The Good, The Bad and The Ugly from this week.
WORST SONG
JASON DERULO – GOODBYE
Jason Derulo’s number one aim is to make hit records, so don’t be surprised when he makes something commercial as s**t like this.
”Goodbye” is the definition of today’s stereotypical pop hit containing Caribbean vibes and a finger in the mouth-worthy back and forth between a male and female artist. The song features Nicki Minaj and some dude named Willy Williams, and together, the trio frolic their way to bright and sunny days singing with Disney-like passion. Nicki does drop a half reggae/rap verse towards the end, but it can’t save the track from corniville.
REIGNING CHAMP: START THE PAR-DEE (2)
WORST ALBUM
NONE
There really wasn’t any albums I listened to this week that I would consider bad (There really wasn’t many prevalent releases either). If I were to pick one, I would say Blood Orange’s “Negro Swan,” but that’s only because his album artwork is bizarre as s**t.
REIGNING CHAMP: SECURE (2)
TOP LYRICAL SONG
JOELL ORTIZ – DECISIONS
We all have serious decisions to make in our lives, but not many of us can make the thinking process behind making one sound so f**kin’ ill like Joell Ortiz did here. “Decisions” is on some real s**t, riveting s**t, and most importantly, some authentic rap s**t. On it, our hero displays some pretty astute wordplay, gliding through the haunting instrumental effortlessly. Content-wise, he’s as specific as it gets, pitting some pretty profound choices against one another. If you are a fan of situational rap, you’ll love this song!
REIGNING CHAMP: ROYCE DA 5’9/EMINEM – CATERPILLAR (2)
TOP BEAT
YOUNGBOY NEVER BROKE AGAIN – I AM WHO I SAY I AM
In a sense, this song has this “In My Feelings/Nice For What” vibe to it. First and foremost, the production contains a sample of Ashanti in the background that is similar to Lauryn Hill’s sample on the latter, and the overall production is influenced by the ever-so popular New Orleans bounce music that Drake used for both hits. All in all, it’s hard to hate.
REIGNING CHAMP: SANTERIA (1)
TOP INDIE EFFORT
GHOST X GARDENS – HEARTBREAK HOTEL CHELSEA
Listen, this project was one of the most unique ones I’ve heard to date (And I heard multiple Kid Cudi albums). It is centered around Ghost X Gardens stay at the infamous hotel, and features some bone-chilling accounts. The rock music you get to accompany these accounts are high-quality, passionate and very riveting too. I recommend you give this a listen.
BTW, to get me to review your song and possibly end up on this list, click HERE!
REIGNING CHAMPION: IMANI Wj WRIGHT – HOME (2)
TOP SONG
JAG & TREY SONGZ – TAP IN
Remember how Flipmode by Velous, Fabolous and Chris Brown crept up on us to be one of the hottest records of 2017? I think “Tap In” will have that same impact. Each listen, this song got better and better, which means I believe each month it will get more and more recognition. To hear it, click on the link above, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
REIGNING CHAMPION: GOD’S PLAN (2)
TOP ALBUM
BAS – MILKY WAY
This is a no brainier like Khaled, right? Bas’ “Milky Way” dominated earphones, retweets, gems and music libraries this week, and for good reason, it was the definition of a complete body of work full of timeless rhymes and beats. There was also some real ass wisdom throughout, something you can always count on when it comes to Dreamville’s starting 5.
Yes, I know, I graded YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s project higher than Milky Way, but it only had four songs…
REIGNING CHAMPION: PUSHA-T (DAYTONA) (2)
Make sure you see next’s week edition of the awards to see if any of the songs above can be topped!
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
