Reading Time: 13 min read

23.

W stands for “Wild Thoughts” by DJ Khaled

Ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller

Album: Grateful

Epic

DJ Khaled, Grateful © EpicDJ Khaled constructs a surefire hit with “Wild Thoughts,” enlisting the help of Rihanna and Bryson Tiller. The first thing that stands out about “Wild Thoughts” are the Latin vibes.  A certain, late-90s classic is sampled – “Maria, Maria,” courtesy of Santana.  Instantly it gives “Wild Thoughts” a major lift. Rihanna is on autopilot from the jump, sexed up, enticing her man with her naughtiness. She confirms her “wild thoughts” on the repetitive, but irresistibly delicious chorus.  She continues throwing mad innuendo on the second verse. Bryson Tiller, who sings the third verse, kicks the explicitness up a notch.  The recipe is a great one: awesome production, superstar cast, and of course, sex.

24.

X stands for “X-Men” by Lil Yachty.

Ft. Evander Griiim

Album: Teenage Emotions

Capitol / Motown

Lil Yachty, Teenage Emotions © Capitol / MotownArguably, “X Men,” featuring Evander Griiim, is an improvement compared to other singles issued from Teenage Emotions (the suspect “Peek a Boo” and “Bring It Back” come to mind).   “X Men” is backed by devilish production, which fuels the rapper’s fire. The pacing of his rhymes is a pro as well. Yachty doesn’t deliver a masterful set of rhymes, but his energy and intensity are appreciated.

25.

Y stands for “Youngest Flexer” by Lil Pump.

Ft. Gucci Mane

Album: Lil Pump

Warner Bros.

Lil Pump © Warner Bros.If we weren’t already aware, Lil Pump is the “Youngest Flexer.”  Clearly, producer Big Head isn’t the only one with a ‘big head.’ Fittingly, Lil Pump brings along Gucci Mane for the ride.  On the hook, Pump spits:

“I just bought three thousand dollar Gucci pants / I just left the trap, and I’m off the Xans / B*tch, I’m high as f*ck, I feel like Superman / I’m the biggest flexer, you know who I am.”

To his credit, “Biggest Flexer” offers a bit more ‘song’ than much of his self-titled album. Gucci Mane takes the second verse, doing what he does best – flex.

26.

Z stands for “Zara” by Macklemore.

Ft. Abir

Album: GEMINI

Bendo

Macklemore, Gemini © Bendo“Zara” arrives during a portion of GEMINI that’s centered around love and sex, following a similar song, “Over It.” Macklemore enlists Abir for the assist (she sings).  While “Zara” doesn’t end up being the crème de la crème of GEMINI, it’s slick, sensual, and enjoyable, without being transcendent or groundbreaking.

Photo Credits: RCA, Lil Peep, Big Machine, beartrap, Interscope, Atlantic, Capitol, Epic, Motown, Republic, Columbia, Roc Nation, Def Jam, Hollywood, Island, Bendo

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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