13 Songs That Explore It, Vol. 1

Reading Time: 16 min read

13 Songs That Explore It, Vol. 1 features songs by Benson Boone, Beyoncé, Ice Spice, Michael Jackson, Sexyy Red, and Taylor Swift.

Can you guess what It is about? It, this playlist, contains songs about it. It can be many things. It can be a pronoun or a noun for example. It’s safe to say, it can represent anything. So, The Musical Hype has compiled a musical compendium series comprising of… it. The criterion is self-explanatory; it must be included! 13 Songs That Explore It, Vol. 1 features songs by Benson Boone, Beyoncé, Ice Spice, Michael Jackson, Sexyy Red, and Taylor Swift. No more needs to be said. Let’s jump into… it!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Ice Spice & Central Cee, “Did It First”

2. Michael Jackson, “Beat It”

3. Beyoncé, “CUFF IT”

4. Lynks, “USE IT OR LOSE IT”

5. Sexyy Red, “Get It Sexyy”

6. Benson Boone, “Slow It Down”

7. Rihanna, “Kiss It Better”

8. Marshmello & Kane Brown, “Miles On It”

9. Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)”

10. Harry Styles, “As It Was”

11. Britney Spears, “Oops!…I Did It Again”

12. The Staple Singers, “Let’s Do It Again”

13. Tom Jones, “It’s Not Unusual”

1. Ice Spice & Central Cee, “Did It First”

Y2K! // Dolo Entertainment, Inc. / UMG Recordings, Inc. / 10K Projects, LLC // 2024

“If he cheatin’, I’m doin’ him worse.” Oh, snap! Grammy-nominated rapper Ice Spice (Isis Gaston) doesn’t advocate cheating on “Did It First”. This sub-two-minute single is the sixth track on her panned debut album, Y2K!. “Did It First” was produced by Spice’s ‘partner in crime,’ RIOTUSA alongside Lily Kaplan and Nico Baran. It samples vocals and lyrics from “Bumpy Johnson” by British rapper, Central Cee (Oakley Caesar-Su). Speaking of Cench, he is the featured guest on the bite-sized single. “Did It First” is brief and features a quick-paced flow. The cadence is familiar – tried-and-true. “I’m a baddie, he fuck with my tats (like) / Big boobs and it come with a jatt,” she asserts in the first verse, continuing, “Say he don’t want me, I know he a cap (cap) / Oh, you cheatin’? Then I’m cheatin’ back.” Cench matches Spice’s energy with his quick-paced flow. His accent adds to his charm. “I might take the risk DMin’ / But I don’t know ‘cause these chicks be telllin’,” he spits in the second verse, concluding, “At the minute, I’m hittin’ some risky women / I clearly ain’t learn my lesson.” For some context, Cench’s ex, Madeline Argy, has accused him of cheating, and guess with who? Ice Spice, of course! Oh, snap! Messy! “Did It First” is one of the better moments from Y2K! even if it lacks innovative spirit.

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2. Michael Jackson, “Beat It”

Thriller // MJJ Productions, Inc. // 1982

“Just beat it (Beat it) / Beat it (Beat it) / No one wants to be defeated / Showin’ how funky and strong is your fight / It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right / Just beat it!” 1982 was a big year for the late, great Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009). He’d release the biggest album of his career and the biggest solo album of all time with Thriller. Every song on Thriller is a bop. “Beat It” has a strong case as the crowning achievement. Jackson penned this beloved pop/rock joint while the legendary Quincy Jones produced it. “Beat It” spent three weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified octuple platinum by the RIAA as of August 2022. The song won two Grammys (Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male, and Record Of The Year). Additionally, it was nominated for Song of The Year alongside “Billie Jean” (an L to Sting and The Police for “Every Breath You Take”).

What makes “Beat It” one of the most iconic songs, ever? It’s simple: EVERYTHING. That can’t be overstated! Michael Jackson exemplifies a once-in-a-lifetime musician. The talent speaks for itself. His voice sounds youthful, commanding, dynamic, and expressive to the nth degree. He brings the colorful melodies to life with his prodigious instrument. The ear-catching songwriting matches his voice. “They told him, ‘Don’t you ever come around here / Don’t wanna see your face, you better disappear’,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, passionately, “The fire’s in their eyes and their words are really clear / So beat it, just beat it.” Word. The second verse is a vibe too, where, “Don’t wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man,” and “They’ll kick you, then they’ll beat you, then they’ll tell you it’s fair / So, beat it.” Jackson is warning this man of the danger that faces him and to ‘beat it’ aka step back from the fight. But, the ‘boy’ wants to be a ‘man’ even though he’s likely to get his butt kicked. The chorus, excerpted above, is the sugar honey iced tea. That leaves one more component that makes “Beat It” the sugar honey iced tea: the accompaniment. The sound is locked into sleek 80s rock, giving Jackson an edgier, hard-nosed sound. This was intentional. The backdrop matches the theme and lyrics perfectly, as masculinity is explored. The rhythm section is locked in. The guitar is the star particularly the guitar solo by another late musical legend, Eddie Van Halen (1955 – 2020). So much more can be said about “Beat It”. The best way to analyze is not to analyze it. The music, in all its timeless genius, speaks volumes.

Appears in 🔻:

Michael Jackson, Beat It: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 140 (2024)

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3. Beyoncé, “CUFF IT”

RENAISSANCE // Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia // 2022

“I feel like fallin’ in love (Fallin’ in love) / I’m in the mood to fuck somethin’ up (Tonight, I’m fuckin’ somethin’ up, baby).” Ooh wee, Beyoncé! Go on and do the day-um thang, gurrlll! The Grammy winner is open about her intentions and desires on “Cuff It”, a surefire highlight from RENAISSANCE. The best way to describe how she’s feeling: sexy AF!  When we think of cuffing, we think of locking down that partner exclusively. All indications on “Cuff It” suggest this sexy joint is monogamous.  That said, monogamy doesn’t have to be vanilla either. Beyoncé is having a hell of a night, and the feeling should be the same for the audience listening to this slickly produced pop joint.  See the third verse: “Hypersonic, sex erotic / On my body, boy, you got it / Hit them ‘draulics while I ride it / Got me actin’ hella thotty.” Woo! Jesus! If you have any plans to “fuck up the night,” allow Queen Bey and “Cuff It” to serve as the soundtrack.  It’s one of the best songs from the stacked RENAISSANCE.

Appears in 🔻: 

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4. Lynks, “USE IT OR LOSE IT”

ABOMINATION // Heavenly Recordings / PIAS // 2024

“24 years old / Going on 25 / Empirically the hottest year of my whole life.” Facts! “It’s the time of my life, and I don’t wanna waste it.” Lynks encourages living it up while you’re young on “USE IT OR LOSE IT”, the opener from their 2024 album, ABOMINATION. “This is my peak / I’m living in my prime,” they assert in the first verse, continuing, “So best not to waste any more of my time.” Lynks, described as the ‘Merchant of pure gay chaos,’ grasps who they are and share openly with the world. Many might slut-shame them and ‘overly promiscuous’ gays, but why live with regrets because you didn’t have some sexy fun? Lynks embraces PLAY. Barhopping, they “Fill my SIM card up with hot boys’ numbers / Any age, language, size, type or color / No man’s safe, ‘cept my dad or my brother.” WOO! Slutty? Perhaps, but who cares if it is or not? It’s easier to find love, even something that may endure when you’re younger. Lynks is shopping around!

“Cause I don’t wanna be on my deathbed

Wishin’ I’d got more head

Before the lines start appearing on my forehead

Before the time comes when I get ignored

I’ll make sure I’ve got some memories recorded…”

Cleverly, Lynks references The Beatles classic, “All You Need is Love” applying the meaning to their gay heyday (twink death is imminent)! And, remaining open, they “don’t know what it means to be a gay man over 40,” sigh. So, to avoid laying in the casket sans ample dick, they’re going to the club to “chase him, then I chase him.” Besides the entertaining lyrics and reasonable defenses of sexing it up with an assortment of men, the musicianship of “USE IT OR LOSE IT” is impressive. The distorted rap vocals are sweet, amplified by their British accent. The keys and synths are fab, while the beat provides a solid anchor. The twink who loves to bang is gassed up by a compelling instrumental! Bad@$$!

