Epilogue: 21 Incredible Highlights from Weekly Gems features musical gems by Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, Fiona Apple, Lil Uzi Vert & The Strokes.

After nine weeks’ worth of music, I have decided to suspend the Weekly Gems 💎 column indefinitely.  Maybe it returns in the future, and then again, maybe you’ll never see it again.  It was a fun, though time-consuming experiment, meant to deliver content on The Musical Hype continuously.  Sure, there’s always new content on the site, but Weekly Gems fulfilled a void – the weekends.

Maybe unbeknownst to readers, the column and successive playlist comprised of the seven songs was written in advance, usually on the Friday or Saturday before.  Hours would be spent writing, formatting, and designing.  Yeah, a lot goes into running a blog or website, particularly if you are essentially the website.

So, with the suspension of Weekly Gems, I wanted to at least reflect upon some of my favorites pick throughout the course of its nine-week life span.  Do the math folks – 9 (weeks) x 7 (days) = 63 (songs).  There is no way I would make a gargantuan list – you can check the archives – but why not select three weeks’ worth of favorites? EPILOGUE: 21 HIGHLIGHTS FROM WEEKLY GEMS features music courtesy of Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, Fiona Apple, Lil Uzi Vert, and The Strokes among others.  There are at least two favorites from each week of the nine-week run of the series. Without further ado, let’s remember the best of the best of Weekly Gems.

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1. Lil Uzi Vert, “Strawberry Peels”

Ft. Young Thug & Gunna

Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. the World 2 • Atlantic • 2020

After more than a two-year hiatus, Liz Uzi Vert returned with Eternal Atake, on March 6, 2020, releasing Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. The World 2 the following week.  The fun AF “Strawberry Peels”, featuring Young Thug and Gunna, appears as the sixth track on LUV vs. The World 2. What is Uzi Vert getting at on the banger? Well, per Urban Dictionary, strawberry peels are slang for “Candy dipped in TCH, put in lean mixed with strawberry Fanta and trolli strawberry puff candy…” OK…

Focusing on the song, “Strawberry Peels” is a total banger. Sure, it’s not even two minutes long, but man, those strawberry peels are potent AF! Again, Lil Uzi Vert enlists the services of Young Thug and Gunna, letting his featured guests drop their bars first.  A prime example – Thugga’s first verse:

“Cop what I want and my wrist and my style is on crunk and it’s real
Half of my niggas get high off a seal
Brand new pints and they all teal
I put my dick in her bladder, yeah, yeah
And I’m fuckin’ her friends and they all here.”

He also gives Young Thug the best part of record, besides the banging production that is (Wheezy) – the chorus! “Strawberry peels, strawberry peels…” – you get the idea. Besides its appearance as Fun Friday No. 1 on Weekly Gems No. 1, “Strawberry Peels” lately graced the playlist, 15 Colorful Songs, Approximately Two Minutes or Less.

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2. FINNEAS, “I Lost a Friend”

Blood Harmony (EP) • OYOY • 2019 

Finneas O’Connell gets the most accolades for producing sister, Billie Eilish’s Grammy-winning debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?.  The production was definitely innovative and he deserved his 5 Grammys. Still, O’Connell deserves more credit as artist, particularly with the superb “I Lost a Friend” from his 2019 EP, Blood Harmony. He definitely sings expressively about his ‘lost friend’ on the brilliant song, which appeared as Somber Sunday No. 1 on Weekly Gems No. 1.

“I lost a friend
Like keys in a sofa
Like a wallet in the backseat
Like ice in the summer heat
I lost a friend.”

Lyrically, “I Lost a Friend” latches the first time you hear it.  FINNEAS describes a fallout of a childhood friend from him past, and how much it has affected him to this day. This is best exemplified on the incredibly catchy chorus, where O’Connell sounds marvelous vocally:

“I lost my mind, and nobody believes me
Say, ‘I know that he don’t need me
‘Cause he made a little too much money to be twenty and sad’
And I’ll be fine without him
But all I do is write about him
How the hell did I lose a friend I never had?
Never had.”

