13 P Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason | Playlist 🎧

1. Dua Lipa, “Physical”

Future Nostalgia • Warner • 2020

“Common love isn’t for us / We created something phenomenal…” Ah, sugar honey iced tea! According to Grammy-winning pop superstar Dua Lipa, the love is lit AF on “Physical”, an advance single from her sophomore album, Future Nostalgia. The sensually charged “Physical” was co-written by Lipa alongside Clarence Coffee Jr., Jason Evigan, and Sarah Hudson.  The production, courtesy of Evigan, along with KOZ (Stephen Kozmeniuk), suggests, it’s going down.

Even with sex being the modus operandi, Dua Lipa opts for more tasteful fun as opposed to being outright explicit.  That’s a refreshing contrast, if I do say so myself. So many times, in contemporary music, artists are forceful and incredibly overt regarding sex. Can you have a sex song which doesn’t require ample slang and f-bombs? The answer is yes, you actually can, and arguably, it’s more effective. In this case, “Physical” is suggestive and sexy without crossing lines.  Furthermore, Lipa sounds incredible, showcasing the sheer beauty of those husky, top-rate pipes.  She’s playful on the verses, ‘bringing it on home’ on the centerpiece, the incredibly ‘physical’ chorus:

“All night, I’ll riot with you
I know you got my back and you know I got you
So come on, come on, come on
Let’s get physical
Lights out, follow the noise
Baby, keep on dancing like you ain’t got a choice
So come on, come on, come on
Let’s get physical.”

Ultimately, “Physical” is another awesome record from a truly awesome artist.  It tackles the popular topic of sex yet manages to eschew being dirty.  The power of innuendo goes a long way.  So, do those vocals!

2. Lil Wayne, “Piano Trap”

Funeral • Young Money • 2020

Lil Wayne has his share of moments (and bangers) on his surprise 2020 album, Funeral.  It’s not perfect – it could’ve benefited from some edits – but Tunechi certainly has his moments. The ‘P song’ at hand, “Piano Trap” would’ve been a prime candidate for 13 Entertaining Songs That Reference Musical Instruments. Sigh, it arrived after that instrument-driven list had already been published.  But, best believe, if or when another music instrument list arrives, we’ll save a spot for Tunechi’s piano joint.

“I pop me a Perc and I smoke me some loud.” Charming Lil Wayne, charming! Anyways, on “Piano Trap,” the legendary Mannie Fresh delivers some excellent brassy production on this intense, druggy joint.  On the verse, Tunechi does manage to thank God for a variety of things. Still, he also asserts “All of my jewelry is fuckin’ ridiculous” as well as “Smokin’ this gas just like it’s some helium,” among other shallow moments.  As far as the ‘piano,’ well, it doesn’t really factor in until part two (“Born piss poor, I’ma die rich full of my shit”). Of course, to be fair, on part one, keyboards deliver those malicious synths.

3. Kesha, “The Potato Song (Cuz I Want To)”

High Road • Kemosabe • 2020

Grammy-nominated pop artist Kesha brought ample spirit, energy (and f-bombs as well) on her colorful fourth studio album, High Road. After showing more maturity and versatility on her 2017 album, Rainbow (particularly songs like “Learn to Let Go” and “Praying”), Kesha makes it clear on High Road she’s no boring artist just because she’s matured. She has a hell of a good time, with emphasis on ‘hell,’ particularly ‘raising it.’ Sure, she may take the High Road but she’s still U-N-A-P-O-L-O-G-E-T-I-C.  One of the more bizarre moments from High Road earns a spot on this particular list: “The Potato Song (Cuz I Want To)”.

On the unique “The Potato Song (Cuz I Want To),” producer Stuart Crichton puts in work for Kesha, so there’s that – she’s got a sick backdrop by all means.  But, the lyrics and the performance – wild.  Even if you leave High Road hearing “The Potato Song” and wondering ‘what the actual fuck is this,’ it definitely stands out.  “I’ll be riding my pony until it’s time for candy,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “And I’ll be naked because I want to / La-di-da-di-da.” Whatever you say Ms. Sebert – do your “own dance” girl.

