Mic Drop: If at First You Don’t Succeed, Dust Yourself Off and Play These Fire Tracks

Anderson .Paak is featured on a newly released Marvel soundtrack; Duckwrth puts out an EP; Victoria Monét finally gives us the video for ‘Coastin”

Aaliyah – Try Again Screenshot: YouTube

Do you know who is really good at putting together soundtracks? Marvel. The MCU goes all out for its movies and I’m really here for it. Anderson .Paak performs “Fire In The Sky” for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which premiered Friday. Though we’ve been impatiently waiting for the Silk Sonic album, this will have to do until then. Duckwrth also released a new EP, SG8*, which is available on all streaming platforms and features the most beautiful and enviable beaches I’ve ever seen in the visuals for the track “4K.”

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Marvin Sapp Turns Viral Controversy Into A Song — But Not Everyone’s Praising Him

The “Venom” singer Lil Simz partnered with Obongjayar for a slower and more mellow track, “Point and Kill.” It still has that Simz edge but gives a more relaxed vibe, meaning it’s still as powerful yet less overtly aggressive than her past tracks. Victoria Monét finally dropped the video for her iconic track, “Coastin’,” which gives ‘60s energy and vibes with a “Skate” vintage feel.

And most importantly, Blackground Records just gave us even more Aaliyah by dropping the complete albums for Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds—meaning “Try Again” is finally available on Spotify.

Enjoy your long weekend and enjoy these tracks—let’s get into it.

Kota The Friend – “‘96 Bulls”

August 31, 2021, FLTBYS (Alternative R&B)

Aaliyah – “Try Again”

September 3, 2021, Blackground Records (R&B)

Anderson .Paak – “Fire In The Sky”

September 3, 2021, MARVEL/Hollywood Records/Interscope (Hip hop/ R&B)

Duckwrth – “4K” (feat. Phabo)

August 25, 2021, SuperGood/The Blind Youth (Hip Hop)

Jenevive – “Mellow Eyes”

September 3, 2021, Joyface Records (R&B)

Lil Simz – “Point and Kill” (feat. Obongjayar)

September 2, 2021, AWAL Digital Limited (Kobalt) (on behalf of AGE 101) (Alternative)

Shy Glizzy & Glizzy Gang – Ay Ay Ay (feat. 3 Glizzy)

September 3, 2021, 300 Entertainment (Hip Hop)

Victoria Monét – “Coastin’”

September 2, 2021, Tribe Records (Pop)

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Ryan Coogler and Other Black Celebs With Fly Cornrows

Ryan Coogler and Other Black Celebs With Fly Cornrows

Ryan Coogler’s braids at the Oscars are rightfully calling attention to other stars who’ve rocked similar styles over the years. Let’s take a look! …
Best 'Square Up' Challenge Videos on TikTok in 2026

Best ‘Square Up’ Challenge Videos on TikTok in 2026

From Black suburban kids making squares with their arms to white co-workers throwing elbows, TikTok’s #SquareUp challenge has the internet crying with laughter! …
Why Black Folks' Reactions to Teyana Taylor's Oscars Behavior Is Problematic

Why Black Folks’ Reactions to Teyana Taylor’s Oscars Behavior Is Problematic

Teyana Taylor’s behavior at the Oscars has prompted a lot of online discourse and criticism. But it may be unfairly targeted towards her. Let’s talk about why! …
Jasmine Crockett Speaks On Her Former Security Guard Killed by Dallas SWAT

Jasmine Crockett Speaks On Her Former Security Guard Killed by Dallas SWAT

Under the alias “Mike King,” one Black man landed a job working for Texas Rep. Crockett before being killed in a standoff with police …
The Chilling Rise of the 'Alpine Divorce,' Where Men Take Their Wives to Hike— Then Purposefully Abandon Them

The Chilling Rise of the ‘Alpine Divorce,’ Where Men Take Their Wives to Hike— Then Purposefully Abandon Them

Inside the dangerous relationship trend you’ve never heard of: Alpine divorces, where men purposefully ditch their partners on hikes to break up …
MacKenzie Scott Makes Major Donation to Small NC HBCU

MacKenzie Scott Makes Major Donation to Small NC HBCU

School Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove Sr. announced that MacKenzie Scott has donated $42 million to Elizabeth City State University …
Is Trump Mocking People With Disabilities His Lowest Blow?

