15 Songs Focused Only on ME

Reading Time: 16 min read

15 Songs Focused Only on ME features music courtesy of Beyoncé, Jack Harlow, King Floyd, Lana Del Rey, and Lil Mabu.

Prepare for an epic, self-centered playlist! That’s right, the focus is on… ME. Every song on 15 Songs Focused Only on ME feature the pronoun in their respective song titles. Other than requiring me, there are no other notable criteria for this musical compendium. 15 Songs Focused Only on ME features music courtesy of a star-studded cast including Beyoncé, Jack Harlow, King Floyd, Lana Del Rey, and Lil Mabu among others. So, without further ado, before things become to selfless, let’s return to being totally selfish – IT’S ALL ABOUT ME AND ME ONLY, AFTER ALL!

1. Lil Mabu & Fivio Foreign, “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL”

🎵 “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL” • 🏷 YOUNG GENIUS ACADEMY INC. • 🗓 2023

“Yeah, I got a white shooter, huh / And, no, I ain’t shootin’ no schools up.” Well, that’s a relief! If you didn’t catch the reference that rappers Lil Mabu and Fivio Foreign making in the chorus of “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL”, Mabu, who is white, is a shooter, but not the stereotypical white male mass shooting perpetrator. Of course, that’s just one moment from this colorful, unexpected collaboration between a privileged, 18-year-old white rapper and a popular black drill rapper. “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL” shouldn’t work, but, given the personality of both rappers, it’s a success! 

The personality of Mabu, who has unspoken rizz, along with acknowledging his privilege, whiteness, and not taken himself too seriously, gives him an edge in this ‘drill tutorial.’ The young’un allows Fivio Foreign to take him under his wing, into the hood and embracing the drill rap style.  The rappers trade bars, complementing one another in surprisingly successful fashion. See verse two: “He look like a singer, but white boy’ll get up on ‘em / He can’t say the word, I’ma say it for him / You not the biggest, I’m bigger / You just a broke lil’ —-.” WOO! The music video, which is even more entertaining than the song itself, amplifies the chemistry between the two, unlike artists.  Also fueling the fire on this rap banger is the hard-nosed production courtesy of GRKS, 808k antares, and Swamiq. “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL” is novel, but it shows that (1) unexpected collaborations sometimes work and (2) Lil Mabu is creative. 

2. Lana Del Rey, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

🎵 “Take Me Home, Country Roads” • 🏷 Polydor / Interscope • 🗓 2023

“Almost heaven, West Virginia / Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River.” Ah, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey tackles a beloved John Denver classic with “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. Denver penned “Take Me Home, Country Roads” alongside Bill Danoff, and Taffy Nivert. In Del Rey’s hands, this country standard gets a simple, warm backdrop, with piano serving as the primary accompaniment for much of the song.  However, the bridge adds more instrumentation, including organ.  The biggest addition, however, are the backing vocals appearing toward the end, which sound utterly celestial. That said, the focal point of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is the lead vocalist extraordinaire, Lana Del Rey. This song was tailor made for her.  Her signature, robust, smoky vocals sound superb.  Showing off her lower register, it is, nothing short of, a vibe.  The richness of her instrument is to be in awe of and envied. Given the distinctiveness and strength of her voice, Del Rey doesn’t need to do anything extra to the melody. Her pureness, coupled with the sanctity of the melody is enough. No, she doesn’t break new ground, but she delivers a respectable, well-rounded cover, without question.

