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Ariana Grande, JMSN, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Ryan Beatty, & ZAYN help fuel the playlist 21 Songs That Dabble in Lust & Carnal Matters.

Sex… No matter how long the word, the topic, or the act has been around, it’s universal and often captures everyone’s attention. Whether you’re young and ‘red-blooded’ with a racing libido, or older and ‘past your prime’, just the sheer mention of the word elicits a reaction. This playlist explores 21 Songs That Dabble in Lust & Carnal Matters. In layman’s terms folks, that means sex.

Sex dominates most genres of the music, with the exception of say, religious styles. In popular music, you can’t miss it, and it’s only become more pronounced in recent times. Artists helping to drive this playlist into carnal, lustful overdrive are Ariana Grande, JMSN, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Ryan Beatty, and ZAYN among many others. Prepare to experience the lust!

1. JMSN, “Got 2 B Erotic”

Velvet • White Room • 2018

“I’ve been tryna get rowdy all night long / Baby we can do whatever you wanna do / Before we go and get it started / Tell me, do you really wanna get into it with a devil like me.” Pretty hot stuff right there. Texas-born, Michigan-bred R&B singer Christian Berishaj – better known as JMSN – returned in 2018 with an incredibly soulful, sexy new LP, Velvet. On Velvet, he spoils the listeners with 14 tracks, clocking in at north of an hour. The results are compelling, including the lengthiest song on the album, “Got 2 B Erotic.” Naturally, “Got 2 B Erotic” lives up to its title: “Below your panty line / You don’t seem satisfied / Baby tell me what you wanna do.” Clearly, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist (or a total horn-dog) to know what JMSN has in mind. The sexual innuendo is loud and clear, amplified by his distinct, harmonized vocals. Yes, the lust if real folks.

2. Ariana Grande, “Sweetener”

Sweetener • Republic • 2018

“I like the way you lick the bowl.” *Shook + mouth agape* from the Ariana Grande cunnilingus reference on the first line of the first verse of “Sweetener.” The carnal and lustfulness is real on the Pharrell Williams-produced, naughty title track from Grande’s fourth studio album. Like the majority of Sweetener, Ariana Grande embraces the hip-hop and urban contemporary realms. While “Sweetener” places more emphasis on sexy than her high-flying, virtuosic pipes, it’s pretty chill, ‘sweet’ ear candy.

“When life deals us cards

Make everything taste like it is salt

Then you come through like the sweetener you are

To bring the bitter taste to a halt

And then you get it, get it, get it, get it Hit it, hit it, hit it, hit it…”

“Sweetener” fittingly also appears on the totally sweet playlist, 11 Songs That are Incredibly Sweet.

3. Kanye West & Lil Pump, “I Love It”

I Love It – Single • GOOD / Def Jam • 2018

“‘Cause you know in the old days / They couldn’t say the shit they wanted to say / They had to fake orgasms and shit / We can tell niggas today: ‘Hey, I wanna cum, mothafucka.” Actress-comedian Adele Givens provides the sexually-tinged, NSFW intro on the Kanye West/ Lil Pump collaboration, “I Love It”. Perhaps Variety says it best regarding the collaboration: Kanye West Drops Obscene, NSFW Song With Lil Pump. “I Love It” epitomizes superficial, period. The production is bare-bones, minimal, and definitely unexceptional. The rhymes are ridiculous and lack any sense of purpose.

Lil Pump delivers a raw chorus, spitting, “You’re such a fuckin’ hoe, I love it (love it).” Classy Pump, classy. Further amplifying the mess that is “I Love It,” he’s drenched in autotuned. Before the verse, he expands upon the chorus, asserting, “I’ma fuck a bitch, tell her cousin / Your boyfriend is a dork, McLovin.” On his verse, he remains shallow, boasting about material, sex, and of course, drugs. On the pre-chorus, Kanye West not only accurately describes his perverted state of mind, he makes it explicitly clear what he enjoys: “I’m a sick fuck, I like a quick fuck (whoop!).” On his following verse, he gets even more graphic about his sexual endeavors – “I’m a sick fuck, I’m inappropriate.” Givens sends us out with the reprisal of her dirty intro. Carnal to the nth degree. BTW, the video was premiered at the Pornhub awards – that explains a lot.

