As the temperatures slowly grow into spring, it’s time to start looking at some of the new tracks that you’re gonna hear about. From political commentary to Grammy winners to some phat beats that will definitely get you moving, I’m sure there’s something here for everyone.
Say what you will about Kanye West, but he and the Kardashian clan know how to keep everyone watching and listening. I actually believe that he and Kim are the perfect couple. They were made for the today’s internet. Kanye is the perfect storm….controversial and a button pusher. So, his latest single, “Famous” kinda says it all. From the opening line about sleeping with Taylor Swift to the hook sung by Rihanna this track really captures the essence of his career in my opinion. And if you need a more dance floor friendly version, the Liam Keegan Remix serves up the right groove to do so.
The name Donald Trump evokes all kinds of emotions when you hear it. I can only say that this election season has probably been the most engaging one in a long time. And Mr. Trump has definitely left his mark on the U.S. with his rhetoric and flipping on issues on a daily basis. And a lot of frustration from the Black Community over his followers has risen in the past 6 months. Many feel that he should not ever be allowed in the White House. And apparently YG and Nipsey Hussle decided to express just that with their new collaboration, “FDT (F#%k Donald Trump)”. I personally have never been a fan of either, but the raw message somehow comes through loud and clear on this track. It’s been on my playlist since I first heard it.
And speaking of a stern message, I am also loving the new single from first time Grammy winner Meghan Trainor, “No”. And although there are remixes by Barry Harris, DJ MSC and Craig Vanity vs. Jacob Belien, I think the original version is the best. However, the Barry Harris mix works really well with the new Strobe Remix of TLC’s classic, “No Scrubs”. Both address being hit on by a less desirable guy at a bar or club.
Now…some would say that I am a bad homosexual for not watching Glee, but like Drag Race I just couldn’t get into it. I’m sure these shows are considered groundbreaking for visible gay characters like Will & Grace, but I’m a little older and shows like HBO’s Looking was more my cup of tea (yeah…I’m still holding out for the movie). So, I totally missed Alex Newell as transgender student Unique Adams on the now defunct FOX show. So, when I got this hot new track called “Basically Over You (B.O.Y.)” I had no idea that it wasn’t a cis-gendered woman as the vocalist or the history of the artist at all. All I knew is that I was gonna rock this track in my set that Friday night! Imagine my surprise when I discovered the video. The original version is great, but the Todd Terry remix is my favorite. Alex’s voice reminds me of House legend, Adeva. I highly recommend this track!
Since MTV doesn’t really show music videos anymore, the only time I ever see them is about 5 AM on MUCHMusic. And one of the videos that seems to be in a regular rotation is a ballad by Alessia Cara called “Here”. It’s catchy and her sassy vocal style doesn’t sound like the average Pop females at the top of the charts these days. So, I was very happy to find the Kue Remix. And then I discovered her latest single, “Wild Things” remixed by the NuKid.
Another MUCHMusic favorite is Lukas Graham’s “7 Years”. This haunting tale about getting older is another song that will stay in your head once you listen to the lyrics. Although this is another ballad I really love the Kue’s Back To 89 Mix, but I think the Disco Suckz Remix is probably more at the right speed for club play.
The other day a DJ/Remixer friend named Cris Vangel sent me a mash up he had done. I really loved it and started playing it in my sets. I love when someone takes a song that was completely off my radar and turns it into a great dance track. If you get to hear “Lost Reasons For Living” (The Cris Vangel Mash Up) by Ducan Sheik vs. Simion vs. The Cure I’m sure you will have a new appreciation for the lyrics.
Every since I watched Ariana Grande perform “Be Alright” on SNL, I have been obsessed with this track. I even tried my hand at remixing it, but the Frank Dux & Morsy Remix is so much better than mine. There’s something about that 90s throwback House sound that just got me hooked. On that same episode she performed “Dangerous Woman”. I wasn’t that impressed with that one, but the Barry Harris Remix has reinvented the track.
Last but not least, I’m sure that by now Rihanna’s duet with Drake, “Work” has found its way into your consciousness. I often hate that I find myself singing it. The extremely simple hook in just too infectious! But I have a feeling her new single, “Needed Me” is not gonna do as well. I like the Liam Keegan Remix but it just doesn’t have the same impact.
WARNING: Explicit lyrics
