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BTS, Drake, and Five Finger Death Punch are among many artists “denouncing the fake” on the colorfully-titled playlist “13 Songs That Denounce the Fake.” 

“We don’t do no fake shit around here!”  Right on Ty Dolla $ign, right on.  As colorful as Ty’s ‘s-bomb’ is, the key word in the lyric from “No Fake Shit” is the word FAKE.  This list, titled “13 Songs That Denounce the Fake,” features songs with some form of the word in their respective title. In most instances, like the playlist title suggests, artists are denouncing something because it’s a total fraud – a fake!  Keeping things eclectic, there are multiple genres of music represented (sorry in advance country music fans).  Artists “denouncing the fake” include BTS, Drake, and Five Finger Death Punch among many others.

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1. BTS • “FAKE LOVE”

Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ • Bighit Entertainment • 2018

“I’m so sick of this fake love, fake love, fake love!” The electrifying, energetic “FAKE LOVE” is the crowning achievement of Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’, the historic no. 1 album by rising K-pop band BTS. “FAKE LOVE” is synonymous with an urban-pop or hip-hop infused urban contemporary record in the US.  There are expressive, rhythmic vocals, as well as aggressive, biting rhymes.  The majority of the record is in Korean, but there are some lines sung in English, including the aforementioned lyrics. Essentially, there’s nothing fake about “FAKE LOVE.”  Notably, even the music video even made history, with the biggest 24-hour YouTube debut of 2018.

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 2. Five Finger Death Punch, “Fake”

And Justice for None • Prospect Park • 2018

“You’re a fake motherf*cker, I hate you motherf*cker…” Yeah – totally prepare to wash out your ears with soap and water… Five Finger Death Punch are pretty blunt on “Fake,” a song from their 2018 album, And Justice for None.  From the start, this intense, minor-key joint is ready to cut down every fake mofo, mainly by way of jagged, malicious guitars, name-calling, and an ample supply of f-bombs.  It’s successful, if totally NSFW unless you opt for the amended, ‘motherf*cker-less’ version.

“You’re a fake motherf*cker, you’re dated motherf*cker

And you’re never gonna get what is mine

Fake, you’re a f*cking fake!”

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3. Chloe x Halle, “Fake”

Ft. Kari Faux

The Kids are Alright • Parkwood / Columbia • 2018

“She says / These things you’re saying, ain’t staying / They don’t move me / Like mountains ain’t moving, I’m grounded by gravity.” Word. Chloe x Halle had one of the quieter album rollouts of 2018 with the release of The Kids are Alright – the buzz was minimal. Nonetheless, the teen sister duo, signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood label, is definitely an act to watch.  Here, the girls, assisted by rapper Kari Faux, aren’t buying the fake BS, in any context whatsoever. Like the Faith Evans song, they want “Real Things”.

“Why you gotta be so fake?

Why your smile be painted on your face?

Why you even speak my name?

I guess I make you feel some typa way…”

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4. Yellow Claw, “Fake Chanel”

Ft. A$AP Rocky & Creek Boys

New Blood • Barong Family • 2018

Fake hoes, all these fake hoes / See you on Canal Street with the fake flows…”  Dutch producer/DJ duo Yellow Claw (Jim Taihuttu and Nils Rondhuis) are known for “bass-heavy productions and riotous performances.” Banger “Fake Chanel” arrived in advance of their highly-anticipated new album, New Blood (June 22, 2018). Assisted A$AP Ferg and rising Baltimore rappers, Creek Boyz, Yellow Claw gives the rappers a fiery backdrop to spit over.  The synths are dark, energetic, and malicious, while the drums are hard-hitting and souped-up.  A$AP Ferg takes the bait, riding the beat like a champ as he raps about material things, sex, drugs, and money.  As for Creek Boyz, they reference drugs, sex, and the police for good measure. Yup, totally a #BANGER.

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5. Jesse Saint John, “FAKE IT”

FAKE IT – Single • We Are: The Guard • 2018 

According to Out, Jesse Saint John, “that blonde L.A. wild child with a taste for bombast and badassery – has finally emerged with some music of his own.”  Jesse Saint John, hence, takes the reins as a solo artist on the enjoyable, 80s-infused “Fake It”, his second career single. Providing further insight into the ‘decorated newbie,’ Billboard states Saint John  “has collaborated with the likes of Britney Spears, Camila Cabello, Sia, and Charli XCX.”  Decorated indeed.

“Fake It” commences enigmatically, before the 80s are reborn right before our eyes incorporating rhythmic synths, lush pads, and that signature, boxy drum programming.  Even though 80s pop and new wave has a big influence, there are also some modern touches (808s), keeping things fresh. Overall, the sound is fitting for Saint John, who delivers relatively cool vocals, packing more punch on the chorus.  “Fake It” is about vibe, and he slays in that department.

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6. Tory Lanez, “B.B.W.W x Fake Show”

MEMORIES DON’T DIE • Interscope • 2018

Canadian rapper/singer Tory Lanez is a difficult artist to pinpoint.  Why? Two albums in, including his 2018 sophomore album, Memories Don’t Die, he continues to struggle to find his identity – his musical niche.  That said, Lanez does a better job on two-part standout “B.B.W.W x Fake Show” compared to some of the other records from the album.  The distinctive feature of this record is that Lanez opts for harder rhymes, even with a production switch during the second part, “Fake Show.” Notably, there are two big verses – one that occurs during “B.B.W.W” and one that occurs on “Fake Show.”