4. Ryan Beatty, “Powerslide”

Boy in Jeans • Boy in Jeans • 2018

“He gave me pleasure underneath the water / And it felt so good / Now we’re power sliding till the flood spurts stop us…” Wow, the lust – or more accurately, the pleasure – is real for Ryan Beatty on “Powerslide”, a standout from his stellar, eclectic 2018 debut album, Boy in Jeans. The openly gay, former teen-pop artist, is honest about love and sex throughout the album. The Fader says it best – “Ryan Beatty writes really good pop songs about boys.”

“Powerslide” plays up the soulful summer, West Coast vibes. It screams infatuation and sex, including the aforementioned ‘pool job’. On the second verse, he’s playful with words, while being explicit at the same time:

“Now we share a couple of cigarettes before we go to bed and you

Got the plastic

That’s fucking fantastic.”

Clearly, the relationship between Beatty and his boyfriend is LIT. Also, pretty ‘lit’ is the fact that “Powerslide” also appears on an incredibly powerful playlist, 10 Songs Overflowing with Power.

5. Nicki Minaj, “Bed”

Ft. Ariana Grande

Queen • Cash Money • 2018

“Got a bed wit’ your name on it / Wit’ your name on it / Got a kiss wit’ your name on it… / Love me good, love me down / Don’t turn me down.” Ariana Grande already made one shocking, jaw-dropping appearance on this list with “Sweetener.” She’s back once more, as a featured guest on the Nicki Minaj joint, “Bed”. “Bed” commences with Grande singing the intro, which ends up being part of the chorus. Her vocals are low-key, performed in her lower register, with effective results. Eventually, she lets loose on the final chorus.

Nicki Minaj pop-raps on a relatively brief first verse, referencing Carter III and “Back shots to the beat of ‘A Milli’.” The second verse is more melodic, mentioning “strawberry lingerie” and sex. The third and final verse is the most assertive, finding Ms. Minaj dropping un-pitched bars, including some incredibly, hyper-sexual lines towards the end.

“I like his hang time, he said his head right

I said go all the way down and then head right

I watch him fuck it up, look at him luckin’ up

I said, ‘You need some thick skin, baby, suck it up.”

6. Why Don’t We, “Hooked”

8 Letters • Signature / Atlantic • 2018

Unsurprisingly, boy band Why Don’t We (Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais, and Jack Avery) are “Hooked” on sex – at least within the context of the single from their debut album, 8 Letters. Jack lays out the inescapable temptation on the song’s centerpiece, the chorus.

“You’ve got a bad reputation in my neighborhood

You drive me mad with temptation ‘cause it tastes so good

You know I wouldn’t walk away even if I could It took one night, one try, ayy

Damn, I’m hooked (oh).”

On the first verse, Daniel mentions neck kisses and biting, while on the pre-chorus, Zach doesn’t care “everybody says he’s sleeping with the enemy.” It’s much the same on the second verse, covered by Jonah – “Baby, I’m the gasoline and your kiss is the spark / But then you take the wheel and crash my car.” Not only is this girl with a bad reputation the bomb, but as Corbyn adds on the bridge, “You’ve got me under your influence / I swear I’m never gonna give you up.” The theme is tried-and-true. Nonetheless, the boys successfully convey the relatable, delivering a solid vocal performance and a catchy chorus. The supporting production is also solid, blending elements of pop and urban contemporary.

7. Iggy Azalea, “Kream”

Ft. Tyga

Survive the Summer (EP) • Island • 2018

“Ass / Cash, cash / Ass, bags / Bad / ‘Cash rules everything around me’.” On “Kream”, Iggy Azalea literally focuses on two things. From the beginning, it’s clear that Azalea and featured guest Tyga both have the strip club in mind. The production sounds readymade for an ‘adult club,’ while the content matches that sentiment. Following the intro, the hook is repetitive, gimmicky, centered around the classic Wu-Tang lyric from “C.R.E.A.M.”. On the first verse, Iggy amplifies the toughness, exhibiting confidence while dropping pop culture references (Sex Pistols, Bella Hadid), sex, and money. As for Tyga, he is in his zone, spitting utter filth (“Deep in that pussy, ya I’m drowning) and bragging about money and status (“My niggas like Golden State, inbound, pull up and shoot”). “Kream” is respectable for what it is – a lustful, sexed-up banger.

