A Noteworthy Compendium of N Songs

Reading Time: 24 min read

A Noteworthy Compendium of N Songs features songs by Doechii, Drake, Hozier, Kendrick Lamar, Steve Lacy, and Tinashe.

Ah, N, the 14^th letter of the alphabet! Following other alphabet playlists A through M (excluding I), N gets its time to shine on A Noteworthy Compendium of N Songs. Each of the 20 songs that appear on A Noteworthy Compendium of N Songs begins with an N-word. The only exception is A or THE preceding the N-word, etc. A Noteworthy Compendium of N Songs features songs by Doechii, Drake, Hozier, Kendrick Lamar, Steve Lacy, and Tinashe. So, without further ado, let us all embrace the power of N on A Noteworthy Compendium of N Songs!

The Alphabet Playlist Series 2025 🔻

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”	2. Tinashe, “Nasty	3. Steve Lacy, “Nice Shoes”	4. Doechii, “Nissan Altima”	5. Shawn Mendes, “Nobody Knows”
6. Megan Thee Stallion, “Neva Play” (Ft. RM of BTS)	7. DESTIN CONRAD, “NOSEBLEED”	8. Kehlani, “Next 2 U”	9. Hozier, “Nobody’s Soldier”	10. Drake, “NOKIA”
11. Tyler The Creator, “Noid”	12. Saweetie, “NANi”	13. Bren Joy, “NEVER WANNA LET YOU GO”	14. Manú & Miggy, “No Brainer”	15. MGMT, “Nothing to Declare”
16. Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor”	17. Keith Sweat, “Nobody” (Ft. Athena Cage)	18. TLC, “No Scrubs”	19. Jerry Butler, “No Money Down”	20. Betty Harris, “Nearer to You”

1. Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”

“Not Like Us” » Kendrick Lamar / Interscope » 2024

“I see dead people.”

And so, begins the Kendrick Lamar diss directed toward Drake, “Not Like Us”. The sound is intentionally clubby and commercial. Atypical of him artistically, Kendrick clowned Drizzy post-“Family Matters”. “Not Like Us” was produced by Mustard, Sounwave, and Sean Momberger. “They not like us, they not like us, they not like us.” The sleekness of the instrumental is a selling point, but the bars ‘take the cake.’ Early on, K-Dot spits, “What’s up with these jabroni-ass niggas tryna see Compton?” He adds, “Beat your ass and hide the Bible if God watchin’.” He’s willing to compromise his Christianity to F him up. There’s more, in the first verse: “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles,” and, “Why you trollin’ like a bitch? Ain’t you tired? Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.” Gah-day-um! Verse two finds Lamar continuing to eat Drake TF up, bringing up skeletons in the closet: “Fucked on Wayne girl while he was in jail, that’s connivin’…” He clowns his moniker as the 6 God: “Devil is a lie, he a 69 God, ayy / Freaky-ass niggas need to stay they ass inside, ayy.” In the third verse, he criticizes his artistry, accusing him of using others for clout. One of the best jabs by K-Dot: “Let me hear you say, ‘OV-ho.’” “Not Like Us” is the third of three red-hot joints where Kendrick destroys his adversary.

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2. Tinashe, “Nasty

Quantum Baby » Tinashe Music Inc. / Nice Life Recording Company » 2024

“Is somebody gonna match my freak?”

Now that IS the question, Tinashe. She follows up with, “Is somebody gonna match my nasty?” The contemporary R&B singer has a knack for delivering sexy songs. Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a good sex song? “Nasty”, the eighth track from Quantum Baby, is Tinashe doing what she does best – S-E-X-Y! She says it best in the intro: “I’ve been a nasty girl, nasty.” Rick Reed and Zack Sekoff produced the record with top-notch results – a sleek, often minimalist instrumental. Besides asking who’s gonna match her freak in the first verse, she asserts, “Pillow talking got my throat raspy.” Oh, snap 🫰! She follows the verse with the refrain, where the quality of the sex is the draw. “If you keep up with me / I’ll keep on coming back,” she sings, adding, “Cause it feels like heaven / When it hurts so bad.” She keeps the same energy in verse two. “Nasty” lacks depth but thrives on sex. Tinashe sings well, brings mad energy, and titillates the hell out of the listener. Omar Apollo loved it!

