DMV rapper Shay Pastel creates hip-hop that's sometimes rooted in trap, and other times, it fringes on the borders of house or jazz. She explains that her music "tells the story of a young woman from Maryland navigating through her 20's in the best ways she knows how; stoned and empowered". Her new single 'HIT DIFFERENT UNSERIOUS FREESTYLE' is slow-paced and breezy compared to some of her other work. This breeziness also carries through to her vocals, becoming reminiscent of the kind of ease and fluidity of Chicago rapper Noname. Lyrically, the song questions male bravado, and Shay asks: 'but boy, is you prepared to do them dishes? cos I need that 50/50 we splittin'. Keep your eyes peeled for more from rising rapper Shay Pastel. -Ellie Rose-Davies