With all the major releases from the pioneers of the 2010s decade, 2016 has most certainly so far been a great year for music. From Kanye West’s effortless classic “The Life of Pablo”, Beyonce’s controversial yet socially political, critically acclaimed visual album “Lemonade”, Drake’s long awaited “Views”, and to Rihanna’s most compelling effort to date, “Anti”; who could imagine any other releases that could top as such. But mind you the year isn’t over yet, and surprisingly we have a vast majority of new releases that could make the pioneers make way for a little wiggle room. Here are this week’s best new tracks that will for sure make their way into your summer’s playlist.
“In Common- Alicia Keys”
It’s been five years since her last musical effort “Girl on Fire”, and there is no better way to make a comeback by taking the “Minimalistic” route. This year so far has been quite the comeback season for Dancehall and Reggae, with singles such as Rihanna’s “Work” and Drake’s “Controlla” it’s clear that this year is the year for revival for both genres, and this single is worthy of fitting along in that line. The song is a huge departure set aside from her Traditional R&B sound; it’s influenced by dancehall, Latin house and Afro beat. Lyrically the song talks about similarities being made amongst two lovers, while wallowing in one’s insecurity. They are often led to believe that since they have too much in common they are bereft of mystery. Her new album in which the title has yet to be revealed, will be making its’ debut in the summer of 2016, until then this single will definitely be occupying your playlists.
“Got It Good- KAYTRANADA feat. Craig David”
From his popular remix of Janet Jackson’s “If” and to his debut album being one of the most critically acclaimed debuts made by a producer of the year, here’s why this particular song from “99.9%” made the “Best New Tracks” list. KAYTRANADA’s “99.9%” proves that he isn’t just a popular Soundcloud DJ, tracks such as “Got It Good” featuring Multi-platinum British singer Craig David proves that he has since ascended much higher than such a status. The track consists of a heavy bass line much reminiscent of his collaborative track with GoldLink on “Sober Thoughts”, with background vocals of what sounds as if consists of foreign playful chants. Let's cross our fingers that KAYTRANADA gets the recognition he deserves for such a Grammy worthy production.
“My Blood- AlunaGeorge feat. Zhu”
You may have heard them due to their cross-over sleeper hit “You Know You Like It” remixed by DJ Snake (Who’s most known for his Grammy Nominated single “Turn Down For What”), well this time they’re back with a spacey alternative mid-tempo number called “My Blood” featuring frequent collaborator Electronic music artist Zhu. Regarding their recent singles “I’m In Control” featuring dancehall musician Popcaan and the album titled track “I Remember” featuring EDM artist Flume, their sophomore album is definitely something to look forward to, due to be released mid-2016.
“THat Part- Schoolboy Q feat. Kanye West”
Ever since Kanye West tweeted “@SchoolboyQ GET TOP DAWG ON THE PHONE !” question marks were left in the air, fans fingers were racing as they tweeted, trying to make the best assumptions they possibly could. Who would’ve ever thought on that exact same day later on that night they would be dropping one of the most unexpected collabs of the year. “THat Part” just like his recent buzz single “Groovy Tony” is an ode to his signature west coast sound, and of course as always his sinister delivery backed up by his sinister production that makes his songs much memorable. Kanye takes the cake with lines such as “Beggars can’t be choosers b*tch this ain’t Chipotle” and “Walkin livin legend, man I feel like Kobe, I just left the strip club, got some glitter on me, Wifey gonna kill me, she the female OJ. “ Q definitely made the right decision using “The Life of Pablo” Rapper as a feature for this sure to be hit single.
“Juke Jam- Chance The Rapper feat. Justin Bieber & Towkio”
After being listed under the “Hip-Hop Cash Princes” of 2014 with only 500,000 downloads on Datpiff and unauthorized sales on Itunes and Amazon that allowed his debut mixtape to chart on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album Chart (which is pretty rare for a mixtape with no support from a label), and being featured on a Justin Bieber track that debuted into the top 50? The Blueprint for "How to be a successful Independent Musician" never paved the way so smoothly for an artist such as Chance The Rapper, who released his third mixtape that has a particular single we know is going to be a “Couple’s favorite” at numerous “Kick Back’s” this summer. The Track “Juke Jam” assisted by Pop singer Justin Bieber, and Newcomer Towkio (also a Chicago Native), is an R&B Sultry track that’s almost reminiscent of an R. Kelly Slow jam, with guitar riffs that sound similar to a stripped down version of what could be a Stephen Marley or Wyclef Jean song. Chance spits lines such as “Your big brother foot work, your play sister Juke” and “too worried bout Frooties and Chews, Til I found out all the shawties with cooties was cute and realized what booties can do” that would for sure create a sense of acute nostalgia for any other Chicago native that remembers being at their first Juke Jam. This song should definitely be crowned as the modern day slow jam.
“Come And See Badu (Remix)- PartyNextDoor feat. Erykah Badu
These days you can catch Erykah Badu on the headlines of numerous websites and blogs for dropping a remix or cover that makes you want to light an incense and appreciate her “Baduizm” and “New Amerykah” Days, not to mention that they actually turn out to be much better than the originals. From re-working Drake’s “Hotline Bling”, and Wintertime’s “Thru It All”; she’s now moved on to PartyNextDoor’s debut single “Come And See Me” from his debut album due to be out this year; remixing and renaming it to “Come And See Badu” and as expected, it’s just "Wright". The Alternative R&B ballad is definitely an ear pleaser, and with Erykah Badu putting her soulful spin on the track it’s perfect for those late night vibes.
