The best new drops from the week of May 31.
Remixd Magazine’s best new songs this week include some bangers you’ll want to add to your playlist. From Eminem‘s “Houdini” to AR Paisley‘s “M.I.A (feat. Ali Gatie)” we’re certain that our picks will be kept on repeat.
Read our selections below:
Eminem – “Houdini”
Eminem induces nostalgic vibes through his brand-new single “Houdini.” The song’s title, which signifies a magic trick, is a potential play on the rap legend’s retirement in the hip-hop industry. The start of “Houdini” even interpolates the refrain from his 2002 single “Without Me.” Within minutes, Eminem musically portrays his alter-ego Slim Shady and delivers clever one-liners that detail his come-up, impressive rhyme schemes, and more. Em then throws an entendre about Megan Thee Stallion being shot in the foot by Tory Lanez in 2020. Similarly, the Detroit MC requests to be featured on a record the Hot Girl drops in the future. “If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me/Would I really have a shot at a feat?” he rhymes.
By the second verse, Em gets personal with listeners as he speaks on his former drug addiction. From there, the rapper touches on opinions about his music being unfit for certain age groups. “My s**t may not be age-appropriate/But I will hit an 8-year-old in the face with a participation trophy,” he delivers. “‘Cause I have zero doubts, that this whole world’s ’bout to turn into some girl scouts/That censorship bureau’s out to shut me down.” Before “Houdini” ends, Eminem hints that more rappers should apply pressure.
“Houdini” comes ahead of Em’s upcoming LP, The Death of Slim Shady (Coupe de Grâce).
Lay Bankz – “WOULD YOU?”
Lay Bankz wonders if her loved ones will stick around through thick and thin in her Jersey Club meets R&B offering “WOULD YOU?” As the beat sounds off, the versatile Philly artist questions the extent of someone’s love for her. She asks this individual if they’d view her differently based on making certain life choices they might disagree with. “If I had an only fans/If I used to date your man,” Lay Bankz sings. “If I twerked on Instagram/If I fall out with your fam/Would you love me?”
The billboard-charting artist suggests that although she’s not perfect, having her in your corner is worth it. She hopes this individual can accept her flaws and all.
Additionally, the rapper-singer expresses that she’ll always be unapologetically herself. Lay Bankz rhymes, “N**** I talk back/I do not sit back/Do what I want/No I do not ask/If you apologize.” Lay Bankz’s emotionally charged single comes off her new project, After 7, which includes a feature from BEAM.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – “Kaleidoscope (feat. Travis Thompson)”
Canadian rap duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids reflect on how they beat the odds set against them in their trap meets pop single “Kaleidoscope (feat. Travis Thompson).” The song highlights not only the three rappers’ strong will but their relentless hustling and gratitude as well. Similarly, “Kaleidoscope” encourages listeners never to give up. Lyrics like “Tighten up lil’ soldier/It’s a world outside that need conquered” give others the push they need to keep chasing their dreams. Snotty Nose Rez Kids and Travis Thompson invite bystanders to walk a mile in their shoes. “I see through kaleidoscopes/I’ve been in survival mode,” the song’s chorus goes. “Had to take the long way/Ain’t no telling when I get home/Come and visit my world, yah.” The rap group’s Red Future album is scheduled to be released on Sept. 13.
Mai Lee – “Von (Love Me Like The First Time)”
Mai Lee alludes that she wants that old thing back in her R&B kissed single “Von (Love Me Like The First Time).” The singer starts the record off by reminiscing about the good moments they once shared. The lyrics suggest that Mai Lee and her partner were crazy about each other at the beginning of their relationship. “Matching, matching outfits/We be swaggin hard,” she croons. “Special ring tone when my baby called/I was riding with you when you caught your charge.”
In the chorus, Mai Lee expresses that she wants to reignite the spark in her relationship. Before the song ends, the Vietnamese R&B/Pop artist thinks back on the highs and lows she experienced with her beau. Despite his troubled past, Mai Lee chooses to stay by their side because of their love for each other. The depths of her devotion are reflected in the following lines: “Got yo name tatted/Know that s**t for life.”
AR Paisley – “M.I.A (feat. Ali Gatie)”
AR Paisley and Ali Gatie wonder why a certain someone switched up on them in their alternative R&B trap offering “M.I.A.” The song not only illustrates a shift in a romantic relationship but also gives couples more insight into how to communicate more efficiently. Through a storytelling cadence, AR Paisley raps “Yeah we had our love but didn’t have trust/It wasn’t enough/And now I’m just stuck/It’s all about you and it’s not about us.” In the rest of “M.I.A,” AR Paisley strategizes how they’ll move on from their partner. The Toronto rhymer gives her grace as they learn to detach from one another.
C Stunna – “Lose Control (feat. Real Boston Richey)”
The menacing trap cut “Lose Control” finds C Stunna dropping flex-worthy rhymes about getting to the bag, his exotic whips, impressive ice, charm, and more. For example, C Stunna spits, “Stunna heavy yammin’, but I can take you where they get it sold/Ayy, ridin’ through my hood, you stop, check in like we control the tolls
Used to gettin’ s**t up out the mud, so I don’t want for s**t.” Real Boston Richey mirrors C Stunna’s energy as he glides on the beat about his money-making methods and steer clear focus on succeeding. Lyrics like “N***a, I balled the winter, spring, and fall, I ain’t waitin’ on no f**kin’ summer” brings the narrative home.
North Star Boys – “Bug”
North Star Boys‘ summery offering “Bug” finds the dynamic music group detailing their infatuation for a special someone who makes “love easy to do.” In a matter of minutes, North Star Boys compares their passionate feelings to being nipped by the lovebug. Comprised of members Oliver, Sebastian, Justin, Ryan, Kane, Darren, and Regie, the North Star Boys illustrate how much they adore this person, saying they’d do whatever it takes to keep them happy. Lyrics like “Tell me what I should do/I’d risk it all for you” and “And you know that you call me baby/those eyes, pull me closer” highlight the song’s theme. The couple’s first encounter is revealed toward the end of the song. According to the lyrics, the musicians met their perfect match on a social and dating app for the Asian community called Yuzo, which can be downloaded here.
