13 Tantalizing TWIST Songs | Playlist

13 Tantalizing TWIST Songs features songs by Chubby Checker, Drake, Ice Nine Kills, Popcaan, Sam Cooke, and The Beatles.  

Noted, Drake. Speaking of twisting, Chubby Checker exuberantly sang, “Come on, baby, let’s do the twist.” And as for another 1960s legend, Sam Cooke, he asserted, “They’re twistin’, twistin’ / Everybody’s feeling great / They’re twistin’, twistin’ / They’re twistin’ the night.” The common thread between these three musicians is the word TWIST.  After a decade into The Musical Hype, 13 Tantalizing TWIST Songs marks the first full-fledged playlist that highlights this multi-meaning word. Besides the three artists mentioned previously, 13 Tantalizing TWIST Songs features songs by Ice Nine Kills, Popcaan, and The Beatles.  So, without further ado, don’t get it twisted; this list embodies the twist!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Drake, “Plot Twist”	2. Ice Nine Kills, “Twisting The Knife” (Ft. Mckenna Grace)	3. Muni Long, “Plot Twist”
4. Keith Sweat, “Twisted”	5. Popcaan, “TWIST & TURN” (Ft. Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR)	6. YG, “Twist My Fingaz”
7. Marc E. Bassy, “Plot Twist” (Ft. KYLE)	8. MISSIO, “Twisted”	9. Korn, “Twisted Transistor”
10. The Beatles, “Twist And Shout”	11. Sam Cooke, “Twistin’ the Night Away”	12. Chubby Checker, “The Twist”
13. Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, “Twisted”

 

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1. Drake, “Plot Twist”

ICEMAN » OVO / Republic Records » 2026

Word. Drake came back with a bang in 2026 and released three albums simultaneously 👀.  The biggest, most successful album of the three is ICEMAN.  The song at hand, “Plot Twist”, is the 12^th track on the album. “Plot Twist” was written by Drake, AzizTheShake, Finatik, Hidde, Jeek, London Cyr, Tom Levesque, and Zac. It was produced by AzizTheShake, Jeek, Hidde, London Cyr, Tom Levesque, and FNZ. “Plot Twist” debuted/peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Plot Twist” begins with enigmatic production. Set in a minor key, the sound is warm despite the dark vibes. A slick beat provides a mean anchor. Drake is assertive from the get-go. He delivers a compelling cadence and flow.  His rhymes are agile, with both a bite and smoothness. In the first verse, he brags, “October’s Own is the label, seven-figure deal was a fable / Eight-figure bought out the neighbors, nine figures turnin’ the tables.” Now that’s a flex.  That’s just one of many things Drizzy has to say.  He references Metro Boomin: “I’ll beat a producer like, ‘What’s the BPM?’ I cannot de-escalate things if we see ‘em.” He also mentions Young Thug, rapping in the second verse, “People keep tellin’ me smile, but bro is on trial, there’s shit to adjust to.”  He also references his beef with Kendrick Lamar near the end of the second verse, spitting, “I’m tryna stay laid back ‘cause you know the hot heads with me, and they wanna get the payback goin’ / I don’t recognize none of that shit that he’s throwin’, but maybe where he’s from, they know it.” Of course, the crème de la crème is the chorus, excerpted earlier. All said and done, “Plot Twist” is an intriguing moment from ICEMAN. Give Drake credit for his assertive, give-no-fucks approach. 

Appears in 🔻:

Drake, Plot Twist: Bangerz N Bopz No. 49 (2026)

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2. Ice Nine Kills, “Twisting The Knife” (Ft. Mckenna Grace)

“Twisting The Knife” » Fearless Records » 2026

Oh, wow… okay 😳! Boston metal/metalcore band Ice Nine Kills tends to deliver a ‘scary good’ musical listening experience.  Horror is non-negotiable when it comes to lead vocalist Spencer Charnas! The band tapped actress-singer Mckenna Grace for the assist on the intriguing single “Twisting The Knife”.   So, why was Grace a collaborator? She’s an actress in the movie associated with the single Scream 7. “Twisting The Knife” was written by Charnas, Grace, Joe Occhiuti, Steve Sopchak, Drew Fulk, Jeris Johnson, Sueco (William Schultz), John Feldmann, and Francesco Ferrini. Drew Fulk produced it.