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3. Steve Lacy, “Nice Shoes”

“Nice Shoes” » RCA / L-M » 2025

“If I, if I had a dollar for the friends I would fuck / I could buy a pair of really nice shoes / Life is but a strain, it’s not a tattoo.”

Thought-provoking, Steve Lacy (Steve Lacy Moya). The Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter returned in 2025 with the distinct single, “Nice Shoes”. Lacy penned “Nice Shoes” with Matthew Castellanos and the late, great Godfather of Soul, James Brown. How does Brown get a writing credit posthumously? “Nice Shoes” samples “Think (About It)” by Lyn Collins, written by Brown. Lacy produced it.

From the beginning, “Nice Shoes” sounds unique. The drum groove confirms the alternative R&B aesthetic, making it stand out from the more traditional, contemporary R&B script. Vocally, Lacy talk-sings, eventually settling into a more definite pitch. Lacy’s reflectiveness is among the selling points of the song. “Even when I clear my head to make room,” he sings in the first verse, and continues, “Still feel claustrophobia, I can’t move / Can you make it stop.” Mental health is real! In the second verse, sex entices him, as he asserts, “My dick is getting hard again / At the thought of you and me holding hands.” Love and lust are both powerful things. In the chorus, he repeatedly states, “Make it, make it stop.” Simple, yet powerful and highly effective. Keeping things engaging, there is a change of pace on the bridge, which sounds more traditional with some jazzy chords. “I truly think if there was ever a time to let it out, it would be now / Let down your guard and be honest enough to let it out, I’m in your world.” “Nice Shoes” is an intriguing record.

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4. Doechii, “Nissan Altima”

Alligator Bites Never Heal » Top Dawg Entertainment / Capitol » 2024

“Wake up, A-cup, get your tits sucked / In my makeup, face-fuck, get your bake up.”

Da-yum, Doechii! The Grammy-winning rapper dropped a rap banger in “Nissan Altima” more entertaining than driving a Nissan Altima. The rapper’s fast-paced, explicit, and unapologetic rhymes are engaging and fun. The chorus of this highlight from Alligator Bites Never Heals gets off to a roaring start as Doechii shows off an epic cadence and flow. “Rates up, jig’s up, put your dicks up / Get your dicks sucked, put your motherfuckin’ sticks up.” Childish Major produced “Nissan Altima,” giving Doechii a mean backdrop to ‘kick ass and take names’ over. It’s more than ‘sucking’ in the chorus. “But bougie mean she freaky, cunnilingus, Dalai Lama / Doechii cooler than a fan, but she get hotter than a sauna.” Beyond the sex references, she’s confident, asserting, “I’m the new hip-hop Madonna, I’m the trap Grace Jones.” Also, she’s unafraid to share her sexual preferences, adding, “I’m a real fly bitch, you in coach ho / I’m a real bi bitch, every coast, ho.” In the equally entertaining second verse, regarding sexuality, she adds, “She swapped the old nigga for a bitch, ain’t new, new / She munchin’ on the box while she watchin’ Hulu.” A Nissan Altima (the car) is never named in the song but appears as the car of choice in the music video. “Nissan Altima” was easily one of the best rap performances and songs of 2024. BANGER EXTRAORDINAIRE!

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5. Shawn Mendes, “Nobody Knows”

Shawn » Island » 2024

“When you’re so in love / And your souls touch / But it’s still not enough / Where does it go? / Nobody knows.”

Shawn Mendes – what a handsome, talented man. The short but sweet “Nobody Knows” marked the third single from Shawn, his fifth studio album. His voice is in top-notch form. Also, he wears his feelings on his sleeve, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Mendes, Mike Sabath, Scott Harris, and Eddie Benjamin penned “Nobody Knows.” Mendes, Benjamin, and Sabath produced it. Mendes delivers personal and vulnerable lyrics throughout “Nobody Knows.” Likewise, his vocal performance matches the spirit of the lyrics. Love is firmly planted in his mind. In the first verse, he captures a warm, meaningful feeling: “When your touch walks me home / When you taste this good.” Aww! In the second, he gets ‘saltier,’ dropping a bomb: “You’re an amateur drunk, and everyone knows it / But, fuck, you’re the one, and I live for those moments.” Word. Backed by a folk-rock backdrop (similar to singles “Why Why Why” and “Isn’t That Enough”), Mendes sings authentically, freely, and radiantly. This sound and vibe suits him. Amplifying this beautiful, ear-catching listening experience are celestial vocal harmonies (Sabath and Benjamin). “Nobody Knows” is another strong performance and song from the gifted Canadian.