8. Travis Scott, “NC-17”

Ft. 21 Savage

ASTROWORLD • Epic • 2018

“Bust it down, she talkin’ body language (it’s lit) / Eating that ‘punane’, got my bangs wet (eat it up).” Oh my… Among the best and most interesting rap albums of 2018 was undoubtedly ASTROWORLD by Travis Scott. Safe to say, the Houston rapper finally had his ‘surefire’ moment artistically. Among the most elite cuts from ASTROWORLD is a smooth, club joint, “NC-17.” As to be expected, “NC-17” is sexually-charged to the nth degree.

Case in point – the chorus:

“Me and my bitch, I swear we like the same sex

Fuck with all my chains on, let’s have chain sex

Hangin’ with the gang, you get your fangs wet

Wanna kick with the gang, you gotta bang it.”

21 Savage guests on the second verse, and he is a perfect match for this laid-back, minor-key banger. In true fuckboy fashion, Savage asserts early on, “Three main bitches thinkin’ they my main bitch / Hit the club and swap the hoes I came with.”

9. Jessie J, “Dangerous”

R.O.S.E. (Sex) • Republic • 2018

“Even though I should, won’t try to leave your side tonight / I want to feel your love inside of me.” In the context of R.O.S.E. (Sex), the third EP released by British pop/R&B singer Jessie J, the sex continues on “Dangerous.” Jessie J characterizes her newfound man as dangerous – nothing carnal or lustful about that right? Well… Despite knowing he’s “trouble,” she admits, “the sex got me screaming hallelujah.” An expressive track, J sings passionately over the cool synths, soulful, rhythmic guitar, and the driving, throwback groove.

“Your silence drives me crazy

Talking with your hands gets me naked

Your heart in my mouth feels amazing

I love it because it’s easy to lust, ooh

You are dangerous

So dangerous.”

10. Troye Sivan, “Bloom”

Bloom • Capitol • 2018

“Take a trip into my garden / I’ve got so much to show ya / The fountains and the waters / Are begging just to know ya.” On “Bloom”, South African-Australian pop singer/songwriter Troye Sivan is willing to bloom sexually. The innuendo is ‘through the roof.’ “I guess it’s something like a fun fair / Put gas into the motor,” he sings on the second verse. Even though “Bloom” encompasses sex, Sivan also highlights the emotions of the experience, which separates it from songs that are merely about empty sex. On the pre-chorus, he sings, “Hold my hand if I get scared now,” which represents vulnerability, a legitimate emotion associated with ‘the first time.’ On the chorus, Sivan showcases his dedication to his boyfriend, willing to ‘give it up’ because he truly ‘feels some type of way.’ “Bloom” also appears on an earlier playlist that arrived long before the release of the album, 10 Songs Centered Around the Garden.

11. Lil Skies, “Lust”

Life of a Dark Rose • All We Got Ent. • 2018

“Shawty say she comin’ through, she on the way to fuck / It’s a lot of lust, not a lot of love.” An exuberant backdrop (minimalistic, prominent synths, hard-hitting drum programming) supports Lil Skies on “Lust”, among the highlights of his 2018 debut album, Life of a Dark Rose. Perhaps there’s nothing ‘brand new’ per se, but all in all, from a musical standpoint, things are soundly executed. Brief overall, Lil Skies jumps right into the verse, exhibiting a compelling flow with great pacing. Naturally, lust doesn’t lend itself to being chocked-full of depth from the get-go – understatement. The rapper plays off of such shallowness on the on the aforementioned hook.

12. Years & Years, “Palo Santo”

Palo Santo • Polydor • 2018

In 2018, synth-pop collective Years & Years returned with a compelling sophomore album, Palo Santo, which masterfully incorporates social issues, sexuality, and spirituality. Among numerous highlights is the title track. Palo Santo itself is a fragrant wood from South America, often used as incense. Given ample spiritual references, it’s not surprising “holy wood” comes into play. But, according to an interview on the Zach Sang Show, Alexander asserts Palo Santo is “this fictional universe that we’ve created.”

On “Palo Santo” the track, the pace slackens in the context of the album. Frontman Olly Alexander, “in an altered state,” gives into the sin – lust, sex, etc. “Strike a match and whisper my name,” he sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “Speak in tongues, bend me ‘til I break.” At the same time, he paints sensual imagery, referencing Palo Santo, which is possibly clever double entendre.