“Twisting The Knife” features a lush, warm, and celestial introduction… in a hellish sort of way 😇 😈.  This beautiful yet chilling moment recurs throughout the song, contrasting with the most intense moments. One of my favorite parts of this intro/recurring interlude is Mckenna Grace’s voice, where she sings on “ah(s).” She possesses an angelic instrument.  While it shouldn’t work for an intense heavy metal/metalcore song, her youthful voice manages to cut through the jagged riffs and intense moments. She has great synergy with Spencer Charnas throughout. Naturally, Charnas has the grittier, more seasoned vocal.  They superbly trade lines in the verses.  In the first verse, Charnas begins first (“This devastation / Follows me, follows me, constantly, I can’t escape it…”) In the second, Grace takes the reins initially, with both singing boldly 😉 (“This force of nature /Follows me, follows me, constantly calling me.”) In most iterations of the chorus, the centerpiece, they join forces:

“Can you honestly promise me

I won’t be left here to die?

I’m screaming for my life because

Honestly, I’m not free ‘til it’s me twisting the knife

So, I’m screaming for my life

Barely breathing, violently shaking, and bleeding

I buried the past for a reason

And there’s always more room in the grave, the grave, the grave.”

The chorus is epic, not only vocally, but instrumentally.  Beyond the core metal backdrop, gorgeous symphonic cues, instrumentation, and orchestration up the ante on “Twisting The Knife”. Like many Ice Nine Kills songs, this is a cinematic music experience. Spencer and Mckenna, you did your big one here.

Appears in 🔻:

Ice Nine Kills, Twisting The Knife: Bangerz N Bopz No. 46 (2026)

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3. Muni Long, “Plot Twist”

Public Displays of Affection: The Album » Supergiant / Def Jam » 2022

Oh, snap,  Muni Long! After falling hard for a con, Muni Long realizes she’s been played and is entangled in a big-time plot twist on  “Plot Twist.”  Though the “Plot Twist” only runs two and a half minutes, that’s ample time for Long to fill us in on the details.  Helping to make this record the cat’s meow is soulful, lush production work (Horace Bray and Charlie Coffeen) and rich, nuanced vocals by Long. Man, oh man, does she have a gorgeous tone!

“Said you had a whole ‘nother life, I’ve fallen for you

But last night everything changed

Another plot twist, they’re not even your kids

They look just like your brother by the way

Plot twist.”

Woo! This man clearly is filled with drama and, more importantly, lies.  Even so, Muni gave him her heart, and now she realizes just how deceptive and untrustworthy he was.  She realizes the error of her heartfelt ways of trusting him in the verses. The second verse, in particular, is spicy, with a more rhythmic vibe. I love the cadence and flow that Muni sings with here (“Talk to your wife on the phone, she don’t even sound surprised / Said it ain’t the first time you ain’t come home at night”).  Even so, it is the chorus that takes the cake, perfectly summing up many plot twists with this lame fool. “Plot Twist” is one of many satisfying moments from Public Displays of Affection: The Album.

Appears in 🔻:

Twist: 5ive Songs No. 58 (2022)

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4. Keith Sweat, “Twisted”

Keith Sweat » Elektra » 1996

Ooh, wee! Keith Sweat has had many R&B hits – that’s an understatement.  Furthermore, he’s also attained success on the pop charts, which is awesome for an R&B artist. His biggest hit on the pop charts was “Twisted” from his 1996 album, Keith Sweat. “Twisted” spent a total of 38 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number two. Furthermore, it was certified platinum, while its parent album was certified quadruple platinum.