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6. Megan Thee Stallion, “Neva Play” (Ft. RM of BTS)

“Neva Play” » Hot Girl Productions LLC » 2024

“One, two, three, four (One, two, three, four) / Five, six, seven, eight (Five, six, seven, eight).”

Early on in her single, “Neva Play”, Megan Thee Stallion flaunts her counting skills. She continues, “Countin’ zeroes every day (Yeah) / You know that we never play.” Word. “Neva Play” is a flex fest from the Grammy-winning rapper. She enlists the services of an unexpected guest: RM of BTS. The results are P-O-S-I-T-V-E. The unforgettable numeric hook appears at the top of “Neva Place.” Also, making our ears perk up at the onset are ear-catching synths. The loops is infectious. Another cool musical feature is how the tempo accelerates during the introduction. LilJuMadeDaBeat, Shae Jacobs, B Ham, and Peter Fenn drop a sickening, mean-sounding, minor-key instrumental supporting both rappers. Beyond her colorful chorus, Megan delivers an aggressive flow and rhymes. “Just know when it’s time for me to get my lick back / All y’all finna be finished (Hadouken),” she spits in the first verse, adding, “Check the credits, you know who wrote it / With a flow this hard, this heavy, Kotex (Mm).” Aggressiveness from Megan is the expectation. One of the biggest surprises is RM, specifically how low and masculine he sounds while rapping. Even with his ‘manliness at an all-time manly level,’ his flow is chill and relaxed (“For Asia, man, we paved the way”). The contrast between him and Megan is one of the selling points of “Never Play.” All told “Neva Play” is a total vibe.

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: September 2024

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7. DESTIN CONRAD, “NOSEBLEED”

“NOSEBLEED” » Above Ground Entertainment » 2024

“Nosebleed, it’s so me / It’s gettin’ even harder to hide,”

DESTIN CONRAD sings radiantly in the chorus of his single, “NOSEBLEED”. That sounds deep and intensely personal! The R&B singer/songwriter continues singing in the centerpiece of the sub-two-and-a-half-minute cut, “And it reminds me of the old me, so lonely / All this lookin’ up is blowin’ my high (My high, my high).” Oh, snap, Destin! CONRAD excels with an authentic performance alongside emotional lyrics. Conrad, Astyn Turrentine (Astyn Turr), and Mackenzie Paul Keane penned “NOSEBLEED.” Louie Lastic and Turr produced it.

The sound of “NOSEBLEED” is sweet even though nosebleeds suck. The accompaniment is simple – guitar primarily. CONRAD is the star, however, with his smooth, emotional vocals. He also gets a lift from the background vocals, which provide equally smooth harmonies. Destin wears his heart on his sleeve. “That happens all the time, I read between the lines / And your name is on the tip of my tongue,” he sings in the first verse. In the second, he sings similarly, “…Your world and mine collide / And the memory of you stays on my skin / It doesn’t fade, it gets stronger than it seems.” Word. All told, “NOSEBLEED” is a winner from an intriguing artist. In reiteration, the song shines thanks to great vocals, memorable lyrics, and sound production.

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8. Kehlani, “Next 2 U”

Crash » TSNMI / Atlantic » 2024

“You know, you know I’ll be down, down, down.”

Word, Kehlani (Kehlani Parrish). The bold “Next 2 U” appears on their fourth studio album, Crash. Parrish penned “Next 2 U” alongside Ant Clemmons and Darius Dixson. Dixson also produced the track. Initially, “Next 2 U” is enigmatic and nebulous. It commences with a robust, malicious-sounding synth that catches the ear instantly. Soon enough, Parrish’s vocals enter, drenched in reverb. Eventually, a groove settles in giving it stability. This is a song that appeals even more with successive listens. As always, Kehlani brings the heat. Their tone is gorgeous, and they command the track. There is no shortage of lush vocal moments, particularly the layered, harmonized vocals. Beyond the ear-catching backdrop and fabulous vocals, the lyrics also intrigue. The theme is L-O-V-E which is always relatable. The first verse is repetitive, while the second features more lyrical variance. The dedication is real:

“If you ain’t around to catch me when I’m fallin’

I’ma fuck around and tat angel wings

On my back, just in case

If you ain’t around when I’m around, I’ma fuck around and (Promise that).”