Is Trump Mocking People With Disabilities His Lowest Blow?

Adding to Trump’s history of offending people with disabilities, the president took aim at Gov. Newsom, who has dyslexia …
Story Behind Michael B. Jordan's Viral In-N-Out Stop

Story Behind Michael B. Jordan’s Viral In-N-Out Stop

From the red carpet to red, white and yellow burger chain, Jordan’s humble stop celebrated celebrity accessibility and Hollywood tradition in all the right ways …
New Study Reveals RFK Jr's Health Policies Are a Danger for Black Americans

New Study Reveals RFK Jr’s Health Policies Are a Danger for Black Americans

An analysis from Protect Our Care and American Public Health Association found RFK Jr.’s “crusade against vaccines” especially harmful for Black Americans …
5 Black Women Dominating College Basketball’s NIL Earnings

5 Black Women Dominating College Basketball’s NIL Earnings

These Black women are putting up numbers on the court and off the court in the business world …
Woman From Coldplay CEO Scandal Reveals Shocking Fact to Oprah About Viral Moment

Woman From Coldplay CEO Scandal Reveals Shocking Fact to Oprah About Viral Moment

Kristin Cabot, the woman at the center of the infamous July 2025 CEO Scandal at a Coldplay concert, is opening up to Oprah and sharing new details! …
Black America is Trying to Decode Obama's Cryptic X Post About “Unfinished Business”

Black America is Trying to Decode Obama’s Cryptic X Post About “Unfinished Business”

After Obama posts cryptic message online, Black folks are divided on what this means for the future of the country …
Experts: Why Black America Needs to Embrace Bankruptcy To Protect and Grow Wealth

Experts: Why Black America Needs to Embrace Bankruptcy To Protect and Grow Wealth

Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole broke the internet— and bankruptcy stigma. Discover how Chapters 7, 11 and 13 can protect Black wealth without shame …
Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect Did This Wild Thing Just Months Before Committing Crime

Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect Did This Wild Thing Just Months Before Committing Crime

More information about the woman charged with shooting at Rihanna’s home have been released and it’s truly disturbing! …
Jack Harlow Said He Got 'Blacker' and the Internet Is Outraged

Jack Harlow Said He Got ‘Blacker’ and the Internet Is Outraged

Rapper Jack Harlow is causing a stir online with his latest admission, and some folks aren’t feeling what he’s sharing! Let’s get into it …
Zendaya Crashes A Las Vegas Wedding —and the Internet Can’t Stop Talking

Zendaya Crashes A Las Vegas Wedding —and the Internet Can’t Stop Talking

The Euphoria star shocked guests at a one-day Las Vegas pop-up chapel, unexpectedly crashing a couple’s wedding ceremony …
7 Estate Planning Steps to Take Now So Your Loved Ones Aren't Left Guessing

7 Estate Planning Steps to Take Now So Your Loved Ones Aren’t Left Guessing

Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy or elderly. We spoke with a professional to highlight practical steps anyone can take today to protect their legacy and loved ones …
Why Things Got Tense for Teyana Taylor On the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Why Things Got Tense for Teyana Taylor On the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Teyana Taylor losing Best Supporting Actress apparently wasn’t her only upset at the 2026 Oscars as seen in this testy, viral moment! …
6 Years After Breonna Taylor's Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

6 Years After Breonna Taylor’s Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

Days before the anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death, the Trump administration quietly reversed legislation which might have saved her life …
Oscars 2026 Best and Worst Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

Oscars 2026 Best and Worst Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

While ‘Sinners’ didn’t exactly sweep the awards on Sunday, the film still walked away with some major wins at the 2026 Oscars. Let’s get into it! …