This week’s best new songs (June 9) are comprised of records that motivate you to keep going. From J Hus being the latest artist to secure a Drake feature on his new track “Who Told You,” to YG, Tyga, and Blxst linking up to deliver a new West Coast Banger, to Babytron‘s “100 Bars” and Kenny Mason‘s “I GOT,” our selection assures listeners that there’s beauty in the struggle, and we’re getting closer to the summertime vibes.
J Hus – “Who Told You (feat Drake)”
J Hus has teamed up with Drake for his breezy afro-beat-centered record “Who Told You.” As J-Hus wonders who told his love interest that he doesn’t dance, J Hus admits that his efforts stem from wanting to impress her. He also breaks the stigma about tough guys being against busting a move. Elsewhere the British rapper compliments the apple of his eye, rapping, “This must be destiny, that’s why you’re next to me/You feel like ecstasy.” Drake’s verse is immersed in vulnerability. The OVO MC uses his confidant, Lilah Pi, to get his message across, saying, “Let me hold your controller, I’m not one of the controllin’ guys/I want you to touch roads with the girls dem and socialize.” In the rest of his verse, Drake shows how much he cares about his better half.
Read our top picks below:
Babytron – “100 Bars”
As the title implies, Babytron takes a distinctive approach to number counting in his latest victory-styled trap banger. Commanding attention with heavy basslines, clever metaphors, and menacing words to match, Babytron glides on the beat with not-so-light threats, a trip down memory lane, and unwavering ambition. Halfway in, the “100 Bars” beat remains grounded in trap elements but takes on a more aggressive tone. Babytron’s innovative technique makes “100 Bars” a seamless listen and sheds light on the former XXL Freshman‘s lyrical prowess. One hard-hitting bar from Babytron comes when he counts to mid-30. “Why your wrist on thirty-six? You know you lookin’ weak, guy,” he spits. “It’s thirty-seven different reasons I can’t stop hustlin’/Up the .38 and hit his top, hell nah, we not tustlin’/Why you tryna beef with me, like ain’t you thirty-nine?“
Tyga, YG, Blxst – “West Coast Weekend”
Reuniting as a trio of accomplished collaborators, Tyga, YG, and Blxst join forces to pay homage to their West Coast roots through a captivating new track. This sun-drenched banger embodies the essence of a blissful weekend spent on the radiant shores of the west coast. With its vibrant production and infectious hooks, the song effortlessly captures the exhilarating vibes that come with embracing the West Coast lifestyle.
PinkPantheress – “Angel”
Introducing the latest addition to the Barbie soundtrack, the talented PinkPantheress shares her remarkable contribution with the track titled “Angel.” Collaborating with the renowned artists BloodPop® and Count Baldor, PinkPantheress delivers a captivating musical creation. This enticing release follows the previous offerings of “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa and the dynamic collaboration between Karol G and Aldo Ranks titled “Watati.” The soundtrack is further enriched by the inclusion of brand new songs from esteemed artists such as Nicki Minaj featuring Ice Spice, Charli XCX, Lizzo, Tame Impala, Haim, and even Ryan Gosling. Mark your calendars for July 21, as the soundtrack is set to coincide with the film’s highly anticipated theatrical release.
Statik Selektah – “Limbo (feat. Russ)”
Ushering in a list of bangers from his new project Round Trip is Statik Selektah’s “Limbo (feat Russ).” The producer creates a laid-back boom-bap beat reminiscent of the golden era of hip-hop. Russ tops off the Statik Selektah production with a pristine delivery and impressive bars about being on a different frequency than others.
While his peers are content with staying stagnant, Russ works daily to “ball and evolve.” On “Limbo,” the New Jersey-based MC highlights his dedication to the pen and pad, humble beginnings, and ascension. “Planted the seeds to the trees were obstructing my view,” he raps. “I had the choice to either grow or destroy what I grew.” The 20-track offering, according to Statik’s press release, “features 37 artists mixing iconic ‘old school’ and ‘modern’ artists.”
Kenny Mason – “I GOT”
Coming straight off his project 6, “I GOT,” focuses on stacking your funds and moving in silence. Charging in with heavy bass and dark trap elements, “I GOT” finds Kenny Mason embarking on “the road to riches and ranges.” Along the way, Kenny Mason speeds past his competitors with sheer tenacity, only proving that he’s in a different lane than them. The rapper’s palpable flow, clever one-liners, and confidence only adhere to his lyrical dexterity. “I’m doing shows in different states/You see the glow, the glistenin’ chain,” he spits. “That’s how you know our positionin’ changed/Pick up the phone and hit up the bank/If we don’t hit it today.”
City Girls – “I Need A Thug”
Caresha and JT rap about what they’re looking for in their new boos in “I Need A Thug.” Interpolating LL Cool J‘s “I Need Love,” the two elaborate on the type of men they’re attracted to. Their preferences are guys who can hold their own. Moreover, City Girls prefer a suitor that “never tuck his chain, but he always got a pole tucked.” The rest of the soon-to-be-claimed summer single effortlessly hints at the bangers to come. “I Need A Thug” follows their Fabolous and Diddy-assisted record, “Act Bad.”
Zzz – “Sad And Alone (feat. Trippie Redd)”
Zzz and Trippie Redd’s emotive record, “Sad And Alone,” is about being unable to get over that special someone. In nearly three minutes, the two artists reflect on their relationships and conclude that their exes are one in a million. Zzz and Trippie Redd also rap sing about sticking by their lovers’ side through thick and thin. Their sentimental lyrics show much the two really care about their Mrs. One notable line goes, “You got my heart decaying, I can’t explain it/Even when you’re far away, far away/These girls are all the same, I can’t explain it/You’re a noose with your love, you always leave me hangin’.”
BJ The Chicago Kid – “Liquor Store In The Sky” ft. Freddie Gibbs
“My songwriting often draws from personal experiences, honoring the memory of Al Howard, a childhood best friend lost tragically in a car accident,” shares BJ The Chicago Kid. “This song resonates with anyone who has lost someone special, particularly with those who yearn for a cherished drink with their favorite person, hoping that one day they might reunite at the ‘Liquor Store In The Sky.’
Kenny Muney – “AOGG” ft. Tay Keith
Emerging from South Memphis fueled by determination, Kenny Muney shows no mercy towards those who cross him. With his crew by his side, he takes to the streets, obliterating a Tay Keith beat in his latest music video titled “AOGG.” Balancing delicately on Tay Keith’s trap instrumental with its captivating flute elements, “AOGG,” which stands for “all opps gotta go,” captures Kenny Muney declaring an all-out war against his rivals. Mocking their inadequacies, he relentlessly pursues them, boasting about his lavish wrist accessories, stating, “Yeah these rockos here on my left wrist, yeah these diamonds here macho/Your diamonds is little, no we cannot see ’em, you yelling out ‘Polo,’ we yelling out ‘Marco.'”
Aliah Sheffield – “Earth Is Ghetto”
Aliah possesses a remarkably astute perspective and worldview, which aligns perfectly with the current state of affairs in a smoldering New York City, where politicians are stripping away fundamental human rights amidst the prevailing social and political turmoil. Reflecting the prevailing chaos, her debut single titled “Earth Is Ghetto” serves as a strikingly accurate portrayal. Furthermore, her EP entitled “These Songs Are For Anyone Sick of Earth” delves into the emotions that many of us have likely experienced during these tumultuous times.