Of course, the chorus is key too, where Parrish asserts, “They gon’ have to see about me to get next to you.” The boldness of “Next 2 U” goes beyond the audio. The music video is queer 🏳️‍🌈 and pro-Palestine. Parrish has been vocal about Palestine, criticizing celebrities for not condemning the genocide. Queerness and politics only ‘ups the ante’ on “Next 2 U”, a bold and well-rounded R&B cut.

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: June 2024

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9. Hozier, “Nobody’s Soldier”

Unaired (EP) » Rubyworks Ltd. / Columbia » 2024

“Honey, I’m taking no orders / Gonna be nobody’s soldier.”

Grammy-nominated Irish singer/songwriter Hozier (Andrew Hozier-Byrne) strikes gold once more with “Nobody’s Soldier”, the opening track of his Unaired (EP). Hozier-Byrne penned it alongside a team comprising Chakra (Daniel Krieger), Bēkon (Daniel Tannenbaum), Pete G (Peter Gonzales), Sergiu Gherman, and Stuart Johnson. Bēkon, Chakra, Gherman, and Pete G produced as well. “Nobody’s Soldier” commences with a bombastic instrumental introduction. The chromatic lines are one of the biggest selling points. The riffs used throughout are ear-catching. The instrumental, with its colorful timbre and rhythmic nature, ‘kicks ass and takes names.’ Hozier has ‘pure illness’ to sing over. His falsetto, which occurs during the verses is ‘to die for.’ At the end of the first verse, he’s “Living the dream / Benzos and gasoline / Coffee and blue light screens till the morning.” The lyrics remain intriguing in the second verse: “The paint on the walls / Come down like a waterfall / The goal I was aiming for was the wrong one.” He doesn’t remain in falsetto, of course. He shows off that powerful chest voice too! He’s back in the chest by the pre-chorus: “If I tell you this is drowning / You tell me I’m walking on water.” He brings the heat on the infectious, tuneful chorus:

“Choose between being a salesman or a soldier

Just let me look a little older

Let me step a little bolder

Choose between being a butcher or a pauper

Honey, I’m taking no orders

Gonna be nobody’s soldier.”

Ooh-wee! A welcome contrast arrives during the bridge section, further upping the ante on this song. “Nobody’s Soldier” marks another high point for the Irishman who’s had a terrific 2024. It excels thanks to top-notch songwriting (anti-war vibes), vocals, and production.

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: August 2024

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10. Drake, “NOKIA”

$ome $exy $ongs 4 U » OVO Sound / Republic » 2025

“Who’s callin’ my phone? (Who’s callin’ that shit?)”

Drake asks in the pre-chorus of his hit, “NOKIA”. Given the repetition, as well as that s-bomb, he seems to be annoyed by whoever it is. In the chorus, multiple girls are questioned as the calling culprit: “Is it Stacy? /… Is it Becky?” At one point, it’s asked, “Is it PARTY?” referencing his $ome $exy $ongs 4 U collaborator, PARTYNEXTDOOR. “NOKIA” is the 14^th track from $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. “NOKIA” is a solo track from Drake. Elkan produced this bop that peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

“NOKIA” is a two-part song. Part one features a danceable groove and the looped question, “Who’s calling my phone?” The chorus, referenced above, is infectious. In the sole verse in part one, Drake drops a respectable cadence and flow. “The way I feel right now, I feel like we need to be alone,” he raps, and adds, “So, if you just playin’ around, you need to tell your girl, ‘Take your fine ass home,’ and that’s real. Honesty is the best policy. In the verse, he also touts his and his collective’s success, asserting, “We had a lock on the game, but it’s more to come.” Part two marks a change of pace, triggered by the intro, “Baby girl.” The tempo is slower after 1:30 mark, but the groove remains potent, and the synths remain bright. The baby girl becomes part of the chorus performed by Elkan and Drake:

“Baby girl

Let me see you do your dance, let me see you twirl

Shakin’ ass in the club with your home girls

Take a pic for the ‘gram, show the whole world (Show the whole world), yeah

… Is that your bestie?

I’ma ice both of y’all like Gretzky

I’ma at you like bless me

Hit the dance floor, get nasty, impress me.”

