If you know me, you know I’m immoderately in love with music. I get it from my pops. He was a boss-ass DJ in Korea back in the days, so I grew up listening to all sorts of amazing artists. I don’t shy away from any genre, but I’m attracted to tracks with heavy bass and unconventional beats.
Here’s what I’m nodding to this week:
“What Really Goes On” – A Tribe Called Quest
First and foremost, R.I.P. Phife Dawg, our “five-foot freak.”
“Cut You Off (To Grow Closer)” – Kendrick Lamar
This is quite a hidden gem on Kendrick’s first mixtape, “Overly Dedicated.” When it debuted, Kendrick was only 23-years-old–still a young boy from Compton. Yet, his lyricism has stayed true throughout the years. He raps about cutting off the negative energies from his girlfriend, friends and even family in hopes of bettering himself. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
The chorus cracks me up: “everytime you come around, you be hollerin’ that whoop de whoop, blah ze blaaaah. he say/she say, oh my god, shut the fuck up!”
“Might Be” – Anderson Paak
Like Kendrick, Anderson Paak also reps Compton. He fell in love with music when he was the drummer in his church band. This track’s from his first album “Venice” and it’s hella smooth and jazzy. The sampling and cuts throughout the song are clever and deliberate. Anderson’s flow and unique voice really shine.
“Come and See Me” – PARTYNEXTDOOR feat. Drake
With the crispy hi-hats and snare, along with PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake’s buttery voices, this new single is a 10/10 for me. This song explores one-sided relationships, or every relationship eventually. Me? Bitter? Nah.
“Too Deep” – dvsn
Dvsn (pronounced “division”) is a Canadian R&B duo, composed of singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85. They are signed to Drake’s OVO Sound record label. This sexy track immediately slaps you in the face with the insane bass. Love it. Put it on repeat the next time you…you know.
“G.O.M.D.” – J.Cole
AKA “get off my dick.” This song is a huge “fuuuuuuck you” to all the haters and those who doubted you. This track gets me so hyped that I almost want to get in a fight when listening to it on my way to class. Listen with caution. The ante is #real.
“P&P 1.5” – Kendrick Lamar
I can’t get enough of Kendrick lately. Another track off of “Overly Dedicated” and another acronym. This one means “Pussy & Patron.” I guess it balances out J.Cole’s “G.O.M.D.” When you’re stressed, you need an outlet. For Kendrick, he vouches for “P&P.” See for yourself.
“Fingerprints” – Hiatus Kaiyote
I’m gradually shifting from hip-hop to neo-soul and jazz. This is one of my favorite bands right now. They’re from Australia, and I love Nai Palm’s incredibly soothing voice.
“Poison” – Rocket Juice & the Moon (feat. Damon Albarn)
The syncopated drums and the bass line made me a fan instantly. I can’t stop singing the chorus. Super catchy.
“When We Get By” – D’Angelo
Can’t go wrong with D’Angelo. Love this track. It has a nice swing rhythm and a groovy bass guitar line that runs throughout the song.
“Made to Stray” – Mount Kimbie
When I first heard this song, I though it was just bizarre and strange. But, for some reason I found myself repeatedly returning to it. The build-up lasts for about 2 minutes and every second is worth it. It’s not a sudden shift, but one that is so harmonious that you barely even notice that something has changed.
“Everybody Knows” – SBTRK
Off of SBTRKT’s album, “Wonder Where We Land.” I would describe SBTRKT’s music as “avant-garde EDM.” He’s not afraid to push the boundaries of unconventional beats and melodies–perhaps too much, at times. But I dig the detailed and meticulous layering in this track. SBTRKT definitely does not “subtract” anything.
“Made in Hollywood” – LANY
Cheesy lyrics, but I love the sound of that retro 80s snare. Reminds me of the beginning of Whitney Houston’s classic “I Wanna Love Somebody.” I plan to blast this on repeat while driving next to the beach this summer.
“All Night” – SG Lewis feat. Dornik
Dornik’s voice is scary similar to that of Michael Jackson. It’s a sexy, groovy disco track to nod your head to all night.
“Home” – Tom Misch
Can somebody seriously help me get Tom Misch’s guitar sound?! It’s so warm and luscious. Tom Misch’s beats are heavily influenced by J.Dilla, “The King of Beats,” and it is evident throughout almost all his tracks. Simple, heavy-hitting snares with unusual, bass-heavy rhythms running through.
“Touch” – Shura
I waited almost more than a year for this track to finally be available on Spotify. A song for the dregs of love left behind a break-up. Check out the music video on YouTube! Super beautiful MV for an equally beautiful (and heart-wrenching) song.
“Sound & Color” – Alabama Shakes
With a church organ intro, this soulful song comes to life with the xylophones and Brittany Howard’s crackly voice.
Go ahead. Give these tracks a listen or five.
Cover image: Tal Atlas, under Creative Commons Licensing
No Comments