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: December 2023

3. Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me”

🎵 “Loving on Me”  • 🏷 Generation Now / Atlantic • 🗓 2023

Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow keeps “Lovin on Me” brief but entertaining. The record is produced by OZ, Nik D, and Sean Momberger. Notably, it features a sample of  “Whatever (Bass Solique) by  Cadillac Dale (1995).  This sample appears at the onset – looped throughout the pre-chorus and chorus. Harlow uses it to fuel his lyrical fire, even performing along with the sample in the chorus.  “I’m vanilla baby (I don’t like no whips and chains and you can’t tie me down),” he raps, adding, “I’ll choke you, but I ain’t no killer baby.” Ooh-wee! That lyric is sexual, but also shows that Jack has his limits. Don’t get it twisted though.  There’s still some fuckboy ways entrenched in this track.  In the first verse, he confidently asserts, “Young J-A-C-K, aka Rico like Suave, Young Enrique,” and, in the closing lyric, states, “She wearin’ cheetah print, that’s how bad she wanna be spotted ‘round your boy.” Well, damn! In the second verse, he confirms the vanilla-ness, sexually speaking: “Young M-I-S-S-I-O-N-A-R-Y.” Beyond his preferred sexual position, give him credit for the Shrek  reference: “I keep it short with a bitch, Lord Farquaad.” “Lovin on Me” isn’t the second coming of rap by any means. Still, it’s fun.

4. Jacob Collier, “Witness Me” (Ft. Shawn Mendes, Stormzy & Kirk Franklin)

🎵 “Witness Me” • 🏷 Hajanga / Interscope / Decca • 🗓 2023

“You’re the one that I’ve waited for / I’m holding onto you.” Jacob Collier is a beast – one of the most gifted musicians in the world.  Once again, the Grammy-winning musician blesses our ears with his genius via “Witness Me”.  On “Witness Me,” he enlists the services Canadian heartthrob Shawn Mendes, British wordsmith, Stormzy, and contemporary gospel legend, Kirk Franklin.  That’s a star-studded cast added to Collier’s own elite musicianship. All parties involved penned this record, with the addition of Scott Harris.  The result is a warm, feel-good, gospel-infused pop record.  Collier is the first voice heard, singing the first verse, pre-chorus, and the chorus.  He sings radiantly, bringing expression to the thoughtful, uplifting lyrics.  “Well, maybe you’re lost then / Maybe you’re far from home,” he sings in the verse, adding, “If you only keep walking / You never will walk alone.” Mendes also brings excellence in the second verse, second pre-chorus, and the chorus.  His voice remains angelic, as he encourages, “But I believe in you deeply / You know you can lean on me.” As for Stormzy, with his heavy British accent, he kills it too – in the best way possible.  “I know  You’re with them in the storm even though it hard to see.” Yes 🙌! Of course, the chorus is where the bread is buttered, accentuated by churchy, soulful, choral vocals:  

“I’m with you (I’m with you) 

I’m with you here (I’m with you here)  

You’re the light I need (You’re the light I need) 

In the dark I see (In the dark I see).”   

Once again, Jacob Collier brings the heat.

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: December 2023

5. NLE Choppa, “SLUT ME OUT” (Ft. Sexyy Red)  

💿 Cottonwood 2 (Deluxe) • 🏷 NLE Choppa Entertainment Inc. / Warner • 🗓 2023 

“Big dick energy, I give it.” As they say, confidence is hot. “Ayy, rip off my shirt if you love me (love me) / Spit in my face when you fuck me (fuck me).” Holy sugar honey iced tea, NLE Choppa! The rapper gets filthy, horny, and unapologetic on the single, “SLUT ME OUT”. “SLUT ME OUT” was released in 2022, appearing on the rapper’s sophomore album, Cottonwood 2, released in 2023.  Notably, beyond his requests to “Play with my gooch while you suck me (suck me) / Eat the dick like you was ugly,” the rapper enlists a colleague on the remix, Sexyy Red, who is no stranger to sexed-up, NSFW bars.  This remix appears on the deluxe edition of the album as the 29th track (of 31 total tracks, mind you 🤯). But first, against a malicious, minor-key backdrop produced by CashMoneyAP and FinesseGTB, NLE Choppa focuses on his penis and what he intends to do with it 😈.     