Ooh-wee! Drake drops the second verse, the sole verse in part two. Among the most intriguing lyrics are, “You got some bass in the drunk, my love, damn,” “How many hoes in this club? / Is it really just me, my love?”, and “You know my dad ‘nem pimpin’ for real / You ever been down to Memphis, Tennessee, my love?” “NOKIA” is a jam-packed highlight from $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. Drake had plenty of Ls in 2024, namely the Kendrick Lamar beef that he lost badly, but the success of “NOKIA” helped him rebound some in 2025.

Appears in:

Drake, NOKIA: Bangerz N Bopz No. 83 (2025)

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11. Tyler, The Creator, “Noid”

Chromakopia » Columbia » 2024

“Feel it in my aura / Living between cameras and recorders, ah, yeah / I want peace but can’t afford ya.”

Grammy-winning rapper Tyler, The Creator, captures the plight of fame superbly in his ambitious single, “Noid”. The nearly five-minute track arrived ahead of his off cycle released studio album, Chromakopia. “Noid” was written by Tyler, The Creator, and Paul “Ngozi” Nyirongo. Tyler produced the colorful gem itself. Unique from the beginning, the backdrop of “Noid” incorporates rock, rap, and African music. Early on, the tone is set with the repeated lyrics, “Paranoid, paranoid, paranoid.” Following the intro which references the necessity for security, the chorus is performed by Ngozi. Quite difficult to decipher, the lyrics are in Nyanja. This gives “Noid” a distinct sound. Things settle in more before the one-and-a-half-minute mark, where Tyler, The Creator starts rapping about the effects of fame:

“I can’t even buy a home in private

Home invasions got my brothers dyin’

… I got a cannon underneath the bed

Triple checkin’ if I locked the door

I know every creak that’s in the floor

Motherfucker, I’m paranoid.”

Tyler, The Creator is clear and passionate in his message. In an interlude, performed by his mom, Bonita Smith, she urges her son, “Keep to yourself, keep your business to yourself / Don’t even trust these motherfuckin’ accountants.” There is a beat switch within the final minute of the cut. Once again, Tyler, The Creator raps agilely, continuing a paranoid, fame-leery message: “They wanna know where I close my eyes at, I keep my eyes wide.” “Noid” is a captivating song by Tyler, The Creator. Is it odd and a bit hard to follow? Yes, but its ambition is also part of its charm. The message is on point.

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12. Saweetie, “NANi”

“NANi” » ICY / Warner » 2024

On her brief single, “NANi”, Grammy-nominated rapper Saweetie (Diamonté Harper) serves up vibes. The single features sleek production by Jean Baptiste, Karl Rubin, Shawn Wasabi, Ryland Blackinton, and DJ Replay (Ryan Buendia). The gentle synth lead and the anchoring drum programming shine. The instrumental alone helps “NANi” be a V-I-B-E from the beginning. Rather than rap, in the chorus, Saweetie gives us smooth vocals. She sings, “Ooh, got that nani, nani, nani (Nani) / How she walk through swingin’ that body.” Oh, snap! With the word nani, Harper abbreviated the word punani (vagina). Following the smooth vocals in the chorus, she brings ‘that attitude’ with her unpitched rhymes in the first verse; the contrast is sweet. “I’m bougie, moody, tannin’ in my Louis / It’s a privilege just to say you knew me,” she spits. The second verse is more playful but still shows off her commanding flow: “Keep, keep it cunty, OMG, I look like money / Could have been a Playboy Bunny, look at all this body on me, bad.” Even in a “whole room full of bad bitches,” Saweetie stands out. “NANi” is a brief but highly entertaining rap banger.

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13. Bren Joy, “NEVER WANNA LET YOU GO”

SUNSET BLACK » Bren Joy » 2025

“And if I won a billion dollars in the lottery / But found out that it meant / I’d have to give you up well / I’d take your love for what it’s worth.”

Aww, Bren Joy! The love-oriented “NEVER WANNA LET YOU GO” is the 10^th track from his 2025 album, SUNSET BLACK. Joy and Conrad Boyd penned the soulful, folky-sounding cut (alternative R&B vibes), while Cameron Evans, Blake Ruby, and Kevin McCombs produced it. “NEVER” is groovy from the beginning. Bren Joy sings well, though there is a significant amount of vocal production beyond his natural voice. There are compelling lyrics from the opening tip: “I should be fired by the God who invented roses / Cause I pick and kill each one for you / And still, I smile / With the weight of the world on my / Neighbors shoulders / Cause I’ve got nothing left to prove.” Poetic, thought-provoking lyrics. The chorus is simple but tuneful: “Singing oh oh oh oh oh / Oh, I never wanna let you go.” The bridge is intriguing, with more ear-catching lyricism:

“Oh, sometimes we all just
Wait it out for something bigger
Pointing fingers, dodging bullets
Pulling triggers
Judging love like
Governmental supervillains
Everyone falls down.”