“And I’m giving in to your fever touch

Let it all begin when the fire starts

You’re the darkness in me, Palo Santo…”

13. CupcakKe, “Post Pic”

Ephorize • cupcakKe • 2018

“Hump me, fuck me / Daddy better make me choke / Hump me, fuck me / My tunnel loves to deep throat.” WTF! Yeah, that exemplifies the unapologetic, raunchy, risqué rapper cupcakKe. The particular song those lyrics are excerpted from is “Deepthroat”, among her most well-known and controversial songs (and music videos). Throughout the course of her 2018 album Ephorize, cupcakKe continues to ‘push the envelope’ with a variety of sexual matters. Sure, the album has moments with substance, but there are plenty that total eschew it, such as the non-serious “Post Pic.” “Post Pic” finds the rapper in full-on objectification mode. Concerned with capturing the perfect selfie, she asserts that the dudes who see her pics will pleasure themselves (putting it nicely)… Clearly, she’s obsessed what guys are doing with their private parts…

14. Florida Georgia Line, “Talk You Out of It”

Florida Georgia Line (EP) • Big Machine • 2018

On “Talk You Out of It”, Florida Georgia Line opts for balladry. The modus operandi is a night of fun with a hot girl who “had a long day” and “ain’t feelin’ them downtown lights.” In other words, the ‘fun’ is synonymous with sex… who’s totally shocked? Anyways, the boys want to talk her out of her “Fine little dress.” “Don’t get me wrong, girl, I love it / Now I just want to talk you out of it.” FGL makes their point loud and clear, in all its horniness, but the songwriting is suspect – keeping it 100. The most objectionable moment? Referencing the late R&B singer Luther Vandross and totally ‘over southernizing’ the pronunciation of his last name. “And now you’re lookin’ like a line from a Vandross song.” The twang is not cute!

15. Kanye West, “All Mine”

Ye • GOOD / Def Jam • 2018

At least at the time of publication, everybody knows that Kanye West is crazy… understatement. Not only has it shown throughout his personal life, it also comes through his music. His seven-song, 2018 ‘album’ Ye is a perfect example of this craziness. Dabbling initially in mental and physical health, specifically West’s bipolar disorder, the third song “All Mine” shifts from mental and physical health to infidelity and sex in general. Notably, it features uncredited appearances by Valee performing the chorus (“Get to rubbin’ on my lamp, get the genie out the bottle”), as well as a verse from the ubiquitous Ty Dolla $ign.

The Ty Dolla $ign verse sets the tone sexually, prior to West rapping about women he could cheat with (Kerry Washington, Naomi Campbell, and Stormy Daniels), as well as blaming “Christian Mingle thots” for nearly causing Tristan Thompson to be single. Okay… The line that had all rap enthusiasts buzzing comes at the end of the second verse: “I love your titties, ‘cause they prove / I can focus on two things at once”. No words. On verse three, West gets sexual – not a great look.

16. Kane Brown, “Short Skirt Weather”

Experiment • Sony • 2018

“Oh, my baby’s made for short skirt weather / Yeah, she makes me wish summer would just go on forever / From them yellow polka dots / Blue jeans to leather / Oh my baby’s made for short skirt weather.” To be fair, country singer Kane Brown comes over much more ‘refined’ than the majority of the artists on this carnal, shamefully lustful playlist. Still, there’s clearly a reason – ‘motivation’ if you will – why the young artist enjoys summertime so much. Can’t blame him, but still, he’s truly thinking ‘down south.’ What makes “Short Skirt Weather” a success is the fact that Brown channels his personality, really ‘hamming it up’ with his twang. The subject matter isn’t ‘brand-new’. He spends two consecutive verses centered around how awesome this girl is. Nonetheless, it’s effective and absolutely infectious.

17. alt-J, “3WW”

Relaxer • Atlantic • 2017

“Well that smell of sex / Good like burning wood / The wayward lad lay claim / to two thirsty girls from Hornsea / Who left a note when dawn came.” Alternative music isn’t typically the first genre that comes to mind when sex is a theme, but alt-J proves they can capture lust superbly on “3WW” (three worn words) which kicks off their 2017 album Relaxer splendidly. The sound has a folky, pleasing quality. The lyrics are poetic, with great vocal performances from members Gus Unger-Hamilton and Joe Newman, as well as guest contributions from Ellie Rowsell. Originally appearing on 11 Songs Where Musicians Were Sexually Awakened, “3WW” encompasses love and sex, specifically a sexual awakening for the protagonist, referenced in the aforementioned lyrics. The love, rather the thrilling sex that takes place, is merely temporary and ultimately, empty.

