The Lebanese Imad Royal, uses his brief experience as a refugee to add some gravity and a refreshingly lighthearted spirit to his music.Imad’s first single of the year, Down For Whatever, infuses ’80s pop into his record with a glossy finish from his sugary falsetto vocals. New Orleans’ rapper, Pell, and his down to earth lyrics, are a welcomed fizz to the champagne bubbly xylophone chords and hi-hats, ultimately raising the song to a new height.

Patrick Funom is the Editor In Chief of 8Pounds.com