Music

Summer Vibes: All The Songs Defining July So Far

Between May's randomness and June's endless heartbreak, I was beginning to think that July would be another moment of Summertime Sadness. Nevertheless, the artists of this week show that there is always a rainbow at the end of the storm. With the broken-hearted out of the way, room has been made for the fun ("Pink Noise"), the smiting ("Around), and the downright in love ("Sinner").

Get ready to turn up the heat with these latest hits that will be sure to reignite your summertime happiness.

"Pink Noise" - Laura Mvula

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Laura Mvula - Pink Noise [Official visualiser]

First of all: You're welcome.

Second of all: Thank you, Laura Mvula.

Everything this song is and everything this song tries to be is nothing short of excellent. Supreme. Top-notch and/or whatever whimsical adjective you fancy. This 80s-fueled dance pop track, "Pink Noise" will have you moving before the ten-second mark begins and you won't stop until long after it concludes. It's the fun summer song you've been looking for, long deprived of and my goodness it's a shame we haven't gotten it sooner. There's no denying that this song will have you hooked with its Janet Jackson and Grace Jones vibe. With its audacious trumpets and compelling vocals, "Pink Noise" is a summer hit I pray doesn't go ignored.

Also, if you're in the mood for a little self-care, treat yourself to Laura Mvula's newest album Pink Noise. Now available on all streaming platforms.

"The Jackie" - Bas ft. J. Cole & Lil Tjay

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Bas - The Jackie (ft. J. Cole & Lil Tjay) [Official Video]

Juxtaposing their previous collaboration "Tribe," Dreamville's Bas and J. Cole return with a summertime hit made for the clubs. With the addition of rapper Lil Tjay, Bas and J. Cole share stories of their adventures while traveling along Jackie Robinson Highway, which connects Brooklyn and Queens ("The Jackie"). This song will definitely become a summer anthem. Between J. Cole's catchy hook and verse, Bas and Lil Tjay sing-song-esque melodious flow, the song is guaranteed to make you move. This is J. Cole's first appearance since dropping his latest acclaimed album, The Off-Season this past May. Meanwhile, Bas is rumored to be dropping an album later this year.

"Around" - JONES ft. Nardeydey

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JONES - Around (feat. Nardeydey) (Official Video)

"Around" by JONES ft. Nardeydey perfectly captures and recreates the butterflies one gets in their stomach whenever a crush is near. It's the dopey grin you never knew you could make. The little giggle you're too embarrassed to release. It's the nervous feeling you get when you're uncertain if your crush feels the same. The excited feeling you get when you discover they do. It's incredibly cute. And it's the perfect summer vibe in a time where breakups seem endless. Perfect for a summer jam, "Around" is a charming, melodic tune worthy of being saved to your library.

"Get Up" - Logic

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Logic - Get Up (Official Audio)

Logic returns from his short-lived retirement, with his second single in two weeks, "Get Up." In this reflective and acoustic-heavy single, Logic reflects on his journey and career as an artist. Focusing on his accomplishments, he gives recognition to his family, friends, and team for helping him get this far. Though, he is willing to also give some credit onto himself, crediting a lot of his success to his own determination, ambition, and perseverance. With lyrics like "every time I fall, you know I get up," Logic's new single "Get Up" is the motivational song you need for the summer.

YS Collection Vol.1 album, including single "Get Up," is now available on all streaming platforms.

"I Love You, I Hate You" - Little Simz

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Little Simz - I Love You, I Hate You (Visualiser)

From the upcoming album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, is Little Simz newest single, "I Love You, I Hate You." Reminiscent of 90s and 80s rap, Little Simz confronts her absent father over a grooving baseline and eccentric jazz track. Entering and leaving the chorus, she mentions that she loves her father, but because of the person he chooses to be she hates him. The verses are raw and impactful as she explains her resentment and hatred toward his absence and denial. Ultimately, she discovers that she must forgive her father for herself and that it is OK to simultaneously love and hate his existence.

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert will be released September 3, 2021.

"Day Off" - Cynthia Erivo

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Cynthia Erivo - Day Off (Visualizer)

"Day Off" is the second single released from Cynthia Erivo's forthcoming album Ch. 1 vs. 1. Perfect for an early morning, or relaxing evening, this calming track is an alt-R&B song about making time to spend with a significant other. With Erivo melodiously requesting for one to take the day off, it's hard not to be allured by the soothing plea. By the time the song has concluded, you'll be so enraptured by the soul-stirring synth and tranquil vocals, you'll be compelled to do just as she asks.

Ch. 1 Vs. 1 will be released September 17, 2021.

"Make U Go" - Duckwrth

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Duckwrth - Make U Go (Official Visualizer)

In his upcoming EP SuperGood 8, newly independent artist Duckwrth returns with single, "Make U Go." In his signature rap-singing flare, Duckwrth sings about the pleasures that he can give a woman, should he be given the opportunity to. Ever the confident one, Duckwrth assures her that she will have a great night, one worth bragging about to her friends. Though, despite his experience, she will not need to worry because despite his "thotty ways" she is the only one he wants to make go "ooh." This single is fun, relaxing, and the very song you need during this summer of break-ups. It's playful without being silly and smooth without being cocky.