 

The premise is relatively simple. This woman has toyed with Sweat’s emotions, giving mixed messages. Does she want him or does she not? That is the question! “Girl you did me wrong / …I thought we were down,” he sings in the pre-chorus, adding, “Now you say you want me girl /… Ooh, make up your mind.” He has a legitimate point.  As he expresses his feelings about the situation, Sweat gets an awesome assist from Kut Klose, who helps emphasize his points.  Furthermore, Pretty Russ provides a rap verse that also supports the twistedness:

“You got me twisted thinking about the way that things use to be

When it was you and me girl I was so free, see

You had my heart from the start like Cupid

And I was just downright foolish and stupid

… I guess I’ll wait for the day until you come back

Because my heart is where your love is at

You got me twisted.”

“Twisted” remains ripe, three decades after its release. The sentiment expressed remains relevant to the n^th degree.  Call this Keith Sweat joint what it is: timeless.

 

Appears in 🔻:

Keith Sweat, Twisted: Throwback Vibez No. 93 (2022)  Twist: 5ive Songs No. 58 (2022)

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5. Popcaan, “TWIST & TURN” (Ft. Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR)

FIXTAPE » OVO Sound / Santa Anna Label Group » 2020

Noted, Popcaan (Andrae Sutherland), Drake (Aubrey Graham), and PARTYNEXTDOOR (Jahron Brathwaite). At some point in “TWIST & TURN”, all three artists perform the song’s refrain – not to be confused with the pre-chorus and chorus. “TWIST & TURN” is the fourth track from Popcaan’s fourth studio album, FIXTAPE, released in 2020.  The best way to describe this dancehall/reggae cut: a surefire vibe. “TWIST & TURN” was written by Popcaan, Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and producer Nineteen85. Notably, the single, which never touched the pop charts, was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

“TWIST & TURN” features cool, rhythmic, synth-led production. It’s all chill, easygoing V-I-B-E-S. Drake draws first blood, performing the refrain (excerpted earlier), first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus.  The patois is in full effect, as Drizzy references Rihanna (“Listen, you’ve been missing since 2016”) and Popcaan’s sister.  The romantic vibes and objectification are full throttle: “Baby, ‘cause mi eye too fry, I get burned, yeah / Love the way you twist and turn / Twist and turn, yeah.” PARTYNEXTDOOR follows, performing his own refrain. Popcaan follows, performing the second verse. “I know you know, seh you wan’ bruk it off, don’t? / And I know you know, yuh wan’ wine fast, then yuh wine slow,” he sings naughtily, and continues, “Me ‘member the first night when you get freaky / When you get naughty.” PARTY performs the refrain once more, with select moments alongside Popcaan. PARTY performs the brief third and final verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. “Now, you wan’ fi run like an Olympic,” he sings, and continues, “After you dance pon’ me and have my hips stiff, yeah.” Ooh-wee! PARTY x Popcaan performs the final refrain while Drizzy performs most of the outro (“She just wanna dance and tease”). All in all, “TWIST & TURN” is a fun and infectious tropical-tinged bop.  Sensual, Popcaan, Drake, and PARTYNEXTDOOR bring the heat. 

Appears in 🔻:

Popcaan, TWIST & TURN: Bangerz N Bopz No. 47 (2026)

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6. YG, “Twist My Fingaz”

Still Brazy » Def Jam » 2016

The braggadocious “Twist My Fingaz” marks one of the best moments from Still Brazy, the 2016 studio album by West Coast rapper YG. The record brilliantly samples “One Nation Under a Groove” (Funkadelic), “More Bounce to the Ounce” (Zapp) and the traditional folk song “Buffalo Boy Go ‘Round the Outside”.  Throughout “Twist My Fingaz,” YG makes it clear that ‘he’s the man.’ He goes for the kill when he spits, “I’m the only one who made it out the West without Dre / I’m the only one that’s about what he say.”  Woo! What’s he gonna do?  Why, flex, ball, and represent! “I just do my dance and cuff my pants / And twist my fingaz with my hands.”  All told, “Twist My Fingaz” is a surefire rap banger, NO CAP! 

