Vibes | 5ive Songs

1. ZAYN, “Vibez”

Nobody is Listening • RCA • 2021 

“Mind runnin’ wild, we touchin’ slow / Just say the word, I’m ready to go…” “Vibez”, which appears on Nobody is Listening, the third studio album by ZAYN, is indeed a vibe. Contributing to the success of this urban-pop record is production courtesy of Scribz Riley and Rogét Chahayed.

Running just 2:43, that’s plenty of time for ZAYN to woo us with his smooth, sexy vocals.  Although sensual, he keeps the love and sex tasteful.  While he serves up nothing game changing, ultimately, “Vibez” is an enjoyable, pleasant, well-rounded pop record – a surefire standout from Nobody is Listening.

2. Sigrid, “Don’t Kill My Vibe”

Sucker Punch • Island • 2019

“You think you’re so important to me, don’t you? / But I wanted you to know that you don’t belong here /… Don’t kill my vibe!” Say that girl, SAY THAT! In 2017, Norwegian pop artist Sigrid (Sigrid Solbakk) released a soaring single with “Don’t Kill My Vibe”, which ultimately appeared on her 2019 debut album, Sucker Punch.

This record latches from a first listen with assertive and exuberant vocals and compelling production to match ( Martin Sjølie).  Who would dare kill this girl’s vibe? Someone ‘tried it’ mind you (“You love to tear me down, you pick me apart”), but she’s not having it (“Guess you’re surprised, I’m the puzzle you can’t figure out”)!

Also appears on :

100 Best Songs of 2017

3. BJ the Chicago Kid, “Feel the Vibe”

Ft. Anderson .Paak

1123 • Motown • 2019 

“Feel the Vibe” definitely establishes a ‘vibe’ to commence 1123, the Grammy-nominated sophomore album by BJ the Chicago Kid. Following an intro by BJ, featured guest, Grammy-winner Anderson .Paak drops the sole verse of the record.  Rapping, Paak is on autopilot, telling us about his come-up and smoking some potent weed.

As for BJ, he brings the soulfulness with a chill-vibe-filled chorus – “We got macaroni and cheese, collard greens and chicken inside / Can’t forget the cornbread / Talkin’ shit with the old heads.”  #Roll Up.

4. 2 Chainz, “It’s a Vibe”

Ft. Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz & Jhené Aiko

Pretty Girls Like Trap Music • Def Jam • 2017

“That’s a vibe… / She wanna vibe, yeah…” 2 Chainz strikes gold on “It’s a Vibe”, the crowning achievement of his 2017 album, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music.  Yes, it would be safe to say that “It’s a Vibe” is indeed a vibe, even if 2 Chainz and company eschew depth and substance ultimately.

Ty Dolla $ign and Trey Songz perfectly amplify the sexual intent of the number.  2 Chainz spends his verse rapping about money , sex , and hustling. Adding the feminine touch is Jhené Aiko, who sounds as sensual as ever in her sweetest, ‘cool-as-a-cucumber’ voice.

Also appears on :

100 Best Songs of 2017

5. Kendrick Lamar, “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”

Good kid, m.A.A.d City • Interscope • 2012

In the context of the 2012 masterpiece, good Kid, m.A.A.d. City, “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” translates Kendrick Lamar’s father’s ‘oldies’ reference from “Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter’s Daughter” to soulful production, contributed by Sounwave. The production incorporates live strings, background vocals, and a Boom Clap Bachelors sample (“Tiden Flyver”).  While the record has soulful sensibilities, it also possesses a lush West Coast sound. “I am a sinner, who’s probably gonna sin again / Lord, forgive me! Lord, forgive me / Things I don’t understand,” Kendrick Lamar proclaims on the chorus, continuing, “Sometimes I need to be alone / Bitch, don’t kill my vibe!”

Lamar admits to his improprieties and ultimately wants/knows he should be a better person but knows he’ll fall short despite this. He also doesn’t want to be compromised as an ‘individual’, hence a play on the line, “Bitch don’t kill my vibe.”  He brilliantly alters his voice and changes inflections, including moments when his flow is ultra-rhythmically contrived.

Also appears on :

13 Totally Bitchin’ Songs