Are you still listening to that same playlist you made three months ago? Is your once-favorite song causing you migraines because you keep stumbling on it on your shuffle? Here are some fresh new beats you can add to spice up your playlist and what our Entertainment writer, Diandra Ross, thinks of them.
“Climb Back” – J. Cole
“Climb Back” Is an unconventional track that contrasts with the sound of many rap songs today. The stripped down and relaxed production is akin to the hip-hop sounds of the 90s and early 2000s. Though the track clocks in at a little over five minutes, J. Cole keeps the listener on their toes by repeatedly switching up flows, holding our attention through lyrics that recount his complicated relationship to hip-hop; while he loves to practice his craft, his extended time in the spotlight has weighed on him.
“Lion King On Ice” – J. Cole
“Lion King on Ice” sees J. Cole’s return to a contemporary trap sound, channeling the more melodic hip-hop sound from artists like Drake. While on the surface, “Lion King on Ice” might seem like just another catchy song, the track is deeply personal: the Maryland rapper returns to one of his old alter egos, Young Simba, and raps about his early experiences as an artist. He evokes passion for his craft and insists that he needs to continue to prove his worth as an artist and solidify his status as a top-tier rapper. Both “Climb Back” and “Lion King on Ice” are prime examples of why J. Cole is considered one of the best lyricists in hip-hop today.
“May I” – Flo Milli
Featured on her first full-length project “Ho, why is you here?”, “May I” is a Flo Milli track that highlights the artist’s charisma and the pride she has for herself and her rap skills. The song is a catchy bop in which the Alabama rapper lightheartedly brags about how appealing she is to other men and how determined she is to make as much money as possible. As fun as the song is, Flo Milli struggles a bit with her flow, which can be distracting and sometimes seems like she can’t keep up.
“Un Dia” – J. Balvin, Dua Lipa, and Bad Bunny Feat. Tainy
“Un Dia” marks Latin music’s continued dominance in American popular music. Featuring some of today’s biggest Latin artists as well as disco-pop superstar Dua Lipa, “Un Dia” is surprisingly laid back for artists known to make high-energy dance music. With a relaxed beat and soft and intimate vocals by each artist, the track evokes a feeling of longing and nostalgia, with all of them professing their love for a former significant other who has seemingly moved on. “Un Dia” is great for easy listening, and will be a great edition to anyone’s Summer 2020 playlist.
“Cynthia” – Princess Nokia
Princess Nokia, a contemporary staple of New York’s music scene, sensually inquires about a guy over a basic trap beat on “Cynthia.” The track is little over two minutes and Nokia takes most of her time to ask questions to the man she’s interested in. She asks about his work, what he does on his down time, and what his sexual interests are. Towards the end of the track, she drops a few lines about herself and her work ethic which, despite her interest in this man, is the most important part of her life. “Cynthia” is a fun, chill track that is sure to satisfy loyal Princess Nokia fans.