With a lot of time spent at home, I’ve had even more time to listen to music. (Even though I’m constantly looking for new albums to listen to and add to my playlist) However, when I’m studying or doing my homework — when I’m not procrastinating, I’m working on it leave me alone —there are some go-to songs that will always be non-skips.
“Depper” – Freddie Gibbs
“Deeper” is a track that always hits. The beat, the vocals, and the storytelling make this a top tier track that will never be skipped.
“Polaris” – Blue Encount
Even though a Japanese-rock track might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the vocals and the riffs on this track will always get a play from me.
“Camelot” – NLE Choppa
It’s just a banger with dope delivery from NLE Choppa. Nothing really else to say
“Carry On” – Statik Selektah, Joey Bada$$, Freddie Gibbs
The fabled production from Stakik Selektah, in addition to the lyrics from two of the very best rappers in the industry today, make this track a must-listen. Never going to be skipped by me.
“Sugar” – BROCKHAMPTON
As long as you don’t get to into your feels while listening to this song, it’s a perfect song to listen to in the background while doing homework and studying. The remix featuring Dua Lipa is also incredible.
“Swimming Pools (Drank) – Black Happy Remix” – Black Happy
Even though the original is just as amazing, I’ve always preferred the remix featuring Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and ScHoolboy Q. The song is just a classic in every sense of the word.
“Diva Remix” – Kevin Gates feat. Don Toliver
The original track with Don Toliver is already a club ballad, but featuring Kevin Gates gruff vocals just adds another layer to it that is great to listen to.
“Broken Rollie” – August Alsina
Even though he may be more widely known now for his – ahem – “entanglements” than his music, August Alsina is still an amazing vocalist and most fans of R&B will enjoy this album, in my opinion.
“How TF” – Deante’ Hitchcock feat. 6LACK
A simple concept but executed really well. The smooth vocals by Hitchcock and 6LACK are executed in a way guaranteed to put the listener in a mellow mood.
“The Take Over, the Breaks Over” – Fall Out Boy
Yes – this is very middle school emo phase, but it doesn’t make this song any less great. It features some of the best vocals the band has ever laid on a track and the formatting of the instrumental is done in such a way that makes it a classic song all the way around, even compared to Fall Out Boy’s more well-known songs.
Teren Kowatsch can be reached at [email protected].
Jonbo
Teren: I'm a greybeard DJ for our team and I haven't v-met you. Will review your list. I make a conscious choice to include music from the last 2-3 years on "Mixup".