9 Songs Where the Overdose is Real | Playlist  

Musicians fueling the succinct “9 Songs Where the Overdose is Real” include Alessia Cara, Badflower, Ciara, Future, and NBA YoungBoy among others.

Jamie Foxx once sung, “I overdose, overdose, overdose on you…” Clearly, on the record from his 2008 LP Intuition, he wasn’t experiencing the effects of the “a-a-alcohol” … Okay, lame, but whatever.  The point is, Foxx’s overdose is based on love.  In some cases, on 9 Songs Where the Overdose is Real, the overdose is based on love or something else other than drugs.  So, if you’re expected a list of songs that play true to the literal meaning of an OD, well, you just might be disappointed.  Musicians fueling this succinct nine-track list are AGNEZ Mo, Alessia Cara, Badflower, Ciara, Future, grandson, Ice Cube, NBA YoungBoy, and Trippie Redd.

1. Future, “Overdose”

Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD • Epic • 2019

“Swag overdose (yeah), swag to the most / Body bag Dior, as well as Saint Laurent / Balenciaga, run it up (Balenci’), pop collar with a slut…” OK… Future keeps it ‘short and sweet’ on “Overdose,” the 11^th song from his unique 2019 album, Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD.  On “Overdose,” it’s safe to say that Future is true to himself.  Also, the backdrop suits the trap, autotune-loving rapper from Atlanta.  Providing the fuel for the fire for Future are looped apocalyptic-sounding synths, anchored by sleek, trap percussion. Unsurprisingly, he’s turnt up to the nth degree.  We’d expect no less, even at under two minutes in duration.  Just look at Future’s sole verse, and you will see that he’s done a lot, most of it X-rated or morally suspect…

2. Badflower, “x ANA x”

OK, I’M SICK • Big Machine • 2019

“I can’t feel my toes or my fingertips / My chest if pounding so fast I can’t keep up with it / I’m losing it – fuck! I just want to quit it.” Frontman Josh Katz and Badflower are in a bad spot to say the least, thanks to “X ANA x” (a stylization of ‘Xanax,’ the sedative), the second single from the band’s full-length, debut album, OK, I’M SICK (2019). Clearly, the effects of anxiety (and the Xanax as well), have Katz down.  He’s profane, dropping multiple f-bombs, as he suffers. Notably, Katz emphasizes the ‘ANA’ portion of the word, Almost approaching Xanax like it’s a relationship.  On the first verse, he memorably states, “Judging my fucking sex ANA x ANA x / And I’m faking just to stay in my body / I’m nervous, I can’t fucking stand it.”

It should be noted that “x ANA x” doesn’t reference overdosing on Xanax itself, BUT the record is a great lens into the effects that the drug can have, etc. The lyrics, throughout the course of the song, reflect Katz’s anxiety, while the high-energy, instrumental backdrop also matches the anxiousness.  As the song continues, the listener is invited more and more into the suspect mindset of the protagonist, particularly at the end of the second verse.

“The kind of sick that makes an atheist pray for Jesus

The kind of sickness that turns your power into weakness

I’m sick of being sick for this whole fucking place to witness

And I’m living a sick life that most people call privilege

And they’re kinda right

But I’m still sicker than I can cope with.”

“x ANA x” is an energetic, honest, and well-rounded single that goes beyond the traditional script.  Josh Katz definitely has the personality to sell this anxiety-driven single superbly.

3. AGNEZ MO, “Overdose” (Ft. Chris Brown)

OVERDOSE [Single] • 2018 • 300 Entertainment

In 2018, Indonesian singer AGNEZ MO tapped Grammy-winning American urban contemporary singer Chris Brown for a truly enjoyable, sexy duet, “Overdose.” “Overdose” features lush urban contemporary production work from the onset.  The production grows even slicker, as well as a bit edgier on the chorus with the addition of biting synths. The robust, nuanced vocals of Chris Brown shine, opening the first verse.  He is the dominant voice, but AGNEZ MO delivers powerful vocals contributions in her own right.  They make a formidable duo when they combine forces throughout the record.

Among the best moments is the rhythmic pre-chorus, clearly influenced by hip-hop.

“Living life blind but my top down, my roof missing

This kind of love only comes around in a lifetime, I can’t

This ain’t no typical, ordinary scenario

I can’t control (you know).”

Of course, it’s followed up with a pretty sweet chorus, which includes Brown telling AGNEZ MO, “Girl, your sexy is drug, faded floating… / Every time I do you baby, I overdose.” What’s truly awesome about this duet is the fact that both singers actually collaborate and feed off each other.

4. Ice Cube, “On Them Pills”

Everythangs Corrupt • Interscope • 2018 

“Them n***as on them pills / Them bitches on them pills / Poppin’ shit is why they can’t pay they bills / They be sweatin’ (sweatin’), they need gills / Fuck that chronic smoke, they want them chemicals.” Hmm, this sounds like an overdose just waiting to happen – just saying!  Ice Cube drops a hard-nosed, minor-key banger on his relatively quietly released 2018 album, Everythangs Corrupt.  As always, Cube ‘keeps it 100’ as he colorful references the pills affecting the population addicted to pills.  On the first verse, he asserts, “Everything you put in your mouth look like a Altoid / Crazy-ass n***as love a bitch named Molly.” On the second verse, sex comes into play, as he spits, “Baby, if you feelin’ horny, take two of these and wake up in the mornin’.” On the third and final verse, he goes to town referencing Oxycontin, “Viagra mixed with ecstasy,” and of course, Xanax.