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7. Calvin Harris, “Faking It”

Ft. Kehlani & Lil Yachty

Funk Wav Bounces, Vol. 1 • Columbia • 2017

Calvin Harris ‘did the damn thang’ on his 2017 studio album, Funk Wav Bounces. Penultimate record “Faking It,” featuring Kehlani and Lil Yachty, ranks among the best songs from the project. Kehlani is on autopilot – she’s best when she’s edgy and brutally honest.  More surprising is the fact that Lil Yachty drops a presentable rap.  The “pepperonis” lyric could’ve been omitted without the least bit of lament, but Yachty has certainly dropped worse rhymes.

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8. Paramore, “Fake Happy”

After Laughter • Fueled by Ramen • 2017

“Fake Happy” is among the highlights from After Laughter, the 2017 studio album by alternative band Paramore. Following a slow, acoustic-based intro, “Fake Happy” kicks into full force with its pronounced bass line, synths, electric guitar, and groovy, punchy drums.  Hayley Williams’ vocals are clear, uninhibited by the production, particularly on the irresistible refrain:

“Oh please, don’t ask me how I’ve been / Don’t make me pretend / Oh no, oh what’s the use / Oh please, I bet everybody here is fake happy too.”

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9. Drake, “Fake Love”

More Life • Cash Money / OVO Sound • 2017

“I’ve been down so long it look like up to me / they look up to me / I got fake people showin’ fake love to me / straight up to my face, straight up to my face.” “Fake Love”, the enjoyable highlight from More Love, the 2017 playlist album released by Drake, is a perfect example of the notion of “No New Friends”.  Drake has sung and rapped about this topic many times. Besides tackling fakes, Drake also provides listeners with a flex-fest.  The hook, excerpted above, sums up the sentiment of the entire song. Drake goes on to pop-rap/quasi sing on the verses, specifically addressing females.  Beyond familiarity lyrically, the production is also standard fare for the artist, suiting him stylistically.

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10.Bastille, “Fake It”

Wild World • Virgin • 2016

“Oh, my lover, my lover, my love / We can never go back / We can only do our best to recreate… let’s try our very best to fake it.” “Fake It” serves as the second single from Wild World, the sophomore album by alternative rock/pop band, Bastille.  Exceptionally produced, every detail is carefully thought out. Following the mysterious pads and spoken word sample of the intro, incredible, recurrent falsetto enters. A clear, if subtle rhythmic groove, with hip-hop sensibility, provides stability to the record. Confirmation of urban-pop cues comes with the 808 that appears during the chorus.

Frontman Dan Smith gives a superb vocal performance.  More important is the narrative of “Fake It.” In an odd spot in his relationship, Smith – or the song’s protagonist – is getting nothing out of it. Despite this, he’s not quite ready to end it, therefore willing to “fake it.” The chorus, excerpted above, is truly epic.

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11. JoJo, “FAB.”

Ft. Remy Ma

Mad Love. • Atlantic • 2016

Question, is “FAB.” an abbreviation of the word fabulous? The answer is a resounding NO.  “FAB.” Stands for fake ass bitches. Charming. This subtle record appears on Mad Love., the comeback album from pop singer, JoJo. “FAB.” features slick production in the urban-pop vein. The theme is reasonable, if predictable – JoJo doesn’t like fake people.  Even if it’s predictable, the chorus yields some biting lyrics.

“Fake ass bitches / When they smile in your face, but behind you it ain’t well wishes / When they eatin’ all the food off your plate and they don’t do dishes / When they words and they actions blur and they don’t know different / No time for thee fake ass bitches.”

Remy Ma guests on the third verse. The effect is predictable, yet biting.

“I got both middle fingers all the way up / And for fraud broads, I don’t give two f*cks.”

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12. Allen Stone, “Fake Future”

Radius • ATO / Capitol • 2015

“Tie me to a cinder block and throw me to the sea / Music’s got more roll than rock cause everyone’s poppin’ E.” Allen Stone is so underrated – understatement.  The pop-soul singer/songwriter from Washington state is incredibly gifted, with a truly awesome set of pipes on hand.  Listen to his 2018 single, “Brown Eyed Lover” and convince me he doesn’t sound like a modern-day Stevie Wonder – just saying. Focusing on the song at hand, Stone gets incredibly funky on the up-tempo “Fake Future,” the second song from his 2015 sophomore studio album, Radius. Stone urges us to get rid of the excess – “Chuck your laptops / Chuck your lights.”  Ultimately, according Stone, “Fake future the future’s fake / Computer simulate.”

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13. James Bay, “Best Fake Smile”

Chaos and the Calm • Republic • 2014

“No you don’t have to wear your best fake smile / Don’t have to stand there and burn inside /… Nobody needs a best fake friend.” James Bay had some terrific moments on Chaos and the Calm, his Grammy-nominated, debut LP.  Much of the buzz on Chaos and the Calm centers around “Hold Back the River” and gorgeous ballad, “Let It Go”.  While both of those are elite records, there’s nothing ‘fake’ about the well-roundedness of “Best Fake Smile.” “Best Fake Smile” is sure to be a catalyst for body movement, whether that’s head banging/nodding or foot tapping.  This up-tempo joint is an instant home run thanks to a signature guitar riff and playful, biting vocals from Bay.

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Photo Credits: Atlantic, ATO, Barong Family, Capitol, Cash Money, Columbia, Interscope, OVO, Parkwood, Prospect Park, Republic, Virgin, We Are: The Guard

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