Hello. Welcome to the second installment of the 'Airdrop' playlist on Steemit. I have been putting together 11 track mixes usually seasonally to capture the feel of the past few months through some musical milestones. If you missed it, make sure to check 'Airdrop 13' here.
Airdrop 14: (YouTube Playlist link available at the bottom of the page)
[1] Big Sean - Moves
After 'No Favors' with Eminem earned a spot on the last Airdrop, the party track 'Moves' is the uncontested banger off Big Sean's 'I Decided'. I'm yet to understand why his other track 'Bounce Back' garnered 100 million more views than this pick, when this track is superior in composition and feel. The subtle yet moody production of 808 Mafia knocks, while Sean displays a mastery of multiple flows which seem to just keep coming. The use of gradients in his visuals are memorable and add to the understated yet robust impact of the track. The girls in the video could be less 'model-y' in my opinion but thats neither here nor there when it comes to the music.
[2] Offset - Monday
As 3-man group, Migos took over the culture with their album earlier this year, the rise of Quavo as a solo artist is somewhat undeniable at this point. Meanwhile Offset and Takeoff won't be caught slacking as they set off on building their solo buzz as well. Offset might pop sooner as he proves that his melodies and flow can hold a track on the smooth 'Monday'.
[3] Ugly God - Bitch
Ugly God's unique self deprecating style has resulted in a huge adoring fanbase, and understandably so. His beats and raps slap hard as any of his peers, while he mixes a level of humor and story into each track (more thematically than traditional story telling). He definitely has a unique approach and in an age of rampant copying, this is truly refreshing. Meanwhile this track 'Bitch' is more of a straightforward head-nodder, that effectively showcase Ugly's wide range of skill.
[4] Kendrick Lamar - DNA
In comparison to the lead single 'Humble' this track will probably last longer in the public sphere as being a banger. The dark tone of the track is perfect for Kendrick's delivery but the switchup in beat is where the track really brings something that feels new. Nothing here is unfarmiliar in terms of instrumentation, but the boisterous way the audio is mixed brings a feel that is reminiscent of a modern 'Backseat Freestyle'. The energy is real, and I love it.
[5] Snow Tha Product - Waste of Time
Snow has been at it for a minute, and her flow and personality is second to none. If you put her into that hackneyed 'female rapper' category, she is definitely one of the premier spitters. In comparison to her other tracks, this one is very smooth and she fits the style incredibly well. I don't know what her personal preference is but more music like this that focus on harmonization would probably put her on the map quicker through effectively displaying her versatility. The video is fun too, and even as a guy watching this type of thematic content, I enjoyed it all throughout.
[6] 6 Dogs - Faygo Dream
The thing that impresses me about 6 Dogs is he seemingly is a media artist, rather than just a musician. I think he's a fresh representation of a cultural evolution out of the Internet, which was moved along further by artists like Yung Lean. 6 Dogs is the sensible next generation of an Artist, and while his tracks legitimately bump and carry heavy emotional undertones, the direction of his artistic outputs as a whole are interesting and something to check for.
[7] BLNTSMK - Got 2 It
This aritist caught my ear through his high level of composition quality. His beat choices are familiar but with unique twists that feature intricacies, to which he vocally plays with fully. BLNTSMK seemingly switches flows just at the right time, and introduces bits of melody to keep the feeling of the track approachable but melancholy. Both as someone that is starting up and just simply as a piece of music, I was impressed with the quality and I look forward to his upcoming releases.
[8] DJ Khaled - I'm the One (f/ Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne)
Generally I avoid the 'big' songs but in this case, I have heard this track many times and it always brings a pleasurable summer vibe. Its a pop song with little to dislike, and although I am not sure how timeless its is, Bieber's hook is infectious and Chance's verse is extra playful. A light hearted pick to move the playlist towards the climax.
[9] Faith Evans & Notroious BIG - NYC (f/ Jadakiss)
The climax for Airdop 14 features a little ode to New York, I don't think that I've mentioned that I am from NYC but it is definitely part of the reason for my passion for Hip Hop. Admittedly NY has ceased to be the Mecca of Hip Hop since the mid-2000s, but that is exactly why I pay attention to opportunities to rep the region when possible. I originally slept on the Faith Evans & Biggie project because I generally am in support of letting the dead rest, but the Jadakiss verses and the classic elements of the track like the Pete Rock style horns, and the A-train mention, truly connotes the skyline and subway system of the city.
[10] Playboi Carti - Magnolia
And following up on track 9, 'Magnolia' is the new-blood representation of New York City. Though Playboi Carti isn't a NY native, he represents the ASAP camp from Harlem, and most of all Carti deserves credit for finessing the game. He doesn't really 'rap', but has successfully passed off as one and sold a good number of albums. And this track off the self-titled album is now a NY repping banger. That to me is the essence of a New Yorker, grinding to the top, making the most with what they got.
[11] French Montanta - Unforgettable (f/ Swae Lee)
We finish off with a party track from French Montana which builds on that watered down dancehall/afrobeat trend a la Drake. While there are many subpar versions of this genre, I think 'Unforgettable' is one of the most successful in bringing a mood. This track really frames Swae Lee's talents in hooks and unique delivery. Sure to be a summer favorite on dancefloors all across the world.
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST LINK: http://bit.ly/2rW7fwe
Thanks for checking out Airdrop 14!
Thank you for any upvotes and resteems.
