New (local) Flava in Ya Ear

Last month, the world lost Craig Mack, the first artist to release music for Bad Boy Entertainment. Although he never reached the success of other artists on Sean "Diddy" Combs' label, his contribution as a rapper helped pave the way for a label and team that proved to be an influential force in hip-hop for many years to come. Also, Mack left us with a great rap song in his 1994 release, "Flava in Ya Ear."

Years later, the number of artists releasing new flavor for our ears has increased exponentially. And with the multitude of outlets releasing new music these days, along with the variety of genres, it can be overwhelming to try to keep up. To add to the excitement, the music scene in Chattanooga seems to be busting at the seams with more and more artists coming out the woodwork and offering new music every time you turn around.

Here are a few especially flavorful new releases from Chattanooga artists:

Rye Baby

On Valentine's Day, Americana duo Rye Baby fittingly released its rowdy single, "Doomsday Wedding." Although there are only two members in Rye Baby, they produce the sound of a much larger band, with twangy vocals, toe-tapping percussion and guitar licks that are sure to move you.

SWAYYVO

Later that month, on Feb. 27, hip-hop artist Swayyvo dropped his new single, "Heaven on Earth." Known for his rapping and saxophone skills, Swayyvo shows yet another side with "Heaven on Earth," a surprising, laid-back R&B track that highlights his smooth vocals.

Nick Lutsko

Then, on March 9, Nick Lutsko decided to give listeners a treat with his upbeat new single, "Grinning Like a Barracuda." Making his mark on the Chattanooga music scene with his pop-influenced style of alternative rock, he has proven to be a force with his theatrical live shows and songs that get stuck in your head, and "Grinning Like a Barracuda" is no different.

New-music playlist:

"King of Alabama" by Brent Cobb

"Backstreets" by Shannon and The Clams

"Kelly's Bar" by Trampled by Turtles

"No Guarantees" by Cody Jinks

"Doomsday Wedding" by Rye Baby

"Last Man Standing" by Willie Nelson

"Nice And Quiet" by Bedouine

"The Joke" by Brandi Carlile

"Heaven on Earth" by Swayyvo

"Bet Ain't Worth the Hand" by Leon Bridges

"Give My Body Back" by The Low Anthem

"If We Were Vampires" by Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit

"Grinning Like a Barracuda" by Nick Lutsko

"Get Out" by CHVRCHES

"Once in My Life" by The Decemberists

"Lies I Chose to Believe" by John Moreland

Stay tuned for these upcoming shows:

A driving force in the new, refreshing crop of outlaw country, Denton, Texas-based Cody Jinks will make his Chattanooga debut at The Signal, performing two nights: Friday 4/6 and Saturday 4/7.

On tour in support of her brand-new album "By the Way, I Forgive You," folk-rock artist Brandi Carlile will perform at The Caverns in nearby Pelham, Tenn., on Friday 4/20 for a taping of PBS' "Bluegrass Underground."

A Chattanooga favorite and a leader in Americana music, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit will return to the Tivoli Theatre for a performance on Sunday 4/22.

Singer-songwriter John Moreland is on tour with Deer Tick, and they will make their stop in Chattanooga on Wednesday 4/25 for a show at Songbirds Guitar Museum.