Alexei Muravsky | Staff Writer
Featured Image: What should you be listening to this week? | Courtesy of Fatema Ali
This time of the year always means dreary days and longer nights. To lighten up your days during the autumn, here are some new songs sure to lift your mood. From Wyclef Jean to Dvsn, I’ve compiled a playlist that will make you ponder life, but also put you in the mood to get down and groove.
NF, “My Life”
The Michigan-based rapper NF continues to open up about his life on his newest album, Perception. The song “My Life” speaks to his sister about her substance abuse, which made it difficult to connect to her at a higher level. Nevertheless, his love for her is present as he continues to raise her up and motivate her to live a better life—all the while, taking listeners on a crisp, flowing wave over a hypnotizing and enchanting beat.
Giggs, “The Essence”
Nathaniel Thompson, famously known as Giggs, continues to produce much for the world stage. Hailing from across the pond in London, England, his roots are easily recognizable and represented in his distinct sound. “The Essence,” which comes off of his most recent mixtape, Wamp 2 Dem, follows an introspective line of thinking, expanding on the situations he’s faced, the work he had to put in, and the chance breaks that enabled him to get to the position he’s in now. The production lets his story roll easily, giving you a glimpse into his life before fame.
Clairmont The Second, “Stories”
A Toronto native based in the Weston Road area on the west side, Clairmont The Second brings a refreshing sound to the Canadian hip hop landscape. “Stories,” a track from his second album, Lil Mont from The Ave, pulls us into his hectic life. Its smooth flow over a hard beat paints a picture of the ups and downs of life—after overcoming one challenge, a new one arises.
Wyclef Jean, “Double Dutch”
No introduction needed—Wyclef Jean has blessed our audio experiences from his days with The Fugees and now to his independent projects. His most recent work, Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugee, does not falter under this reputation. The song “Double Dutch” builds on themes of survival, whether through illegal means, or by surviving the illegal acts governments impose on their populaces. The beat will bring you back to childhood with its cadence of two skipping ropes used for Double Dutch. Infused with a deeper message, you can’t help but enjoy this masterpiece.
Damian Marley, “Here We Go”
Damian Marley released his fourth solo studio album earlier this year. Despite having a bit of a gap between his last collaborative project, not to mention his last solo project, he brings forth every ounce of energy into this one, reminding us that he’s still very much in the game. “Here We Go,” the first song after “Intro” on the album Stony Hill, establishes this with a masterful blend of both production and characteristic wisdom. Using his signature style, he paints a picture of where he personally finds flaw in the music industry today and why his resurrection is very much necessary.
Sabrina Claudio ft. 6lack, “Belong to You (Remix)”
Sabrina Claudio’s most recent album About Time deals with the interlacing of time and love. She graciously includes a bonus track expanding on her original track “Belong To You,” which she remixed with the help of 6lack. While the original track tricks you into thinking she’s talking about someone else and then tying it back to herself, the remix gives the impression that love takes two. They expertly mesh their voices together in consideration of the piece’s rhythm. You realize that you can’t help but start moving—and vibing to it—effortlessly.
Jhene Aiko ft. Big Sean, “Moments”
Jhene Aiko’s most recent album Trip literally takes us through a trip through what has been going on in her life. She tells us about the present, catches up with her past, and how she looks forward to potential future ventures. This is elevated further through an intoxicated perception, as many of her songs allude to on the album. “Moments,” a collaboration with Big Sean, takes the concept of a love song with an air of honesty and relatability. With Big Sean enhancing it with his word play, all over a beat, the song is made easy on the ears—and dance moves.
Dvsn, “Mood”
The Canadian R&B duo Dvsn, comprised of Daniel Daley and Nineteen85, dropped “Mood” on September 5, which is a nod to their debut album, Sept. 5th. The song has an excellent use of diverse piano melodies and extended vocals, making you feel as though you’re falling deep into a heavy, blissful dream.