Adding to the allure of the lyrics is the production. Like his work for others, FINNEAS crafts a stellar musical backdrop, which perfectly suits his voice.  This totally ‘lost’ song previously appeared as one of  11 Compelling Songs That Are Totally Lost.

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3. Demi Lovato, “I Love Me”

“I Love Me” • Island • 2020

Demi Lovato provided quite a lift to Terrific Tuesday No. 1 (Weekly Gems No. 1) with her uplifting, self-loving anthem, “I Love Me”.  On “I Love Me”, the Grammy-nominated pop artist moves towards a much better place, committed to loving herself. “I Love Me” is a strong pop single that features sleek, energetic production work, courtesy of Oak, Keith Sorrells, and Alex Nice. Stylistically, it encompasses elements of both electronic music and R&B, while being idiomatic of pop. Lovato, who has the pipes to pull off any style, has been quite accomplished in the urban-pop lane. Her vocals are the biggest selling point, while she mixes playful, feisty, and profane moments with moments where she shoots straight bullets with her piercing, upper register ad-libs.

Empowerment – embracing self-love – is the biggest takeaway.  This is definitely ‘fuel for Tuesday’s fire.’ “‘Cause I’m a black belt when I’m beating up on myself / But I’m an expert at giving love to somebody else,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “I, me, myself, and I don’t see eye to eye / Me, myself and I.”  Potent and relatable, period.  On the chorus, she expounds further, as she works beyond being “my own worst critic” and towards “…When I love me is enough.” Ultimately, she slays, keeping it 100, balancing a relatable message and an infectious pop gem.

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4. Bill Withers, “Lean on Me”

Still Bill • Columbia • 1972 

For Throwback Thursday No. 2 (Weekly Gems No. 2), we remembered an iconic musician, Bill Withers, who passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020.  Furthermore, the song selected to commemorate Withers was his ‘ace in the hole,’ “Lean on Me.” “Lean on me, when you’re not strong / And I’ll be your friend / I’ll help you carry on…” Certainly the most ubiquitous Bill Withers song, “Lean on Me” never grows old.  I can remember selecting the thoughtfully penned song for my elementary music classes to sing, and the response was positive.  I say that to say that “Lean on Me” ranks among those rare, transcendent songs that bridges a number of different generations.  Why is it such a terrific song? It’s soulful, memorable, and honestly, relatively simple.

Sometimes, the simplest songs from a musical standpoint carry the most weight.  The harmonic progression isn’t the least bit complicated, yet it’s one of the most memorable and recognizable ones ever.  The minute that you hear those ascending chord changes, you connect it with “Lean on Me.” The lyrics, which are poetically written, are also simple, as they seem to hearken back to more innocent, selfless, and thoughtful times.  The aforementioned chorus is a prime example, thought the verses and bridge are also ripe in promoting brotherhood:

“Just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on.”

Of course, the final reason why “Lean on Me” is epic is its all-around soulfulness.  First and foremost, Bill Withers was tailor-made to sing this. He delivers a smooth, easy-going performance that’s no less potent had he threw in ample vocal runs.  He’s coolly soulful you might say.  Furthermore, the production is equally stellar, led by the blend of acoustic and electric pianos, anchored by a robust bass line and drum groove, and accentuated by strings.  Yes, “Lean on Me” arrived back in ‘72, but it’s as relevant as ever in 2020, and should prove to be so for years to come.

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5. Panic! At the Disco “High Hopes”

Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

“High Hopes”, by Panic! At the Disco, is the type of energetic, positive, and uplifting record that easily atones and assuages.  In my headline for the Terrific Tuesday No. 2 / Weekly Gems No. 2 cut, I asserted, “Panic! At the Disco atones for the “L” taken on Monday, with “High Hopes,” the perfect song to ring in Terrific Tuesday.”

