Gavin Haley - 2FU
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
The more I listen to Gavin Haley, the more that I am convinced that he can really do any genre or style. With his newest song and accompanying video, he opens up on a simple instrumental about his self doubt and anxiety.
‘2FU’ centers on moments of pain and just focusing on getting through the hardest times, knowing that it will get better in the future. The video maintains the simplicity that the song has, showing him in a sleeveless tee walking on a dirt road, singing and burning sage for good vibes. The song is as catchy as his always are, but the root of the music is in the message, and that shines through on this track.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Can’t be there for you, I’m
Barely here for me”
Arizona Zervas - 24
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
All eyes are on overnight success (even though we know that years of work went into his craft) Arizona Zervas. After going from 100K monthly listeners to now over 23 MILLION, every single release from him has to be top notch. With now his 3rd drop since ‘Roxanne’ took the world, so far he hasn’t let us down.
‘24’ shows Arizona now counting the blessings he’s seen from rising to the top, and at the same time flexing on everyone a little bit. He talks about what he’s gotten, and how he worked to get there. The track is slowed down, and his singing comes across more meaningful than it has been on previous tracks, although the subject matter is similar. Chances are you’ve listened to Zervas before, but if you never made it past ‘Roxanne’, I suggest you dive deeper into his catalogue starting right here.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I’ve got 24 hours, 24 hours
24 hoes into the hotel towers”
30 & Kato on the Track - EVERYDAY
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Due to the fact that ‘Last Day of My Life’ and it’s accompanying EP ‘guitar plucks and bourbon’ have in constant rotation for me since their release, I have been extremely excited for this new release from 30 & producer Kato on the Track. Lucky for me (and everyone else), the track lived up to the hype.
The track, titled ‘EVERYWHERE’, definitely takes a different sound than the previous EP. It shows 30 getting back to his rapping roots, moving quickly over the trap drums put there by Kato. The song is primarily a flex, but also shows 30 being grateful for the success he’s seen up to this point in his career. He talks about how he feels his name is starting to be spread across the Internet and how it’s only up from here. One listen to this track, and I think I would have to agree.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Now I’m showing up everywhere
Now I’m blowing up everywhere”
637godwin - Woah
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
The first thing that I noticed about this new single from 637godwin is the crazy instrumental. It sounds very different from what we generally get from 637godwin, so it was refreshing to hear something new and exciting from him!
Now even more importantly, what he does with the instrumental is just as impressing if not more. He continues to flex (as he frequently does) on all of us, but his flow is different from any that I’ve heard from him before. The verses are filled with wordplay and catchy melodies, as he works incredibly well with the instrumental. Not to be corny, but the track really had me thinking, ‘Woah.’
Lyrics That Stick:
“I’ve got designer on my clothes
They’re just clothes, but then my wrist too cold”
Bravo & Carneyval - Dead Roses
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
As explained in the video, ‘Dead Roses’ is just Bravo letting out his emotions about a girl. Although you don’t actually hear him, the subtitles at the bottom show him explaining that it’s aggressive and unrelenting, which you quickly hear as the song comes in.
First off, the vocals are laid over a FIRE instrumental. The simple loop with the crazy drums had me feeling some type of way even before Bravo came in with the anger. The verses are very straightforward, not mincing words at all as he calls this girl out, but the chorus comes in with a crazy melody that has been stuck in my head literally all day. I’ve been a fan of Bravo since the first time I heard him, but this song shows a different side of him and has made me love him even more!
Lyrics That Stick:
“I don’t want nothing to do with you, don’t want nothing to do with you
Guess you know that I’m through with you, now”
Paycheck - HONEST (feat. JUFU)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
With one of his more vulnerable songs that he’s put out, Paycheck is back with another release, this one featuring the great JUFU. It shows both artists telling their stories of heartbreak and distrust.
‘HONEST’ does not wait long to begin the song, with the chorus coming in at full power only seconds into the song, the same that it ends the song with only a few seconds left. The melody in the chorus rings loud and then the verses slow down to explain more. The voice of Paycheck through the chorus shows all of the pain that inspired the song, drawing me in even more as the listener. Whether you’re a fan of Paycheck, JUFU, or just good music, you should definitely go check out this new banger.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Say you love it when I’m honest, girl
But you never keep a promise”
Colin Kamari - Wins
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Apparently Colin Kamari wants to space out his official releases, and so he’s throwing out other bangers only on SoundCloud. His newest Soundcloud-exclusive release? ‘Wins.’ And trust me, it’s not only on there because of the quality.