The big dick energy runs rampant on “SLUT ME OUT,” period.  NLE Chopper makes it clear he’s packing, and that he’s “Gon’ put this here in your kidney.” WOO! Furthermore, he addresses her, spitting, “Put your ass in my face ‘til I get pink eye / Fuck you anywhere, I’m that type guy.” Seems like it, NLE.  Also, he boasts, “I’ma bust my nut ‘til I die,” requests she “Put it on camera, masturbate to it later,” and informs us, “Don’t cum quick, I control my bladder (Control my bladder) / Dick real big, come climb my ladder.” Wow!  Next comes Sexyy Red, who is equally raw.  She’s not lying when she raps, “I’m a hood bitch, I like freaky shit, come put that dick down my throat (Yeah) / Come hot and ready, no soft shit.” Also, the freaky, St. Louis rapper requests him to “Eat my coochie out then give a bitch a kiss (Sexyy) / Dick me down, then eat me out.” NLE Choppa and Sexyy Red are horny AF on “SLUT ME OUT”, period. That’s about the size of it 🍆. 

Appears in 🔻: 

6. Whitney Houston, “I Believe in You and Me”  

💿 The Preacher’s Wife • 🏷 Arista • 🗓 1996  

“I Believe in You and Me” marks one of the highlights from The Preacher’s Wife (Original Soundtrack album).  Released in 1996, the iconic Whitney Houston remained in her best voice, tearing up her soundtrack era! While “I Believe in You and Me” was tailor made for Houston’s expressive, nuanced, and powerhouse pipes, it was ultimately a The Four Tops COVER 🤯 🤯 🤯! The Four Tops version wasn’t a pop success, but Whitney changed that! “I Believe in You and Me” earned Houston another top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 4 in 1997.  Furthermore, the single was certified platinum.  Adding to the accolades, Houston was nominated for two Grammys – Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, specifically for “I Believe in You and Me,” and Best R&B Album for The Preacher’s Wife.  The voice is a huge reason why “I Believe in You and Me” is so epic.  Houston shows poise and, also, ups the ante, rising to the occasion.  Her melismatic moments are breathtaking – truly awe inspiring.  The source material, by David Wolfert and Sandy Linzer, is well-penned instrumentally (tuneful) and lyrically (memorable).  The dedication is lit 🔥 to say the least:  

 “I will never leave your side 

I will never hurt your pride 

When all the chips are down, ha  

I will always be around 

Just to be right where you are 

My love, oh, you know I love you, boy.”   

Yes, yes, yes, girl! Nothing more needs to be said. “I Believe in You and Me” = another iconic Whitney Houston moment. 

Appears in 🔻:  

7. Lyrical Lemonade & Dave, “Stop Giving Me Advice” (Ft. Jack Harlow)

💿 All Is Yellow • 🏷 Lyrical Lemonade LLC / Def Jam • 🗓 2024

Four words: “Stop givin’ me advice.” Ah, we’ve all said some form of those words. “Stop Giving Me Advice” marks a collaboration between Lyrical Lemonade and Dave featuring Jack Harlow. “Stop Giving Me Advice” appears on the 2024, Lyrical Lemonade album, All Is Yellow. This four minute rap track features chill vibes, compelling flows, and some memorable bars. If nothing else comes from the song, clearly, it’s time to stop giving advice to someone who doesn’t want it! “Stop Giving Me Advice” was produced by a team comprised of Hollywood Cole, Daz, Rascal, Matthew Tavares, and Angel Lopez. Harlow dominates “Stop Giving Me Advice” early on. His first verse is filled with questions, all phrased with ‘Have you ever.’ That leads to the simple chorus where the advice is unwanted! In the second verse, he asserts, “All this unsolicited advice from the guys gettin’ booked for a quarter of my price / All this red carpet shit, brand partnerships, I must’ve let y’all forget that boy nice.” Oh, snap! Again, advice unnecessary! As for Dave, he drops an entertaining third verse, made all the more charming by his British accent: “I’m a lone survivor, and the way I spell lone is A-L-O-A-N / I don’t ever wanna spend on a ho again / But I’m a fuckin’ feminist, so I go again.” Woo! All in all, encouraging the stoppage of unsolicited advice never sounded better than it does on “Stop Giving Me Advice”.

