“Chewing Gum” by Blood Orange
In Blood Orange’s latest laid back album, “Negro Swan,” one of the more lively songs “Chewing Gum” is all about being tired. Devonte Hynes spends most of the song repeatedly asking “what do you want from me?” as if someone is constantly asking hims for more and more stuff that he’s just tired of supplying. A$AP Rocky contributes nicely with a Frank Ocean esque feature that’s just catchy as hell.
“breathin” by Ariana Grande
In another run of the mill pop ballad filled Ariana album, “breathin” is one of the most attention demanding songs. In what seems like a note to self song about staying calm and bringing one’s self back down to earth, Ariana vocally seems near the edge of a break down during the delivery of the track’s hook. It’s a much welcomed fresh track that is sure to control the radio waves in the coming fall months.
“Barbie Dreams” by Nicki Minaj
With a lifted beat from Notorious B.I.G’s “Just Playing” Nicki takes to burning bridges left and right. With just four minutes Nicki finds time to diss almost everyone in the Hip Hop community, it’s a cheeky, blush worthy track that kept the internet talking for days. One of Nicki’s most attention grabbing lyrics came in the form of a lyrical bullet aimed at Young Thug “Used to f**k with Young Thug, I ain’t addressin’ this s***t/ Caught him in my dressing room, stealin’ dresses and sh*t.”
“Animal” by Troye Sivan
In what is a self described “profession of love” Troye Sivan finally breaks out of his dance hall hits stage, and creates a sonic world all his own. “Animal’s” bridge finds Troye delivering short lines while audibly switching from one set of voice alterations to another. It’s a dream like confessional that makes you look back to lighter, happier and simpler time in one's life.
“STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” by Travis Scott
The latest album by Travis Scott, “Astroworld” is whimsical and curious place filled with songs about drugs andsex, usual Travis Scott topics. In one of “Astroworld’s” most captivating songs, we find an uncharacteristically somber Travis rapping about staying true to one’s self. Travis enlists aid from Kid Cudi, James Blake, Philip Bailey and Stevie Wonder to create a lo-fi slow burning song that’s worth every replay.
“Wings” by Mac Miller
The late recording-artist’s last album, “Swimming” drowns in themes of self-care and growth, with “Wings” being no different. The late Mac Miller raps lightly over a airy trackabout his almost healed heart, expressing his positivity looking toward what the future would hold. Mac expresses his confidence and solidarity within himself singing “never felt so damn good with where I’m at.”
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“Juno” by Choker
21-year-old, Michigan based recording artist, Choker followed up his debut studio album with another phenomenal project, “Honeybloom.” The album makes for an easy listening experience with shifts in candance and tones throughout the entire project. The track “Juno” features an auto-tuned Choker signing over simple guitar strums shifting back and forth from simple to a track full of drums, Choker’s raw vocals and background vocals.
“SHINE” by Aminé
Off of his latest album “ONEPOINTFIVE,” Aminé exchanges his normally energetic-rapping for a slower paced affectionate song about his growing feelings for a girl he’s not sure he can keep. The bass heavy beat is guided by Aminé’s soft vocals during the chorus but driven by his quicker cadence throughout the song.
Colton Newman is the photo editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted by email at photoeditor@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Coltonperson.
Shayla Cunico is the culture editor and music editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @ShaylaCunico.