5. YoungBoy Never Broke Again, “Overdose”

Until Death Call My Name • Never Broke Again, LLC • 2018

“I ain’t no bad person, no / … I ain’t no gangster, ain’t no killer / I ain’t no gangbanger, I’m me / Like everybody make mistakes, that’s life…” In 2018, YoungBoy Never Broke Again (or NBA YoungBoy if you prefer) solidified his status as one of the more popular, rising rappers in the game. Speaking from the perspective of an elementary music educator in an urban school, NBA YoungBoy has plenty of young fans, much younger than himself actually.  Perhaps “Overdose,” which appears on his 2018 album Until Death Call My Name is a reason why.

“Overdose” commences with a skit, excerpted above.  Here, YoungBoy portrays himself as a victim, going on to say, “I don’t know if I’m targeted / I don’t know if it’s from what I speak about…” Beyond the intro, before serving up hard-nosed, tough, and agile rhymes, the listener is blessed with sleek production work comprising of sweet piano, dramatic synthetic strings, and banging percussion anchoring things down. Victimized or not, NBA YoungBoy definitely knows how to create a vibe.

“Say he a gangster, got his chest out

When I hit him with this Glock, I bet I fold him

None of these n***as ain’t never play with me

Play with me, I bet you see.”

Hmm, not really elementary school friendly, is it?

6. grandson, “Overdose”

A Modern Tragedy Vol. 1 • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

“I was higher than the nosebleed, I / Turn up till my nose bleed, I / Blacked out in the black car, I / Was trying to feel like a Rockstar, but…” If you’ve never heard alternative musician grandson (Canadian-American musician Jordan Edward Benjamin), then you’re missing out.  My first encounter with this talented dude came by way of “Running From my Shadow”, where grandson was the featured guest on the Mike Shinoda single from Post Traumatic.  Of course, grandson has the perfect record for this overdose-centric playlist, fittingly titled “Overdose” (clever, right).  It is the sixth and final song from his 2018 EP, A Modern Tragedy Vol. 1.

“Overdose” is set in a minor key, commencing darkly from the onset.  It features colorful production, including lots of hip-hop and urban cues, fused with alternative elements. Musically, the chromaticism makes things interesting – accidentals and colorful pitches. The vocal production is cool, with heavy distortion used on Benjamin’s voice to provide an edgy, grimy effect. Furthermore, there’s catchy songwriting, particularly the pre-chorus, which builds up to a thrilling chorus. “Overdose” has plenty of crossover appeal, filled with both the spirit of hip-hop and rock.

“Cause the bad’s been slowly getting worse

In this fast lane, living, it’s a curse

Better tell me, what’s your life worth?

I think it’s time for a change

‘Cause the drugs don’t work.”

7. Trippie Redd, “Overdose on L1fe”

A Love Letter to You 2 • TenThousand Projects • 2017

“Baby girl, that pussy go damn / Baby, let me bust it open / Let me get up in your ocean / Baby got me overdosin’.” Wow – just wow! Anyways, Trippie Redd is definitely one of hip-hop’s more colorful personalities.  Case in point, the brief but distinct “Overdose on L1fe” which appears on his 2017 project, A Love Letter to You 2.  It’s a bit difficult to decipher what Trippie is rapping without the lyrics in front of you – well pop-rapping – given the heaping dose of autotune on his voice.  That said, if vibe is the effect, Trippie and his team nail it, particularly given the title with emphasis on the ‘overdose’ part.  Vibe goes a long way, right? Right!

8. Alessia Cara, “Overdose”

Know-It-All • Def Jam • 2015

“Boy, I come crashing, crashing / Down from the high and wondering, wondering / Wondering why this ain’t over / Let it just be over / Sobering thoughts taking over my mind.” Alessia Cara definitely experienced a breakout album with her 2015 debut project, Know-It-All.  From top to bottom, Know-It-All is chocked full of hits including the likes of “Here” and “Scars to Your Beautiful”.  The thing is, the song that fits our list, “Overdose” wasn’t even necessarily considered to be the crème de la crème.  No problem! Alessia Cara sounds as brilliant on “Overdose” as she does on the aforementioned ‘top-tier’ gems.  “Overdose” sounds bright, set in a major key, with the youthful Cara showing musical maturity beyond her age.  The best moments of the Grammy winner occur during the high-flying chorus.

Is Alessia talking about drugs? Of course, not – she’s talking about love.

“Oh, and I overdose

Boy I want off this roller coaster

You take me high just to bring me down

Oh, and you bring me down.”

9. Ciara, “Overdose”

Ciara • Epic • 2013

Ciara concludes her self-titled, fifth studio album in ‘pop’ fashion you might say. “Overdose” definitely is the ‘crossover’ hit that never happened during the cycle for Ciara (‘course, there were more notable hits, namely “Body Party”). At the time of originally reviewing Ciara, I stated that “Overdose” “wasn’t necessarily my ‘cup of tea’ as far as my favorite kind of a song,” but also stated that “Ciara is well suited to it and it’s enjoyable.” Indeed, C is perfectly suited for this love-centric joint, where she says of her man, “You’re like a hurricane inside my veins / But I like it babe, so bring on the break.”

Photo Credits: 300 Entertainment, Atlantic, Big Machine, Def Jam, Epic, Interscope, Never Broke Again, Pexels, Pixabay, TenThousand Projects