"Cobra" - Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion embodies the epitome of the mistreatment meted out to Black women in Hollywood; regrettably, the majority of this mistreatment has come from fellow Black artists. In April 2022, two years after the 2020 shooting, Megan shared her account of the events of that night publicly for the first time with CBS Mornings. During her interview with Gayle King, Megan recounted that after an altercation over "normal friend stuff," things quickly spiraled, and on that August night, Megan was shot in the foot. She would eventually allege that rapper and former fling Tory Lanez was the one who shot her. However, after disclosing the truth about what happened to her, Megan faced criticism for two years, with many labeling her a snake and a liar.

Many people didn't understand they had sided with the attacker rather than the victim until the trial in December 2022, at which point they apologized after realizing she had been speaking the truth. However, the harm had already been done, as her detractors had demonstrated that they would sooner label her a liar and laugh at her suffering than they would have believed that the awful occurrence could have happened to her.

Even yet, Megan Thee Stallion overcame adversity, friendship loss, and criticism from the music industry to achieve remarkable success. She went on to get a degree in health management, a hot sauce sponsorship, television show hosting opportunities, chart-topping features, and many other accomplishments. She describes all of this in her most recent single, "Cobra"; along with all the depression and stress it has created for her.

"That's You" - Lucky Daye

Ever since he entered the industry, Lucky Daye has proven that he genuinely deserves to be considered one of the greatest R&B male artists. Co-written and co-produced by Bruno Mars, Lucky Daye's most recent hit, "That's You," features lyrics about the "one person you cannot be without." Daye confesses to being stupid and numb, which has led to him making poor judgments in his relationship, in this retro, funky R&B song. By being honest and introspective, he hopes to be able to maintain the love of his life. However, given that she has already moved on to someone else, it does not appear that he will be able to win back his love.

This is Daye's first single of 2023, despite the fact that he has appeared on other songs this year. Nick Walker directed the official music video for the song "That's You." The film, which is set in New Orleans, follows Daye as he sets out to find sacrifices for the alluring siren who has his heart. The song is mellow and clearly draws inspiration from Bruno Mars. Nevertheless, Daye has clearly taken the lead on this song by belting and using a falsetto that only he can. This song is certainly worth the listen and will get your inevitable download.

"At the Party" - Kid Cudi ft. Pharrell and Travis Scott

The clever thing about the Kid Cudi ft. Pharrell and Travis Scott's song "At the Party" is that it gives you the impression that you've just left or are leaving the club after consuming several shots of alcohol. The song commences with a hypnotic sway from Pharrell, who sings languidly and softly about the night's happenings as though he is the listener's partner and they are both extremely inebriated. The music is instantly engrossing, and by the time Kid Cudi arrives, the effects of partying seem to be intensifying more. By the conclusion of the song, his once-clear sentences start to get slurred, and Travis Scott's insane verse seems to add to the craziness of the evening.

This song makes you feel like it's three in the morning at a Waffle House while you think back on the night's events and start to question if it was worth it to drink as much as you did or if you would regret it in the morning. It's fun. It's chill, and worth the listen. After all, it has the same vibe as a Saturday night party and that alone is quite addicting.

"CPR" - Summer Walker (Acoustic Performance)

Though Last Day of Summer isn't Summer Walker's most recent album, it's fascinating that she's been releasing acoustic versions of the songs from it. In any case, Summer Walker's acoustic concerts have demonstrated her skill when she is allowed to shine in a calm setting without the pressure of performing in front of thousands of admirers. When "CPR" was released, Walker's acoustic rendition of the song was a soulful piece that was made even more enjoyable by her fun, pajama-clad supporting vocalists.

Similar to the recorded version, the song has a reassuring atmosphere that belies its warmth thanks to her sensual, vibrating vocals and velvety, melting harmonies. The song is calming, and hearing it in an acoustic rendition just adds to the comfort of watching an artist in a setting designed to ensure her success. I'd buy this version of the song if I could, but until then, enjoy listening to it a thousand and one times on her YouTube channel.

"Jersey" - Baby Tate

"Relationship, a funny thing, always good at the start. But the truth is, it doesn't matter who you are, anyone can break your heart."

The statement above opens the Baby Tate music video for "Jersey." The singer/rapper soon starts rapping and singing about how much of a letdown her ex was and all the reasons she definitely shouldn't go back for him. Now, after two or more attempts, she comes to the conclusion that it would be preferable to end the relationship because it is unstable and just causes grief. The song begins to resemble the Jersey drill that we are accustomed to from club music by the chorus; the irony is that the lyrics lack the upbeat vibe that this genre is known for. Rather, it makes us feel like we're seeing an emotional breakdown like FKA Twigs in "tears in the club."

