The Best Songs of 2014 (So Far)

Here are the Pigeons & Planes picks for the best songs of 2014 so far.

Related: The Best Songs of 2013

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50. Cozz - "Dreams"

In terms of breakout songs, there might not have been a more impressive one this year than Los Angeles rapper Cozz's first ever single, "Dreams." We hear tales about one track putting an artist on the map, but that's actually what happened here. Just a few months since the release of the cinematic, street-inspired record, Cozz announced this week that he's now signed to J. Cole's Dreamville Records with his debut mixtape, Cozz & Effect, on the way.


49. Poter Elvinger - "Ghosts"

Damn, Poter Elvinger. Honestly, I don't even think 2014 is ready for this. Watch dude slowly build buzz until some rapper links with him for a legendary mixtape and everyone is like, "OMG where'd this producer come from?"

Calling it now: 2015 is Poter Elvinger's year.


48. Låpsley - "Station"

17-year-old Lapsley blew the blogosphere away with her single, "Station," a song particularly interesting thanks to a "self-duet." The young singer is also a talented producer and she manipulates the pitch of her own vocals so she can sing with herself over the skeleton of a beat. The effect is haunting.


47. Tree - "Probably Nu It"

Is blues-rap a thing? It is now.


46. Bok Bok ft. Kelela - "Melba's Call"

Kelela had a huge 2013 with her CUT 4 ME mixtape, and she continued to collaborate with the most interesting producers out on "Melba's Call." Bok Bok's production squelches and stutters with bright synth bursts, crisp drums keep everything in order, and Kelela's one of a kind voice sails over it all, unique and instantly recognizable.

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45. Meg Myers - "Make A Shadow"

The music Meg Myers makes is raw. It comes from a deep, sincere place, and it's explosive. "Make a Shadow" is what happens when Myers goes to that place. The song starts quietly and then erupts into this massive chorus, full of unrestrained intensity. It's not all anger, though. Myers weaves in delicate moments, and the contrast between the two extremes is part of what makes "Make A Shadow" so compelling.


44. Tyga ft. Young Thug - "Hookah"

I don't know what is going on with Thug's voice during his verse, but it's awesome.


43. Banks - "Goddess"

From the start, Banks has had the style down. She's had the subtle, effective production. But in "Goddess" she's got something else far more interesting. She sounds more human than ever, and she delivers "Goddess" with an attitude that we haven't yet seen from the Los Angeles singer.


42. Angel Olsen - "Hi-Five"

"Hi-Five" is the standout on Angel Olsen's new album, Burn Your Fire For No Witness. It's got a country twang, a punk sting, and a touch of Roy Orbison as Olsen sings, "I feel so lonesome I could cryyyyyyyyYYYYYyyyy / But instead I'll pass the TIIIIIIIIIiiiiiime." RIP Roy Orbison.


41. James Vincent McMorrow - "Red Dust"

Imagine if Bon Iver and James Blake got together and tried to make the most heartbreaking song. You might be imagining something pretty close to "Red Dust."

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40. Sylvan Esso - "Coffee"

Amealia Meath sounds like she could be singing in a jazz club, but over Nick Sanborn's sparse, bass-heavy production, this songs takes on a very different life. The whole "hanky-panky" part at the end is a little corny, but other than that, "Coffee" is a mellow beauty. If they mad a Garden State 2, this should be on the soundtrack. Also, the video is great.


39. Cam'ron & A-Trak - "Dipshits"

In a powerful return to form, A-Trak, Just Blaze, and Oliver lace Cam'ron with a fizzing, triumphal beat that harks back to Dipset's glory days. Cam is his usual brilliant self while Juelz Santana shows up for the hook and Dame Dash goes off on one for the outro. Plus, the Dipset reunion in the video just took shit to another level.


38. Kwabs - "Pray For Love"

Kwabs = church.