4. Tame Impala, “Posthumous Forgiveness”

The Slow Rush • Island / Modular Recordings Pty Ltd • 2020

After a five-year hiatus, Australian alternative collective Tame Impala, the brainchild of Kevin Parker returned in 2020 with their fourth studio album, The Slow Rush. The gap between Currents (2015) and The Slow Rush marks the longest between any Tame Impala LP.  The good news is The Slow Rush was totally worth the wait, with superb advance single, “Posthumous Forgiveness”, leading the charge.  ‘Posthumous’ is just a cool word – admit it.  Merriam-Webster defines posthumous as “following or occurring after death.” Add ‘forgiveness’ to the mix, and essentially, Kevin Parker is forgiving his father after he’s passed away.

On the first part of the song, Parker sings about how much admiration he had when he was younger for his late father but became aware of his flaws.  “Did you think I’d never know? Never wise up as I grow?” he sings on the chorus, continuing, “Did you hope I’d never doubt? Never wonder, work it out?” Furthermore, Parker is bothered by the fact that his dad wasted time, and ultimately, “…Decided to take all your sorrys to the grave.”

On the second part of “Posthumous Forgiveness,” Parker embraces forgiveness more.  Sure, he still mentions their estranged, tenuous relationship, but he wishes he had the opportunity to atone and repair for the relationship:

“Wanna tell you ‘bout the time
Wanna tell you ‘bout my life
Wanna play you all my songs
Learn the words, sing along.”

“Posthumous Forgiveness” is a lengthy number, running north of six minutes in duration.  That said, it’s quite intriguing from a lyrical and thematic standpoint, as well as musically.  Musically, Tame Impala provide a backdrop that incorporates psychedelia, retro cues, and marvelous soulful elements.  Vocally, Kevin Parker remains utterly superb, singing beautifully and expressively on this gem.

5. Jhené Aiko, “P*$$& Fairy (OTW)”

Chilombo • Def Jam • 2020

“Don’t be surprised, boy, when I bust it wide…” What more can you say but holy shit! R&B artist Jhené Aiko is notable for her seductive, sexy brand of music – UNDERSTATEMENT. Her first single of 2020, “P*$$Y Fairy (OTW)” (Chilombo), is quite overt. Honestly, with such a TMI title, it’s crystal clear what she’s going for.

As one would expect, the production is incredibly lush (Julian-Quan Viet Le) – urban to the core.  This is a fitting background for sex, keeping it 100.  Jhené Aiko is true to self vocally, never breaking a sweat, even as the lyrics she sing are quite risqué – X-rated by all means.  She doesn’t ease the listener in either, asserting on the verse, “I know you love fuckin’ me…” No gray area there in the least! On the refrain, she’s just plum filthy:

“We be gettin’ so loud
That dick make my soul smile
That dick make me so damn proud…”

Again, HOLY SHIT! On the moment you’ve been waiting for me to discuss, the chorus, Aiko asserts exactly what she does with her private parts:

“Don’t be surprised, baby, it’s just me
Don’t be surprised, boy, when I bust it wide
I hypnotize you with this pussy
Now you feel like you can fly.” 

So, what does one make of “P*$$Y Fairy (OTW)?”  Well, it’s quite raw. Jhené Aiko certainly goes for overkill here.  That said, if you’re all about complete and utter freakiness, you’ll eat this steamy, envelope-pushing record up. 😉

6. $uicideBoy$, “Putrid Pride”

STOP STARING AT THE SHADOWS • G*59 • 2020

The prolific $uicideBoy$ returned in 2020 with their sophomore album, Stop Staring at the Shadows.  So, with only two studio albums to their name, how can you call Ruby Da Cherry and Scrim prolific? Well, they’ve released numerous projects prior to their two studio albums, some which have managed to have songs appear on playlists on The Musical Hype. For this ‘P Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason’ list, we highlight the short but potent “Putrid Pride.” Budd Dwyer definitely gives the Boys a dark, sleek backdrop to spit over.