8. Tems, “Me & U”   

🎵 “Me & U” • 🗓 2023 

“This is my decision, decision,” Tems sings in the outro of “Me & U”, adding, “I don’t think you listen, you listen.” The talented Grammy-winner from Nigeria brings the heat on her first single of 2023. Me & U” benefits from its chill sound and vibe from the onset. The warm guitars are sweet. GuiltyBeatz does a fine job behind the boards, giving Tems an utterly sublime backdrop. Interestingly, the beat doesn’t enter the mix until after the 30-second mark. Upon entering, it anchors things down, in all its groovy, tropical glory. Also, it’s worth noting that the second verse expands the production.  It’s never too ornate, just right! The supporting instrumental is a big deal. A straightforward, easy to follow form makes “Me & U” a winner too.  The biggest reason why it thrives, however, is Tems.  Her voice is gorgeous.  Furthermore, she has tuneful melodies to sing. The verses are simple, but effective. In the second, for example, she sings uncomplicated, yet meaningful lines like, “Make me your matter,” “Make me your person,” and “I don’t need nothing / You are my everything.” The chorus is repetitive but again, highly effective (“Only me and you…”).  All in all, she delivers a fabulous song.      

Appears in 🔻:      

9. Conan Gray, “Killing Me” 

🎵 “Killing Me” • 🏷 Republic • 🗓 2023

“Now you’re tossin’ a rock at my windowpane / Said, ‘I don’t wanna talk, just go away’ / But you claw at the locks ‘til I let you invade.” Those are some emotionally driven lyrics, Conan Gray. Of course, Conan is renowned for honest lyricism, as well as his magnificent voice. Gray dropped his single, “Killing Me”, in 2023. He penned it alongside elite, super producers Max Martin and Oscar Holter with incredibly positive results.  Thematically, matters of the heart dominate “Killing Me.” Gray is in pain – love pain! “I love you bad, that’s the problem occurrin’,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “Better love I deserve, and I’m hurtin’ / But sadly, I worship every moment we meet.” So relatable! Ultimately, in the chorus, where the tempo picks up, and the kick-ass groove kicks in, he makes it clear his lover is killing him, yet, despite this, “I can’t let go of your heart.” It all comes to head in the bridge, where he asserts, “I wanna die, but you keep me alive /… Fight to survive, oh, love of my life / You’re killing me.” Dramatic! The ear candy is decadent AF on “Killing Me”. High-flying vocals, tuneful melodies, stellar production, and relatable songwriting make this joint right here a surefire bop. 

Appears in 🔻:

10. Emi Larraud, “fuck me, I’m bored” 

🎵 “fuck me, I’m bored” • 🏷 E.L. • 🗓 2022

“Let’s go baby, let’s go get high / Yeah, we can do it in the meadows / Of these city lights.” Do what,  Emi Larraud? When a song drops the f-bomb in its title, it must be naughty as… fuck, of course! While “fuck me, I’m bored” is not for virgin ears, take one listen, and you’ll be mesmerized by this 2022, unapologetic record.  The production is exuberant and ornate – it totally kicks ass and takes names. Furthermore, the fact that it’s set in a minor key only amplifies the dark, naughty, risqué, and utterly unapologetic vibes. Larraud is brutally honest.  It’s easy to lose count how many times, particularly at the end of the song, he asks her, “Baby fuck me, I’m bored / Fuck me, fuck me, yeah.” Does “fuck me, I’m bored” have any substance? Well, there are substances. Larraud encouraged a mutual high between him and her.  Early on, he informs us, “I’m headed downtown / To do some coke on your bitch, yeah.” Can you guess what he wants to do beside drugs? Hint – it starts with an F… Infatuated with her, he later asserts, “Only you can get me to do what you want / With dirty hands and a dirty heart.” Ooh wee! While the argument could be made that Emi’s voice is at best secondary to the sound of the record, or even, the fucking lyrics, he has an excellent set of pipes on his hands.  Sure, he lacks a filter on this horny, sexed-up alternative joint, but artistically, there’s lots to like.

