11 Songs Fueled by Money features money-centric music courtesy of Bleachers, Cardi B, Future, Rihanna, and Ryan Beatty among others.

There will be no sugarcoating here.  The 11 songs featured on this playlist are fueled by money, period.  The word ‘money’ doesn’t have to appear in the title – any specific form of currency or slang is appropriate.  That said, more often than not, ‘money’ is locked into the song title.  Artists appearing on this dollar-driven affair include Bleachers, Cardi B, Future, Rihanna, and Ryan Beatty.

1. Ryan Beatty, “Euro”

Boy in Jeans • Boy in Jeans • 2018

On “Euro,” Ryan Beatty mixes urban contemporary and alt-R&B with some throwback cues. His vocals are slick and lush.  Furthermore, he exhibits an adventurous spirit, showcasing honesty about what he wants in life, as well as his dislikes.  The chorus is catchy, simple, and slightly left-of-center:

“All my cash is in euros / All my coins are in yen / All my boys European / All my money is gone.”

Boys play a big role on the album Boy in Jeans, as the title suggests.

2. Cardi B, “Money Bag”

Invasion of Privacy • Atlantic • 2018

“I do the Maybach on Monday, Ferrari Friday / This is sweet pussy Saturday, that’ just what Plies say / I said ‘Bae, it’s a snack,’ he said it’s a entrée / With them pretty ass twins, you look like Beyoncé / Lookin’ like money bag, moneybag, money bag, uh.”  In the context of Invasion of Privacy, the debut album by breakout rapper Cardi B, three consecutive bangers follow the “Ring”, featuring Kehlani.  The first is “Money Bag,” which could be nicknamed “Bodak Yellow 2.0.” They aren’t the same song to be fair, but the approach and cadence are similar.  Nonetheless, Cardi B is at her best when she’s hard-nosed.

“I been broke my whole life, I have no clue what to do with these racks / Wig be laid, waist snatched, ass fat, straight facts.”

3. Future, “DOH DOH”

Ft. Young Scooter

Beast Mode 2 • Epic • 2018

“DOH DOH” is among the most compelling records from Future’s 2018 mixtape, Beast Mode 2. The production digs in, and the record itself sounds more like an album track as opposed to a mixtape cut. For the first time on Beast Mode 2, Future enlists a guest, Young Scooter, following five consecutive solo tracks.  Even if there was no guest spot by Scooter, Future exhibits more oomph, particularly on the stellar hook.

“Take no days off, I get dough, dough, dough / Lift the AK up, swagin’ door, door, doors / 36 ounces raw, I smell blow, blow, blow / Count it up, count it up, count it up, I get more, more, more.”

4. Trent Harmon, “Money’s on You”

You Got ‘Em All • Big Machine • 2018

 “When the odds are slim and the stakes are high.” “Money’s on You” is a heavier, more serious record from You Got ‘Em All, the debut album by American Idol winner Trent Harmon.  Well-produced, the drums stand out of the production, while the banjo sits nicely in the mix without being the dominant feature.  As always, Harmon sings his face off, expressing his belief in her.

“My money’s on you, money’s all in / You don’t ever fall without getting up again / If anybody’s coming out gunning / When the push comes down to the shovin’ / Every high tide, every tight rope / Every jump when you don’t know / If anyone I know is gonna come through / My money’s on you.”

5. Lil Phag, “It’s My Money, And I Need it Now”

Ft. Dr. Woke

God Hates Lil Phag • the @ pak • 2018

Going into the album God Hates Lil Phag, you’ve got to take everything that Lil Phag (Elijah Daniel) raps about with ‘a grain of salt.’ Case in point, a record like the unapologetic opener “Iced Out Dick”.  Unsurprisingly, the hook of “It’s My Money, And I Need it Now” doesn’t transcend the confines of the song’s title.  Neither does the content, which finds Lil Phag and Dr. Woke focusing on their clout. Dr. Woke spits in the third verse, “Everything I do real big like Texas / Pull up in a spaceship, no Lexus.”

