Back again with the vibes. #nahfr
Welcome back to the second edition of “Songs of the Week”. This was a smooth week which found me listening to some smooth tunes. Hopefully you guys enjoy these songs just as much as I did. Let’s get into it.
Sk8star – “SEX (feat. Diorvsyou & Southsidesilhouette)”
I’m not familar with most of Sk8star’s work, but I’m definitely more inclined to check him out after this. On this track, he boasts about intercourse over a beat produced by the legend himself, Pierre Bourne. It’s a vibrant, summer sounding tune that contains features from two sharp frequent collaborators of his, Diorvsyou and Southsidesilhouette. The two flex promiscuous endeavors, fashion, and their lavish lifestyle. It’s a fun banger that can turn up a rooftop party at any given time.
Yung Bans & Lil Keed – “YN”
First things first, rest in peace to Lil Keed. His absence is definitely being felt within today’s hip-hop scene. His unique vocal techniques and delivery gave him the ability to float on any beat that was given to him. I’m not a huge fan of posthumous releases, but I believe this was handled way better than others. On the hook, Keed and Yung Bans reflect on their youth, giving thanks to their upbringing while also making sure you don’t forget they’ll still bring that heat. Bans finds his footing easily during his verse, riding the pocket like a wave while keeping cool like he always has. Produced by jetsonmade, Neeko Baby and Deskhop, this beat is very fun and flutey. The 808s thump and the hi-hat rolls add to it’s bounce. I love it.
R2R Moe & Highway – “PLUTO”
The best type of music will always come from a smooth rap song (#tbh). If you’re not familar with R2R Moe, he’s a rapper from Harlem, New York who blurs the line between R&B and drill. On this track though, he completely switches it up from his normal avenue and hops on a more tranquil beat produced by Kez Diddier. He’s icy as hell on this. Halfway through the track, he tags in Highway, the Seattle rapper who’s melodic stylings compliment this song greatly. I honestly never imagined these two working together, but they match each other’s energy very well.
Ken Carson – “Xposed”
Yes, I’m aware this album just came out. No, I don’t care that it just came out. If you couldn’t tell already, I’m a big Ken Carson fan. On his new release More Chaos, he ramps up the high-voltage energy that his last album A Great Chaos carried, further carving himself as a leader of the new-gen within hip-hop. Ken plays to his strengths very well all over this album, and though at some points he plays it a little safe, it’s still an enjoyable listen. This song became an instant stand out to me from my first listen. On this grunge/metal like beat that has enormous an bass pattern that will definitely blow some speakers out, Ken calls out posers who steal his style and tells those who stand against him to get their bread up. My favorite thing about Ken Carson’s music is that he always sounds unfazed by shit, while still sounding larger than life. His overwhelmingly grandiose presence forces you to be on high alert at all times, because he’s not rapping to you, he’s rapping at you like it’s a battle. The false sense of ego, degrading of those he sees as beneath him, the cringy allusions to his Satanism gimmick, the angst. It’s all worth it in this moment. This shit is hard bro.
Young Thug – “Love You More (with Nate Ruess, Gunna & Jeff Bhasker)”
I woke up one morning this week and found myself listening to Young Thug’s Punk on my way to class. Though I believe it’s on the weaker end of his catalogue, there’s still plenty of gems to be found here and I sincerely appreciate Young Thug diving into classic rock and alternative sounds for this album. It’s the type of music you’d play in the morning during a beautiful but chilly fall day while making breakfast. This leads me to “Love You More”, a heartfelt track about a lover, where Young Thug pours his heart out about the things he loves about his woman. Nate Ruess is such a great addition to this for the hook, as it’s very reminiscent of his work while he was part of Fun. Bringing on Jeff Bhasker next to Metro Boomin on production adds to all the nostalgia that this song gives off. It’s got striking piano chords that will be sure to get you in your feels. Gunna also makes an appearance, and while he doesn’t add much lyrically, I do appreciate his vocal delivery here. He’s a great singer and I just wish he added substance because I’ve heard him make songs in similar fashion. I think this song is a pretty good closer for this week’s list.