In the past week, we saw the return of The Killers, who have a new album dropping this fall, and also heard the massive reworking of Slaughterhouse's "Hammer Dance." There was also a surprise R&B burner that dropped, and no, that's not a reference to the iTunes exclusive release of Frank Ocean's stunning debut, Channel Orange. You can hear that track and more of the week's finest right here. Start clickin'.
Related: Top Songs This Week
The Killers "Runaways"
It's been a relatively long wait for fans of The Killers, but Brandon Flowers and co. are ready to return this fall with a new album, Battle Born. And for anyone wondering if the guys are still on their grandiose, anthemic tip: they are. Just take a listen to huge lead sindle "Runaways" below and try not to sing along.
Slaughterhouse "Hammer Dance (El-P Remix)"
Passion Pit "Constant Conversations"
Passion Pit's latest single off their upcoming Gossamer release serves as an interesting (and intriguing!) turn for the Cambridge, Mass.-based act. The track, "Constant Conversations," is basically their own version of an R&B jam and to say it simply "works" would be a massive understatement. The grooves on this joint are undeniable.
Kendrick Lamar "Swimming Pools (Drank)"
Out of the blue on Friday, Kendrick Lamar released a new track off his upcoming album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, which drops Oct. 2. It's the superbly (and appropriately) woozy "Swimming Pools (Drank)," that boasts a heavy beat from hit-maker T-Minus. It sounds like the hangover complement to the summery indulgence of "The Recipe."
Nas "Bye Baby"
Another week, another impressive preview of Nas' highly anticipated album, Life Is Good. This time around it was a more heartfelt tune in "Bye Baby," which was co-produced by Salaam Remi and Noah "40" Shebib. Together, they crafted a warm backdrop for Nas to open up about his failed marriage to Kelis and bare his soul.