Welcome to the 34rd volume of Freddie’s Finds! Each week I spotlight 3-4 of my favorite new tracks of the week, ranging from a variety of genres and artists. This week includes Asha Imuno x Amaria, FIG, Tommy Richman, and Monét Ngo.

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“PERFECT PACE” by Asha Imuno ft. Amaria

Few things have made me happier than seeing the more than well deserved success Asha Imuno is experiencing this year. His first release of the year, “ZIG ZAGGING,” just hit 1.5 million plays (as well as breaking 500K monthly listeners on Spotify), and it won’t be long before his latest single “PERFECT PACE” featuring Amaria surpasses that. Bringing out the smoothest of performances, Asha delivers an ear catching performance in the best way possible, blending worlds of R&B, soul, and hip-hop.

Speaking on the significance of the track, he said, “PERFECT PACE feels like the music that was playing around the house when I was little. Moms on some Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, D'angelo, Robert Glasper and my pops on some A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, Mos Def, smoother hip-hop shit. That idea of my sound returning back home in a way has been coming up a lot in the process of bringing Pins & Needles to life.” Production from Zach Ezzy creates a perfect heart-warming accompaniment for the duo’s soothing vocals, with Amaria lending her beautiful voice for a short but sweet verse. Get ready for an Asha Imuno world takeover, coming imminently.

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“Pair Of You” by FIG

FIG is one of my favorite artists right now — everything she does is just so fun. Her first two singles of the year, “Bing Bong Love Song” and “Splinter” displayed this captivating personality that is so rarely seen among artists, yet made me immediately fall in love. Her newest single, “Pair Of You,” continues this stretch of incredible releases. Speaking on the meaning of the track, FIG said, “Whether it be in relationships or friendships, it can be hard to separate yourself from someone who is trying to change you into what they believe is the ideal person. When singing this song, I imagine myself calling those people out directly, and I feel proud of myself for standing up to them.” Once again, it is accompanied by an exuberant video that can’t help but make you smile when you watch, as FIG and four others dance and sing in a field throughout a one-shot take. FIG’s upcoming project better be coming soon, because I cannot wait for it.

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“Bleachers” by Monét Ngo

Monét Ngo’s rise this year has been astronomical. After making his debut in March, he released a string of stunning and wildly successful singles, capped off this week with the release of his EP, After School Club, a fitting title for the teacher turned budding star. Speaking on the project, Monét artistically shared, “After a long day of tests and work, there’s so much baggage to unload. There are feelings to feel and a life outside of school to live. But here you are stuck at the After School Club. It’s a place to let it all out. All your emotions good or bad, it’s there. The After School Club can be anything you make it. It’s a lesson, it’s a second home, but most of all it’s a place where you aren’t alone.”

Amidst the journey of After School Club emerges “Bleachers,” an emotionally charged, beautiful track. Kicked off by a school bell and lined with electrifying, rock influenced self production, Monét repeatedly sings, “Who’s watching now,” seemingly questioning both himself and someone he used to be with. After School Club is one of the most polished, exciting debut projects I have ever listened to, and Monét Ngo is building something incredibly special.

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“WASTELAND” by Tommy Richman

There’s a good chance I’ve listened to Tommy Richman’s latest single, “WASTELAND,” over 100 times since its release, even having a rare Apple Music session in order to hear it 12 hours early. Everywhere I go, I can’t stop singing, “Imma be on top like Zachary Moon / Like Zachary Moon,” while grooving to infectious electric guitar backed production from Cameron Khan and Tommy himself. The track sees Tommy traverse through his mind, singing, “When will it stop / When will it stop / It’s all in my head,” while confessing his unrequited love for someone. Tommy’s upcoming debut project, ALLIGATOR, is coming very soon, and I can say with the utmost certainty that it is going to be incredible.

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You can find all my previous finds in the playlist below: