13 Songs That’ll Make You Stop What You’re Doing features music courtesy of Blueface, Miley Cyrus, Pistol Annies, Thomas Rhett, and YG.  

Stop, stop, stop! Just S-T-O-P whatever you are doing! Why? Well, we have another playlist, and the key word is STOP.  Hopefully, all 13 songs selected on “13 Songs That’ll Make You Stop What You’re Doing” will totally ‘tickle your fancy’ and be an unstoppable force to your respective music rotation.  If not, hopefully you have fun reading the analytical blurb about each anyways. Musicians appearing on “13 Songs That’ll Make You Stop What You’re Doing” include Blueface (“Stop Cappin”), Miley Cyrus (“We Can’t Stop”), Pistol Annies (“Stop Drop and Roll One”), Thomas Rhett (“Don’t Stop Driving’”), and YG (“Stop Snitchin”) among others.

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1. YG, “Stop Snitchin”

4REAL 4REAL • Def Jam • 2019

“Bitch nigga, snitch nigga, ho nigga, bitch nigga.” Yep, YG opens “Stop Snitchin”, a standout from his 2019 LP 4REAL 4REAL, incredibly aggressive with the aforementioned repetitive, profane chorus. A minimalist, rhythmic backdrop fuels YG’s ‘fire’ even if it ultimately doesn’t bring anything new to the table. Since “Stop Snitchin” is a diss track (purportedly against rapper 6ix9ine), he mostly insults “bitch niggas” in every offensive way possible.

On the first verse, he asserts, “You’s a bitch, your mama know you a bitch / Your girl even know you a bitch / I don’t know how she suck your dick, pause.”  On the second verse, the insults continue: “No testosterone, you scared to catch a fade / I got in a fight and you ain’t fight / You ran off, so next time I see you, I’ll knock you out on sight…” Yep, that’s about the size of it.  Notably, a remix also appears on 4REAL 4REAL featuring DaBaby.

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2. Thomas Rhett, “Don’t Stop Drivin’”

Center Point Road • Big Machine • 2019

“She turned up the radio as soon as she climbed in / Said, ‘I don’t care where e go as long as we’re flyin’ / She looked over at me like she’d never stop smiling / Said, ‘Whatever you do, babe, don’t stop drivin’ tonight.’” OK… Grammy-nominated contemporary country singer Thomas Rhett is definitely NOT your father’s country musician.  Rhett is among the new breed of country musicians willing to experiment and integrate and fuse a number of different styles.  This continues on his fourth studio album, Center Point Road (2019).

Within the context of Center Point Road, the song at hand, “Don’t Stop Drivin’” follows the reminiscent advance single, “Remember You Young”.  A tough act to follow, “Don’t Stop Drivin’” increases the tempo and amplifies the pop/rock sensibilities.  The energy is high, thanks to strong vocals from Rhett and a heaping dose of guitar.  For good measure, some colorful synths are thrown into the mix as well in addition to the lyrics squarely focused on ‘her’ driving requests among other things.

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3. Future, “Never Stop”

Future Hendrxx Presents: The WIZRD • Epic • 2019

“I make Yeezy Boost moves in my Reeboks / I ain’t gon’ never stop.” Sure Future – whatever you say! Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD marked the rapper’s first proper solo album in two years (FUTURE and HNDRXX, 2017).  All in all, Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD is enjoyable and well-rounded.  Surprisingly, the song at hand, the nearly five-minute-long “Never Stop,” kicks things off in surprisingly mellow fashion.

Even with mellowness being the M.O., Future eats it up.  How? He embraces a full-on, melodic approach. What does he spit about specifically? His come-up in the rap game. Among the memorable lines:

“Came from whippin’ out the bowl, Tom Ford suit and tie
Get my grandma to serve my dope, that ain’t a lie
You can tell I’ve been broke when you look into my eyes
Nobody done noticed till the jet was in the sky.”

Fair enough Future, fair enough.

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4. Blueface, “Stop Cappin”

Stop Cappin • Cash Money • 2019

“Stop cappin’, I’m really popping / How can I slip if I’m the one doing the mopping? / No forensics, no witness, no ballistics / No attachment, but this Glock got extensions.” California rapper Blueface definitely has his own approach to rhyming, something he’s shown off via collaborations (“West Coast” alongside G-Eazy), as well as his own songs (hit single “Thotiana”).  Of Blueface perhaps Ice Cube said it best – he’s “an acquired taste”.  He continues to exemplify that characterization on his 2019 single, “Stop Cappin.”

If nothing else, Blueface, baby is chocked-full of energy.  On the aforementioned chorus, it’s safe to say that he’s on 10.  He remains there throughout the verses, delivering some clever lines.  On the first verse, he serves up some ‘dick-talk’ in a couple of instances including “Glock with a dick for a Jehovah’s if he witnessed it” and “I always keep a hard pole for a hater / Two dicks, I’m with the full-fledged bullshit.” Wow.  He also drops a clever NBA reference on the second verse regarding his drip and ability to ‘shoot’: “Curry in the clip but I’m shooting like Scottie Pippen.” The point of the record – stop LYING!

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5. Pistol Annies, “Stop Drop and Roll One”

Interstate Gospel • Sony • 2018

“We’re on fire, I think / So stop, drop, and roll one…” Ah, Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley make one badass female country trio – Pistol Annies of course.  The three musicians dropped their third studio album, Interstate Gospel, in 2018.  One of the highlights arrives early-on with “Stop Drop and Roll One.”

Miranda Lambert offers up the chorus at the top, partially excerpted above.  The rest of the chorus goes a little something like this:

“…Takes one to grow one
We’re one of a kind
We’re right on the brink
Burned out like the prom queen
We’re all mirrors and smoke rings
So, stop, drop, and roll one.”

Afterwards, on the bluesy, highly-countrified number, Ashley Monroe takes the reins on the first verse, which continues the feistiness of the chorus (“I don’t really care how this phone-ass fairytale ends / I just hope that we’re leaving this honky tonk covered in men”). Angaleena Presley is feisty on her verse too – “Get this thing off of me; where in the hell is my bra? / This hurts a lot more than the last time we did Mardi Gras.”

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6. Travis Scott, “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”

ASTROWORLD • Epic • 2018

“Stop tryna be God Almighty / Fuck the money, never leave your people behind, yeah / It’s never love, no matter what you try.” “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” definitely ranks among the crème de la crème of ASTROWORLD.  Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott is totally team anti-god-status/anti god-complex, which have been prevalent in the hip-hop community.  At one time, god-status was ‘trending’ in hip-hop music.  It hasn’t disappeared, but rappers have also moved to other things.

Kid Cudi and legendary Earth, Wind & Fire singer Philip Bailey appear on the pre-chorus and chorus (“Hmm, hmm / Stop tryna be God”).  Arguably the best uncredited guest feature (lots on ASTROWORLD) comes courtesy of hip-hop’s ‘it boy,’ James Blake. He sounds fantastic as he sings the inquiring bridge.  “Is it the complex of the saint / That’s keepin’ you so, so still?”  Also, there’s a Stevie Wonder feature (harmonica primarily).  “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” has appeared on multiple playlists, including 15 Songs That Reference Things Associated with Religion and God is in the Midst of These 11 Secular Songs.

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7. Dave Matthews, “Can’t Stop”

Come Tomorrow • RCA • 2018

It took a while, but Dave Matthews and Dave Matthews Band returned in 2018.  Prior to the arrival of their latest album, Come Tomorrow, the band had been on a six-year hiatus (Away from the World, 2012).  Despite the wait, for the most part, DMB makes up for it on Come Tomorrow, which has its fair share of highlights over the course of its 54-minute duration.

DMB definitely show out on the funky, horn-filled, riff-laden “Can’t Stop.” The sophomore cut following single “Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin)”,  Dave Matthews delivers incredibly assertive, high-flying vocals, clearly invested into his inability to stop loving her.  The chorus is among the best of the LP.

“Love you cause I can’t stop
You know, I need you, cause it won’t stop
No, I don’t want to have you, but I, but I can’t stop
Don’t wanna love you, but it won’t stop
I’m like a junkie for you baby.”

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8. Vivian Green, “Stop Sleeping (See the Light)”

VGVI • Make Noise • 2017

Vivian Green is an incredibly underrated R&B musician.  Nonetheless, Green continues to produce solid, well-rounded albums, including her 2017 LP, VGVI.  The main attraction on VGVI was single “I Don’t Know”, a strong song by all means.  Even so, VGVI closes with an intriguing record in its own right, “Stop Sleeping (See the Light)”.

“Stop Sleeping (See the Light)” is by far the most progressive song from VGVI.  The production is a mix of the neo-soul associated with Green, as well as neo-disco, dance, and the more modern urban contemporary sound. Less traditional but meaningful, as “Stop Sleeping” progresses, it becomes more endearing.  The message is on-point – perfect for the turbulent times facing America, specifically black men and women. This is an anthem all about being ‘woke’ to what’s going down in society.  “Stop sleeping / Stay up / Everybody stay up!” Fittingly, in addition to appearing on this ‘stop-centric’ list, “Stop Sleeping (See the Light)” appeared on the playlist 11 Songs That Center Around Sleep.

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9. Big Sean & Metro Boomin, “Who’s Stopping Me”

Double or Nothing • G.O.O.D. / Def Jam / Republic • 2017

“Big dawg, autobiography / Make moves with the bros, no choreographies / She told me I’m the one, I looked over, said obviously / Then looked up in the mirror like, who the fuck stopping me, huh?” “Who’s Stopping Me” is among the most intriguing records off of Double or Nothing, the 10-track, 41-minute collaborative album by Big Sean and Metro Boomin.  Perhaps the biggest reason why it is such as winner thanks to sampling a Brazilian singer, Nazaré Pereira (“Clarão de Lua”).