Appears in 🔻:

Lynks, USE IT OR LOSE IT: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 49 (2024)

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5. Sexyy Red, “Get It Sexyy”

In Sexyy We Trust // Open Shift / gamma. // 2024

“Slim, thick, chrome skin / 5’5”, this bitch a ten (Yeah) / Hair done, bills paid / Catch me slidin’ in a Benz…” Sexyy Red is something else! Ultimately, it’s how unapologetic and outlandish the rapper is that makes her interesting, even if the bars she spits lack transcendence. There are far better and more talented rappers, but songs that ‘go stupid’ like “Get It Sexyy” from her 2024 mixtape, In Sexyy We Trust, are entertaining to listen to. Tay Keith and Jake Fridkis produced. They give her a malicious, minor-key backdrop that perfectly fuels her fire. She’s true to herself with simple, highly sexual bars, and ample confidence. Beyond the chorus (excerpted above), Sexyy Red delivers a sole verse with no shortage of wild bars. “Yeah, boy, you know this ass super fat (I ain’t lyin’, though),” she brags, continuing, “Fuck me good, I’m throwin’ that shit back (I’m his favorite hoe).” There’s more, with the likes of “Big Sexy blood, love the hoes / Bounce that ass, touch them toes / Booty shorts, coochie swoll / Thong all up my booty hole.” Woo! She also manages to flip a nursery rhyme and make it, ratchet: “Little miss Sexyy walkin’ down the street (Beep beep) / I don’t know what to do ‘cause the niggas after me (Yeah, yeah).” Like many of her other records, there is clapping because why not? As ‘stupid’ as “Get It Sexxy” goes, it has some enjoyable, melodic moments in the backdrop. Even though it lacks class and depth, and has no shame, it’s incredibly entertaining.

Appears in 🔻:

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6. Benson Boone, “Slow It Down”

Fireworks & Rollerblades // Night Street / Warner // 2024

“Oh, now you’re crying, you’re in pieces / ‘Cause the only love you’ve ever known is Jesus / I can feel it / Oh, I hate that I’m the reason that you’re…” Benson Boone has had a fabulous year in 2024. Following the success of “Beautiful Things”, Boone released a second compelling single, “Slow It Down”, which appears on his debut album, Fireworks & Rollerblades. “Slow It Down” was penned by Boone alongside Jack LaFrantz and producers Jason Evigan, Connor McDonough, and Riley McDonough. Benson begins singing abruptly on the track, supported by piano accompaniment. As always, his voice is stunning – he possesses a dynamic instrument. As he sings, you buy what he sells; he’s incredibly authentic. In the first verse, he speaks about this budding relationship and her fears of commitment. In the chorus, he switches from the ‘powered-up’ vocals to falsetto which is ripe – delightful to the nth degree. Thematically, he speaks about taking things slowly within the relationship sans pressure. The second verse adds additional instrumentation, sounding more developed than the first. He continues to sing his face off as he speaks on his anxiety regarding love (“I could lose you like the others / Only girl that’s never left me is my mother”). Despite the fever pitch reached, in the end, he indeed ‘slows it down’ and turns the volume down too. It’s a fitting ending to another fabulous pop song by the handsome, talented musician. “Slow It Down” is a winner.

Appears in 🔻:

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7. Rihanna, “Kiss It Better”

Anti // Roc Nation // 2016

“Been waitin’ on that sunshine, boy / I think I need that back / Can’t do it like that / No one else gon’ get it like that…” One of the best songs from Anti, the 2016 album by Rihanna, is “Kiss It Better.” The slow jam is irresistible.  Taking it a step further, this is one of the best songs of her career. The sensual production of Jeff Bhasker, Glass John, and Kuk Harrell plays a sizable role in the song’s success. “Kiss It Better” successfully blends childhood catchphrase and sexual innuendo.  “Man, fuck yo pride / Just take it on back, boy, take it on back, boy / Take it back all night.” Say that Rihanna, say that! Double entendre is amplified to the nth degree, causing every lyric to be read into.

“What are you willing to do?

Oh, tell me what you’re willing to do

(Kiss it, kiss it, better, baby).”