Appears in 🔻:

Twist: 5ive Songs No. 58 (2022)

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7. Marc E. Bassy, “Plot Twist” (Ft. KYLE)

Gossip Columns » Republic » 2017

Woo! There are plenty of things to like about “Plot Twist”, a highlight from Gossip Columns, the 2017 album by pop musician Marc E. Bassy. The production work is slick, the vibe is killer, and Bassy gives a sweet performance, rich in sexy falsetto.  Also strengthening the case of the song is the sex game, which is an integral part of the plot twist. Even though sex is involved in the twist, Bassy is only into ONE girl.

“Plot twist, everything’s happening so quick

I only wanted a taste of your lips

Lips became your body, nice turned into naughty

You hit me with a plot twist.”

Bassy gets some help on the second verse, courtesy of endearing rapper KYLE. KYLE provides a nice assist, which suits the style of Bassy. “It was only one night, I was in and out / How the fuck I fall in love? How I fall in love?” he asks, and adds, “She built a brand new house in my mind / And damn, she already close with my moms / I couldn’t even kick her out if I tried.” Plot twist, indeed! “Plot Twist” = enjoyable to the nth degree.

 

Appears in 🔻:

Twist: 5ive Songs No. 58 (2022)

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8. MISSIO, “Twisted”

Loner » RCA Records » 2017

That’s sound advice, Matthew Brue. But it doesn’t stop there with his family members, as “My father, he told me he knew I would.” Word.  Brue is one-half of the electronic alternative duo MISSIO, which also features David Butler. “Twisted”, the song at hand, appears as the eighth track on the duo’s 2017 album, Loner. The song was written and produced by Brue, Butler, and Dwight A. Baker.

“Twisted” is ear candy exemplified. It features rhythmic production, where triplets rule! Ornate, there are dynamic, vibrant synths, and pummeling, in-your-face drums.  The form is straightforward: verse /pre-chorus / chorus (twice); bridge; chorus.  Matthew Brue compels with his cool, easy-going vocals, which contrast with the busy backdrop. Brue’s verses are quite tuneful, including the family-oriented first verse excerpted earlier.  The second verse is written similarly: “My brothers, they told me, ‘Do what you do’ / My sister, she told me to do somethin’ good.” The pre-chorus is intriguing as well, with Brue characterizing himself as uncontrollable, emotional, and crazy among other things. The section to beat, however, is the sing-along chorus, which is one of the best features of this song: “Everybody in the world knows I’m a little twisted, twisted.” In short, “Twisted” by MISSIO is the sugar, honey, iced tea. Why? Great vocals, simple but memorable songwriting, and epic production.

Appears in 🔻:

MISSIO, Twisted: Bangerz N Bopz No. 48 (2026)

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9. Korn, “Twisted Transistor”

 See You On the Other Side » Tempo Music Investments, LLC » 2005

Okay, Jonathan Davis, please continue.  “Hold it between your legs / Turn it up, turn it up.” Um… Jonathan, Jonathan, what the actual hell are you talking about? I sort of followed the transistor part, associating it with radio and music, but then, I’m not sure what you are asking to ‘hold between your legs,’ following up with “Low end is coming through / Can’t get enough.”  Did Korn get outlandish, sexual, and unapologetic on “Twisted Transistor”, the crowning achievement from their 2005 album, See You On the Other Side? Are we talking, um, musical phallus here? Well, there’s obviously some innuendo thrown in there!

Even with some eyebrow-raising lyrics and references, the big takeaway from “Twisted Transistor” is the power of music. It may not make perfect sense initially, but “Twisted Transistor” begins to make sense. “A lonely life, where no one understands you,” Davis sings in the pre-chorus, adding, “but don’t give up, because the music do.”  When providing more context, via the chorus, the hold it between your legs makes more sense:

“Because the music do

And then it’s reaching

Inside you, forever preaching

Fuck you, too

You’re scream’s a whisper

Hang on, you twisted transistor.”

Gah-day-um, this song kicks some serious ass, two-decades-plus later! Just remember, “And as the tears fall on / Your breasts, your dress / Vibrations coming through!” Or something like that 🤘!