“High Hopes” ranks among the highlights on the band’s 2018 album, Pray for the Wicked.  You could even argue that it’s the crowning achievement.  It kicks off with driving brassy, exuberant production work, set in a major key. After setting the tone with the intro, Brendon Urie unveils the optimistic, chorus, singing in his powerful upper register.

“Have to have high, high hopes for a living
Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing
Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision
Always had high, high hopes…”

Following the initial burst excitement, ultimately the centerpiece of “High Hopes,” Urie settles into the first verse.  Here, he speaks of destiny, dreams, and “rewriting your history,” as advised by his mom (Mama knows best, right?).  Later, on the second verse, he speaks about being true to self, personally and musically.  “It’s uphill for oddities / The stranger crusaders / Ain’t ever wannabes / The weird and the novelties / Don’t ever change.” Clearly, “High Hopes” is an anthem for dreamers and definitely encouragement for the non-conformists of the world.  In the context of Weekly Gems, I added, Furthermore, it’s encouragement after a Monday that was total poo. Let the Baroque-pop styling and high-flying, spirited vocals of “High Hopes” assuage and atone for the ills of Monday past.

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6. Dua Lipa, “Levitating”

Future Nostalgia • Warner • 2020

Dua Lipa certainly brought ample fun to Fun Friday No. 2 / Weekly Gems No. 2 with “Levitating” from her engaging, utterly consistent, sophomore album, Future Nostalgia. The Grammy-winning pop singer is pretty awesome – that goes without saying!

“I believe that you’re for me, I feel it in our energy / I see us written in the stars / We can go wherever, so let’s do it now or never / Baby, nothing’s ever, ever too far.” “Levitating” makes a compelling case among the crème de la crème of Future Nostalgia, considering the ‘loving’ has the pop star rising/floating, defying gravity.  Every chorus is pretty amazing throughout Future Nostalgia, but the hook on “Levitating” hits especially hard:

“I got you, moonlight, you’re my starlight
I need you, all night, come on, dance with me
I’m levitating.”

Why “Levitating” on FUN FRIDAY? Isn’t it obvious? Dua Lipa and her love are about to have a stellar night… Really, there’s nothing more to say – let the loving speak for itself!

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7. Ms. Lauryn Hill, “Ex-Factor”

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill • Ruffhouse • 1998

On Throwback Thursday No. 3 / Weekly Gems No. 3, Grammy-winning hip-hop/R&B musician, Lauryn Hill captivated us once more with the  soulful “Ex-Factor” from her 1998 masterpiece, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  “Tell me, who I have to be / To get some reciprocity.” Those timeless lyrics hail from one of the truly great classics about exes, sigh. Even north of two decades since the release of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, both the album, and the particular single carry ample weight.  Focusing only on the song itself, “Ex-Factor” is a prime example of the plight of love, as well as how potent songs incorporating break ups can truly be.

At one point, Lauryn Hill sings, “And when I try to walk away / You’d hurt yourself to make me stay / This is crazy.” Crazy indeed Ms. Lauryn Hill, but, again, exes and broken-off relationship serve among the preeminent topics in music regardless of genre.  Yes, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” remains the crowning achievement (and number one hit) from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, but you can totally feel Hill’s struggle with love – it’s so relatable on “Ex-Factor.” My favorite section of the song is the ‘breakdown’:

“(Care) Care for me, care for me
I know you care for me
(There) There for me, there for me
Said you’d be there for me
(Cry) Cry for me, cry for me
You said you’d die for me
(Give) Give to me, give to me
Why won’t you live for me?”

What better way to throwback than with Lauryn Hill?

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8. Ricky Dillard, “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Choirmaster • Motown Gospel / Capitol CMG • 2020 

On Somber Sunday No. 3 / Weekly Gems No. 3 we opted for an uplifting number, courtesy of black gospel artist, Ricky Dillard.  Dillard, joined by a mass choir and an anointed countertenor (Thomas Allen), delivers a record for ‘times like these’ with “Let There Be Peace on Earth (Live)”, an advance from his 2020 album, Choirmaster.