Alter egos are definitely a big deal for $uicideBoy$, so, it’s no surprised we’re introduced to a couple of new ones on “Putrid Pride.” Scrim appears as Lil Cig, rapping the first verse and select portions of the chorus.  He doesn’t serve up anything particularly transcendent but give him credit for “Popping on pills like I pop cough drops” and being a “Multi-millionaire all from my laptop / Slob on my knob until your jaw lock.” Or maybe none of that is worth credit… Anyways, as for Ruby, he’s 40 Blunts, handling the second verse and most of the chorus that precedes it. The chorus is pretty sweet:

“As the years go by
Another day closer to death
Time is ticking, hurry.”

40 Blunts also manage a couple of standout lines such as “The same fuck girls will be fucking the same fuck boys” and “The same heroes you once had have been reduced to a toy.” Sure, “Putrid Pride” may not reach two minutes in duration, but as aforementioned, it’s quite potent.

7. Lil Nas X, “Panini”

7 (EP) • Columbia • 2019

“Ayy, Panini, don’t you be a meanie / Thought you wanted me to go up / Why you tryna keep me teeny?” Following up “Old Town Road” is definitely a gargantuan task for Lil Nas X.  Despite how arduous that is, on his 7 (EP) he strikes gold on the brief, equally melodic “Panini” which references the Cartoon Network TV series Chowder.   

“I thought you want this for my life
Said you wanted to see me thrive, you lied.”

Apparently, the aforementioned ‘refrain’ embodies Panini, not to mention Fairweather fans.  “Panini” is a success because it’s also ‘novel’ like “Old Town Road” if slightly less pronounced.  Also, adding to excellence, is a hella catchy chorus: “Just say to me what you want from me.” Of course, Nirvana (“In Bloom”) deserves a shout out, if you catch my drift.

8. Summer Walker, “Playing Games”

Ft. Bryson Tiller

Over It • Interscope • 2019

Summer Walker proved herself to be quite the promising R&B artist, shining on her highly anticipated debut studio album, Over It.  Over It followed a 2018 mixtape (Last Day of Summer) and an EP, Clear.  Over It certainly doesn’t disappoint, particularly the song at hand, “Playing Games.”

“Playing Games (Extended Version)” follows, marks the first collaboration from Over It, featuring Bryson Tiller.  The nostalgic vibes that characterize the album continue, thanks to an interpolation of the 90s Destiny’s Child classic, “Say My Name”.  Summer Walker sounds truly awesome, bringing a smooth delivery where it sounds as if she’s never forced to break a sweat. Love continues to dominate the theme, and ideal match for R&B.

“So, won’t you say my name, say my name?
If you claim you want me, it ain’t no thang
You acting kind of shady
You ain’t been calling me baby, oh
Boy, you can go’n stop playing games
Playing games.”

Basically, Walker just wants the attention that she deserves – her man to treat her like a queen, and not with materialism. The chorus is a huge selling point, while Tiller provides a welcome contrast to Walker on the third and final verse.

“Me, I’m never actin’ shady
You will always be my baby
You’ll be my baby, yeah, yeah.”

9. Ryan Beatty, “Powerslide”

Boy in Jeans • Boy in Jeans • 2018

“He gave me pleasure underneath the water / And it felt so good / Now we’re power sliding till the flood spurts stop us…” Wow, the lust – or more accurately, the pleasure – is real for Ryan Beatty on “Powerslide”, a standout from his stellar, eclectic 2018 debut album, Boy in Jeans. The openly gay, former teen-pop artist is honest about love and sex throughout the album.  The Fader says it best – “Ryan Beatty writes really good pop songs about boys.”

“Powerslide” plays up the soulful summer, West Coast vibes. It screams infatuation and sex, including the aforementioned ‘pool job’. On the second verse, he’s playful with words, while being explicit at the same time:

“Now we share a couple of cigarettes before we go to bed and you
Got the plastic
That’s fucking fantastic.”

Clearly, the relationship between Beatty and his boyfriend is LIT.  Also, pretty ‘lit’ is the fact that “Powerslide” also appears on an incredibly powerful playlist, 10 Songs Overflowing with Power, the lustful 21 Songs That Dabble in Lust & Carnal Matters, and the PRIDE-filled Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with PRIDE.

