Listen UP to These 15 Songs | Playlist

1. Cardi B, “Up”

“Up” • Atlantic • 2021

“If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck, huh!” WOO! Grammy-winning rap sensation Cardi B dropped the short but sweet “Up” in February 2021. The record is set in a minor key and features relatively simple but banging production courtesy of DJ SwanQo, Sean Island, and Yung Dza. It’s perfect for the to say the least.

On “Up,” we get an aggressive, energetic performance by Cardi B.  She’s unapologetic AF, pushing the envelope being utterly risqué:  “If I had a dick, you’d probably lick it like a lollipop.”  As to be expected, she delivers some truly colorful rhymes that raise eyebrows and at times, make you either (1) open your mouth with in complete and utter awe or (2) giggle (“He nutted on my butt, I said, ‘I’m glad that you came’”). The hook (appearing at the top) is quite simple, but also catchy, infectious, and incredibly effective. Of course, the hook is part of the controversy surrounding “Up” – plagiarism allegations.  That’s a separate discussion, of course. Ultimately, it’s a banger that you should totally turn .

2. Joji, “Upgrade”

Nectar • 88rising / 12Tone Music • 2020

“Won’t you upgrade? I know it hurts / You deserve it, I know your worth…” On the brief “Upgrade” – which is more interlude than song – Joji (George Miller) asks her (whoever she may be) to ‘upgrade’ and be with him.  Fair enough, considering, “the heart wants what it wants.” While he seems to question how they fit with one another, he definitely wants them to become an item.  We’ve all been there, right?

“Upgrade,” of course, appears as the fifth track off of Nectar, the sophomore album by the alternative R&B artist.  It’s written and produced by a team comprised of Miller, James Alan Ghaleb, Rickard Görannson, and Tobias Karlsson. Interestingly, it’s sandwiched between a pair of surefire standouts: “Daylight” and “Gimme Love”. Nonetheless, it’s a potent listening experience also worthy of totally turning .

3. Ariana Grande, “Shut up”

Positions • Republic • 2020

“All them demons helped me see shit differently / So don’t be sad for me.” “Shut up” definitely sets the tone on Positions, the surprise sixth studio album by Ariana Grande. Grande is assertive and profane, just like the title suggests.

“Love the game so I ain’t never miss
Keep opinions muted for the hell of it
‘Cause I like my shit.” 

Ari is definitely confident on that excerpt from the second verse.  You could totally say, she’s feeling herself – . While exuding confidence and urging the haters to SHUT UP, she’s backed by an ultra-classy, orchestral backdrop. Contradictory, right? 

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4. Lil Baby, “Heatin Up”

My Turn • Quality Control Music / Motown • 2020

Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Baby had a big year in 2020 – understatement.  His sophomore album, My Turn, was tremendously successful – dominant on the Billboard 200.  Despite being an imperfect album, it was quite enjoyable with its fair share of hits.  For the purposes of LISTEN UP TO THESE 15 SONGS, what song should you be totally tuning into? “Heatin Up,” of course.

Gunna joins Lil Baby on the minor-key banger, produced by Quay Global.  Baby kicks things off, wowing with his flow, filled with cockiness, confidence, and drip: “Man, these racks gettin’ too big for these skinny clothes / I might put me an M in some big Girbaud.” Gunna, also flaunts his rhythmic approach, sometimes indecipherable, but always giving off vibes.  Of course, by the chorus, these rappers are totally “heatin’ up”:

“Hot, hot, hot, I’m heatin’ up
I fuck with slimes and I’m gonna bust
He can’t put on that drip, he ain’t one of us
How you ridin’ in a Benz and a Tonka truck?”

5. Jazmine Sullivan, “Pick Up Your Feelings”

Heaux Tales • RCA • 2021

“Don’t forget to come and pick up your, ooh, feelings / Don’t leave no pieces / You need to hurry and pickup your, ooh-ooh, feelings / While I’m up cleaning.” Among the best records from Heaux Tales, the long-awaited return of Jazmine Sullivan (six years to be precise), is “Pick Up Your Feelings.” Prior to this standout, we hear the skit “Antoinette’s Tale” where Antoinette, the first of many women expressing their love stories throughout the project, speaks of the sexual double standard for women. Bluntly, but accurately, she states, “We’re out here telling them, that the pussy is there’s / When in actuality, it’s ours.”  The skit perfectly prefaces the song at hand. 

Jazmine Sullivan absolutely kills it, giving an expressive, soulful vocal performance that just lays it out there for the offending dude.  “Oh, I’m tryna find a fuck to give for you,” she bites on the second verse, continuing, “You ran out of chances of forgivin’ ya / Yeah, listen, I ain’t listenin’.” Sound-wise, “Pick Up Your Feelings” is both refreshing and throwback. DZL does a fine job behind the boards.  Of course, the chorus serves as the centerpiece (excerpted above), with the Grammy-nominated R&B singer blessing us with those anointed pipes.