Appears in 🔻:

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8. Marshmello & Kane Brown, “Miles On It”

“Miles On It” // Joytime Collective / Sony Music Entertainment // 2024

“New truck, big lift / Old, roads, we’ve been / Tearin’ up since way back when.” Trucks are crucial to country music, PERIOD. Kane Brown ensures his truck gets its ‘just due’ on “Miles On It.” What’s interesting is the pairing that makes “Miles On It” happen: Marshmello and Brown. Dance and country music? Surprisingly, it works out without alienating either world. Marshmello produced alongside Digital Farm Animals, Conor McDonough, and Earwulf. The result is a slick backdrop that combines electronic and country cues superbly. It shouldn’t work but it does. The songwriting is idiomatic of country music. Country musicians love songs about trucks and bring their girls along for the ride. “All night, no brakes / All tail, no gate,” Brown sings in the second verse, adding, “Zero to a hundred fast / My foot ain’t touch the gas / I said, ‘Hey, baby, slow it down, let’s make it last’ / You said, ‘Where’s the fun in that?’” Aww, it’s that country love! Brown delivers clear vocals, singing expressively and flaunting his stellar tone. The section to be should come as no surprise – the chorus. It’s memorable and repetitive – a ‘sing-along’ gem through and through:

“Yeah, let’s go, put some miles on it

Back of the Chevy with the engine runnin’

Just you and me in a truck bed wide like a California King

We could break it in if you know what I mean

Put some miles on it.”

“Miles On It” = country-dance bop!

Appears in 🔻:

11 Songs That Are Driven by Miles (2024)

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9. Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)”

1989 (Taylor’s Version) // Taylor Swift // 2023

“I go on too many dates / But I can’t make them stay / At least that’s what people say, mm-mm / That’s what people say, mm-mm.” True. Taylor Swift has been firmly entrenched in the pop culture space since the aughts. Amazingly, the Grammy-winning musician has remained ‘such a big deal’ for so many years. “Shake It Off” was a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 when it was released on the original version of 1989 in 2014. The re-recorded “Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)” from the dominant 1989 (Taylor’s Version) still packs a sizable punch. Even as rerecording a massive pop record (and the entire album) is an arduous task, the message of “Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)” remains tried and true.

Folks have lots to say about Swift and her many relationships, breakups, and such. However, despite criticism, skepticism, and people being people, Swift isn’t going to let it deter her or break her down. In the pre-chorus, she says it best: “But I keep cruisin’ / Can’t stop, won’t stop movin’.” Look back between 2014 and 2023. Has the woman stopped cruisin’? NOPE! In the second verse, she shows resolve despite the critics: “I never miss a beat / I’m lightnin’ on my feet / And that’s what they don’t see.” Well, given how big Swift is, these days, everybody sees you, Taylor! The biggest moment of the song is undoubtedly the chorus – one of the most sing-along gems of the 2010s:

“‘Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

Shake it off, I shake it off (Ooh)

Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break

And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake

Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off (Ooh).”

MIC DROP! You can’t mention “Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)” without highlighting the tongue-in-cheek interlude and bridge. Also, the production (Swift and Christopher Rowe) remains ear-catching, More than the sound, however, the big takeaway is don’t let people bring and break you down – shake it off!!!

Appears in 🔻:

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10. Harry Styles, “As It Was”

Harry’s House // Erskine / Columbia // 2022

“I want you to hold out the palm of your hand / Why don’t we leave it at that?” Grammy-winning pop musician Harry Styles had the song to beat in 2022: “As It Was”.  “As It Was” is a bright spot from his brilliant third studio album, Harry’s House, which won the Grammy for Album Of the Year. “As It Was” finds Styles exploring a different 80s synthpop/New Wave with positive results. Furthermore, it is incredibly catchy, particularly the chorus. Styles penned this record with Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson who also produce.  Thematically, he explores loneliness and likely, a break-up. “‘Harry, you’re no good alone / Why are you sitting at home on the floor?” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “What kind of pills are you on?” Also, Harry seems to conclude he’s no longer the same as he was. He could be referring to the defunct relationship in the chorus as he asserts, “In this world, it’s just us / You know it’s not the same as it was.” Ultimately, Styles sings well, the songwriting captures authentic, relatable emotions, and the production is incredible. “As It Was” was my pick for the best song of 2022.