37. clipping. ft. Cocc Pistol Cree - "Work Work"

Of all the contortions of that classic west-coast sound on Clipping.’s sub-pop debut, CLPPNG, “Work Work” is perhaps the closest the record ever comes to a banger. The sounds used to construct it are anything but traditional, and Daveed Diggs’ third-person storytelling alongside Cocc Pistol Cree’s sharp lyricism is pretty far removed from standard club music, but it moves with a similar swagger. “Work Work” is proof that you can pay tribute to past without regurgitating it.


36. Johnny Lloyd - "Pilgrims"

Listening to Johnny Lloyd's "Pilgrims" it feels like you've stumbled on a lost classic. Some demo tape from years ago that contained a hit that, for whatever reason, no one ever heard. It's scratchy, lo-fi, and mournful, but if that chorus doesn't just tug at your heartstrings, I don't know what will.

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35. Kyla La Grange - "The Knife"

Steel drums! They make every song better. Jamie xx has known it for a while, and now Kyla La Grange knows it. Evolving from the folkier sounds of her earlier work, La Grange's new album is full of great electronic production, but nothing comes close to the haunted carnival atmosphere those steel drums and her delicate vocals create on "The Knife."


34. Rick Ross, Kanye, Big Sean - "Sanctified"

Let's be real. "Sanctified" is one of the best songs of 2014 for one reason and one reason only: Kanye West. Last year we gave him a whole album to preach his sermon, and this year he managed to blessed us with the Gospel of Yeezus in just one verse. While Rick Ross is still rapping about the same old topics (girls, money, power), West delivers witty religious banter with a hypnotizing flow. Good lord.


33. Little Dragon - "Paris"

Little Dragon is back. "Paris" is a brilliant balance of lighter-than-air, uptempo production that's brought back down to earth by Yukimi Nagano's sultry vocals and woeful lyrics, perfectly summing up the Swedish band's fourth album, Nabuma Rubberband.


32. Young Thug - "Stoner"

"Stoner" was first released last fall, but to most Young Thug fans—the majority of which he's acquired in 2014—"Stoner" is one of the biggest new songs of this year. Thugger's rise has been extraordinary, and the Dun Deal-produced radio and club smash is one of the main reasons it's happened.


31. Mac DeMarco - "Blue Boy"

It’s hard to pick just one favorite track from Mac DeMarco’s latest album Salad Days, but we're going with “Blue Boy.” With simple lyrics and a few delightful chords, “Blue Boy” becomes Mac DeMarco’s way of telling you that everything’s going to be alright. Has a guitar ever sounded so comforting?

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30. La Roux - "Uptight Downtown"

Finally following up her 2009 debut, La Roux. The album is due July 21, but from what we've heard so far, La Roux is going to deliver one of the best pop albums of the year with Trouble In Paradise.


29. Shlohmo & Jeremih - "No More"

Frequent collaborators Shlohmo and Jeremih came together again at the start of the year for yet another gem. Expansive stuttering production is paired with Jeremih's smooth vocals for "No More," a song that's got us looking forward to that forthcoming collaborative EP.

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28. GoldLink - "Sober Thoughts"

GoldLink is one of the most promising new artists out right now, and "Sober Thoughts"—a post-God Complex drop—is one of his best tracks to date. The Kaytranada-produced jam reeks of summer and feels handcrafted for BBQ's and poolside relaxation; not to mention, the Virginia emcee's flow is as entrancing as ever.


27. DP - "Jabar"

Coming from VA Beach, the land of Clipse, is a rapper named DP who holds his own with one of the hardest songs of the year so far. While others go full-Yeezus and try to reinvent the genre, "Jabar" gets grimy.

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26. TALA - "Serbia"

Following an artist's progression over the months or years and watching them improve until they fulfill their potential is certainly satisfying, but nothing can match that feeling of hearing an artist's debut song and being totally blown away. British born, and of Iranian heritage, TALA started strong with the lurching "The Duchess" and then immediately topped it with "Serbia," adding glistening, immediate vocals to her wonderfully full production. Modern day pop music at its best.