Duckwrth's EP SuperGood 8 drops September 3, 2021.

"ARE YOU WITH THAT?" - Vince Staples

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Vince Staples - ARE YOU WITH THAT? (Official Video)

Having just released his self-titled album, Vince Staples returns with his second single, "ARE YOU WITH THAT?" In an album meant to offer fans and peers a new insight to who Staples truly is, "ARE YOU WITH THAT?" questions what Staples is down with and what he has outgrown. Throughout the song, he mentions gangbanging and violence nonchalantly and as a former aspiration. When he was younger, all Vince Staples imagined was being "a thug," now that he is older and wiser, he questions what he is willing to return to and the life that he now chooses to claim. With a more somber take, this song might not be a club sensation, but that's a sacrifice one is willing to take with a song of such substance.

Vince Staples, the album, including single "ARE YOU WITH THAT?," is now available on all streaming platforms.

"Go(l)d" - Mereba

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Mereba - Go(l)d (Official Music Video)

"Go(l)d" is serene. Warm. Hopeful. And a little romantic. Beginning with a soft acoustic guitar and brooding rhythms, Mereba reflects on her journey and how she has changed during its travel. At the end of this journey, she has seen hardships, and she is unsure what everything she has seen means. Nevertheless, despite what she has seen and the confusion exploring the world has created, she manages to still "believe in gold" and the good things that the world has to offer. Doing so might make her crazy, nonsensical, or even a little naive, but in this new chapter of life (motherhood) a little faith can go a long way.

AZEB EP, including single "Gold?," is now available on all streaming platforms.

"Sinner" - Adekunle Gold ft. Lucky Daye

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Adekunle Gold feat Lucky Daye - Sinner (Official Audio)

Nigerian singer-songwriter Adekunle Gold collaborates with Lucky Daye in his newest single "Sinner." Smoothly romantic, the song begins with a violin reminiscent of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" only to later take a calming trance with the addition of drums and Adekunle Gold's melodious vocals. The song could easily fall into the a cliched romance about love being almost sinful, but with his entrancing instrumentals and a gentle, confident approach, the song is anything but. Instead, we are left with a something that reflects the peace one exudes when finding the one. This might be about sinner, but it isn't about one remorseful of their sin. Instead, Gold believes that if their relationship is sinful, he is more than happy to worship at this alter.

For more new music releases in the month of July so far, keep scrolling:

"Wild Side" - Normani ft. Cardi B

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Normani - Wild Side (Official Video) ft. Cardi BNormani x Cardi B – “Wild Side” Out Now!Listen Here: https://smarturl.it/xWildSide Follow Normani:https://www.twitter.com/Normani https://www.facebook.com/n...

"Bouncin" - Tinashe

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Tinashe - Bouncin [Official Music Video]

"F Yah Job" - Childish Major

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Childish Major - F Yah Job [Official Music Video]

"MIA" - Ray BLK ft. Kaash Paige

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Ray BLK – MIA ft. Kaash Paige (Official Visualiser)

"Lonely As I Ever Was" - Spencer.

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Spencer. - Lonely As I Ever Was (Official Video)

"Romeo" - Jungle ft. Bas

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JUNGLE - ROMEO FT. BAS

"Type of Day" - BJ the Chicago Kid

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BJ The Chicago Kid - Type Of Day feat. Eric Bellinger (Lyrics)

"My Lil Dance" - Hotboy Wes ft. Gucci Mane

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Hotboy Wes - My Lil Dance (feat. Gucci Mane) [Official Video]

"Nevada" - YoungBoy Never Broke Again

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YoungBoy Never Broke Again - Nevada [Official Audio]

"Plastic Surgery" - YN Jay ft. Lil Pump

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YN Jay x Lil Pump - Plastic Surgery (Official Audio)

"Section" - Ant Clemons ft. Kehlani

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Ant Clemons - Section ft. Kehlani (Official Audio)

"Fuck Him All Night" - Azealia Banks

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Fuck Him All Night

"Whole Lotta Money (Remix)" - BIA ft. Nicki Minaj

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BIA - WHOLE LOTTA MONEY (Remix - Official Audio) ft. Nicki Minaj

"Wake Up" - Drumma Boy ft. Lil Got & Kollision

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Drumma Boy, Lil Gotit & Kollision - Wake Up (AUDIO)

"Feeling Good" - Ledisi

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Ledisi - Feeling Good (Audio)

"Worth It" - Mya

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Mýa - Worth It (Official Lyric Video)

"Aura" - Mariah the Scientist

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Mariah the Scientist - Aura (Official Video)

"Shirt (Partial)" - SZA

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GREY GOOSE® Essences In Bloom | Imagined by SZA

The 48:26 mark, thank us later.

"Good Good" - Tanerelle

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Good Good

"Gametime" - Amine & Lil Tecca

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Lil Tecca & Aminé - Gametime (Audio)

Featured image via Giphy