Childish Gambino a.k.a. Donald Glover, “Centipede”

Donald Glover’s rapper alter ego, Childish Gambino, will have more time to come out and play since the actor won’t be appearing on Community as much next season. That’s a good thing for music heads, because unlike a lot of rapper-turned-actors, Donald Glover is actually really good. Enter his latest, “Centipede” (no Rebbie Jackson). The track starts out with an a cappella intro, then transitions into a soulful, piano-driven beat where Gambino raps about the breaks, i.e., trying to make it in music and the challenges that come with life in general.

Listen here.

Wayne Marshall, “I Know” (Video)

Dancehall star Wayne Marshall recently released the video for his latest single, “I Know.” In the Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley-produced single, Marshall sings braggadocious lyrics about being the ish. The video, directed by Jay Will, was shot in Kingston, Jamaica, house party bashment  style. “I Know” can be found on Marshall’s upcoming album, Tru Colors, scheduled for a September release.

Watch here.

Nick Cannon, “Me Sexy”

Call Nick Cannon corny all you want, but he sure knows how to lighten the mood. Cannon just released the video for his new… uh… single? It’s called “Me Sexy,” and it’s a goofy electro-pop tune about being hot. The song isn’t as funny without the video, which features goofy runway walk-offs between Cannon—exposed moisturized chest and all—and some random man in a red silk shirt with a giant, goofy mustache. There’s even a cute humpy dance at the end. Despite the goofy visuals, the song is actually kinda cute and would make for a fun vogueing session. (Think LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It.”)

Listen here.

AlunaGeorge, Body Music

This UK duo, comprised of vocalist Aluna Francis and producer George Reid, just released their debut, Body Music. It’s no surprise that the pair sites 1990s Timbaland and the Neptunes as inspirations; their electro-ethereal-poppy-sound is akin to that era of pop and R&B, but with a futuristic twist. Their lyrics are simple, the hooks are catchy, and overall, Body Music is a sexy solid introduction to fans who may have missed last year’s You Know You Like it EP. (That is, with the exception of their cover of Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We do It,” which they could have done without… you’ve been warned.)

Album available on iTunes.

Big Sean, “Fire”

G.O.O.D. Music’s Big Sean is back with “Fire” for your listening pleasure. The beat, set over killer drums, has an uplifting, shouting from the mountaintops kind of sound. The primary melody is driven by what sounds like chanting in the background. Lyrically, Big Sean gets reflective about his travels throughout his time in the industry, but he also talks about his desire to be the hottest, hence the song’s title. This is just a fragment of Sean’s upcoming sophomore release, Hall of Fame, and so far so good.

Listen here