Appears in 🔻:

Korn, Twisted Transistor: Outlandish Rock No. 15 (2022) Twist: 5ive Songs No. 58 (2022)

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10. The Beatles, “Twist And Shout”

Please Please Me » Apple Corps Ltd » 1963

Woo!  The Beatles – Paul McCartney (b. 1942), John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), and Ringo Starr (b. 1940)  – had the Midas touch.  The legendary English band landed hit upon hit.  “Twist And Shout” is the 14^th and final track from their debut album, Please Please Me, released in 1963. One of 35 top 10 hits, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.  The cover that was originally recorded by The Top Notes and made famous by The Isley Brothers was written by Bert Russell and Phil Medley.  George Martin produced it.  

John Lennon leads the charge on the exuberant “Twist and Shout.” He’s backed up by Paul McCartney and George Harrison on the response – see the parenthetical, italicized lyrics above.  Lennon’s vocals can be described as gritty, spirited, and spunky.  They mark one of the defining features of this cover. “Come on and twist a little closer, now (Twist a little closer),” Lennon and company sing in the second verse, and continue, “And let me know that you’re mine (Let me know you’re mine, ooh). Lennon fully embraces the spirit of rock and roll, infusing ample personality with his assertive approach. Besides the spirited vocal performance, the music is incredibly enthusiastic.  The guitars (Harrison and Lennon) have a bite to them while the drums (Starr) and bass (McCartney) provide a firm foundation.  Starr’s closing drum riffs go incredibly hard.  Honestly, what more is there to say about “Twist And Shout”? The music speaks for itself.  John Lennon is the man. The Beatles make this classic their own.

Appears in 🔻:

The Beatles, Twist And Shout: Throwback Vibez No. 72 (2026)

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11. Sam Cooke, “Twistin’ the Night Away”

Twistin’ the Night Away » RCA Records » 1962

Happy, the people are dancing, forgetting about their troubles.  Sam Cooke (1931 – 1964), the King of Soul, adds, “Man, you find the old and young / Twisting the night away.” Sam was the man, PERIOD.  Although his life was cut short, he left his imprint on soul music without a doubt.  “Twistin’ the Night Away” is another big one from Cooke.  It is the opening track from his 1962 album of the same name. “Twistin’ the Night Away” peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, one of four top 10 hits for Cooke. Cooke wrote this infectious soul-pop gem while Hugo & Luigi (Luigi Creatore and Hugo Peretti) produced it.

“Twistin’ the Night Away” is a ray of sunshine.  Cooke is supported by an exuberant musical accompaniment featuring a standard band and horns. Cooke keeps the same energy as the backdrop, delivering enthusiastic and jubilant vocals. Flaunting that fierce baritone, Cooke sounds like he’s invested and all-in. His tone is utterly sublime – once-in-a-lifetime. Throughout, the melodies are incredibly sing-along-able. “He’s dancing with a chick in slacks / She’s moving up and back,” he sings in the second verse, and continues, “Oh, man, there ain’t nothing like / Twisting the night away.” Fo’ sho’!  The addition of the claps during the irresistible chorus is another selling point of this classic.  The chorus is unforgettable; it feels so innocent, from a simpler time.

“They’re twistin’, twistin’

Everybody’s feeling great

They’re twistin’, twistin’

They’re twistin’ the night.”

There is also a mean tenor saxophone solo, with the background vocalists doing their thing during the bridge section (“Lean up / Lean back /…Watusi / Now fly / Now twist”). Sam Cooke truly cooks on “Twistin’ the Night Away”. No, music does not sound like this anymore, but this song is nothing short of timeless. This fun and innocent soul-dance cut deserves to be enshrined in our playlists forever.

