Created in late 2024, the “Submitted For Your Approval” playlist series has been featuring music sent to us directly via social media and email submission, showcasing the untapped and ever-growing community of the true independent musician. This is the 8th edition of the playlist. If you missed any of the previous editions of this series, you could catch up on our newly updated Submitted For Your Approval Page. The music featured on these playlists have been submitted to us personally, either through our social media pages or via our Music Submission Page on the website.
If you are new to Expand Your Playlist, welcome! Our mission is to help you, the music fan and listener, to open your eyes and ears to music that is not widely played and featured on mainstream media. We are here to introduce you to musicians from various genres and walks of life that may not get the airplay and attention they deserve. Like always, we are always here to help you Expand your Playlist!
THE POWERBEAT CONTINUES
Curated by Ed Gomez
This special edition of “Submitted For Your Approval” shines a spotlight on music genres we rarely feature—Hip Hop, R&B, and Rap. As part of our EYP music series, “The Powerbeat,” this edition highlights submissions from these genres. While they’re not often featured due to my limited expertise in them, I appreciate good music when I hear it. This is our effort to curate a Hip Hop, R&B, and Rap playlist.
The goal of this playlist series is to introduce you to new sounds and talented musicians who are either just starting out or waiting for their big break. While this platform will never be famous enough for launching careers, we’d be thrilled to be the starting point.
Welcome to “Submitted For Your Approval”!
We hope you not only enjoy the music we selected for this playlist but that you enjoy our new format in which we are presenting these songs to you as you scroll below. If you have any questions or if you would like to submit music to be on a future EYP playlist, message us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X) @eyplaylist or email us at expandyourplaylist@yahoo.com.
PLAYLIST: SUBMITTED FOR YOUR APPROVAL #11
Spotify – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter – Threads
10 Songs – 42 minutes, 53 seconds
Genres: Indie, Pop, Electronic, Hip Hop, Rap, R&B
PLAYLIST BREAKDOWN
NEW TO EYP
EYP STAPLE ARTISTS
This denotes first time Bands & Artists.
This denotes artists who have been featured on EYP for more than 10 times.
J EDEN
“Dance Through the Waves”
@j_eden_official
NEW TO EYP
J Eden is an emerging musical artist making waves in the English-language music scene. Known for blending soothing melodies with energetic beats, J Eden’s style reflects a modern yet emotionally rich approach to pop and electronic music.
“Dance Through the Waves” is one of J Eden’s standout singles, released on August 28, 2025. The track showcases a vibrant mix of rhythm and lyrical depth. It’s described as a song full of emotion and rich musical arrangements, capturing both serenity and movement—like dancing on the shoreline of a dream.
RAEDAE
“Sweet Dreams”
@hayraedae
NEW TO EYP
RaeDae is a rising musical artist known for crafting emotionally resonant tracks that blend smooth vocals with modern production. Their style leans into contemporary pop with hints of R&B and electronic textures, creating a sound that’s both intimate and atmospheric. “Sweet Dreams” is a single released by RaeDae on August 17, 2025. The song is available on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Amazon Music. It features heartfelt lyrics and rich musical arrangements, offering listeners a dreamy escape through sound.
A DFRNT WRLD
“WYA”
@itsadfrntwrld
NEW TO EYP
A DFRNT WRLD is a contemporary music group known for blending alternative pop, hip-hop, and electronic influences into a genre-defying sound. Their name reflects a creative ethos—embracing difference and pushing boundaries in both style and storytelling.
“WYA” (short for “Where You At”) is one of their standout tracks, released in 2025. The song explores themes of longing, digital connection, and emotional distance, wrapped in a sleek production that mixes moody synths with rhythmic vocals. It’s a sonic reflection of modern relationships—where presence and absence blur across screens and signals.
TEWAHEDO
“Piece of Mind”
@tewahedoband
Tewahedo is a vibrant band known for its soulful and genre-blending sound, often described as “freedom music.” Their style fuses elements of reggae, rock, and world music, creating a rich, emotionally charged experience that resonates with themes of liberation, unity, and introspection.
“Piece of Mind” is one of their standout singles, released in 2024. The song carries a heartfelt message and showcases the band’s signature blend of rhythmic grooves and lyrical depth. According to the band, they poured “so much energy and love into this project,” and it’s clear from the track’s warm reception that listeners feel that passion
DEVINE
“No Ceilings”
@devine.evolution
NEW TO EYP
Devine is an indie musical artist whose work blends raw emotion with genre-crossing sounds, often touching on themes of pain, healing, and self-discovery. Her style incorporates elements of R&B, soul, afrobeat, and hip-hop, creating a deeply personal and atmospheric listening experience.
“No Ceilings” is a standout track from her 2023 project “Chaotic Desire“, released under 4956200 Records DK. The song channels a powerful narrative of emotional release and spiritual growth. Devine describes it as “a raw testament of pain processing and preparing to leave my spirit,” suggesting a journey from inner turmoil toward clarity and freedom.