Appears in 🔻: 

11. Carlos Guevara, “Don’t Make Me Sad”

🎵 “Don’t Make Me Sad” • 🏷 Casa DeGuevara • 🗓 2023 

“Fuck me in the backseat, fuck me in the backseat, fuck me in the backseat.” Carlos Guevara is naughty from the start on his NSFW single,  “Don’t Make Me Sad”.  Written by Guevara alongside Sizzy Rocket, and Matias Mora, the sex is electric and also, rough.  What’s interesting is that Guevara presents himself submissively, yet, he’s aggressive in asserting his submissiveness 🤷🏾‍♂️ 😈.  Fittingly, the record features seedy sounding production (Mora produces, with additional production by Cary Singer). It’s the synths for me that give this record it’s sus-ness – in a positive way, of course.  Guevara gives us wild vocals, specifically in the verses. He is much more melodic in the chorus, also naughty, but infectiously so. The big takeaway of  “Don’t Make Me Sad” is Carlos is freaky AF! He’s a bad boy, who’s unapologetic.  His freakiness proves to be our listening pleasure. Slay boy, slay! 

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: November 2023

12. Omar Apollo, “Live For Me”

💿 Live For Me (EP) • 🏷 Omar Apollo / Warner • 🗓 2023

“How you feel about the way your life is goin’? / And tell me why you’d wanna go through it alone…” What Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Omar Apollo sings in the pre-chorus of “Live For Me,” the second track from his 2023 EP, Live For Me, is legit.  In the chorus, he goes on to sing, “Won’t you live for me? / Or could I live for you? / There’s nothing I won’t carry / So you don’t have to.” Aww! From the onset, you can sense his authenticity, delivering expressive, powerful vocals. He sounds particularly soulful during the chorus as his vocal runs are magnificent. Additionally, the harmonies are marvelous, while the melodies are sweet as well. Also sweet on this emotional song –  the production work with synths, keys, and a subtle, but potent drum groove (Sir Dylan). The production expands later, with touches of organ, and a repetitive, rhythmic synth. Omar wrote and produced this fabulous record alongside John Shanks. 

13. Beyoncé & Walter Williams, Sr., “He Still Loves Me”

💿 The Fighting Temptations (Music from the Motion Picture) • 🏷 Sony BMG Music Entertainment • 📅 2003

“Seems like I always fall short of being worthy / ‘Cause I ain’t good enough, but He still loves me.” None of us are worthy, but He – aka God – loves us despite of our flaws, sins, and unworthiness. That’s the takeaway of the truly elite gospel-soundtrack record, “He Still Loves Me”. “He Still Loves Me” hails from The Fighting Temptations, a 2003 film starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Beyoncé, and a star-studded cast of actors and musicians. On the featured song from the original motion picture soundtrack, Beyoncé is assisted by Walter Williams Sr. (of The O’Jays) primarily, with subtler contributions from Angie Stone, Eddie Levert (also of The O’Jays), and the star-studded choir. More than 20 years old, “He Still Loves Me” is a marvelous inspirational record.

Following his intro, Walter Williams Sr. is the primary voice heard in the first verse and first chorus. “Took me a while, but I’m finally here / So I just wanna testify, make it crystal clear,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “I’ve been beat down / ‘Til He turned my life around.” In the second, Beyoncé takes the reins, focusing on the adversities of life: “I went to bed on top of the world / Today, the world’s on top of me.” With life being arduous, ultimately, the chorus highlights the goodness and mercifulness of God. Continued to be mentioned on this slick, Jimmy Jam / Terry Lewis / James “Big Jim” Wright– produced record is the unworthiness. “I’m not perfect / Yes I do wrong / I’m trying my best / But it ain’t good enough,” the choir sings, powerfully. The choir later adds, “If you ain’t worthy, just raise your hands / And let me know that you are understand,” with Stone capping off with, “That we are all so blessed / To be loved, loved.” So much more can be said of “He Still Loves Me” – what a record. Ultimately, it’s a moving record that speaks of the endless love of God despite the fact we are not worthy of such.

