured artist in TT The Artist’s musical-documentary “Dark City: Beneath the Beat” (that’s currently streaming on Tubi, by the way). He has ingrained himself in the city’s culture.
His most recent release does what Baltimore club music does best, marrying our homegrown sound to mainstream hits. Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up” was one of the most anticipated songs of 2024. The single, which samples the 1983 Debbie Deb freestyle “When I Hear Music” had us all dancing in our best West Coast impression. But Mello’s remix will bring you right back to The Avenue with the hard hitting claps, loops, and sirens that Baltimore club is known for.
Check it out on his Soundcloud.
Love Nova feat. President Davo: “Die For” (Mighty Mark remix)
Mighty Mark continues to wave his Baltimore flag high with this remix of R&B singer Love Nova’s “Die For” featuring the late President Davo. An upbeat approach to the love song, the remix plays well for those who miss Davo’s unique voice while giving a glimpse into what we can expect from Love Nova’s upcoming EP, slated for release this year.
Listen to the song on your favorite streaming platforms.
Nina Gala: “Honey”
Baltimore-based singer/songwriter Nina Gala dropped a new single “Honey” on March 6. The song is cinematic in its dramatic ambience, inviting you into her hauntingly seducing vocals and harmonies. The gritty production creates a backdrop perfect for any relaxing baecation playlist.
Check out Honey on Spotify or any of your favorite streaming platforms.
Eyas: “Quiet-Loud” (EP)
Baltimore Filipina musician/producer Jenna Balderson AKA Eyas has released a beautiful six-song EP that feels almost too fitting for the current times, when we all may need to sit back, turn the world off, dance in our spaces, and do some self-reflection and checking in.
The EP is produced alongside Bartees Strange of the record label 4AD. Balderson and Strange do an excellent job of traveling in and out of songs, switching tempos without losing a calming therapeutic theme and sound throughout. “Admitting I’m Not Well” is a heartfelt song any recluse can identify with. On it, Eyas Sings:
I think in film
I speak in frames
I love in all
I live in pain
Oh, you know I tried giving you a call
I thought we’d talk about it
But I guess that I’d thought wrong
Yes, I know its hard, when I don’t say a word
What do you know?
Tell me what have you heard?
This project is one of those that make you question why some of the best stuff comes out in short EPs while less desirable albums are drawn out and long-winded. We’re definitely looking forward to more from Eyas.
Check out “Quiet-Loud” on Bandcamp.
If you’d like to have your music featured in Best Beats, send it to: music@baltimorebeat.com. To be considered, please email us a short bio (no more than 100 words), a photograph of yourself, and a link to your new project. Please include the credit information for the photographer.
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