SYSIA DaNAE
“Vibe”
@sysiadanae
NEW TO EYP
Sysia DaNae is a rising R&B artist based in Dallas, Texas, known for her smooth vocals, confident delivery, and genre-blending style that fuses old-school soul with modern trap and pop influences. Despite being just 16 years old, she’s already turning heads with her melodic choices and stage presence, earning praise for her emotional depth and vocal control.
“Vibe” is her latest single, described as a hypnotic blend of R&B and pop that transports listeners to another dimension. The track features silky vocals and an infectious beat, showcasing her ability to create immersive, mood-driven music. You can watch the official video on YouTube or stream her other tracks like “House Party,” “True Story,” and “B.A.B.Y” on SoundCloud.
BENNY SMOKE
“Affirmations”
@thebennysmoke
NEW TO EYP
Benny Smoke is a fresh voice in the music scene, making his debut with the single “Affirmations”, released on April 11, 2025. The track is available worldwide on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, SoundCloud, and Gaana.
“Affirmations” is a bold and introspective anthem that blends smooth production with empowering lyrics. Composed by Ruben Garcia and released under Act Bad Records, the song reflects Benny Smoke’s commitment to self-expression and mental clarity. The official lyric visualizer is also available on YouTube, located below.
SAM JAY ft. SMOOVE QUOTES
“Michael Ray”
@samjaydnvr
NEW TO EYP
Sam Jay is a Denver-based musician whose work blends raw storytelling with atmospheric beats and introspective lyrics. His style leans into hip-hop and spoken word, often exploring personal themes with emotional depth and poetic flair.
“Michael Ray” is a 2025 single featuring Smoove Quotes, released under State of Grace LLC. The track showcases Sam Jay’s signature blend of expressive lyricism and moody production, offering a reflective narrative that resonates with listeners seeking authenticity and soul. You can stream it on TIDAL and YouTube Music, or watch the official video on YouTube.
ROYALÉ MICHAEL
“Look Who Laughing Now”
@royalemichael
NEW TO EYP
Royalé Michael is a dynamic musical artist known for blending introspective lyricism with genre-bending production. His work spans hip-hop, R&B, and experimental sounds, often exploring themes of resilience, identity, and transformation.
“Look Who Laughing Now” is a standout track from his 2025 album POE, released on June 15. The song delivers a confident, reflective message—flipping past struggles into triumph with a tone that’s both gritty and triumphant. It’s part of a broader project that includes tracks like “FOE,” “Voiceless,” and “Midnight 2 Motown,” showcasing Royalé Michael’s range and emotional depth.
LETREVIOUS
“Slope”
@therealletrevious
NEW TO EYP
Letrevious is an independent artist whose music blends raw emotion with lyrical storytelling, often touching on themes of perseverance, identity, and personal growth. His style leans into hip-hop and spoken word, with a gritty, introspective edge.
“Slope” is one of his standout tracks, released in 2025 and available on platforms like Spotify. The song carries a reflective tone, likely exploring the ups and downs of life—hence the metaphor of a “slope.” While the full lyrics aren’t publicly available, the title and Letrevious’s past work suggest a narrative of navigating challenges and finding balance.
RECOMMENDED PAST PLAYLISTS
SUBMITTED FOR YOUR APPROVAL #9 – VOL. 1 (2024 – 2025)
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SUBMITTED FOR YOUR APPROVAL #7 – VOL. 1 (2024 – 2025)
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SUBMITTED FOR YOUR APPROVAL #4 – VOL. 1 (2024 – 2025)
SUBMITTED FOR YOUR APPROVAL #3 – VOL. 1 (2024 – 2025)
SUBMITTED FOR YOUR APPROVAL – VOLUME ONE (2024 – 2025)
EYP RADIO: THE SONGS OF 2025
If you are a musician or in a band, or you represent a band and would like us to feature their music on a future playlist of Expand Your Playlist, simply just send us a message on social media, we are on Twitter (X), Instagram, Threads, and Facebook under @eyplaylist, or E-Mail us at expandyourplaylist@yahoo.com. Please include a link to the music, preferably on Spotify. All other formats and links are also accepted.
Hello everyone! I’m Ed from Expand Your Playlist. Join me as I navigate the vast online world and music algorithms in search of fresh tunes. Nine years into this quest, I’m dedicated to discovering underplayed artists, independent talents, and new tracks that deserve airtime. My goal is to Expand My Playlist without charging for inclusion or excluding based on follower count. Our playlists are more than just a collection of songs for views, likes, or streams. They are thoughtfully compiled on Spotify and through our blog posts, offering you, the listener, an exceptional playlist experience to uncover new music and, in turn, Expand Your Playlist!
Thank You and Enjoy!
Ed Gomez
Expand Your Playlist Creator
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