In 2016, I have made it a resolution to listen to my “Discover” playlist on Spotify as much as possible and go through as many “Recommend a band I’d like if I like X” online discussion boards as possible. As a member of the WRUR, the University of Rochester’s only student-led radio station, I also get a lot of recommendations from fellow jockeys, and I try to check out anything given to me, from indie folk to South African grime. I love finding hidden gems, old throwbacks and popular tracks I’ve sleeping on, and I love sharing them with others. So with that said, here are six bands I’ve been listening to in 2016 for the hip-hop loving, funky sadboy in you.
6. Lolawolf
Featured song: "Jimmy Franco"
A beautiful mix of R&B, electropop, and hip hop, Lolawolf brings the hits with their fun and meaningful style delivered by frontwoman Zoë Kravitz. And yes, she is indeed Lenny Kravtiz’s daughter, and shares her father’s passion for music and creative expression. Lolawolf blends vulgarity and sensuality to deliver memorable songs about loss, love and the feelings that come after. Perfect for your next “I’m a f*cking strong, sad independent person.”
5. Kacy Hill
Featured song: "Foreign Fields"
Sometimes you can find really good dream pop on a Travi$ Scott album. I discovered Kacy Hill’s music from her feature of Scott’s track “90210” off of “Rodeo.” Originally a model for American Apparel, Hill is one of the many artists discovered and signed by Kanye West’s “GOOD Music.” Her 2015 album “Bloo” is filled with flowing piano and synth melodies and Hill’s echoing, ethereal voice. Kacy Hill is your go to girl for your night driving playlist (which you should have).
4. $uicideboy$
Featured track: "Paris"
I have never done lean. I have never handled an illegal firearm. I grew up in a middle class, Christian neighborhood. I have never worshiped the Devil. I have absolutely no way of relating to rap duo $uicideboys$.
But damn, do I love them.
Heavily influenced by the Three Six Mafia, Ruby and $uicide Christ are part of a growing underground of hip hop that features heavy, trap beats and dark, disturbing imagery. Yes, these are guys that made “South Side $uicide,” that song that gets used in a lot of "Trap" joke videos. However, their aggressive, powerful beats never cease to get my way too hyped when I’m writing papers, and I am proud to be a completely unironic fan who will probably never see them in person for fear of selling my soul to Satan.
3. Foxing
Featured track: "Inuit"
Deeply reflective indie post-rock is an important niche for the modern sadboy such as myself. Their 2013 album “The Albatross” has been in my current rotation for about a week now, and I cannot get enough of their hit track, “The Medic.” The high-pitched vocals and poetic lyrics are perfect for long drives in fall weather, and fans of “The World is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die” should be on the lookout for this group, as they are old touring buddies.
2. Fat Night
Featured Track: "Sun Go Down"
I discovered “Fat Night” from Viner Gabriel Gundacker, one of the members the band, which can only be described through their Bandcamp description:
“Some wild jivin' cats got together in the evenin'. Was some funky kind of music on which they were feastin'. Each new full moon these cats would conspire, maan them grooves would reach higher like fire. If your ears are startled, don't be scared, take a bite.”
Fat Night is a fun musical experience that evokes a summer vibe full of nostalgia and smooth jams. Put these guys in your “Hanging out with friends” playlist and let the good times roll.
1. Moose Blood
Featured Track: "Gum"
British emo group Moose Blood's “I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time” is the perfect album for anyone who grew up in a small town and have romanticized their senior year of high school. All jokes aside, Moose Blood exemplifies everything I love about modern alternative rock, with pounding power chords and tracks that build towards explosive choruses that just make you want to jump up and down and remember old friends and late nights. Moose Blood should definitely be in your current sadboy que, right next to American Football.
