This feature highlights a hand-picked selection of some of the bigger tracks of the week. We have chosen a few of the tracks that landed within our top 10 most played, focusing on those that stood out, and left room for discussion.
Once again, this particular feature is cataloguing the most POPULAR songs on the site, for some of the more overlooked tracks, check out Underrated Audio.
This edition of Top Tracks features Jay Electronica, Future, Tyga and more. Take a look at the list in the gallery above, and feel free to let us know your own favorite tracks in the comments.
Jhene Aiko- My Afternoon Dream
Jhene Aiko is definitely establishing her own sound, breaking off of the disconnected sultriness of Cassie, and creating a hypnotic and meditative atmosphere alongside it.
Aiko has a tendency to go for contemplative instrumentals, which match her spiritual subject matter well. Her upcoming album Souled Out will be the true measure of how far she'll be able to take her particular brand of R&B.
Tyga- Hookah (Feat. Young Thug)
If he's not signed, Young Thug is certainly very closely affiliated with Young Money/Rich Gang. The ATL weirdo has yet to get a studio session with his rap idol Lil Wayne (let's hope that happens with a 'Stoner' remix, and throw Fabo on there as well), but he did show up on this track with Tyga, delivering an earworm of a hook and an incredibly creative pronunciation of the title.
It's the first time we've really heard Thugger over some decidedly west coast production, and it definitely works. Tyga meanwhile is more than comfortable on this type of beat, and thus delivers some memorable 16s.
Future- Good Morning
There's a weird story behind this one. From the first few bars it's clear that "Good Morning" bears quite a resemblance to Beyonce's "Drunk In Love". According to Future, he was working withe Detail on the song while recording a demo for Beyonce. He then seemingly held on to the song in case "Drunk" didn't make the cut for Bey's album, but was forced to shelve it when Bey's hit did end up surfacing. The fact that he doesn't have a writing credit on "Drunk" is still a bit of a mystery.
Either way, Fewtch is at his R&B-belting best here. Complimenting the hard-hitting beat with some nice melodies, recalling some of his ballad work from Pluto. It's a shame it won't make Honest, as it's looking as though the album will be focusing on Future's aggressive side, rather than his love songs, but then again, we wouldn't have "Drunk In Love" if that were the case.
August Alsina- Benediction (Feat. Rick Ross)
August Alsina is in the running for XXL Freshmen, and this track is a testament to the versatility that may get him there. "Benediction" is a notably mature sounding record, occupying more classic R&B territory that isn't as trendy these days, possibly because it's harder to master.
The tracks shows Alsina's true chops as a vocalist, and an artist with a wider palette, which could give him a certain longevity in the game.
Jay Electronica- We Made It (Freestyle) Feat. Jay Z
Jay Electronica songs don't come around too often. So we have to cherish them when they do. The fact that Jay Z shows up sounding hungrier than we've heard him in some time is quite the bonus.
As great as it is to hear both Jays over this triumphant instrumental, we're hoping it's more of a teaser of things to come. "Exhibit C" held us over for a minute, it's true-- but a freestyle like does nothing but create more thirst for a full length project. Hopefully this is a sign that Jay Elec's album is finally coming to fruition.