The song is meant to call out all of the nonsense that comes with a situationship, but with it being as self-aware as it is, you wonder who is really at fault when she returns.

"The Sopranos" - Tee Grizzley ft. MGK

I don't listen to Tee Grizzley songs nor am I a huge fan of MGK. However, since I know a good song when I hear one, as soon as I heard this one, I immediately put it on my fitness playlist. Machine Gun in "Soprano" Kelly delivers shot after shot about how much he hates other rappers, how much money he has lost in the past, and how he has been holding himself back over the year and no longer will as he goes off on the Detroit-styled beat.

Tee Grizzley makes it apparent when he enters the song what his intentions are and that others should follow suit. He makes it very evident that if you are not a friend or family member, you are an enemy, and you should act as such rather than trying to fit into any other category. The two musicians got along well with one another and demonstrated that should they ever work together again, the business may value their easy rapport.

"alone" - WILLOW

WILLOW's music is intriguing because of her ability to switch between genres without giving a reason. With a flexible voice and repertory, adjusting to the new "alone" flow is not difficult, though it is intriguing with the cadence brought to the song. In an opera-like melody, and antsy-pop punk echoed chorus in the background, "alone" is a song that explores self-reflection and existential loneliness.

WILLOW, who is assumed the main character, expresses fatigue from withholding the truth and ignoring the source of her issues, doubting her own existence while feeling alone and invisible. We learn that her endeavor to communicate and heal leaves her feeling a bit alone and with the chorus' repeated chant of "alone," the desire for connection is reinforced in the isolation she cannot escape.

"Christmas Party for Two" - Brandy

Admit it, ever since September left us eight weeks ago, we've all been yearning for Christmas music. And because we had to exercise self-control, we let October pass by and enjoyed its eerie atmosphere despite the fact that we all knew exactly what we were all really waiting for. We hurried outdoors as soon as October 31st passed to swap out our Halloween decorations for Christmas ones, blasted holiday music as if November didn't exist, and artists started releasing Christmas songs they had recorded in the summer to be ready for the inevitable.

Luckily for us, Brandy is one of those Christmas musicians. Brandy's Christmas song, "Christmas Party for Two," is more appropriate for the bedroom than for lounging underneath the tree. The song is an R&B ballad that captivates listeners with the singer's seductive, alluring voice. Brandy uses a lullaby-like and soothing voice to attract the audience's attention, demonstrating vocal control and restraint throughout the song.

The song explains why, despite being well-known for years, Brandy hasn't disappeared from the scene. Unlike much Christmas music, this song isn't blatantly commercial and doesn't attempt to be more than it has to be. It's just...nice, instead. And there's warmth in that niceness that entices any listener to delve into the holiday's more calming and seductive aspects.

"why dont we go" - UMI

One word that would best sum up UMI's music is safe. However, this does not imply that she is uninteresting or that she does not take artistic risks. Rather, the word "safe" refers to the sense of security that her music offers regardless of the artist's current stage of life due to its candor, playfulness, and openness. UMI is now going through the period of being in love, and her music flawlessly conveys this.

The R&B singer talks of not wanting to wait for a "better time" or till the following month or year in her latest tune, "why dont we go." Instead, she wants to just do what "you wanna do." It is beautiful and cozy, warm and inviting. It is pleasantly delightful, and the perfect representation of what happens when you just start experiencing life instead of simply thinking about it.

"Link Up (Remix)" - Ne-Yo ft. FABOLOUS

The incapacity of many artists to stay up to date with emerging talent and shifts in the expectations of the music industry at large is one of the main obstacles preventing them from reaching the next generation of musicians and listeners. Most older musicians try to incorporate elements of more recent music into their own and put themselves in a category where audiences tend to forget about them. When executed correctly, a skilled musician strikes the ideal mix between modern and classic music to stay current. Naturally, though, this is easier said than done.

Interestingly enough, though, Ne-Yo has struck this equilibrium in more recent times, which is not unexpected given that he was behind several of the major successes of the early 2000s. Ne-Yo demonstrates in the "Link Up" remix that it is possible to compose music utilizing the tried-and-true method of first releasing the original and then a sexier remix when done correctly.

Renowned rapper Fabolous joins the bouncy summer-esque tune for a remix, showcasing his trademark wit and languid New York flow. The revised song has the original lyrics and production, but Fabolous adds his trademark flow, clean delivery, and swag. He raps about having everything to make his boo thang comfy, including drugs and booze. In another remix between the duo, this song officially provides a reason to add it to your fall playlist.

Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.