6. Harry Styles, “Lights Up”

Fine Line • Columbia • 2019

Did Harry Styles ‘come out’ when he released single “Lights Up” on October 11, 2019 (National Coming Out Day)? That is the question surrounding the single. Regardless of how Styles identifies sexually, “Lights Up,” is quite the intriguing record. The British heartthrob went against the grain on his promo single from Fine Line, and it boded well for him.

“Lights Up” has elements of vintage and retro, led by the robust bass line and the keyboards.  Still, there are also some modern cues, including the sleekness of the vocal production and some programming as well.  The record possesses a great groove, and fine production work courtesy of Tyler Johnson. Vocally, Styles remains a force, sounding absolutely marvelous, as he makes it clear he will “Shine, step into the light” and notably, ‘never go back.’

Honestly, it’s the lyrics, the accompanying music video, and the significance of 10/11/19 that add to the speculation regarding Styles’ sexuality.  Does he care? Probably not.  There does seem to be elements of bisexuality implied in the music video, while the lyrics seem to be ‘open-minded’ without specifically addressing sexuality.  But the chorus seems to ‘open the door’:

“All the lights couldn’t put out the dark
Runnin’ through my heart
Lights up and they know who you are
Know who you are
Do you know who you are? (Oh).”

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7. City Girls, “Act Up”

Girl Code • Quality Control Music / Motown / Capitol •  2018

“Act up, you can get snatched up / Dirty-ass nails, baby girl, you need to back up.” City Girls – JT and Yung Miami – are chocked-full of attitude.  Their hit single, “Act Up,” which appears on Girl Code (2018), has no shortage of attitude, edginess, or badass-ness.  Over the course of three verses, JT and Yung Miami make it clear that they are the ‘head bitches in charge.’

JT asserts, “I ain’t got time for you fake-ass hoes / Talkin’ all loud in them fake-ass clothes / Fake-ass shoes match that fake-ass gold / I’m the realest bitch ever to you snake-ass hoes.” Yung Miami, she’s not outdone: “I bet your lil’ sister wanna look like me (Lil’ bitch) / I bet your lil’ brother wanna fuck on me / Hood bitch, good pussy, I ain’t average.” “Act Up” was tailor made for twerkers.

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8. EARTHGANG, “Powered Up”

“Powered Up” • Dreamville / Interscope •  2020

If you need to be ‘powered up,’ what better way to do so than an EARTHGANG track right? Right! “Powered Up” features some crazy-@$$, banging production that is perfectly suited to the rap collective. The backdrop definitely sets the tone for “Powered Up,” which is nothing short of a banger! Doctur Dot raps the first verse.  His confidence is through the roof: “Overflowin’ with the sauce, I’m never holdin’ back, I’m goin’ / In my coffin, middle finger pokin’ through the casket.” Whoa – still able to flip the bird despite being deceased!  That’s some “G’ Shit” right there!

As for Johnny Venus, he delivers the simple and repetitive, but highly effective chorus: “I’m powered up, it’s now or nothing.”  Can’t go wrong with that! Furthermore, Venus raps the second verse – a prime example of eccentric genius:

“Baby doll, break a leg, electric lady, power sex
Sippin’ on the sun and a cup of Windex
Cause she ain’t really seen none like me yet
Cannibalistic, animal instinct, you niggas hurt and Jesus wept.”

Bars, bars, and more bars ladies and gentlemen! Hence, an awesome song that definitely tickled my fancy in August 2020!

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9. Lauren Daigle, “Look Up Child”

Look Up Child • Centricity Music • 2018

Lauren Daigle has definitely exceeded expectations for a CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) artist. According to RIAA, Daigle has two platinum-certified albums including 2018’s Look Up Child.  Look Up Child also earned Daigle her first two Grammys – Best Contemporary Christian Music album and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance (“You Say”).  Here, it’s not “You Say” that’s the main attraction, but rather “Look Up Child.”

“Where are You now / When darkness seems to win / Where are You now / When the world is crumbling.” “Look Up Child” appears as the eighth track on the album.  Clearly inspirational, Christian pop, God isn’t mentioned explicitly. That said, you can infer that the You seen in the aforementioned lyrics refers to The Most High.  Even if that wasn’t the case, his mercifulness and omniscience are clearly implied, with a fresh backdrop and expressive vocals by Daigle. And of course, the titular lyric, which is repeated on the chorus, finds Daigle encouraging all to LOOK UP to the throne!

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10. Sam Hunt, “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s”

SOUTHSIDE • UMG Recordings • 2020

“Back then, I could’ve convinced myself / That maybe you called when I was out / But you didn’t know what to say, so you didn’t leave a message.” “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s” appears as the penultimate cut on SOUTHSIDE, the long-awaited sophomore album by Grammy-nominated country artist, Sam Hunt. Ultimately, this record ranks among the crème de la crème of the LP.  Why? Read on and find out, my friends!

On “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” Hunt is true to self, blending spoken word and sung vocals on the verses. Sure, his spoken word vocals are a bit tongue-n-cheek, but that’s part of the charm he brings to the table. As always, he ‘brings it on home’ on the chorus.  In fact, “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s” features one of the best choruses of the album.