25. Schoolboy Q ft. Tyler, The Creator & Kurupt - "Purge"

Three of the freshest in the West linking up over a murder riddim produced by Tyler? Instant gem from Oxymoron. Tyler actually only hops on to do the hook, with his signature gravely voice sounding perfect over this stripped down, eerie instrumental. Q does not disappoint on this one, flipping and bouncing over the beat like its nothing, and while his second verse is just as intense and memorable as anything he's spit, it's the third verse from certified veteran MC Kurupt that really takes the Purge mentality to a new, G'd up level.

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24. Warpaint - "Love Is To Die"

Sometimes, a song hits all the perfect notes in the perfect progression of chords. These songs are satisfying, but they're predictable. The best parts of Warpaint’s "Love Is To Die" is when those slightly uncomfortable notes are hit.


23. Lil Wayne ft. Drake - "Believe Me"

The Carter V. People talk about it in the same way people spoke about Y2K at the end of '99. We've been waiting years for it, we have no clue what to expect, and we pray it doesn't crush our hopes.

But when Lil Wayne dropped "Believe Me," a lot of doubt turned to anticipation. Wayne sounds sharper than he has in years, and it doesn't hurt that he's rapping alongside Drake, who has yet to disappoint this year.

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22. Shamir - "I'll Never Be Able To Love"

Shamir is a star. He's got a special charm about him—it comes across in interviews, his videos, and this acoustic performance—but what is most important to his current success is his uniquely androgynous voice. He made his mark with the house loving "If It Wasn't True," and continued in that floor-filling vein with "I Know It's A Good Thing," but it is when his voice is given the space to soar, as on "I'll Never Be Able To Love," that it packs the strongest emotional punch. It's a glorious gospel song that could be from 30 years ago, but no, it was made by Shamir, a 19-year-old from gritty Las Vegas.


21. Movement - "Ivory"

At first it seemed that Australian trio Movement, with the soft vocals and slinky production of "Like Lust," were working in the alt-R&B/electronic pop lane. "Ivory" proved that assumption wrong. Quickly, the vocals go from hushed to booming, the keys give proceedings a welcome bounce, and then bang! A guitar solo. Unexpected and utterly awesome.

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20. Future ft. André 3000 - "Benz Friendz"

Fellow Atlanta representatives Future and André 3000 can both get pretty weird, but on "Benz Friendz" they keep it fairly straightforward with an upbeat, triumphant song over Organized Noize production. It's got a retro feel to it, and while it's one of the most energetic rap songs of the year so far, it sounds nothing like most of the other stuff dominating the club or the radio, and that's a good thing.


19. MØ - "Don't Wanna Dance"

"With this music, I wanna say, ‘Hey man, life is fucking hard but we can do it together,'" MØ told us in February. And throughout the run of her excellent debut album, No Mythologies to Follow, you really get a sense of the same focus. Album highlight "Don't Wanna Dance" plays like an anthem; marching percussion and a chorus perfect for singing along, it's like a song you'd go into battle with. is championing for you, her energy infectious, and despite her pleas, you just can't help but want to dance.

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18. Shura - "Touch"

As debut songs go, Shura’s "Touch" has got to be up there with some of the best. The English-based singer with a Russian mother seems to have been influenced by the same '80s pop and R&B that Dev Hynes was on his latest Blood Orange album, Cupid Deluxe, and that's no bad thing. Of course, lots of musicians are inspired by that period, and attempt to faithfully recreate those sounds, but Shura's "Touch" feels different. Instead of feeling like a copy, it feels fresh and personal and her own—all we need now is another song from the young artist.


17. Sharon Van Etten - "Every Time The Sun Comes Up"

On "Every Time The Sun Comes Up," Sharon Van Etten sings, "People say I'm a one-hit wonder / But what happens when I have two?" It's a lazy, swaying song, but Sharon's biting delivery and harsh lyrics ("I washed your dishes, but I shitted in your bathroom") give it a dark complexity like a smooth whiskey that burns a little on the way down.

