Pressure | 5ive Songs

1. Nas, “The Pressure”

King’s Disease II • Mass Appeal • 2021

“The pressure weigh a ton, it’s gettin’ too heavy / Had to inspire them again like I didn’t already.” Woo! Grammy-winning rapper Nas commences King’s Disease II superbly with “The Pressure.”  He’s backed by excellent production courtesy of Corbett and Hit-Boy.  From the onset, the rapper is on autopilot, dropping numerous lyrical gems.  “Real ones still around, release the confetti,” he continues spitting on the chorus, adding, “God’s Son across the belly.”

Among the best lines Nas reference throughout are his ‘fitness aspirations’:

“The world on my shoulders, it’s been gettin’ too heavy
I been bench pressing the problems, ain’t even get sweaty.”

And if that isn’t sufficient, the rapper goes on to add, “Miles on my Peloton, I been working on my core.” Of course, it’s not all fitness! Nas is reflective throughout “The Pressure,” also referencing family, society, and, of course, various pressures weighing him down.

2. The Killers, “Pressure Machine”

Pressure Machine • Island • 2021

“But the Kingdom of God, it’s a pressure machine / Every step, gotta keep it clean.” True, particularly in the context of Pressure Machine, the seventh studio album by The Killers. “Pressure Machine” arrives as the penultimate (and title) track.  The five-minute-long record, like most of the album, examines the plight of life living in a small, conservative town that lacks much opportunity – working class.  Listening to “Pressure Machine,” as well as the album in its entirety, you feel the pressure.

Even with ample pressure, “Pressure Machine” is a well-written, sincere number that successfully serves as the soundtrack to many American towns.  Brandon Flowers impresses from a vocal perspective, channeling the right emotions to sell it.

“Keep the debt cloud off the kids
Only sunshine on their lids
Jiminy Cricket and Power Wheels
And memories of Happy Meals.”

3. Logic, “No Pressure”

No Pressure • Def Jam • 2020

“No Pressure” sets the tone of No Pressure, the purported final studio album by Grammy-nominated rapper Logic, perfectly.  Worth noting, “No Pressure” features narration via an Orson Welles sample.  This introduces the album.

Logic drops one verse chocked-full of bars. He raps masterfully over old-school, lush production from No I.D and Like.  Notably, he manages revisits his rough and tumble past.  Also, he exhibits ample ‘big dick energy’ with lines like, “Logic fallin’ off is an obscenity / Top five I better be, steadily / Doggin’ these bitches like I’m a Pedigree.”  Worth noting, Logic released his mixtape, Bobby Tarantino III (2021) after ‘retiring,’ so, the rapper isn’t out of the music scene just yet!

4. Muse, “Pressure”

Simulation Theory • Warner • 2018

“Don’t push me / Don’t push me / Let me get off the ground / To you I’m not longer bound.” Okay Muse – specifically Matthew Bellamy – whatever you say! “Pressure”, a standout from Simulation Theory, features groovy vibes from the jump.  The brass hits, combined with the biting guitar, provide a kick-ass listening experience from the Grammy-winning rock band.

Although set in a minor key, “Pressure” features some major key moments. Pummeling drums add intensity to the ear-catching start. Bellamy’s vocals are solid, incorporating full voice and falsetto.  The lyrics are intense, including highlights such as, “I’m grinding it out, no one can see /The pressure’s growing exponentially” and, “I see your corruption / I’m not blind / I’ll carry the burden and take the strain / And when I am done, I will make you pay.” Also, worth mentioning, are the awesome whispered vocals during the pre-chorus, singing the titular lyric. Ultimately, “Pressure” thrives off those symphonic, neo-prog rock vibes that Muse has been known for over the years, while also incorporating pop elements.

5. Kendrick Lamar, “The Art of Peer Pressure”

good Kid m.A.A.d city • Interscope • 2012

“Everybody, sit yo bitch-ass down / And listen to this true motherfuckin’ story / Told by Kendrick Lamar on Rosecrans, ya bitch.” “The Art of Peer Pressure” ( good Kid m.A.A.d city) commences with an intro by Grammy/Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar that transforms into soulful, lush West Coast production. The vibe is stoner-like for sure.  Following the ‘chorus’ (“Smokin’ on the finest dope…”), the production ( Tabu) on K-Dot’s first true verse changes, accelerating the tempo and opting for a more hip-hop oriented sound. You could say, the first verse occurs during ‘Part II’ of the record.

“Look at me, I got the blunt in my mouth
Usually, I’m drug-free, but, shit, I’m with the homies.”

The unpredictability of the cut parallels the ‘unpredictability’ of peer pressure – the things peers urge you to do ultimately.  As expected, an outro, which follows four total verses, details getting high (“Yeah we finally got that nigga faded…”).  “The Art of Peer Pressure” is another gem from the album that the Recording Academy wrongfully snubbed.