7.

G stands for “Ghostface Killers” by 21 Savage, Offset & Metro Boomin.

Ft. Travis Scott

Album: Without Warning

Epic / Motown / Capitol / Republic

Without Warning starts off superbly with “Ghostface Killers” featuring Travis Scott.  Offset handles the hard-hitting hook, following up with verse dropping Patek, Michael Jackson, and Adidas.  21 Savage follows, in his normal dead-pan approach.  While this didn’t always work on Issa Album, it’s endearing here. Travis Scott caps off the gem on the third verse, referencing Tom Cruise and Nike (“Nike boys, we don’t do three stripes”).

8. 

H stands for “HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar.

Album: DAMN.

Interscope

Kendrick Lamar is the preacher, giving all hip-hop enthusiasts more life. From the jump, “HUMBLE.” is energetic, with Lamar testifying about his come-up.  the prodigious rapper came from nothing, and now, the cupboard is stacked.  He’s not bragging, rather, he’s thankful.  Later, in the first verse, he delivers fire referencing golf, high notes, and levels. The hook isn’t as jam-packed as the verses, but it doesn’t need to be. It serves its purpose. The gimmicky hook makes this particular song catchy.  The second verse may be the most fascinating part of the single, particularly a clever cellulite reference.

“I’m so f*ckin’ sick and tired of the Photoshop / Show me somthin’ natural like afro on Richard Pryor / Show me somethin’ natural like ass with some stretch marks / Still will take you down right on your mama’s couch in Polo socks, ayy.”

9.

I stands for “I’ll Name the Dogs” by Blake Shelton.

Album: Texoma Shore

Warner Bros. 

“I’ll Name the Dogs” kicks things off Texoma Shore soundly. A palette of sounds, typical of the country music script, forms the backdrop. Blake Shelton, likewise, gives a sound vocal performance, painting on the backdrop like a champ. “I’ll Name the Dogs” centers on building a family, relationship, etc. The chorus is incredibly catchy – catchy enough to appeal to broader audience.  All in all, it’s an enjoyable, fun listen, devoid of glaring cons.