After doing my weekly look at YouTube’s Trending page, I came across a new video under the “Artist on the Rise,” section for “You Sad” by Tkay Maidza. While I had seen the name before, way back when she was featured on Troye Sivan’s Blue Neighborhood EP, I’d never really listened to the rapper’s music in-depth. 

Maidza’s style is different from any artist today, both musically and fashion-wise. Her aura emits a sense of freedom and individuality that you can’t help but love.

While she has been releasing music since 2015, she’s grown pretty slowly these past few years. But, the sound and visual for “You Sad” alone made me recognize great talent in this upcoming mixed-genre singer. The Zimbabwean/Australian musician has just released a new EP too, with the title Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2, the second part of a said trilogy. 

The new project is a shift in theme, with more heartfelt and personal lyrics, as well as heavier production. It begins with a smooth and slow intro and ends with a banging collaboration, tying the mesh of intriguing tracks together magnificently.

Teaming up with Kari Faux on the EP’s outro then JPEGMAFIA on bass-heavy track “Awake,” shows that Maidza is able to beautifully blend with any sound. 

Maidza mixes alt-pop, with hip-hop, and even some afro-beats, to create her own unique sound and image, bringing something to the table that anyone can enjoy. 

“The first EP was like daytime. This one is nighttime,” Maidza told Apple Music. The eight new tracks bring on a darker side, which I believe will be a turning point in Maidza’s career. 

“Never put a limit, I’ma get what I desire / Read the inner energy, you dealin’ with some fire / All up in the entity, ain’t no better remedy / Life blows, I won’t let it be the enemy,” Maidza spits on “Grasshopper.” 

I really enjoy her quick flow and clever words on this track, a skill that shines bright through many of the 23-year-olds songs. 

Words and sound alike, Maidza’s visuals are vibrant too, containing bright colors and intricate scenery. The video for “You Too,” is full of eye-catching objects and animation, all surrounding as Maidza lays in a field of radiant flowers. 

The “Shook,” visual is filmed in wide-screen and created as a dystopian short-film full of surprises, showing the artist’s range and versatility. 

“These mans lookin’ at me all shook / Talk about it but they never gon’ do it / I came, I don’t play by the book / Yeah, I make bands, yeah I got ‘em all shook.”

This song emits bad b*tch energy, perfect for when you are feeling yourself or need the motivation to. The good vibes and fun sounds make all of Maidza’s music super enjoyable and perfect for the changing seasons. If you have been in search of an amazing underrated artist, I urge you to check out Maidza’s discography as soon as possible. I am excited to see more growth both musically and personally from this artist in the future.

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