Ultimately, “NEVER WANNA LET YOU GO” is a fine single from Bren Joy. Great vocals, meaningful lyrics, tuneful melodies, and strong production work make it a winner.

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14. MANÚ & Miggy, “No Brainer”

“No Brainer” » New Jupiter / Manúk » 2025

Cutting straight to the chase, it is easy to be enamored by MANÚ (Juanmanuel Kornisiuk) – prepare to swoon! The gay Argentinian artist based in Sydney, Australia, is ‘perfect’: toned, tatted, and super-handsome. Ooh-wee! Not only does he hit all the right notes with his looks and body, but he also does so as a talented singer. MANÚ unveiled a surefire bop in “No Brainer”. He penned this pop track while Miggy produced it. From the beginning, “No Brainer” brings out the beloved ‘chipmunk soul’ sound. While there is a hint of throwback vibes, overall, the production is sleek and contemporary, blending R&B and pop. Stylistically, MANÚ lands somewhere between both styles. Kornisiuk’s vocals are silky smooth. He sounds suave to the nth degree. Upping the ante are tuneful, rhythmic melodies which Kornisiuk navigates with ease. It doesn’t sound like he breaks a sweat, though if he did… Moving on, the section to beat is the memorable chorus, which plays out something like this:

“It’s a no-brainer

Get love drunk, do it no chaser

Always call me when you’re looking for favors

On time, but you want it for later (later).”

MANÚ is piping hot. Not only physically, but musically, he brings it on “No Brainer”.

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15. MGMT, “Nothing to Declare”

Loss of Life » Mom+Pop » 2024

“Nothing to declare / Not in the bags under my eyes.”

Word. “Nothing to Declare” marks the third single, and sixth track from Loss of Life, the fifth studio album by Grammy-nominated alternative duo, MGMT – Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser. “Nothing to Declare” runs just north of three-and-a-half minutes in duration. It was produced by the duo alongside Patrick Wimberly. “Nothing to Declare” commences with folksy vibes. VanWyngarden serves up cool, calm, and collected vocals. He does a marvelous job bringing tuneful melodies to life. The lyrics are compelling, too; both verses begin with the titular lyric. There are two choruses, each contrasting. Even so, the chorus serves as the centerpiece: “If you let me go / I’ll fall as far as I can fall / Starlight ain’t never gonna bring me home…” Other notes regarding “Nothing to Declare.” As it progresses, the psychedelic touches enter the mix – it wouldn’t be MGMT without them, right? Also, what about that drum groove? It marks another win, complementing the rhythm guitar superbly. I do declare that MGMT brings the musical heat on the fine “Nothing to Declare”.

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16. Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor”

Whitsitt Chapel » Bailee & Buddy Management, Inc. / This Is Hit, Inc. d/b/a Stoney Creek » 2023

“I only talk to God when I need a favor / And I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer,”

Jelly Roll (Jason Bradley DeFord) sings honestly in the chorus of “Need A Favor”. “Need A Favor” appears near the end of the rapper-turned-country singer’s 2023 album, Whitsitt Chapel. DeFord, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta, and producer Austin Nivarel wrote “Need A Favor.” He continues singing expressively in the chorus, “So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I to expect a savior, oh? / But, God, I need a favor.” Word. While there will be many ‘Christians’ who will cry foul about Jelly Roll’s assertions, many of us ‘fall in the same boat.’ What do we do when we need help? We call on God. When things go well how often do we thank or seek Him out? Food for thought.

The chorus isn’t the only intriguing part of “Need A Favor.” In the verses, Jelly Roll continues to be an ‘open book’ regarding his flaws, spirituality, or lack thereof. “I know amazin’ grace, but I ain’t been livin’ them words,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “Swear I spend most Sundays / Drunk off my ass than I have at church.” My, my, my! In the second verse, he tells God, “Yeah, I owe you more than one,” adding, “I’ll pay for all I’ve done / Just please don’t let me lose her.” Jelly Roll has sinned – he’s flawed. But he knew exactly who to petition for help: G-O-D! Woo! Furthermore, DeFord’s voice is AMAZING!