Appears in 🔻:

Beyoncé & Walter Williams, Sr., He Still Loves Me: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 1 (2024)

14. King Floyd, “Groove Me”

💿 King Floyd • 🏷 Malaco • 🗓 1971

“Come on, and groove me, baby / I need you to groove me.” WOO! New Orleans soul singer King Floyd (1945 – 2006) is best known for his sole, top-10 pop hit, “Groove Me”. “Groove Me” peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching no. 1 on the R&B charts. Fittingly, given its title, the record features an electrifying groove. Furthermore, the bass line is robust – incredibly present, athletic, and fat, baby! Adding to the instrumental excellence are the horns, which add color to this once-in-a-lifetime soul gem. “Groove Me” graces Floyd’s 1971 album, King Floyd. Notably, Floyd penned the record while the late, great Wardell Quezergue produces.

Besides a superb groove and great production, King Floyd brings the heat vocally. He sounds amazing: nuanced, expressive, and soulful to the nth degree. Furthermore, he brings ample personality. Providing fuel for King’s fire is the different ‘groove’ on “Groove Me” – one concerned with matters of the heart and bedroom! “Hey there sugar darlin’ / Let me tell you something,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “Girl, I’ve been trying to say, now / You look so sweet / And you’re so doggone fine.” Clearly, King wants to get with her, badly! “Girl, between you and me, nah-nah / We don’t need no company / No other man, no other girl / Can enter into our world / Not as long as you can groove me, baby.” Word. “Groove Me” = one of the preeminent soul songs of the 1970s, PERIOD.

Appears in 🔻:

King Floyd, Groove Me: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 2 (2024)

15. Sufjan Stevens, “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?”    

💿 Javelin • 🏷 Asthmatic Kitty • 🗓 2023    

“Will Anybody Ever Love Me?”, a single and highlight from Javelin, the 10th studio album by Academy and Grammy award-nominated singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens, begins stripped, reminiscent of his folksier music moments of the past.  “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” commences with a simple, rhythmic accompaniment carried by guitar (or similar acoustic string instrument) supporting his hushed, expressed vocals, and it’s more than enough.  Soon enough, piano joins the mix in the pre-chorus, with Stevens maintains his hushed vocal approach (“Tie me to a tiny wooden raft / Burn my body, point me to the undertow”). The initial chorus that follows grows a bit bigger in scope, but still, Stevens remains cool, calm, and collected – even keeled:      

“Will anybody ever love me?     

For good reasons      

Without grievance, not for sport     

Will anybody ever love me?      

In every season     

Pledge allegiance to my heart     

Pledge allegiance to my burning heart.”   

Following the first chorus, a more colorful soundscape arrives. In the second verse, not only is the arrangement more ornate instrumentally, but Stevens also adds vocalists who harmonize with him. The lyrics continue to shine with Stevens singing in the final couple lines of the verse, “Take my suffering as I take my vow / Wash me now, anoint me with that golden blade.” Expectedly, the second chorus is much grander – absolutely stunning with its vocal layers and the instrumental touches. The outro is ear-catching, highlighted by the lyric, “My burning heart,” as well as supporting vocalists singing the titular lyric. “Will Anybody Ever Love Me,” dare I say slaps in the most refined, sophisticated way possible!      

Appears in 🔻:   

Awesome Songs: October 2023  
13 Intriguing Songs for ANY Occasion (2023)  
51 Best Songs of 2023

15 Songs Focused Only on ME (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Asthmatic Kitty, Casa DeGuevara, Decca, Def Jam, E.L., Generation Now, Hajanga, Interscope, Lyrical Lemonade LLC, Malaco, NLE Choppa Entertainment Inc., Polydor, Republic, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Tems, Warner, YOUNG GENIUS ACADEMY INC.; Spencer Cooper from Pexels; Oberholster Venita from Pixabay]

15 Songs Focused Only on ME | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on January 19, 2024January 19, 2024