Welcome to The Sports Fan Journal’s latest series: In The Rotation. Music fans are always trying to find the latest tunes to spin and our editor Mya Melody, a.k.a. the playlist virtuoso, is here to help. Whether you need a weekend turn up anthem or a smooth jam for a kickback, this series will highlight the week’s hottest song to add in your collection. Vibe out and enjoy! #MelodyPutYouOn
Sometimes the up-and-coming artists deserve all the shine. Rising R&B star Lucky Daye is back with his newest single “Karma” with a sweet homage to a ‘90s classic. Right when the beat drops, Daye molds a jazz and funk fusion and he has producer Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II to thank for it. D’Mile is known for producing dance-heavy tracks (Janet Jackson’s “Feedback”, The Carters' “BOSS”) but he helps give Daye a ‘70s R&B groove that can easily be played at the family cookout. However, what really sets off the two-step production is when Daye goes into the first verse and his melodic flow is reminiscent of Ginuwine’s 1996 hit “Pony.” If Daye can put his own twist to one of the sexiest songs of all time, he’s well on his way to being crowned a 2019 R&B king.
Daye made a big wave towards the end of 2018 with his EP, I, a five-track project as the first installment to his debut album Painted, due out later this year. “Karma” is the first track from Daye’s upcoming EP, II. As he prepares to hit the road with Ella Mai on The Debut Tour next month, fans are eager to see how Daye can win a crowd over and truly earn the hearts of R&B lovers.
Add “Karma” to your listening rotation and check out this week’s pertinent reading material:
Inside the magic of J. Cole's Camp Dreamville: #ROTD3 Sessions, Day 3 – DJBooth
Soulja Boy’s Breakfast Club interview is the best comeback of 2019 – The Fader
How hip-hop podcasts will adapt in the streaming era – Trapital
The economics of streaming is making songs shorter - Quartz
Cardi B’s political rant on the government shutdown illustrates why we want stars to share our views – UPROXX
5 positive hip-hop affirmations to jump-start your new year – Still Crew
