Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2SSE0lFg43UXQC8jRRyCd9?si=287e164884164c48 

Jacob’s picks

1. Genocide Pact – “Menial Subsistance” 
2. Kid Cudi – “4 Da Kidz” 
3. Poppy – “Flux” 

With Halloween right around the corner, tracks like “Menial Subsistance” by death metal band Genocide Pact immediately stand out. From guitar tone to vocals and drum writing, “Menial Subsistance” is a monster of a track that could easily fit in a horror montage of gory kills. 

Rapper and artist Kid Cudi has towered above others in his genre of music regarding commentary on mental illness. Cudi’s music has always been for his fans, but “4 Da Kidz” puts that notion into a spacey journey. Producers Dot Da Genius and WondaGurl have a unique chemistry with Cudi to create a catchy and instantly memorable jam. 

Experimental singer-songwriter and musician Poppy keeps her fans on their toes from release to release. “Flux” is an energetic throwback to ‘90s pop with rock additives. Poppy dominates each genre she touches, and that makes “Flux” a bonafide hit.  

Quade’s picks

1. Sabaton – “Winged Hussars” 
2. Kid Cudi – “Day ‘N’ Nite (nightmare)”

Sabaton is pretty well known for the historical inspiration in their songs. “Winged Hussars” is no different in that regard as it invokes the powerful image of the Polish warrior and the song’s guitar riffs manage to capture the might of the warrior. 

Rapper and artist Kid Cudi has produced a staggering number of songs, but “Day ‘N’ Nite (nightmare)” sets itself apart by utilizing seemingly simple lyrics alongside a catchy beat. Despite the simplicity, the lyrics are deeper than they seem.

Kyron’s picks

1. Rae Sremmurd – “This Could Be Us” 
2. Kid Cudi – “Pursuit Of Happiness (Nightmare)” 
3. Wu Tang Clan – “C.R.E.A.M.”

Rae Sremmurd was one of the standout duos of 2015. “This Could Be Us” is one of their songs that sets a chill mood with a flirtatious theme explaining ideal relationship goals. Its music video also perfectly visualizes this as it uses excellent cinematography and depicts the duo in South Africa.

Kid Cudi is indeed an underrated artist whose music also sets a certain vibe. Part of his debut album “Pursuit Of Happiness (Nightmare)” is no exception as it beautifully sums up the experience of young adulthood. It is a feel-good song that makes listeners feel reassured about their life choices. 

The lyrics of “C.R.E.A.M.” describe how money rules everything, which is motivation for any entrepreneur. Each member of Wu Tang Clan gives a story of hard knocks and the hustle of getting to a higher financial position. “C.R.E.A.M.” is a song that could serve as lyrical inspiration for those on the job and those with big dreams. 

Daija’s picks

1. Adele – “Easy On Me”
2. ROLE MODEL – “hello!”
3. Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar – “range brothers”

Adele is back from a six-year hiatus with her familiar piano ballad that listeners have grown to love. She knows her strong suit and doesn’t steer from it, giving the people what they want. Except, this time, Adele throws in a surprise by adding a bridge that really showcases her vocals to their full extent. This single details her divorce and provides an explanation about the divorce to her young son.

ROLE MODEL, or Tucker, got his start in college. He masters the art of producing joyous melodies that blend in with lyrics about self-doubt, relationships and loneliness. He is not afraid to bare his emotions, and this song is no exception. 

After releasing “family ties,” the cousin duo is back with “range brothers.” We see Baby Keem jumping from one beat to another but staying consistent with his flow. Kendrick enters and adds his own twist, especially with lyrics like “top of the mornin.” The last verse is Baby Keem going out strong lyrically which Kendrick compliments well with his ad-libs. 

Ariel’s picks

1. QUIN, 6lack – “Mushroom Chocolate”
2. Bryson Tiller – “Let Me Explain”
3. WILLOW – “Time Machine”

“Mushroom Chocolate” is a love song that can have a spiritual hold on people who are  hopeless romantics. The lyrics sound enticing and really put you on edge to find the right person that treats you right. The beat is fresh for a love song, and it has  a catchy tune that is sexy and appealing for those who like romance.

The rhythm and beat to “Let Me Explain” is the first thing that one would catch while listening. This single dropped in 2016, a year after his platinum album release, “Trapsoul.” It’s still a hit to this day, and the expression Tiller made in the song can have anyone feeling like they need to explain their untold truths. 

“Time Machine” provides a nostalgic feel, expressing the want to visit different time periods to experience life and spend time with former idols. This slow melody is ethereal. 

Madelaine’s picks

1. YUNO – “No Going Back”
2. The Rare Occasions – “Notion”
3. Mystic Braves – “Sundown”

“No Going Back” comes off of solo artist YUNO’s 2018 album “Moodie.” In addition to vocals, YUNO plays all of the instruments heard in his songs and produces his own music. ”No Going Back” is YUNO’s most popular song on Spotify, with over 32 million plays. The song is best described as a hip-hop inspired melody that sounds a bit similar to Tame Impala, but only instrumentally.

Indie rock band The Rare Occasions formed in 2011 while in college and has been releasing music ever since. “Notion” comes off the band’s 2016 EP “Futureproof.” The song starts off calm and sounds almost like an opening scene to a Disney movie before the fast-paced guitar breaks through, highlighting lead singer Brian McLaughlin’s energizing vocals.

Psychedelic and alternative rock band Mystic Braves’ single “Sundown,” released this year, is currently the band’s third most popular song on Spotify. “Sundown” has a ‘70s beachy vibe to it, making it perfect for listening to while on a road trip or somewhere sunny.