18. Lana Del Rey, “Lust for Life”

Ft. The Weeknd

Lust for Life • Interscope • 2017

“They say only the good die young / That just ain’t right.” “Lust for Life” (Lust for Life) pairs alternative pop artist Lana Del Rey with Grammy-winning urban contemporary artist The Weeknd. She incorporates sultry speaking, as well as her signature vocals. She’s captures the Hollywood sentiment, exhibiting lust to be a successful star. She also focuses on her relationship. Ultimately, exemplified by the chorus, she uses the titular lyric, showcasing the optimism to live. While The Weeknd is restrained on this particular record, his contributions are highly effective. Compared to some of the filthy cuts on this list, “Lust for Life” feels much tamer.

19. Kendrick Lamar, “LUST.”

DAMN. • Interscope • 2017

“Wake up in the mornin’, thinkin’ ‘bout money, kick your feet up / Watch you a comedy, take a shit, then roll some weed up / Got hit you a lick, go fuck on a bitch…” “LUST,” a highlight from the Pulitzer Prize winning album, DAMN., shows how powerful, dangerous, and dirty that lust is. Multi-Grammy winning rapper Kendrick Lamar makes lustfulness sound like the ultimate.

Much of it is sexual, but he expands the scope on the bridge:

“Lately, I feel like I been lustin’ over fame
Lately, we lust on the same routine of shame
Lately, lately, lately, my lust been hidin’
Lately, it’s all contradiction.”

He goes on to reference scripture during the bridge (James 4:4). The chorus pads down the religious elements of DAMN.

“I need some water
Somethin’ came over me
Way too high to simmer down
Might as well overheat
Too close to comfort
As blood rush my favorite vein
Heartbeat racin’ like a junkie’s
I just need you to want me…”

20. Prince, “Wonderful Ass”

Purple Rain Deluxe (Expanded Edition) • Warner Bros. • 2017

Occasionally, as a writer, you sometimes write something that you initially publish and then you totally regret it. That’s the case with the naughty, formerly published playlist, 13 Songs Where ‘Ass’ is Used in Various Contexts. It’s pretty cut and dry what the mindset was, though it should be noted, most of the ‘contexts’ weren’t actually sexual, and, the list included four country songs! Still, unlike other word-centric lists, this one just didn’t sit well, so, it was unpublished ultimately. Nonetheless, one of the ‘remnants’ is perfectly suited for this most lustful list, “Wonderful Ass,” a Prince cut appearing on the expanded edition of his iconic Purple Rain album.

Much like some of the songs on the now defunct playlist, The Purple One refers to the expected on “Wonderful Ass” – the booty. At the time, the biggest ‘controversy’ of the album Purple Rain was undoubtedly a reference to masturbation in “Darlin Nikki”, even though years earlier Prince had already served up the likes of “Head” and “Jack U Off” (and that was back in the 80s). “Wonderful Ass” only furthers the Purple One’s penchant for sex back in the day. Notably, besides being so complimentary about booty, the expanded edition of Purple Rain welcomes “Velvet Kitty Cat” and more explicitly, “We Can F**k”.

21. ZAYN, “PILLOWTALK”

Mind of Mine • RCA • 2016

“Climb on board / We’ll go slow and high tempo.” Someone’s horny! Okay, okay – “PILLOWTALK” has appeared numerous times on multiple The Musical Hype playlists. Even so, the ZAYN record that exemplifies sexual awakening and steaminess never grows the least bit dull. According to Louis Wise of The Sunday Times, former One Direction member ZAYN said the following regarding his solo number one hit, “PILLOWTALK.”

“I think I’m pretty black and white what it’s about,” he says with a little grin. “Everybody has sex, and it’s something people wanna hear about. It’s part of everybody’s life, a very BIG part of life! And you don’t wanna sweep it under the carpet. It has to be talked about.”

Recapping an earlier statement, life post-boy band requires adjustments. Those adjustments encompass sex. On “PILLOWTALK,” ZAYN sings about having sex, period.

“So, we’ll piss off the neighbors
In the place that feels the tears
The place to lose your fears
Yeah, reckless behavior
A place that is so pure, so dirty and raw
In the bed all day, bed all day, bed all day
Fucking and fighting on
It’s our paradise and it’s our war zone
It’s our paradise and it’s our war zone.”

Photo Credits: All We Got Ent., Atlantic, Big Machine, Boy in Jeans, Capitol, Cash Money, cupcakKe, Def Jam, Epic, GOOD, Interscope, Island, Pixabay, Polydor, RCA, Republic, Sony, Warner Bros., White Room