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17. Keith Sweat, “Nobody” (Ft. Athena Cage)

Keith Sweat » Elektra Entertainment Group Inc. » 1996

“And who can love you like me? (Nobody).”

In 2025, thanks to Carnival Cruise Tyler, a Keith Sweat (b. 1961) classic saw an increase in streams, according to a Billboard article by Jason Lipshutz and Andrew Unterberger. Virality hasn’t only affected new music but has revived interest in oldies. One of the biggest hits of Sweat’s fine R&B career is “Nobody”, featuring Athena Cage. “Nobody” is the penultimate track on Sweat’s multi-platinum, self-titled, 1996 album. Sweat penned “Nobody” with Fitzgerald Scott. Notably, it reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

“Nobody” is sexy, period. Keith Sweat expresses the desires of his heart (and love below) on this smooth, utterly sensual ballad. Supported by a lushly produced backdrop that is characteristic of the ‘90s R&B sound, Sweat is on autopilot from the jump. “I want your body ‘til the very last drop,” he sings in the first verse, and continues, “I want you to holler when you want me to stop.” Oh, snap, Keith! Athena Cage takes the reins in the second verse, matching the potent loving Sweat touted in the first. “Don’t be afraid ‘cause I won’t bite,” she sings, and adds, “I promise to give it to you the way you like.” Following their respective verses, each leads the irresistible chorus, with slight variations. This is the main reason why “Nobody” is an all-time vibe!

“And who can love you like me (Nobody)

Who can sex you like me? (Nobody)

Who can treat you like me, my baby? (Nobody)

Nobody, baby (Nobody)

And who can do it like me (Nobody)

Who can give you what you need (Nobody)

Who can do you all night long? (Nobody)

Nobody, baby.”

Beyond the centerpiece, there is a refrain, highlighted by the phrase, “On, on, on, and on, on” (referring to the band playing) as well as the bridge (“I want you right now for my lover…”). Ultimately, “Nobody” is a timeless love and sex song that requires no extensive analysis. It speaks volumes all by itself. Both Keith and Athena deliver incredible, nuanced, and sexy vocal performances.

Appears in:

Keith Sweat, Nobody : Throwback Vibez No. 147 (2025)

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18. TLC, “No Scrubs”

Fanmail » LaFace » 1999

“No, I don’t want no scrub / A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me / Hangin’ out the passenger side of his best friend’s ride / Tryna holla at me.”

Ooh-wee! Preach ladies! Grammy-winning Atlanta R&B/hip-hop girl group TLC – Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes 😢, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas – was a force to be reckoned with in the 1990s. Among their best and most popular songs is “No Scrubs”, the fifth track from their 1999 Grammy-winning album, Fanmail. “No Scrubs” won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocal and was nominated for the prestigious Record of the Year. It spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2020, it was certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs, Kandi (Kandi Burruss), and Tameka “Tiny” Harris wrote “No Scrubs.” Briggs also produced it.

The premise is simple, though. TLC aren’t messing around, lame-ass guys who ain’t ‘bout shit 💯! Chilli handles the lead vocals, characterizing and defining the scrub perfectly in the first verse. “A scrub is a guy that thinks he’s fly / And is also known as a busta / Always talkin’ ‘bout what he wants / And just sits on his broke ass.” Damn! The truth hurts, doesn’t it? The sentiment is similar in the second verse, where she memorably asserts, “Can’t get with a deadbeat ass.” True dat! In the pre-chorus, she refuses to take his number or give hers! T-Boz sings alongside Chilli in the chorus, excerpted earlier, with Left Eye credited with additional vocals. There is also the bridge, where Chilli states the dealbreakers – red flags 🚩 she won’t dare entertain. No car, lives with mama, has a girlfriend he treats poorly, and has no money, it’s a NO GO 💯! Beyond the lyrics and fabulous vocals by Chilli in particular, “No Scrubs” thrives thanks to its sleek, hip-hop-infused, contemporary R&B sound. Irreplaceable, “No Scrubs” is one of those once-in-a-lifetime songs that will never not slap. Also, many folks need to heed the group’s sound advice!

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19. Jerry Butler, “No Money Down”

The Philadelphia Sessions » The Island Def Jam Music Group » 2001

“With no money down / Pay later not now.”