Appears in 🔻: 

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11. Britney Spears, “Oops!…I Did It Again”

Oops!… I Did It Again // Zomba // 2000

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!” Britney Spears has plenty of hits, but few are more beloved or iconic than “Oops!… I Did It Again.” “Oops!” is the title track – the main attraction on her 2000 album, Oops!… I Did It Again.  The song was nominated for a Grammy, losing to one-hit-wonder, Macy Gray (“I Try”). Unsurprisingly, it was one of 14 top 10 hits for Spears. Perhaps more surprising that “Oops!” didn’t peak higher than no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The production by Max Martin and Rami Yacoub is on-point. The lyrics (Martin and Yacoub as well) are catchy AF. “I think I did it again / I made you believe, we’re more than just friends,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “Oh, baby, it might seem like a crush / But it doesn’t mean that I’m serious.” Even though Spears isn’t a powerhouse vocalist, she sounds great here – it’s giving #ICONIC! The centerpiece, the crème de la crème, is none other than the catchy, tuneful, and unforgettable chorus.

“Oops, I did it again

I played with your heart

Got lost in the game

Oh, baby, baby

Oops, you think I’m in love

That I’m sent from above

I’m not that innocent.”

PERIOD!

Appears in 🔻:

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12. The Staple Singers, “Let’s Do It Again”

Let’s Do It Again Original Soundtrack // Spy // 1975

“I wanna do it again, do it again / Do it (Do it).” Do what? You know… It is universal. Grammy-nominated, iconic soul and gospel collective The Staple Singers struck gold with “Let’s Do It Again”. It appears in the 1975 soundtrack, Let’s Do It Again. Notably, the song and all of the songs from the soundtrack were written and produced by the late, great Curtis Mayfield. “Let’s Do It Again” is extra special. It reached no. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B Songs chart. It marked their second career no. 1 on the pop charts following “I’ll Take You There”. Also, the single was certified gold by the RIAA. Even though sex is the modus operandi, it’s done tastefully. The instrumental backdrop is delightful – decadent to the nth degree. The groove is laid-back but groovin’. The bass line is athletic, rich, and robust. Additionally, the keys, rhythm guitar, and strings bolster the sweet accompaniment. Those string riffs play one of the most crucial roles in the song. The instrumental helps to fuel the fire of The Staple Singers, who ‘bring the heat.’ According to them, love is to be had at all times of the day:

“Let’s do it in the mornin’

Sweet breeze in the summertime

Feeling your sweet face

All laid up next to mine

Sweet love in the midnight

Good sleep, come mornin’ light

No worries ‘bout nothin’

Just gettin’ good, just getting’ good

Just gettin’ good love.”

That sounds so fulfilling. The lyrics aren’t deep, but superbly capture matters of the heart and bedroom. The Staple Singers provide dynamic vocals that ooze with soul and craft a satisfying loving and sexual experience. The Staple Singers, with the help of Curtis Mayfield, put their foot into this one.

Appears in 🔻:

The Staple Singers, Let’s Do It Again: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 143 (2024)

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13. Tom Jones, “It’s Not Unusual”

Along Came Jones // Decca Music Group Limited // 1965

“It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone / It’s not unusual to have fun with anyone.” One of the most recognizable hits by English singer Tom Jones is “It’s Not Unusual”. Written by Gordon Mills and Les Reed and often covered, Jones originally recorded it. Peter Sullivan produced it. A pop hit, it peaked at no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“But when I see you hanging about with anyone / It’s not unusual to see me cry / Oh, I wanna die.” Jones kept things short but utterly sweet on “It’s Not Unusual.” The eighth track from Jones’ 1965 LP, Along Came Jones clocks in at about two minutes in duration. The tempo is quick, the sound is exuberant, and the production is sunny. The orchestration marks one of the biggest selling points – the horns! His vocals are awesome and quite expressive. He superbly delivers the tuneful melody and those timeless, unusual lyrics. “It’s not unusual to go out at any time,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “But when I see you out and about, it’s such a crime.” Word. “It’s Not Unusual” is a once-in-a-lifetime song that never grows old.

Appears in 🔻:

Tom Jones, It’s Not Unusual: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 128 (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

13 Songs That Explore It, Vol. 1 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 10K Projects, LLC, Columbia, Decca Music Group Limited, Dolo Entertainment, Inc., Erskine, gamma., Heavenly Recordings, Joytime Collective, MJJ Productions, Inc., Night Street, Open Shift, Parkwood Entertainment, PIAS, Roc Nation, Sony Music Entertainment, Taylor Swift, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner, Zomba; Azra Tuba Demir from Pexels]

13 Songs That Explore It, Vol. 1 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on October 7, 2024October 7, 2024