“I’m sick of sittin’ at the house, dyin’ on my phone
Wishin’ I was somewhere I can be alone
Try to let you go, somethin’ always reminds me
I bet breakin’ up was easy in the ‘90s.”

Hunt could’ve easily closed with this gem.

11. Ciara, “Level Up”

Beauty Marks • Beauty Marks Entertainment • 2019

“Five, four, three, two, one / Leggo! (watch me) / Level up, level up, level up, level up, level up.” R&B artist Ciara would independently release her seventh studio album, Beauty Marks, in 2019.  While she certainly didn’t dominate the charts, she did ‘rank up’ with her entertaining single, “Level Up”.

On “Level Up”, Ciara specifically “levels up” with the hip-hop infused chorus.  Throughout the course of the record, she mixes chanting and singing. In regard to her overall performance, she’s chocked-full of swagger, showcasing ‘that attitude.’  On the pre-chorus, the vocal harmonies stand out.  Later, on the bridge, there’s contrast with lusher vocals and sounds. The production work ( J.R. Rotem) is quite sleek, with the beat and synths standing out.  Adding to the edginess of “Level Up” is the fact that it’s set in a minor key.

12. DaBaby, “Pick Up”

Ft. Quavo

BLAME IT ON BABY • Interscope • 2020 

Like Lil Baby earlier, DaBaby had a hell of year in 2020 himself.  BLAME IT ON BABY gave the Grammy-nominated rapper a no. 1 album and a dominant no. 1 hit ( “Rockstar”). For all the album’s success however, it’s safe to say that the rapper isn’t particularly profound or transcendent.  Just an observation.  Still, we should totally listen UP to the song “Pick Up” which fits this list perfectly.

“Pick Up” is skinny, but as is always the case with DaBaby, the energy is undeniable. DJ Kid provides potent trap production, set in a minor key, with a knocking beat.  Hell yeah! The backdrop is the perfect complement to the dizzying flow of DaBaby, as well as featured guest, Quavo.  Nothing brand-new comes out of it obviously, but it’s a banger. 

13. Ariana Grande, “make up”

thank u, next • Republic • 2019

“I like to fuck with you just to make up with you / ‘Cause the way you be screamin’ my name.” The more Ariana Grande the better (this is her second song on this list, FYI)!  Where “shut up” hailed from Positions, “make up” arrives from the Grammy winner’s previous masterpiece, thank u, next.

The ultra-sassy “make up” has a dash of tropical pop in its DNA and kicks off with a bang (those aforementioned lyrics). The sex is lit from the start and calling it mere sexual innuendo might be selling it short.  Rather than merely being suggestive, Grande goes for it, playing on the word “make up” in regard to messing up her make-up during sex, and of course having make-up sex itself.  This one’s short, but incredibly sweet.

14. NF, “When I Grow Up”

The Search • Capitol • 2019

“I’ve been crunchin’ numbers, you ain’t gotta be a mathematician / To see the odds ain’t rootin’ for me…” Although it’s the penultimate track on this particular list, “When I Grow Up” appears as the eighth track on The Search, the fourth studio album by Christian rapper NF (Nate Feuerstein).  On “When I Grow Up,” Feuerstein speaks about his aspirations as a child to be a rapper.

Nate captures the struggle of making his dream a reality, the plight of so many talented musicians: “Anybody wanna hear me rap? ‘No’ / Come on, let me play a couple of tracks, ‘No’” The verses are jam-packed while the chorus is definitely on-point, filled with energy.

“When I grow up, I just want to pay my bills
Rappin’ about the way I feel (Oh, yeah)
I just want to make a couple mil’
Leave it to the fam in the will (Oh, yeah)
I just want to sign a record deal
Maybe buy a house up in the hills (Oh, yeah)
Might not be the best in my field
But I guarantee that I’ma die real
When I grow up.”

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15. Teyana Taylor, “Wake Up Love”

Ft. Iman.

The Album • Getting Out Our Dreams / Def Jam • 2020

“One thing’s for certain / Need you right here in my arms…” We “level up” this UP driven list with the talents of R&B artist and actress, Teyana Taylor. Taylor impressed on her 2020 studio album, simply titled, The Album.  No, not the most creative title for such a fine LP but it had no shortage of superb moments.  A pretty nice moment for Taylor is “Wake Up Love” featuring her hubby Iman., better known as NBA baller Iman Shumpert.

“Wake up, love
These sheets won’t comfort me
Please, wake up, love
I might just comfort me
But I just need you holdin’ me
Show me some attention.”

In many instances, keeping it ‘all in the family’ can be hit or miss, but it’s effective in this case.  Iman expresses to his love, “I’d save you from a burnin’ building / I’d wear the burns s gold medals, turn you on to remember / Even though you scarred me, I took it so I know the feelin’.” Iman says some thoughtful things for sure, though the best part of “Wake Up Love” are Taylor’s rich, sultry vocals.  Also, the vibe given off is awesome, amplified by the production work of Cardiak, and Swiff D.