Appears in 🔻:

Sam Cooke, Twistin’ the Night Away: Throwback Vibez No. 42 (2026)

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12. Chubby Checker, “The Twist”

Dancin’ Party: The Chubby Checker Collection (1960 – 1966) » ABKCO Music & Records, Inc. » 2020

Right on, Chubby Checker (Ernest Evans, b. 1941)! The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee solidified his place in music history with an unforgettable song and dance, “The Twist”. “The Twist” was written by Hank Ballard (1927 – 2003).  Hank Ballard and the Midnighters originally recorded the rock song about the popular dance. But it was Checker’s cover, released in 1960, that became the definitive hit.  In Checker’s hands, “The Twist” topped the Billboard Hot 100.  He’d land another number one the following year, and a total of seven top-10s, among his 32 charting songs.

“The Twist” is a vibe from the jump. This is groovy, vintage rock and roll at its finest. With an exciting musical backdrop, Chubby Checker delivers dynamic, expressive lead vocals. Checker brings ample soul and grit to his performance. Furthermore, he infuses plenty of attitude and personality into his performance. “My daddy is sleepin’, and Mama ain’t around,” he asserts in the second verse, and adds, “We’re gonna twist ‘n’ twist ‘n’ twist ‘n’ / ‘Til we tear the house down.” Ooh-wee, that’s a lot of twisting! The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“Ee-yah, twist, baby, baby, twist
Ooh-ooh-ooh-yeah just like this
Come on, little miss, and do the twist.”

Checker also gets a lift from background vocals by the doo-wop group, The Dreamlovers, not to mention a mean saxophone solo from Buddy Savitt (1931 – 1983). In short, “The Twist” is an unforgettable, iconic musical classic.  It is one of the key dance-themed songs that defined the 1960s. Had Chubby Checker recorded nothing else, he would have solidified his musical legacy with this joint right here. 

Appears in 🔻:

Chubby Checker, The Twist: Throwback Vibez No. 53 (2026)

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13. Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, “Twisted”

The Hottest New Group in Jazz » Columbia » 1959

Characterizing vocalese trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross as the hottest new group in jazz wasn’t far-fetched in the least back in the day. Dave Lambert (1917 – 1966), Jon Hendricks (1921 – 2017), and Annie Ross (1930 – 2020) were a force to be reckoned with.  Ross leads the charge on “Twisted”, the third track from the trio’s epic 1959 album, The Hottest New Group in Jazz. Ross wrote the lyrics to the record originally composed by short-lived, influential tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray (1921 – 1955). Teo Macero (1925 – 2008) and Irving Townsend (1920 – 1981) produced it. 

“Twisted” begins with an inviting riff from the combo, comprising Gildo Mahones (1929 – 2018, piano), Ike Isaacs (1923 – 1981, bass), and Walter Bolden (1925 – 2002, drums). A hard-swinging groove from the combo accompanies Anita Ross on lead vocals, sweetening this marvelous record.  Mahones provides a mean punch with his tasty, brilliant comping.  Ross shines thanks to her incredibly sophisticated tone and playful performance. In the second verse, Ross’ analyst informs her, “He said / I was the type that was most inclined / When out of his sight, to be out of my mind / And he thought I was nuts (Nuts?) / No more ifs or ands or buts.” As “Twisted” progresses, specifically during the bridge, Ross loosens up, extending into her upper register and adding more complex melodic and rhythmic moments. 

“…The reasoning and the logic that went on in my head? (Bop, bop, bop, bop)

I had a brain, it was insane, so I just let them laugh at me (Bop, bop, bop, bop)

When I refused to ride on all the double-decker buses (Bop, bop, bop, bop)

All because there was no driver on the top.”

Meanwhile, Lambert and Ross provide background vocals and equally playful, tongue-in-cheek ad-libs (“No driver on the top? This chick is twisted, what’s the matter with her? (She must be out of her head)”). All in all, “Twisted” marks another tour de force by the legendary Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. Simply put, the music speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Twisted: Throwback Vibez No. 27 (2026)

 

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13 Tantalizing TWIST Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; ABKCO Music & Records, Inc., Apple Corps Ltd, Columbia, Def Jam, Elektra, Fearless Records, OVO Sound, RCA Records, Republic, Santa Anna Label Group, Supergiant; Canva AI; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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