The bond that an artist forms with their fans is unique and, depending on who you ask, it’s unbreakable. Some people may not be able to understand it, but for those who do, you know what it feels like to be understood by your favourite artist. You may not know them personally, but their lyrics and melodies, and even videos, make you feel seen. That’s why when an artist dies, it can feel personal. And this was definitely the case back in 2018 when Mac Miller passed away. His music was a blend of rap, hip-hop, R&B and all-around positive vibes, and he himself, although misunderstood, was and still is beloved by so many, which leads us to his newest posthumous release Balloonerism.

 

This is his second posthumous release, reigniting the conversation around posthumous releases in general. It’s a tricky topic because on one hand, you want to be able to keep the artists’ legacy alive, and what better way than to do it through music? On the other, one could argue that there was a reason the artist never released the music when they were alive. It’s a fine line, and the key to doing it respectfully is to have family members and key working partners involved, in order to make sure the work that is getting put out is work that the artist in question would be proud of. There have been way too many times that music we can clearly hear was not up to par with previous works get released. Michael Jackson is a prime example of this, with the exception of “Love Never Felt So Good” of course. Just a few days ago, on what would have been Aaliyah’s 46th birthday, her label Blackground Records 2.0 (the 2.0 is a story for another day lol), posted a message after the launch of her new Barbie doll, thanking fans for their support, and mentioned a new body of work will be coming soon. Here’s hoping it’s done with the same integrity as this Mac Miller project, which ended up being a beautiful listening experience. It is also worth noting that Mac would’ve turned 33 this past Sunday. 

 

Before we get into this week’s picks, we have to talk about Tate McRae. Last week, I mentioned how she’s been teasing her newest single “sports car” and dropped a snippet. All of this is leading up to the planned February 21st release of her third studio album So Close to What. It might be time for Tate to take a look into who is guarding her music, because almost the entire album leaked over the weekend. I don’t share leaks, I find it really unfair to everyone who was involved in the project and in poor taste. Artists pour a lot into their projects, and it can feel like a violation when it is stolen from you and exposed to the world before you are ready. Having said that, I understand as a fan the excitement to listen to the new work right away, but I would say we should respect the artistic process, especially that of an artist we claim to support. Stop leaking people’s music, it sucks. Tate on the other hand, alluded to the leaks, posting this photo on her Instagram stories the morning after. 

It is worth nothing that her label quickly got the leaks taken down, but as we all know for better or worse, the internet is forever.

 

Next week will be another exciting one as a slew of new releases are on their way, and we now have this countdown up on Lady Gaga’s website alluding to a musical announcement or release just six days from now. This Friday was supposed to be the release date for The Weeknd’s next album, but that has now been pushed back to the 31st due to the LA fires. However, albums by JoJo, Teddy Swims and Central Cee (who makes an appearance in today’s post) are still expected. I’ve been particularly looking forward to JoJo’s newest album, especially after finishing her memoir Over the Influence this past fall. Oh, and we are still waiting for Beyoncé’s announcement. 

Today’s MC’s Music Lounge features picks by a beloved late rapper, a rapper on the rise, an acting veteran, an R&B legend and an unexpected remix discovery that had me feeling nostalgic.

Listen on…

 

MC’S PICKS OF THE WEEK

“5 Dollar Pony Rides” by Mac Miller

In a statement posted to Mac’s website last fall by his estate, this album meant the world to him, and he always wanted to release it. Fans have known of this album for a while with unofficial versions circulating online for years, so an official release seemed natural and respectful. This song is everything – Mac has always been a master of merging soul with hip-hop, and this song is neo soul at its finest. Dare I say, it even has a jazz feel. I want to pour myself a glass of wine and cook some dinner with this playing in the background. Basically the highest compliment I could give a song at this point in my life. The album also features SZA who was one of his close friends early in her career, sharing this touching message to her X account. 

As I wrote earlier, I never was a huge fan of posthumous albums, but this album (and song in particular) is an exception to that rule. You can tell it’s a sound he wanted to explore but maybe it just didn’t fit exactly with the direction his career was going – that’s all speculation, but he did record this music in 2013-2014, so it was around the time he was already a big artist. Maybe we’ll never really know the real reason why he didn't put it out, but it’s out now and how comforting it is to even hear his voice again. 

 

“GDP” by Central Cee & 21 Savage

After blowing up over the last few years on TikTok and streaming, Central Cee is finally gearing up to release his debut full-length studio album, appropriately titled Can’t Rush Greatness. This surprise collaboration highlights the strengths of both rappers over an infectious beat. Central C raps about his rise to the top and the contradictions he faces once he’s reached it, something most artists with a sudden rise to the top experience, see: Chappell Roan. I’ve been discovering Central Cee’s music here and there over the years, and became a fast fan; but if I’m being honest, it’s the 21 Savage feature that got me excited. Cench’s unmistakable flow and 21’s signature backgrounds make it next to impossible for this not to be a hit. Now that the Tik Tok ban isn’t happening (for now), expect to see this track and many more from Central Cee’s album all over your feeds. The full debut comes out next week.  