10. King Princess, “Pussy Is God”

Pussy is God – Single • Zelig Music • 2018

“You know that it’s God, baby, when you’re around her / I’ve been praying for hours / You know that it’s God, baby, when you’re around her / She’s God and I’ve found her.” In 2018, genderqueer and gay artist King Princess joined the rank of musicians speaking on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. She does so in risqué fashion on the distinctly-titled “Pussy is God”. The sound can be characterized as a soulful alternative-pop sound, anchored by a rhythmic beat. On this queer celebratory record, King Princess takes things a step further incorporating spiritual references blasphemously, and of course, private parts and sexual matters.

The first verse is a perfect example, where she sings:

“Your pussy is God and I love it
Gonna kiss me real hard, make me want it…
But I know you feel right so I’m coming.”

The memorable, innuendo-laden, risqué lyrics don’t stop there. On the second verse, she sings:

“…I’ve never been good at this nice shit
But I can try if you like it
It gets hard when you give a fuck
Get knocked down from some other love.”

The message regarding sexuality is loud and clear, not to mention an opportunity to make ‘private parts’ not so private – or at least sing about them openly. “Pussy is God” previously appeared on 15 Songs That Focus on Private Matters and Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with PRIDE.

11. 6LACK, “Pretty Little Fears”

Ft. J. Cole

East Atlanta Love Letter • Interscope • 2018

“She know my stick nothing but magic babe / I be swinging it back and forth, ‘til you in your casket, bae, mm.” Confident, freaky, and just plumb nasty 6LACK, but also one of the most memorable lines from “Pretty Little Fears,” a highlight from East Atlanta Love Letter.  While 6LACK’s game as the lead artist is intriguing on this song, the deepest lyrics hail from J. Cole. On his guest verse, J. Cole is chocked-full of dedication, rapping, “You the flower that I gotta protect / To keep alive in the wintertime, aye, don’t you die yet.”  Sweet.

Going back to 6LACK, his chorus, sung somewhat stoically, is also worth mentioning.

“Now I just wanna know
Don’t you sugarcoat
I’ll say it all if you won’t
Now could you tell me like it is?
Pretty little fears
Music to my ears.” 

“Pretty Little Fears” appeared previously on the playlists 15 Beautiful, Gorgeous, or Pretty Songs and 10 Songs Centered on Fear.

12. Christina Aguilera, “Pipe”

Ft. XNDA

Liberation • RCA • 2018

“Bet I’ll make you splash like Geronimo / If you don’t like it fast, I could take it slow.”  Yes, she’s totally saying what you think she’s saying… It’s truly a shame that Christina Aguilera had a tepid run with her comeback album, Liberation.  Overall, it’s an enjoyable, well-rounded pop album that dips into R&B and hip-hop.  One of its most ‘excited’ moments is “Pipe,” featuring XNDA. The aforementioned lyrical excerpt definitely refers to ‘pipe’ (catch my drift yet?).

In case you haven’t been awakened by the slang, “Pipe” isn’t about weed, at least in this context. No, pipe is slang for sex. The innuendo is ripe (and goes hard): “I get loud when you put that pipe down, pipe down, pipe down.” While the song thrives on sex and lacks substance beyond the “splash” Aguilera mentioned earlier, the production is great, particularly the electric piano and drum programming. “Pipe” previously appeared on 11 Songs Where It Gets Steamy II as well as 15 Songs That Focus on Private Matters.

13. Declan McKenna, “Paracetamol”

What Do You Think About the Car? • Columbia • 2017

“Paracetamol” is arguably most moving song from What Do You Think About the Car? the debut album by British singer/songwriter Declan McKenna.  Situational, numerous relevant topics are covered throughout the song, including suicide.

“...A boy, fifteen with a gun in his hand
And the people with no audience say should be hanged 
...A girl, fifteen, with her head in a noose
Because she’s damned to live, well she’s damned to choose.”

The significance of the girl leads to the subject of love, which takes on a number of meanings contextually, including acceptance, embracement, and various relationships.  “Paracetamol” was influenced by the death of Leelah Alcorn, an Ohio transgender teen whose story affected the world.  This record is aimed at building respect and acceptance of the LGBT community. Paracetamol itself is a pain reliever, and its role on the record can be interpreted multiple ways. What is crystal clear is that McKenna seeks to ease the pain of an unfairly marginalized, troubled community. “Paracetamol” has appeared on a numerous lists including Fill Your Prescription with These 11 Medicine Songs and Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with PRIDE.