Column 1: Best Songs of the Summer

 

Note: Not all of these songs were released this summer, but they are a mix great listens during the season.

Bix’s Recommended Playlist:

 

• Wouldn’t Leave by Kanye West

 

Pure emotion, Kanye portrays vulnerability of a seeming god-like figure, sharing insecurities and past mistakes. Ty Dolla $ign and Jeremih provide the sweet vocals that aid Kanye in bringing the listener back to tougher times, providing a new perspective on the often untouchable mogul.

 

• Programs by Mac Miller

 

Mac makes his return to the mainstream after some time off (most notably fading following breaking up with Ariana Grande). This hard hitting song pairs a quick and intense flow, with a catchy and dark repeated loop.

 

• Magic in the Hamptons by The Social House (featuring Lil Yachty)

 

Simply a song for summer. While Lil Yachty carries more name recognition, it’s the Social House who steal the show. With clever lines like: “Are you tired from running through my mind” combined with the soft repeated piano chords perfectly recreate the vibe of a summer night.

 

• I Might Need Security by Chance the Rapper

 

Chance is back and the religious, happy days are behind him (at least for this track). Chano samples the Jamie Foxx comedy special called the same title. From the beginning of the track, the mood is aggressive, angry, and fed up. With deep word-play, Chance drops lines like “the illuminati couldn’t see me with they good eye,” again showing his versatility and originality as an artist in general.

 

• Yosemite by Travis Scott’

 

I really could put the entire album on this playlist. Tracks like Wake Up and Skeletons mix smooth vocals with hypnotizing beats, Carousel and Sicko Mode utilize surprise features and original beats to create upbeat and overall impressive tracks. Yet, Travis’s biggest accomplishment from the album might just be Yosemite (the re-released version in which he “fixed” Nav’s vocals). To put it simply, the song flows from one one verse to another over the smooth background instrumentals. Honestly, I’d recommend the entire album, but Yosemite’s a good place to start.

 

Other Songs to Check Out:

 

• Another Day in Paradise by Quinn XCII

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

 

• Smoke and Drive by Yung Pinch featuring Blackbear

(Available on Youtube and Soundcloud, not on streaming platforms)

 

• BLEACH by Brockhampton

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

 

• Leave me Alone by Flipp Dinero

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

 

• New Patek by Lil Uzi Vert

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

 

• It’s a Slime by Young Thug

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

 

• REEL IT IN by Aminé

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

 

• Right Moves by A Boogie wit da Hoodie

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

 

• Backseat XE3 by Avstin James

(Available on Youtube and Soundcloud, not on streaming platforms)

 

• LA Confidential by Tory Lanez

(Available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other platforms)

 

Overall, one of the best and most creative rappers of the past 10 years. Mac Miller produced and helped discover huge artists like Vince Staples, Chance the Rapper, and Post Malone. Check out these ten songs by Mac to see his versatility, confidence, and overall influence on present-day music.

Best songs to Remember Mac Miller by:

1. Cinderella (featuring Ty Dolla $ign) on The Divine Feminine (2016)
2. Weekend (featuring Miguel) on GO:OD AM (2015)
3. Ladders on Swimming (2018)
4. Donald Trump (2011)
5. Programs (2018) — Single
6. Knock Knock (2010) — Single
7. My Favorite Part (feat Ariana Grande) on The Divine Feminine (2016)
8. Loud (2012) — Single
9. Party on Fifth Ave. on Blue Slide Park (2011)
10. Self Care on Swimming (2018)