‘Wins’ brings rapid-fire lyrics and a sense of deserved arrogance that is so fitting to the heavy instrumental that it’s on. It shows Kamari fighting for a spot in the music industry and simultaneously showing us why he deserves to be bigger than he currently is. It’s the kind of song that you would expect to hear before an NBA game (if those still existed) or would expect in the player’s headphones. It’s energetic, exciting, and an all-around great song.
Lyrics That Stick:
“You know that pressure makes diamonds
So we automatically win”
Machine Gun Kelly - Bloody Valentine
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
As someone who’s been an avid Machine Gun Kelly fan since the good old Lace Up (the mixtape) days, I have loved the direction that MGK has been going with his music recently. Seeing artist’s grow and develop is amazing, especially when it turns into something as incredible as this.
A while back, MGK announced the title of his punk-rock album even though he hadn’t put out any singles for it. He dropped a few more songs before announcing just last week that he would soon release the first official single, titled ‘Bloody Valentine.’ We have it, and just as he promised, it is unlike anything we have ever heard from him. With hard guitars, live drums, and Kelly yelling over it all, it is a pleasant surprise for anyone who was a fan of the punk of the early 2000’s. Pull your choker out of the box in the attic and go check it out for yourself.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I don’t do fake love but I’ll take some from you tonight”
Rapta - Seasick
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
This new song by Rapta might as well take you out to sea, with it’s back and forth style that keeps you on edge at all times. It’s deep, wavy, and if you listen to the lyrics close enough, it might just hit you in the feels.
‘Seasick’ starts out very slow, with spaced-out lines, everything very methodical. The instrumental slowly builds up until it drops, and Rapta continues with his story of a girl who takes he’s infatuated with. She might be bad for him, but he’s continuing on the chase. It’s a story that we’ve all been apart of before, making it hit even a little bit harder.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Party on the weekend
Forget about your demons
Changing who you’re seeing
Every other weekend”
G-Eazy & Jack Harlow - Moana (I Miss Obama)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
G-Eazy having been A-list for the past 3 or 4 years now, and Jack Harlow quickly on his way to being on the same level, I think we all knew what was coming to us with their new song: an absolute banger. And I’m happy to say, they did not disappoint.
Zaytoven made the beat, and G and Harlow absolutely killed it. Both rappers stayed in their niche and made a club anthem, and even after all day listening I can’t decide which part I like more. Jack Harlow does the hook and both of them run a fire verse. Chances are you’ve already heard of both of these artists, but if you haven’t checked out this new collab, now is the time to do so.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I don’t wanna hear about no drama
The check ain’t right if it ain’t no commas”
KyE Nathaniel, Larry Ohh & BangerOfTheDay - Cool (feat. Dylan Reese)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Amazing artwork to match perfectly with an amazing song, KyE Nathaniel is back with his newest release, ‘Cool’, along with a few other artists. Larry Ohh lends his hand to the track as does Dylan Reese, and of course, BangerOfTheDay has given it’s ultimate stamp of approval in the form of a joint upload.
Now on to the song: ‘Cool’ features an infectious beat, with heavy drums and a killer melody. The chorus rides over the top in a very groovy way before the verses come in harder. Even though the song has a chill vibe, none of the artists are messing around as they all bring spectacular verses and vocals to the song. If you want to be ‘cool’, there’s no better way to learn than from this dream team of artists on their new track.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Imma let you do what you want to do
Imma let you move how you want to move”
Dylan Reese & BangerOfTheDay - CRUCIAL
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
At just less than 2 minutes, Dylan Reese’s new song released together with BangerOfTheDay does not have time to waste. That’s why it takes only a few seconds before he goes in and he doesn’t stop until the last couple seconds.
On a beat with a hard 808 and a bed-squeak, Reese goes about as hard as I’ve heard from him, filling his raps with metaphors, similes and lots of flexes. He makes sure we know that he feels important in the music industry, and then backs it up with every single bar. It’s an all gas, no brakes style song and one that you won’t want to miss out on. Go and check it out for yourself below!
Lyrics That Stick:
“This is not a game to me
Please don’t play it with me”
William Bolton & Justin Stone - Overnight
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
The idea of really any concert sounds great after being quarantined in my house for coming up on 2 months. But, going to a William Bolton or Justin Stone concert sounds absolutely amazing after hearing their new banger, ‘Overnight’.
The track emphasizes the importance of grinding, grinding, and continuing to grind. The track is very upbeat and has a turn-up style hook with punchy verses, all until the end of the song. The last 40 seconds feature a complete vibe change, bringing more synths and more romance to the track. Although at first it caught me off guard, after a few listens I think it’s just a fun little addition to an already great track. Go and check it out for yourself.