2020 has proven to be quite the turbulent year – not the way anyone anticipated commencing a new decade.  The biggest shocker has been the heartbreaking and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the entire world. What better time, hence, to petition for ‘peace on earth?’  Though the record is typically associated with Christmas and the holiday season, it’s pitch-perfect for now (Fittingly, it also appeared on 10 Songs That Capture and Embody the Pandemic). The results are amazing, and honestly, you don’t have to be a believer to arrive at that takeaway.  The mass choir rendition finds the spirit is lofty, led by the compelling, technically sound Thomas Allen. The arrangement also deserves recognition, opting against merely being tried and true version, expanding beyond. If you’re in need of music to help assuage and sooth anxiety, doubts, and troubles, particularly during a turbulent 2020, “Let There Be Peace on Earth (Live)” is definitely worth adding to your listening rotation. 

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9. The Strokes, “The Adults Are Talking”

The New Abnormal • RCA • 2020

The Strokes spiced up Mad Monday No. 4 / Weekly Gems No. 4 with “The Adults Are Talking,” the quick, energetic, and potent opener from their sixth studio album, The New Abnormal.  The New Abnormal marked the alternative collective’s first new album in seven years.

“The Adults Are Talking” is quick, energetic, and incredibly potent.  This indie-rock record possesses a fun, danceable sensibility. Julian Casablancas gives a muted, even-keel vocal performance for the most part, ascending into a sweet falsetto within the final two minutes. Don’t let this deceive about its MAD implications.  The performance makes sense, given the messaging – the inability for a subordinate’s voice to be heard.

“They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can’t help it if we are a problem
We are tryin’ hard to get your attention
I’m climbin’ up your wall.”

Besides the social and political aspects of “The Adults Are Talking,” there are also references to a relationship, which is pretty intriguing.

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10. DaBaby, “Nasty”

Ft. Megan Thee Stallion & Ashanti

Blame it on Baby • Interscope • 2020 

“Nasty,” hailing from Steamy Saturday No. 4 / Weekly Gems No. 4 is among the steamiest, nastiest records I’ve heard in 2020. “Nasty” is a highlight from Blame it on Baby, the 2020 album by DaBaby. Assisted by Megan Thee Stallion and Ashanti, honestly, this just might be the most unapologetic records you’ve heard in years.

The best moment from Blame it On Baby, hands down, is also the nastiest – like pornographic nasty! “Nasty,” the penultimate cut, certainly lives up to its name. DaBaby is freaky AF here – quite X-rated in his sexual endeavors. “She know I’m nasty / She like it when I pull it out and I put it all over her ass cheeks,” he raps on the first verse, later adding, “I take both her legs and I put ‘em behind her head like she a pretzel / Then I pick her up and slam her down on her head like I’m a wrestler…” Woah, Nelly! Perhaps ‘she’ does indeed benefit, but we don’t really know until Megan Thee Stallion puts her two cents in about the level of pleasure on the equally filthy second verse:

“Quit talking that shit, when I drop that pin, come drop that dick
He deep in them covers, this pussy like butter, he put it in damn near nutted
...I put one leg on the headboard and leave the other leg on the mattress
Look down at him while he smackin’ get them headshots like a actress.”

Smackin’ – OMG! There’s more filth from DaBaby, who segues into a third verse, which includes exercise: “I’m doing my push-ups in that pussy.” Yes, absolutely TF “Nasty.”  The classiest part of the songs arrives courtesy of Ashanti, whose 2002 R&B hit, “Baby” is sampled.

