9 Songs That Reference the Number ‘3’ | Playlist

1. Teyana Taylor, “3Way”

Ft. Ty Dolla $ign

K.T.S.E. • GOOD / Def Jam • 2018

“Anything for my baby, I’d do some crazy things.” R&B singer and actress Teyana Taylor quietly released a solid debut album in 2014, VII. Her sophomore project, K.T.S.E. is composed of just eight tracks and 22 minutes’ worth of music.  Among those eight tracks is “3Way.” There is no secret what this sex-driven record is about, even incorporating Ty Dolla $ign on the third verse. The song definitely isn’t transcendent, but regarding Taylor’s sex life with hubby Iman Shumpert, well, to each his or her own.

“...So, whatever he want, he can get that
Long as I like, we can hit that, hoes, we don’t love ‘em, no
Soon as she done she leavin’ right out the door...
Three way, I couldn’t wait to have with you
‘Cause I know it turn you on, so let’s do it, babe.”

2. Bazzi, “3:15”

COSMIC • Atlantic • 2018

Eclectic is a great way to describe Bazzi, a 20-year old, rising urban-pop artist from Michigan, now based in California. Andrew Bazzi is young and chocked-full of confidence and swagger. His breakout moment came via “Mine”, among the best moments from his intriguing debut album, COSMIC.  Keeping in step with matters of the heart that dominates the album, on “3:15” he reflects on leaving Michigan for Cali, specifically leaving a girlfriend he seems to deeply care about.  Perhaps he’s not the most eloquent or poetic (“Fuck them other bitches, I will put ‘em to the side”), but we catch his drift (“You’re so money, baby, you ain’t even have to try”). Give Bazzi credit for his honestly and wearing his feelings on his sleeves, f-bombs and all.

3. Jim Jones, “Never Did 3 Quarters”

Wasted Talent • Vamplife / EMPIRE • 2018

“You did the Air Ones, never did the 3 quarters (not at all) / And the Feds still tapping like free water (I see ‘em).” Jim Jones has sadly never received his just due as a rapper.  Arguably, Dipset has been an extremely underrated, under-appreciated hip-hop collective in its own right.  Despite flying under the radar, Jones quietly released a new studio album in 2018 entitled Wasted Talent.  We are more than happy to give Jones some love.  He has a song that qualified not only for 15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs playlist, but also this three-centric list, “Never Did 3 Quarters.”  Those familiar with Jones will hear that his unique flow and ad-libs are fully intact after years in the game.

“If you catch me in whips, you know I own it
Y’all be talking that shit, we don’t condone it
Oh you got me fucked up, bitch I’m a savage
They should’ve told you I’m not your average.”

4. Maroon 5, “Three Little Birds”

Three Little Birds – Single • Interscope • 2018

“Don’t worry / About a thing / Every little thing’s gonna be alright.” Maroon 5 remained visible in 2018, despite the fact that their sixth studio album, Red Pill Blues, was released in November 2017.  This visibility included a covering a Bob Marley classic, “Three Little Birds”. On “Three Little Birds,” Adam Levine and company ‘handles their business.’ While it’s safe to say this take doesn’t trump the original, Levine channels his inner Marley extremely effectively. “Three Little Birds” appeared on an earlier playlist, 10 Songs That Go Strictly by the Numbers.

5. Chase Rice, “Three Chords & The Truth”

Lambs & Lions • Broken Bow • 2017

Chase Rice stays true to country music on “Three Chords & the Truth”, the eighth song from his 2017 album, Lambs & Lions. The guitars are turned up here, showcasing a more traditional, contemporary country sound.  Vocally, Rice delivers a respectable, proficient performance. All in all, there’s no shame regarding the game plan for “Three Chords & the Truth.” That said, the script is kind of predictable. Rice falls in love with a girl, young lovers believe they’re “bulletproof,” and ultimately “All I need is you.” The lyrics change in these types of songs, but the M.O. is always the same.  Again, it’s respectable, but the truth is a bit ‘middle of the road’ you might say.  Arguably, the music video outshines the song itself – definitely worth watching.

6. VI Seconds, “3:30am”

Demigod (EP) • Lord Knows • 2017

“Boy it’s funny how seven days can make a difference / Boy it’s funny how several hate, then need assistance / It’s funny how n***as will call you ‘brother’ but lacking communication / You make it, then they complain that you’re keeping your distance.” VI Seconds is a rapper from Brooklyn, nicknamed ‘The Gawd.’  While he’s not actually a deity, just the aforementioned sampling of bars should tell you he can rap like a mother – “shut yo mouth!” In fact, “330 AM” ended up being such a damn good song that Tory Lanez jacked it for his own “Hate to Say” … allegedly of course. “3:30am” also appears on a previous playlist, the conceptual Time: 19 Songs for Night & Morning Hours.

7. alt-J, “3WW”

Relaxer • Atlantic • 2017 

Ah, Alt-J – a Mac command for a triangle (∆) as well as a critically acclaimed, British indie-rock band.  Alt-J the band returned with its third studio album, Relaxer in 2017.  Among the gems from the album was opener “3WW.” It’s not every day a song receives such an odd title, which ultimately stands for three worn words.  The sound has a folksy, pleasing quality, which sets the tone for the album.  The lyrics are poetic, with great vocal performances from members Gus Unger-Hamilton and Joe Newman, as well as guest contributions from Ellie Rowsell.  “3WW” encompasses love and sex.

Ultimately, the love is only temporary:

“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.” 

“3WW” appeared as the 44^th best song on 100 Best Songs of 2017 year-end list.

8. Ty Dolla $ign, “3 Wayz”

Ft. Travis Scott

Campaign (Mixtape) • Atlantic • 2016

“3 Wayz” is the ultimate example of excess. Ty Dolla $ign and guest Travis Scott sound “to’ up” on his highlight from his 2016 mixtape, Campaign.  The sound of “3 Wayz” is mysterious from the jump.  It opens with a reference to “lean” and codeine – shocker. The pace is slow and lethargic, excellent considering the druggy nature of the song. In addition to the influence of drugs, Ty Dolla Sign expectedly references sex: “N***as out of Hennessy, bitch, hit the store / Pour that lean, lean, lean, lean, lean / She gon’ turn to a freak, and I’m gone off a bean…” Ultimately, “3 Wayz” is druggy, sexual, and thoroughly irresponsible.

9. Britney Spears, “3”

The Singles Collection • RCA • 2009

“1, 2, 3 / Not only you and me / Got 180º, and I’m caught in between.” Kinky… Psychology Today defines a paraphilia as “a condition in which a person’s sexual arousal and gratification depend on fantasizing about and engaging in sexual behavior that is atypical and extreme.” The paraphilia that Britney Spears sings about in her no. 1 hit “3” is Troilism, described by Psychology Dictionary as a “carnal activity where three people are engaged.”  Naturally, a threesome comes to mind.  There are parallels between the two, but troilism seems to focus on the troilist fulfilling their sexual desires. Given the selfishness of troilism, Britney Spears ensures she’s the beneficiary aka the troilist.

“...Counting 1, 2, 3
Peter, Paul and Mary
Getting down with 3P
Everybody loves counting.”

“3” first appeared on one of my quirkier playlists, 12 Paraphilic, Fetish Songs.