It’s that time! Last Tuesday of the month where IU, your loving Interim Music Director Mike Biggz(Host of Living In The Now on KPFA), reflects on 5 songs that I have been quite obsessed over in the past 30 days.
LFG!
Songs to Obsess Over & Over
September 2025
Jalen Ngonda – All About Me
(Daptone)
Daptone Records, being Daptone is one of the most consistent indie labels for quality jams designed to move body and the soul. Washington D.C born and Liverpool based singer, songwriter and guitarist, Jalen Ngonda releases his latest single, “All About Me”, a follow up from his incredible 2023 debut, “Come Around And Love Me”. His style is reminiscent of classic 50’s and 60’s soul, and All About Me is a reggae tinged bouncer of a track that makes you smile and nod your head like only Daptone grooves can.
Antibalas – La Ceiba
(Daptone)
Brooklyn’s Antibalas has been one of the best modern Afro Beat bands to come out since the turn of the century, unleashing on the world in 2001 and jumping around from a couple different labels before landing at their current home with Daptone in 2012. After a 5 year break they are set to release their new album, Hourglass on October 24th. Their first single “La Ceiba”, an uptempo cinematic funky banger that instantly requires your presence on the dancefloor, shows why they are one fo the best and more underrated bands out today.
Kali Uchis feat. Ravyn Lenae – Cry About It
(Capital)
Bringing her blend of classic Lowrider oldies type soul with modern R&B lyrics, Kali has been putting it down hard now for a full on decade plus. She’s still not in the Beyonce or Taylor Swist status conversation or at the level of maybe SZA, but she is a name up there at the top with the top artists, but clearly in her own lane. My only comparison with Kali would be by calling her the younger Millennials and Gen Z’s answer to Amy Winehouse. Cry About It is classic Kali in it’s sound, with it’s 60’s doo-wop flavor and unapologetic spanglish lyrics, trading verses with Rayvyn Lenae who, like Kali, is an incredible artist that requires more of your attention since her music is also just insaley good. Don’t sleep on this one.
Les Imprimés – With You
(Big Crown)
Big Crown has been killing it with it’s releases this year and Morten Martens aka Les Imprimés is one of my favorites on their stellar roster. He blends 60’s/70’s soul, doo-wop and hip-hop effortlessly and “With You”, a stand out from an EP of pretty flawless music is the one I need to highlight. I love it’s slower 4 to the floor bounce, it’s bassline and soaring vocals that glide across this track like melted butter on toasted bread. It low key gives me Ummah/Saadiq, Q-Tip vibes in it’s sound. Next Summer is the follow up EP to his 2023 debut, Rêverie, and I look forward to that inevitable follow up, sure to come soon.
Demae – Steppers
(FAMM)
“Dance to heal when it’s hard to feel balance” sings Demae, an amazing UK soul singer who’s who’s new single, Steppers” recently released on the FAMM imprint. It’s been 5 years since her debut, the Life Works Out…Usually and this is gearing up to be an impressive sophomore album whenever it’s announced. This is her nd single for 2025 so far all have been true gems. Steppers moves the soul with it’s rugged drums and musical vibe that brings back memories of artists like Sa-Ra Creative Partners. It’s a banger!