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11. Michael Jackson, “Earth Song”

HIStory – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – BOOK I • Epic • 1995

On Throwback Thursday No. 5 / Weekly Gems No. 5, I tapped the late, great Michael Jackson and his compelling, multi-genre 1995 classic, “Earth Song.” “Earth Song” hails from The King of Pop’s most controversial album, HIStory – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – BOOK I. Even so, that doesn’t stop this ballad from being among the most powerful of his career.

On “Earth Song,” Michael Jackson gives listeners a bit of everything – pop, rock, R&B, and gospel.  Throw in the music video, and you’ve totally checked off the boxes of Gesamtkunstwerk. No, “Earth Song” isn’t nearly as beloved as those untouchable gems from Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), or Bad (1987), but in my opinion, the way that this seven-minute single is assembled is nothing short of EPIC.

What makes this captivating song about the earth so awesome?  Michael Jackson, first and foremost – duh. Jackson absolutely sings the hell out it.  He shows incredible emotion whether he’s singing more coolly and plaintively on the verses, or when he ratchets things up on my favorite section, the breakdown. On the breakdown, Jackson gets a marvelous assist from Andrae Crouch’s Choir.  Between the two, we get stunning, high-powered call and response bridging the spirit of rock and the soulful, uplifting sensibilities of gospel.

“What about yesterday? (What about us?)
What about the seas? (What about us?)
The heavens are falling down (What about us?)
I can’t even breathe (What about us?).”

Adding to the epic nature of “Earth Song” is how WOKE it was, and still is today. Jackson speaks on the treatment of the earth, as well as issues of humanity (“What about killing fields? Is there a time?”), and faith (“What about all the peace that you pledge your only son?”). Sigh, this is just one of many great throwback classics from MJ.

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12. Fiona Apple, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters”

Fetch the Bolt Cutters • Epic • 2020

Jazz plays a sizable role on the brilliant “Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” the title track from Fetch the Bolt Cutters, the long-awaited fifth studio album by Fiona Apple. Not only did “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” appears as Mad Monday No. 5 / Weekly Gems No. 5, it was also featured on 11 Cutting Edge Cut Songs, published just April 23, 2020.  Instrumentally, it’s perfect, with the percussive sounds, the timbre added with string bass, and the elegance of vibraphone.  Fiona Apple serves up a playful performance, sometimes speaking and other times singing in traditional melodic fashion.  She enlists Cara Delevingne on background vocals, as well as dogs apparently (at the end).

There’s a rawness about Fetch the Bolt Cutters as a whole and the title track exemplifies it perfectly.  Per Vulture, Apple describes this song as a late addition to the project, with the following takeaway: “Fetch the fucking bolt cutters and get yourself out of the situation that you’re in — whatever it is that you don’t like.”

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13. Moses Sumney, “Cut Me”

Græ • Jagjaguwar • 2020 

Moses Sumney made Wacky Wednesday No. 5 / Weekly Gems No. 5 truly captivating with “Cut Me,” which hails from his 2020 album, Græ.  While sometimes, it’s easy to cry foul about a lack of experimentation and innovative spirit in popular music, that certainly isn’t the case for Sumney, who ranks among the more distinct musicians, is unafraid to try new things, a definitely is no conformist. “Cut Me” can be described as an experimental soul song.  The backdrop hearkens back to the past, and Sumney has made clear his intentions to pay tribute to Aretha Franklin.  Even though the sound is vintage to an extent, it’s not straightforward. There are plenty of surprises, even with horns, piano, and standard soul instrumentation.  As interesting as the backdrop is, nothing tops Moses, who delivers an incredibly colorful, playful performance.  Sure, he ascends into a gorgeous, ripe falsetto, idiomatic of R&B and soul, but he takes ample risks, creating something that’s actually much newer than it is so much nostalgic.

The lyrics are poetic, which may be cliché, but simply put, they were so thoughtfully and carefully penned.  There are no shortage of highlights, whether it’s “That’s when I feel the most alive / Masochistic kisses are how I thrive,” “Endurance is the source of my pride,” or the personal “Guess I’m a true immigrant son / No vacancies, no vacations.” As for the ‘cutting,’ well, it appears on the chorus:

“Might not be healthy for me but seemingly I need
What cuts me, cuts me, cuts me, cut me, cut me, cut me.”

