When things heat up, you check out the Friday's Heat. This week's heat features: SZA, Daniel Caesar, Kodak Black, Big Boi, and Blac Youngsta
"Prom" by SZA
This breakout song from SZA's highly-anticipated debut album CTRL (check out our sick breakdown of the best summer albums) combines SZA's R&B talent with Katy Perry-style pop. The result is a catchy summer treat. "Prom" features a call-and-response vocal on the hook with SZA doing both roles. But the true star of this track is the lyrical verses of true nostalgic pain. With lines like "promise to get a little/better as I get older" and "I forget my future, never pull out/shame, shame on me" it feels like you might even be reliving those "Prom" days after all.
"We Find Love" by Daniel Caesar
Daniel Caesar released two tracks this week, with "We Find Love" and "Blessed." The almost religious anthem that Caesar finds on "We Find Love" is literally echoed by a background gospel-like chant over the chorus. The slow beat only adds to the holy vibe of the song. Verses like "this thing called love comes crashing down now/pieces all on the ground/what once was lost cannot be found out," Caesar proves himself as more of a poet than singer.
The Toronto-born Caesar truly transcends both celebrity and genre, describing his music as being artistic instead of studio formulaic. "I think the art form [of music] today is in an interesting space," Caesar told Forbes magazine. "A lot of artists are aspiring to fill an archetype as opposed to being themselves." The authentic sound of Caesar is not to be missed, especially with hopeful heartbreak ballad"We Find Love."
"iSpy (Remix)" by Kyle ft. Kodak Black
Kodak Black attacks Kyle's hit single "iSpy," adding a trademark punch to the catchy hit with hard-hitting raps. Black released the remix a few days after being released from jail. If that isn't gangsta, then nothing is. Black jumps on the second verse of "iSpy," replacing Lil Yachty's original rap with an upgraded fiery flow. Plus the song is framed by additional drops that highlight the hynoptic underlying beat. You'll still be singing the "I spy with my little eye" chorus, but you'll remember Black's bars just as much.
"Chocolate" by Big Boi ft. Troze
Every club needs a song, and Big Boi's latest is the ideal trap mix. "Chocolate" is a delicious blend of nonsensical lyrics ("just cashed a check/gonna blow it all on chocolate") with a 90s beat—it's retro and yet so fun. According to sources, Big Boi tested the song with club audiences during his nine month gig as a resident DJ. Big Boi, an Outkast alum, brings the same excited dance vibe to the track. "Chocolate" is a remix of L.A. rapper Troze's song of the same name that was released last year and featured in an iPhone 6 commercial. "Chocolate" is one of four singles from Big Boi's latest album Boomiverse, featuring collaborations with Gucci Mane, Pimp C, Killer Mike, Jeezy, and Adam Levine. Boomiverse drops today so check out the full record and get ready for da club.
"Sex" by Blac Youngsta ft. Slim Jxmmi
You hope "Sex" will be good. And it is. Blac Youngsta is back with mixtape I'm Innocent, referring to his recent arrest on six felony charges related to a Charlotte shooting involving Young Dolph. The provocative album cover features an incarceated Youngsta with two white cops standing over him, one holding a large rifle. "I'm Innocent" is written across Youngsta's chess as he stares directly into the camera-- a powerful image for a determined artist.
"Sex" is a great song, showcasing both Youngsta and Rae Sremmurd's Slim Jxmmi's infectious voices. A weird nah nah nah background sound reminiscent of Nintendo's Wario stunts the vocals in a teasing manner, adding a fun kick to the track. With lyrics like "a real boss don't pass the blunt," you'll want to party to "Sex." And who knows, maybe indulge in some yourself.