 

 

“Afford It” by Keke Palmer & Divagurl

“Afford It” is the theme song to Keke’s new movie with SZA One of Them Days which opened at #1 at the box office last week. It also serves as the first official release for Keke’s girl group project Divagurl that she started last year. Keke and the girls released a 4-song EP that is definitely worth checking out. This song in particular features Keke’s nodding to the R&B girls of the past. In her ad-libs I can hear Brandy or Monica’s influence clear as day, and I’m so here for it. I always thought Keke was criminally underrated as a singer, because the girl can SING, and the songs are always so fun and catchy. “Afford It” plays at the end credits of the film, making for a perfect tie-in for the launch of the music as well, especially since the film is being so well-received by critics and viewers alike. 

 

“SOS” by Craig David 

I’m a sucker for anything 2000s, and what could be more y2k coded than a new track from the “7 Days” hit-maker himself, Craig David. Craig has been staying relevant especially in the UK, having scored multiple Top 10 hits in the last decade. He’s back now with new music and “SOS” is a step in a more dance direction for him. He’s head over heels in love with this girl, and he’s sending out an SOS for her – cute. Cheesy but cute. It’s definitely not the R&B we were introduced to 25 years ago, but all artists evolve, and if anything this just shows his versatility. The song reminds me of something I would’ve heard on Canadian radio in 2013, and I mean that in the best way. That’s why I chose it this week, anything that can give me flashbacks to listening to the radio in my room after school is a win for me. I saw Craig in concert just last May, and I can confirm that he can still bring the house down, so this song will definitely be a fun one to experience live as well. 

 

“Angel Of Mine”  Tobiahs

I’ve had my wedding first dance song chosen since the time I was very young, and it has always been “Angel of Mine” by Monica. It’s one of the earliest songs that I remember learning from MuchMusic, and I loved it from the second I heard it. The melody, the lyrics, her vocals, it’s perfection. Now, let’s take that perfection and re-invent it in a new (dare I say, ICONIC) remix that you can’t help but smile and dance to. It turns out, this remix actually premiered on Tobiahs’ TikTok last year, and he ended up having to release it on streaming due to popular demand. The remix definitely has some tropical house elements to it, and mixed with Monica’s original 1998 vocals, it makes for a unique rebirth of a song we all know and love. This is even more exciting for me because my first dance song at my wedding can be the ballad version, and we can all jam to this remix by Tobiahs once it’s time to dance! Now I just need a boyfriend (lol) and a reality check maybe. 

 

 

MC’S VIRAL PICK 

"Breakin’ Dishes” by Rihanna

It may have been 9 years since Rihanna released her last album, but if her streaming numbers are any indication of her longevity and demand… she’s doing just fine. However, “Breakin’ Dishes” being the song to be going viral from her discography was not on my 2025 bingo card. It comes from her 2007 album Good Girl Gone Bad and was never released as a proper single. Fast forward 18 years, and the song is gaining more and more streams every day, something that Billboard says started happening about a month ago. Rihanna’s music is not actually available anywhere on TikTok, but fans have created their own sounds with the song that have now accumulated close to 500k uses combined. This has resulted in the song earning a whopping 2.5 million streams a day in the USA alone on Spotify with worldwide streams somewhere just under the 5 million mark, resulting in the song climbing to the #2 position on Rihanna’s top Spotify songs (now only behind “We Found Love”). 

The song is being used in fan cam videos for shows and movies, a popular trend where girls show their boyfriends, and one where users are just showing off their masculinity (or femininity) when RiRi sings “A MAN A MAN A MAAAAAN”. A whole new generation of fans are discovering Rihanna’s earlier work, further reinforcing what we all know: that Rihanna’s music has more than stood the test of time. 

 

@keiixin.ch

Ehmk nadie fue obligado 🫦🔥 #asister

♬ breakin dishes by Rihanna - 𖣂
@laurinhaxwl

👀👀 #fyp #fy #foryou #foryoupage #laurinhaxwl #viralvideo #viral #beyonce

♬ A MAN A MAN A M.A.N - ana
@talintube

احلى الشي الترند مع ابني 🥹❤️

♬ A MAN A MAN A M.A.N - ana
@jasm091604

a feminine boy🔝#omega #femboy #breakingdishes #viral #fyp

♬ Breakin dishes - Megan ★
@kiraqueen_miao

Dishes…BREAKING! #CHEL #roadtoeldorado #viral #foryoupage #fypシ #elcaminohaciaeldorado #roadtoeldoradochel #cheledit #caminohaciaeldorado #videostar #twixtor #dishesbreaking #edit

♬ original sound - Kiraqueen_miao
@edusizez

A woman💪🪭. #disneyedit #disneyprinces #disney #aman #awoman #breakingdishes #frozen #merida #brave #tangled #mulan #moana #esmeralda

♬ Breakin dishes - Megan ★

 

You can also check out my “MC’s MUSIC LOUNGE” Spotify playlist here to keep up to date with my weekly picks throughout the year.

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With Love,

MC

Photo credits: Best Image/ Backgrid

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