Yeah, what better than a cutting edge song like “Cut Me” on any day of the week?

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14. The Black Dahlia Murder, “The Leather Apron’s Scorn”

Verminous • Metal Blade • 2020 

The Black Dahlia Murder made Wacky Wednesday No. 6 / Weekly Gems No. 6 truly captivating with the unsettling, serial killer inspired, “The Leather Apron’s Scorn.” “The Leather Apron’s Scorn” hails from the metal collective’s 2020 album, Verminous.

“Terrorize these foggy London streets / Lock your doors and hide / In the darkest alleyways, they’re where I’ll be.” That’s certainly not just wacky, but utterly terrifying. “The Leather Apron’s Scorn” is born directly out of the serial killer playbook – Jack the Ripper specifically.  It’s not only the lyrics about London that give this away if you’re well versed in serial killers, but also how The Black Dahlia reference the victims that Jack seeks out. “They never hear my footsteps approaching / Their whorish existences my knife is encroaching upon.” Definitely wouldn’t be the first, nor likely the last time that the band sings about a serial killer. Honestly, reflecting back over nine Wacky Wednesday selections, what is wackier than a song titled and as unsettling as “The Leather Apron’s Scorn?” That would be wacky on any given day!

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15. Joyner Lucas, “Devil’s Work”

ADHD • Twenty Nine Music Group • 2020

Joyner Lucas has bone to pick with God on “Devil’s Work,” which appeared as Mad Monday No. 6 on Weekly Gems No. 6. “Devil’s Work,” which appears on the rapper’s long-awaited, debut studio album, ADHD (2020)  “I’m staring at this Bible as I keep glancing / Dear Lord, I got questions and I need answers / Tryna understand your vision all I see is damage / Just a bunch of dead bodies in the street camping.” Lucas questions the decision making of God.  His first lyrics, on the intro, are “Father, forgive me,” which sets up the record for its fair share of controversy, and of course, anger.

Over a dramatic backdrop, Lucas absolutely raps his ass off, and makes some valid points as he’s perturbed by the deaths of good people.  Where does the  savagery really go down? Where he provides specific examples of who ‘The Most High’ should dispose of instead of who he’s chosen himself:

“...They say you never wrong, but you done made a few mistakes
‘Cause you taking the wrong niggas, maybe you should trade
Trade us back all the real ones, remove the fakes=
...Give us 2Pac back, and take that nigga Suge
...Give us Biggie, give us Pun, give us Triple X
Take that nigga Trump with you, that’s a bigger threat
There’s too much power for a coward with no intellect
That’s a bigot with a collar, there’s a disconnect…”

There are plenty more examples, as Lucas wants MLK, Malcolm X, and Emmett Till back, while he tells God to take the likes of Martin Shkreli, R. Kelly, and Dylann Roof.  It’s controversial, but at least at the end of the monstrous verse he makes it clear, “I know this ain’t your fault, it’s the devil’s work / Devil’s work.”

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16. Scissor Sisters, “Take Your Mama”

Scissor Sisters • Polydor • 2004

On a throwback Wacky Wednesday No. 7 from Weekly Gems No. 7, Scissor Sisters intrigued all over again with their classic, “Take Your Mama,” a notable coming out anthem from the aughts. “Take Your Mama” appeared on the pop collective’s 2004 self-titled album. “Gonna take your mama out all night / Yeah, we’ll show her what it’s all about / We’ll get her jacked up on some cheap champagne / We’ll let the good times all roll out… / Because the dancers don’t mind at the New Orleans…” Scissor Sisters’ “Take Your Mama” marked the  monumental debut single by Jake Shears and company.  Also, it’s definitely an important part of the LGBTQ+ collection of songs, having previously appeared on 19 Songs That Reference Coming Out and landing on A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs.

