Cakes Da Killa curates a playlist inspired by “the frequency of the Black queer experience”

Welcome back to Selections, a series of artist-curated playlists from those in the know.

Cakes Da Killa (a.k.a. Rashard Bradshaw) shot to acclaim over a decade ago now, springing up in New York’s nascent queer hip-hop scene with releases like Easy Bake Oven and, later, 2016’s Hedonism and 2020’s Muvaland to name just a couple must-listen projects. Through it all, the New Jersey native has set his own pace, combining dancefloor-ready instrumentals with clever wordplay, rapid-fire delivery and provocative lyrics as he takes an unapologetic approach to his craft. Bradshaw’s sound is both innovative and infectious – as his 2022 album SVENGALI also showcases.

As you might expect then, his at-home music choices are equally diverse and thoughtfully curated, offering a musical journey that mirrors his own exploration of varied styles as well as just being an all-round good time. Speaking on his offering here, which take in artists like Rochelle Jordan, Yaya Bey and Georgia Anne Muldrow, he told us: “This playlist is filled with tracks that inspire me and get me going. Whether I’m pregaming for a night out on the town or sitting at home with a bottle of white wine… There isn’t a clear theme. This is just a well-crafted vibe inspired by the frequency of the Black queer experience.”

Next weekend (16 September) he plays alongside Alewya at London’s Southbank Centre as part of the two-weekend (9 and 16 September) Honeyverse takeover from Honey Dijon, and the vibes of the event were clearly on his mind when putting this one together. “When asked what can be expected at Honeyverse,” he begins, “Honey Dijon said, ‘Joy, fun, playfulness, a sense of discovery, sensuality, a bit of debauchery and some sass’. This playlist runs in that same vein.”

Who can say no to that? Dig in below.