Interesting, prior to “Who’s Stopping Me,” Big Sean had never had a record that sounded quite like this, which makes it unique.  As far as his rapping, he feeds off the cool, groovy production work, delivering agile, tight rhymes.  The hook, excerpted above, further accentuates “Who’s Stopping Me,” not to mention his big personality.

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10. Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

Trolls (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • RCA • 2016

“I got this feeling, inside my bones / It goes electric, wavy when I turn it on.” Sigh, it’s rare when a soundtrack song makes a big splash that transcends the soundtrack it hails from originally.  It’s even more rare when the song is from a children’s film soundtrack.  That’s the case with the feel-good, sunny, Justin Timberlake record, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

No, “Can’t Stop the Feeling” isn’t pop music’s second coming, but it’s incredibly fun and infectious.  The refrain, pre-chorus, and chorus sections are all hella catchy – pick your favorite! Furthermore, even if “Can’t Stop the Feeling” is too damn corny for you, that on-point, falsetto by J.T. is undeniable.

“Nothing I can see but you when you dance, dance, dance
A feeling good, good, creeping up on you
So just dance, dance, dance, com on
All those things I shouldn’t do
But you dance, dance, dance
And ain’t nobody leaving soon, so keepin' dancing
I can’t stop the feeling
So just dance, dance, dance
I can’t stop the feeling
So just dance, dance, dance.”

“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” previously appeared on the playlist 10 Songs Where Musicians Just Can’t, Vol. 1.

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11. Brett Eldredge, “You Can’t Stop Me”

Ft. Thomas Rhett

Illinois • Atlantic • 2015

In 2015, two unique country musicians collaborated together for a duet: Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett.  The result was a bizarre, but incredibly appealing record, “You Can’t Stop Me.” “You Can’t Stop Me” appears as the second song from Eldredge’s sophomore album, Illinois.  Groovy and quite different from traditional country, it’s clear that neither can be stopped.

Exactly what is it that either of these country bros CAN’T be stopped from? Living a “crazy life,” giving “crazy love” …something like that.

“Just like the roof is on fire
So, turn up the heat
All my friends are here
But the drinks on me
Pretty girls around
Everywhere you look
It's right on my face
You can say I'm hooked on
This crazy life I'm living
This crazy love I'm giving
Sit back, just watch, you'll see
You can try but you can't stop me
You can't stop me
No, you can't.” 

“You Can’t Stop Me,” like “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”  previously appeared on the playlist 10 Songs Where Musicians Just Can’t, Vol. 1.

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12. Miley Cyrus, “We Can’t Stop”

Bangerz • RCA • 2013 

“It’s our party we can do what we want… / We can kiss who we want / We can screw who we want.” It’s almost hard to believe there was a time that Miley Cyrus couldn’t be “tamed.” That period actually occurred post-Can’t Be Tamed on her 2013 album, Bangerz.

On Bangerz, Miley Cyrus essentially embraced hip-hop and urban culture to the fullest.  Sometimes it was triumphant, and at other times, shameful and disgraceful.  Regardless, Cyrus superbly captured her unapologetic spirit on the anthem, “We Can’t Stop.” See a perfect lyrical example of that unstoppable, unapologetic spirit below:

“So la-da-di-da-di, we like to party
Dancing with Molly
Doing whatever we want
This our house
This is our rules
And we can’t stop
And we won’t stop
Can’t you see it’s we who own the night?
Can’t you see it’s we who ‘bout that life?” 

“We Can’t Stop” like “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” and “You Can’t Stop Me” previously appeared on the playlist 10 Songs Where Musicians Just Can’t, Vol. 1.

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13. Rise Against, “Make It Stop (September’s Children)”

Endgame • DGC • 2011

“Make it stop / Let this end / Eighteen years pushed to the ledge / It’s come to this a weightless step / On the way down singing / whoa, whoa.” Punk-rock band Rise Against is heavy and serious on “Make It Stop (September’s Children).” On this standout from 2011 album Endgame, frontman Tim McIlrath stands up against bullying, specifically in regard to homosexuality, that ultimately leads far too many kids to commit suicide.

Clearly, he encourages those feeling like it’s not worth living to stay strong – It gets better.

“It’s always darkest just before the dawn
So, stay awake with me, let’s prove them wrong.”

By the end, the new day with new hopes has come to pass.

“Make it stop
Let this end
This life chose me, I’m not lost in sin
And proud I stand, of who I am
I plan to go on living.” 

“Make It Stop (September’s Children)” previously appeared on the playlist Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with Pride.

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[Photo Credits: Atlantic, Big Machine, Boominati, Cash Money, Def Jam, DGC, Epic, G.O.O.D., Make Noise, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, Sony]

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