Jerry Butler (1939 – 2025) ranks among the greatest soul musicians. Some of his greatest hits include “Let It Be Me” (with Betty Everett), “Only The Strong Survive”, and “Ain’t Understanding Mellow”. Another song that stands out in his illustrious catalog is “No Money Down”, which appears on an album that is hard to come by: You & Me from 1970. The non-single also appears on his 2001 compilation album, The Philadelphia Sessions. Butler co-wrote “No Money Down” with iconic producers and songwriters Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Gamble, Huff, and the late, great Donny Hathaway (1945 – 1979) produced it. The musical backdrop and production work are utterly sublime. The orchestration is celestial: the assertive brass, playful woodwinds (the flute trills), glorious strings, and the locked-in rhythm section. “No Money Down” exemplifies the refined, sophisticated Philly soul sound.

“Oh, I should’ve / Thought about it twice / But when I ask the man about the price / He said, ‘You can have those rings / With no money down.” Interesting. So, Jerry Butler thought that his relationship with her was worth ‘putting a ring on it.’ When he goes to make his purchase, the jeweler allows him to do so without a down payment, hence allowing Butler to pay for it later. “So, baby, I brought those rings / And I brought you all my dreams / ‘Cause I love you / I-I-I love you,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “And I thought they guarantee /That you’d always be in love with me.” He was dead wrong! Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as Butler had hoped (“But, baby, now / That our love’s gone bad / Girl, I feel a little cheated”). Butler delivers top-notch vocals. He sings with incredible ease yet packs a mighty punch. His cool energy is epic. A baritone, Butler also impresses with a dash of falsetto, specifically on the keyword, “rings.” “No Money Down” is an album track that deserved to be a hit single. Butler put his foot into this one! Notably, The Game samples “No Money Down” in one of the best songs of his career, “Dreams”, my first introduction to this marvelous soul classic.

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20. Betty Harris, “Nearer to You”

Soul Perfection » Sansu / 43 North Broadway, LLC » 1969

“I may do things you don’t understand.”

Oh, really, Betty Harris (b. 1939)? The southern soul singer continues singing in the first verse of “Nearer to You”, “But remember, I’m only doing the best I can.” Word. “Nearer to You” is the seventh track on her 1969 album, Soul Perfection. The legendary Allen Toussaint (1938 – 2015) composed it. Toussaint also produced it, alongside Marshall Sehorn.

“Nearer to You” oozes with soul – that southern soul, to be precise! Set in compound duple meter, the lilt is real! Betty Harris ‘brings it’ with her robust, gospel-infused vocals. There is no shortage of confidence as Harris belts it out. “I’m sorry if I seem, ooh, yeah, a little bit stubborn sometimes / I hope I’m not being a nuisance to you,” Harris sings in the second verse, continuing, “I know you said that you’d be home soon / I got to be nearer, nearer to you / Yeah.” Harris gets awesome support from background vocals. The section to beat is the chorus. “Everything I do, I’m just trying to get closer to you,” Betty sings, concluding, “I got to be nearer, nearer to you.” Beyond the vocals and memorable songwriting, marvelous orchestration and production go a long, long way. Highlighted within the backdrop are piano, organ, and horns, namely the cutting baritone saxophone. I love the punch that the drums play with (and how loudly they are mixed). Arguably, the organ has the best part. The solo is playful with some sick riffs. Of course, the fellow keyboard instrument, the piano, provides awesome accompaniment. Ultimately, Betty Harris ‘tears it up’ on “Nearer to You”, one of the underrated gems from the soul catalog. Notably, Christina Aguilera sampled “Nearer to You” on the song “Understand” from her 2006 album, Back to Basics.

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A Noteworthy Compendium of N Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 43 North Broadway, LLC, Above Ground Entertainment, Atlantic, Bailee & Buddy Management, Inc., Bren Joy, Capitol, Columbia, Elektra Entertainment Group Inc., Hot Girl Productions LLC, ICY, Interscope, Island, Kendrick Lamar, LaFace, L-M, Manúk, Mom+Pop, New Jupiter, Nice Life Recording Company, OVO Sound, RCA, Republic, Rubyworks Ltd., Sansu, This Is Hit, Inc. d/b/a Stoney Creek, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Tinashe Music Inc., Top Dawg Entertainment, TSNMI, Warner; Anna Shvets, Pietro Henricky from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

A Noteworthy Compendium of N Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on November 5, 2025November 5, 2025