On “Take Your Mama,” Shears sings about being gay, having to pretend to be straight, and the effects it has on his mother. PAUSE (Did I mention “Take Your Mama” also appears on the 15 Songs That Focus on Mama?). PLAY! Back in 2004, pop music wasn’t nearly as progressive in regard to sexuality as it is now. Interestingly, in this anthem about coming out, Shears’ mama is being taken to a gay bathhouse/club on the hella catchy chorus.  Sure, it’s about 16 years old at the time of publication but hey, it’s still incredibly potent!

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17. Kehlani, “F&MU”

 It Was Good Until It Wasn’t • Atlantic • 2020

Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kehlani exemplified Steamy Saturday No. 7 (Weekly Gems No. 7) with “F&MU”, which appears on her 2020 sophomore album, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. “We both know it’s never really goodbye / I swear it’s like we do this all the time, yeah / That shit be turnin’ me on, I cannot lie, lie…” “F&MU,” is characterized by its brevity. Even so, that’s ample time for Kehlani to be potent about love, SEX, and relationships.  As the aforementioned lyrics suggests, the relationship has its fair share of issues, but ultimately, makeup sex atones.

If you didn’t figure out what the meaning of the title, well, it’s clear AF on the chorus:

“We fuck and make up like it’s Maybelline
We do petty things
Then mess up the sheets, yeah
You be runnin’ back once we let it go
I already know
Did it time before (Oh).”

Sure, it’s an oversimplification to suggest that good sex fixes things, but, in the case of “F&MU,” it’s quite entertaining to hear Kehlani make the assertion.  The second verse has its fair share of colorful lyrics, whether it’s the opening “Damn, it’s good, I might have to piss you off,” or “Why I gotta fuck you up to make you fuck like that.” Wow! “F&MU” is definitely S-T-E-A-M-Y!

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18. Todrick Hall, “Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs”

Quarantine Queen • Todrick Hall • 2020

On Wacky Wednesday No. 8 / Weekly Gems No. 8, entertainer extraordinaire Todrick Hall intrigues with his entertaining, quarantine anthem, “Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs,” from his 2020 COVID-19 EP, Quarantine Queen. On “Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs,” Todrick Hall opts for a ‘pandemic’ remix of “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels” (Haus Party 1, Pt. 1, 2019).  Like “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels,” when you listen to this dance/house-inspired cut, the first word that comes to mind is FABULOUS.  Yaaasss, even in quarantine Todrick Hall is FABULOUS.  The lyrics are honest and relatable, but also quite entertaining, lighthearted, and definitely funny.

I mean, it really starts at the beginning of the first verse:

“My mask, gloves, soap, scrubs
TikTok, Grubhub
Twinks, jocks, bears, cubs
Zoom is the new club
Six feet, no hugs
Still beat these mugs
Sick beat got a rug
Joe Exotic is a thug
Kitty cat, cat, tell me Carole Baskin
Where is the husband everyone’s asking?
Stimulus check, everybody better cash in
Mask and gloves, yeah, that’s the new fashion.”

Of course, there’s even more on the second verse including the stellar line, “Left, right, left, right, swiping on Tinder / What was life like? I can’t remember.” The bridge goes H.A.M. with fitting phrases like “Mop for me,” “Stay away from me,” and “Squirt for me” – totally not sexual, of course ;).  “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels” was also featured on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.

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19. Bad Bunny, “Pa’ Romperla”

Ft. Don Omar

Las Que No Iban a Salir • Rimas Entertainment • 2020

Bad Bunny brought plenty of fun and partying to Fun Friday No. 8 (Weekly Gems No. 8) with “Pa’ Romperla” assisted by reggaeton vet Don Omar. “Pa’ Romperla” marks one of the best moments from Las Que No Iban a Salir, a surprise album by Bad Bunny that was finished in just two days! One of several productions by Tainy on Las Que No Iban a Salir, the sound alone is a vibe.  That vibe, of course, is party centric, with the bedroom as the ultimate destination.

