Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ZnhD6f6d27jJljNVBlT0U?si=60271c4019a74901 

Jacob’s picks 

1. Profanatica – “Prayer in Eclipse”
2. Kanye West, The Weeknd, Lil Baby – Hurricane 
3. Kevin Abstract, Dominic Fike – “Peach” 

United States black and death metal band Profanatica makes some of the most blasphemous music within their respective genres. The guitar tones backed by vocalist Paul Ledney make for some truly vile soundscapes. Listening to “Prayer in Eclipse” is truly listening to something diabolic, and it isn’t just for show. 

“Hurricane,” a fan favorite off of rapper Kanye West’s new album “Donda,” hasn’t gotten old since the album dropped. Getting artist The Weeknd on this track is the best thing that could have happened to “Hurricane.” His vocals are nothing short of perfection. When The Weeknd’s chorus hits, the listener feels on another plane of existence. 

“Peach” is a track dedicated to discussing some of the most intimate details of a relationship. Artist Dominic Fike’s chorus is a catchy, smooth and warm addition to the track and arguably may be the best aspect of “Peach.” Artist and rapper Kevin Abstract’s more serious vocal tone proves to have great chemistry with the softness that Fike provides.

Quade’s picks

1. T.I., Jay Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne – “Swagga Like Us”
2. Shyne, Barrington Levy – “Bad Boyz”
3. Atmosphere – “Yesterday”

“Swagga Like Us” reminds you of old 2000s rap days with its absolutely catchy beat and nice vocals to remind us who was boss back then. His multisyllabic rhyme scheme allows the audience to catch the flow that he throws on the track.

“Bad Boyz” takes a different approach and focuses more on Barry Levington’s phenomenal vocal work, and while that definitely wasn’t the only thing going on for this song, it’s definitely  its strong point.

Compared to the others, “Yesterday” has a melancholy vibe about it that just oozes with the essence of a failed relationship. No matter where you are in life, you will definitely come back to this song.

Ariel’s picks

1. Kali Uchis, PARTYNEXTDOOR – “fue mejor”
2. Steve Lacy – “Ryd”
3. Willow Smith, Travis Barker – “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l” 

“fue mejor” is sung in Spanglish, but you don’t need to know the language to feel the emotion that is liberated throughout the song. From her recent album, “Sin Miedo,” it’s one of Apple Music’s fan favorites. The fire and sexuality imposed in the corresponding music video gave the song a raw, sexy image that popularized the song even more.

Steve Lacy has a very distinct sound to the music he creates. “Ryd” is a laid-back song on his “Steve Lacy’s Demo” album. The acoustics of this song are so vibrant and joyous, and the chorus is both nostalgic and retro. This catchy anthem is one that’s well overplayed in my music playlist. 

This punk rock alternative had everyone singing this from the top of their lungs when Willow Smith first dropped this hit. “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l” is more than reading the pretentious vibe that some people may have. It’s protecting one’s own energy from those low vibrational people that may try to have negative intentions toward you. This inspirational anthem conveys a situation that many people go through when it comes to reading people, and Willow Smith has made one catchy hit in demonstrating it.

Kyron’s picks

1. Nas – “N.Y. State of Mind”
2. The 1975 – “Chocolate”
3. Post Malone, Quavo -“Congratulations” 

Nas recounts life in New York through his storytelling and vivid imagery of his life experience, rhythmically explaining the fine details.

One of the songs that helped the band rise to popularity, “Chocolate,” is one of the best songs in The 1975’s catalog. Like many other songs of theirs, it is upbeat and catchy.

What I would consider one of the ultimate celebration songs, “Congratulations,” is a perfect song that sets an optimistic mood and inspires me to work hard.

Madelaine’s picks

1. Jay Som – “Baybee”
2. Sjowgren – “Waiting Room”
3. piri, Tommy Villiers – “soft spot”

Jay Som, real name Melina Mae Duterte, is a bedroom pop singer-songwriter. “Baybee” is full of light, airy vocals, entrancing harmonies, a catchy guitar rhythm as well as some subtle synth featured in the chorus.

Indie pop band Sjowgren takes more of an alternative approach to their song “Waiting Room.” The song starts off with hushed vocals and light acoustic guitar and builds up all the way throughout the song, showcasing a heavier acoustic guitar solo near the end.

Electronic pop song “soft spot” by artist piri has almost 5 million plays on Spotify. piri only has two singles available on Spotify but boasts around 500,000 monthly listeners. The song is upbeat, incredibly catchy, fast-paced and is a more modern and electronic version of a love song.