Watch Ta-ku & Wafia’s Tiny Desk Concert [Video]

The chemistry between Australian singer-producer Ta-ku and his fellow Aussie singer-songwriter Wafia becomes apparent the instant you hear their voices intertwined in song. On their first collaborative EP, “(m)edian“, they draw on their individual experiences to touch on subjects like compromise in relationships as they trade verses and harmonize over hollow melodies. Ta-ku and Wafia live within the sonic landscape of artists like Drake or Bryson Tiller, but their style puts them in a world all their own. With production characterized by weary low-end rumbles and resonant keys, the two float above the music, playing off each other’s harmonies. Fortunately for us at NPR, they took a moment to grace our Tiny Desk with a stripped-down, intimate performance of three songs from “(m)edian“.

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Cris Cab feat. J. Balvin – Turn Out the Light [Audio]

“These days, I believe my generation has a lot of questions and uncertainty about the future and life in general. This song was basically a conversation in my head looking for answers and a quest for unity. Pharrell had invited me to the studio to meet J Balvin, and I played him some records I was working on. J and I clicked quickly, and when he heard the rough version of Turn Out The Light, he immediately reacted to it, and was ready to lay a verse. Being from Cuban heritage, it makes me proud to have a verse on my record in Spanish by J” – Cris Cab

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Free Ackrite – The Fireman [Video]

Inglewood rapper Free Ackrite is working towards the release of Out on Bail, the sequel to his self-titled mixtape released last year on his 21st birthday. His new single “The Fireman” showcases the ambition and intensity of a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain. “I’m just paranoid, so ain’t no staring hard, ’cause I’ve been waiting for a problem like I’m praying for it,” he raps before conjuring a burst of fire from thin air.

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