Don Omar sings, on the first verse, “We’re going to drink, we’re going to smoke, a song to fuck to…” via the English translation.  As for Bad Bunny, he confirms the sexual aspect throughout the second verse, asserting, “I’m giving it to her as her boyfriend watches Jordan” and “With me, your girl gets horny…” “Pa’ Romperla” – or at least what goes down on “Pa’ Romperla” – is definitely within the realm of a Fun Friday or any night you feel compelled to ‘get it in.’

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20. NoMBe, “Heels”

NoMBe • Chromatobia • TH3RD BRAIN • 2020

On the final Wacky Wednesday (Weekly Gems No. 9), NoMBe (Noah McBeth), intrigued with “Heels” from his sophomore album, Chromatobia (June 12, 2020). “Silk and high fashion / Only the best / She wears Chanel’s finest / Mixed with coffee and sex…” It’s always great when something is refreshing in any context.  From a musical context, an artist who is refreshing makes you excited and reinvigorated about the possibilities of music. NoMBe brings those refreshing vibes to the table with his brand of electric soul, particularly on “Heels,” previously featured on 20 Songs about Apparel: Clothes & Shoes Reloaded.

“Heels” possesses an ‘alternative R&B’ sound, which instantly pleases the ears. Complementing the production, with pop electronic, and 80s elements are soulful vocals by McBeth. Furthermore, the harmonic progression, while simple overall, has a couple of quirks, particularly chromaticism.  Lyrically, sex is loud and clear, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.  “My baby’s she’s blessed / Ready for action / And dressed for revenge,” McBeth sings on the first verse.  On the second, he adds, “I wish we could make up / Maybe undress / Just like mother earth made us / No fabric, no tags.” Damn, it’s getting hot in here! Of course, the best part of the song is the infectious, kinky chorus:

“So, go on put your favorite heels on
So, go no put your favorite heels on
Go put your favorite heels on and walk all over me.”

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21. Black Atlass, “Night After Night”

Dream Awake • XO / Republic • 2020 

On the final Steamy Saturday (Weekly Gems No. 9), I enlisted Canadian-bred, Los Angeles-based musician Black Atlass (Alex Fleming) to steam things up with “Night After Night.” “Night After Night” is a gem from his third studio album, Dream Awake (2020).  Furthermore, I fancied the song so much, it also appeared on the list, 12 Simply Terrific Before or After Songs.

“If I can make you love me again / I’ll keep the summertime on your skin / You speedin’ past all our exes / I don’t wanna end up like them.” On “Night After Night” the vibe of Dream Awake continues to pop, with sleek production work courtesy of DANNYBOYSTYLES and Oligee. The record brilliantly uses an electronic-based backdrop (keyboards, synths, programming), while remaining idiomatic of R&B, particularly that stellar Canadian R&B sound. Fleming is consistent, building a love-driven, sensual script, particularly as he ‘brings it on home’ on the chorus.

“My woman
I’ll be your man
And baby I’ll give you my life in your hands
I know you wanna feel alive, don’t you?
Night after night (Night after night)
Night after night (Night after night).”

Sure, we’ve had more overt cuts grace Steamy Saturday, but Black Atlass definitely captures the steaminess in voice alone ;). And with that, we close the chapter on Weekly Gems… for now…

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Epilogue: 21 Incredible Highlights from Weekly Gems [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Columbia, Epic, Fueled by Ramen, Interscope, Island, Jagjaguwar, Metal Blade, Motown Gospel, The Musical Hype, OYOY, Pexels, Pixabay, Polydor, RCA, Republic, Rimas Entertainment, Ruffhouse, TH3RD BRAIN, Todrick Hall, Twenty Nine Music Group, Warner, XO]

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