6. Bleachers, “Don’t Take the Money”

Gone Now • RCA • 2017

“Somebody broke me once / Love was a currency / A shimmering balance act / I think that I laughed at that.” Throughout highlight “Don’t Take the Money”, Bleachers (Jack Antonoff) depicts elements of his relationship.  Some parts of the relationships are good, while others aren’t. According to him, “don’t take the money” is a phrase he says to himself regarding a gut feeling.  On the first verse, Antonoff takes issue with love. Similarly, on the second verse, Antonoff continues to describe the plight of love. In the context of the chorus, he embraces the push and pull of love.

“You steal the air out of my lungs, you make me feel it / I pray for everything we lost, buy back the secrets / Your hand forever’s all I want / Don’t take the money / Don’t take the money.”

On the bridge, he gives advice about facing similar situations and decisions regarding love.

7. Blake Shelton, “Money”

Texoma Shore • Warner Bros. • 2017

On “Money,” Blake Shelton amps up ridiculousness and corniness to the nth degree.  Even so, this tongue-n-cheek joint has plenty of charm. He exhibits such charm with playful spoken vocals, and silly lyrics.  “Money” is definitely the most fun song from his 2017 album, Texoma Shore.

“Ridin’ rubber, rent checks, livin’ on Ramen / Chappin’ our ass ‘cause we can’t afford Charmin / Rockin’ that one-ply, one-ply / Shakin’ down the couch, found a buffalo nickel / Medium guitar pick, Burger King pickle / Eww, it’s kinda petrified, petrified.”

8. Gucci Mane, “Money Make Ya Handsome”

Mr. Davis • Atlantic • 2017

“Money Make Ya Handsome” features strong production work, something that’s the ‘calling card’ on Mr. Davis, the 2017 album by East Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane.  Notably, Gucci pop-raps here, which contrasting his previous performances on the album. Also notable is the hook, which is simple, but infectious and irresistible.

“Money make you handsome, even if you’re ugly / Money make her f**k me, she wanna f**k my money / All my bitches love me, they love me for one thing / Money keep her coming, so I’ma keep some money.”

9. Rihanna, “Bitch Better Have My Money”

Bitch Better Have My Money – Single • Roc Nation • 2015

“Bitch better have my money / Y’all should know me well enough / Bitch better have my money / Please don’t call me on my bluff.” In other words, if you think that Rihanna is playing with y’all, she ain’t.  The Grammy-winning urban contemporary artist practically screams her brash, unapologetic single, “Bitch Better Have My Money.”  Again, she’s definitely not playing – “bitch better have my money!” Interestingly, the colorful record never made an album.  Even more colorful and controversial is the NSFW music video.  That video includes nudity, drugs, blood, and of course plenty of money.

10. Lana Del Rey, “Money Power Glory”

Ultraviolence • Interscope • 2014

One has to question the intentions of Lana Del Rey on “Money Power Glory.” “I want money, power, and glory / Alleluia! I wanna take you for all that you got.”  Clearly, the alternative pop singer/songwriter doesn’t come over as the most kind, thoughtful, or virtuous individual. To quote Eve, “She Bad Bad”.  On the bridge, she asserts “Dope and diamonds” are “all that I want.” Ugh.  Prior to that, she encourages her boyfriend to “run, boy, run.”

11. Kendrick Lamar, “Money Trees”

Good Kid m.A.A.d City • Interscope • 2012

“Money Trees,” produced by DJ Dahi, contains a sample of “Silver Soul” as performed by indie-pop/alt band Beach House.  The hip-hop production combined with the sunny Beach House sample works superbly.  This Kendrick Lamar cut possesses a laid-back, west coast vibe, most evident on the hook.

“It go Halle Berry or hallelujah / Pick your poison, tell me what you doin’ / Everybody gon’ respect the shooter / But the one in front of the gun lives forever… / Money trees is the perfect place for shade / And that’ just how I feel, nah, nah / A dollar might just fuck your main bitch…”

Jay Rock appears on the third verse, yielding the killer lyric “Dreams of me getting shaded under a money tree…”  Kendrick Lamar has his own stellar moments naturally, such as “I f**ked Sherane then went to tell my bros/ Then Usher Raymond “Let it Burn” came on…”)

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Big Machine, Boy in Jeans, Epic, Interscope, RCA, the @ pak, Warner Bros.