Lyrics That Stick:
“It didn’t happen overnight
They always ask me what it’s like, must be nice”
sadgods - Try Again (feat. Malik & 637godwin)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
It’s fitting that this song comes out so close to the timing of the new Michael Jordan documentary.. not because this is a Last Dance by any means, but because when it comes to up-and-coming trap artists, this really is the Dream Team.
Malik and 637godwin are featured on the new sadgods song, and this one is a banger. Every artist brings their A game, making it impossible for me to pick a favorite, but making this song one of my very favorite’s in a while. The chorus is chill but very catchy, and although the verses are short, they all build up to the chorus very well. If you’re a fan of modern trap, this is a must-listen for you.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I think you should try again
Baby I ain’t like them”
Hoodie Mitch - Deadass.
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Hoodie Mitch brought his A game with his newest single, just like he has been doing all of 2020. However, this one just might be the biggest banger of them all.
With a chorus that will get you hyped and verses filled with flow switches and metaphors, this song has a little bit of everything. He even takes a page out of Eminem’s handbook and changes his voice pretty drastically as we get to the second verse. If you’re looking for an upbeat, energetic song for a party, this is the one you’ve been looking for.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Probably why I’m made for this
Half of y’all gon’ pay for this”
lilspirit - nothing else
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
If you’re looking for a chill, easy listen to add to your quarantine playlist, look no further. The new song from lilspirit has a little bit of everything: vibes, honesty, and a very catchy melody.
The standout part of the song has to be lilspirit’s voice. It’s raw, vulnerable, but so effective on this type of track that he’s going for. It has an airy tone to it, but a sense of power when he needs it that gives the track an extra umph. This is a track that will be stuck in my head for days, but I won’t be complaining. Go check it out for yourself, but don’t say that I didn’t warn you!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Ten feet tall, cause these drugs got me high
I feel good, I know, don’t need to waste no time with you”
Josh! - Slow
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
Chances are, you have never heard of Josh! before. Well, that’s about to change. He’s been around for a while now, but his most recent release is already his biggest, and it’s only going to keep getting bigger.
‘Slow’ shows Josh! doing a little bit of everything. At times he’ll be going hard with rapid fire rapping, then he’ll slow it down and sing a little bit. The instrumental is focused around what I believe is an electric harp, with crazy drums thrown in over it. The beginning of his career might have started ‘Slow’, but I think everything is going to take off from here.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Why they keep asking me? Why they stay nagging me?
Why they think bad of me, they lagging me, they asking me”
Ill Nicky - Painted Red
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
One of my personal favorites so far in 2020, Ill Nicky has been absolutely relentless with new music. His artwork has held a theme of being mainly black & white, and the music it represents has held a theme of being absolute bangers. I’m talking all hits and no misses.
His latest release, ‘Painted Red’, does not stray from the trend with either the artwork nor the music. Ill Nicky is showing off his melodic side, half-singing / half-rapping the verses and slowing things down for the choruses, which are sinister and powerful. The song is a sort of warning sent out by Nicky. Stay out of his way or he will come for you.
Lyrics That Stick:
“All I see, in my head
Broken hearts, painted red”
Mitch Davis - Bad
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
After a successful co-release with BangerOfTheDay, Mitch Davis is back with another single, this one titled ‘Bad.’ It shows a completely different vibe than the last, but remains true with the overall musicality and the talent shown in the track, maybe even more so as he proves his versatility.
‘Bad’ is about a girl (big surprise, right?). Not just any girl, but the girl who is always the center of attention. An easy way to explain, is she is the girl making Tik-Tok dance videos and with thousands of Instagram followers. Yet, there’s something about her and so Davis is still in the chase. The song has a dangerous feel to it, like making mistakes turned into music, and Davis does a wonderful job at telling the story. Despite the title, this song is anything but ‘bad.’
Lyrics That Stick:
“This ain’t no phase, she’s got legs for days
Bad, shawty is bad”
WIINSTON - Time (feat. RoseGold)
By: Caleb Johnson IG: CJSleeves
While I feel like the artwork is a little scattered and confusing, the song that it represents is quite the opposite: direct and focused. And somehow, after a few listens to the song, it starts to explain the artwork bit by bit to me.
The song, of course, is the new banger from WIINSTON, titled ‘Time’. It’s an upbeat, guitar-lead track focused around growing up and leaving the past behind, both the good and the bad. The chorus is infectious and has had me singing the “oohs” since I first listened to it earlier today. It doesn’t make you nostalgic, but excited for the future and helps you feel like there are better times on the horizon. Like I said, powerful, direct & focused.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Hop in the spaceship, that’s what she wanted
We can be astronauts with no planet”