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16. YG ft. Drake - "Who Do You Love"

YG's album was unexpected. Even for fans of the rapper, the debut surpassed expectations. Taking a page from old school West Coast rap, YG put his own modern twist on it, creating a re-energized sound on My Krazy Life. Most impressive, is YG's own knack for narrative. The album paint's one cohesive story, brought to life with DJ Mustard's plunky production.

Though YG's story has some more somber chapters and some more lustful, he excels most when he's just having fun. Which is the case on the stand-out "Who Do You Love?" What YG lacks in progressive lyricism he makes up for in wit and dark humor, painting a picture of him and friends running shit back in the day. It's a celebratory track, almost always guaranteed to kick start a party.

Plus, how can you hate on a song in which Drake raps, "I would pinky swear but my pinky ring too big."


15. Raury - "God's Whisper"

When Raury’s first released “God’s Whisper” a few month ago, it immediately had the internet buzzing with intrigue. And after one listen, that comes as no surprise. Within the first thirty seconds of “God’s Whisper” the drums and claps already tell you that this song is about to be something special. But as you pull away from the infectious background vocals and powerful drums, you begin to focus on the lyrics and realize there’s some depth to this song.

Opening up with lyrics like, “I won’t compromise / I won’t live a life on my knees. You think I am nothing / You got something coming,” is not something your average teenager would do. But it’s already clear that Raury isn’t average. The layering and echoing effect of Raury’s background vocals almost make it sound like a chant being sung by a group of people who agree with his message. And it only makes sense that the video for “God’s Whisper” would feature a scene around a bonfire because this sounds exactly like something one would sing as they danced around a fire. The reception of this first single has given Raury an incredible about of attention—most notably from fellow Atlanta natives OutKast—in a very short amount of time.

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14. Caribou - "Can't Do Without You"

The very definition of a slow-burner, Caribou's "Can't Do Without You" keeps building energy and intensity almost until its final moments. Dan Snaith, the man behind Caribou, also releases dance music as Daphni, and this song lies somewhere between previous Caribou output and the steady thump of the Jialong album as Daphni. The persistent looped vocal and slow, precise addition of elements (percussion, synths, and different vocal layers are built on each other) make this song feel like a true journey, one that you will want to take again and again, to relive that golden moment when the song suddenly bursts open.


13. FKA twigs - "Two Weeks"

A late entry for our best songs of the year (so far) list, "Two Weeks" is FKA twigs’ best and most fully realized song yet. On EP2, twigs' vocals were mainly used as just anothe element to add to the texture of the songs, but here they are front and center, demanding your attention. This is definitely a pop song, albeit one made in twigs' experimental image, and as the sub-heavy beat rolls under everything, the British singer hits us with her first truly massive chorus—one that hits home immediately, and at times has her sounding like Aaliyah's long lost cousin. Brilliant production, brilliant songwriting, and as our first taste of FKA twigs' debut album, it couldn't have done more to grab our attention.

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12. Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD ft. Danny Brown - "Six Degrees"

Ghostface and Danny Brown are masters of the yelled flow. These deliveries work well over noisy, busy production, but sometimes they're best appreciated when they're given a little space. BADBADNOTGOOD lays down a sly, creeping, and sparse beat that allows both of these guys sound like the best versions of themselves.


11. Jessie Ware - "Tough Love"

If Jessie Ware was feeling any pressure to deliver a follow-up to her breakout debut album Devotion, it certainly doesn't show on "Tough Love." Over warm electronic production from BenZel (aka Benny Blanco and Two Inch Punch), who also executive produced her forthcoming album, Jessie lets her vocals shine, delivering a dreamy 21st century lullaby. While many other pop artists are layering their vocals with effects, Jessie's rings out pure and clear.

"I was experimenting with my voice and having fun with it," she said of making the song, and if that's the case, just keep having fun, Jessie.

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10. Jamie xx - "All Under One Roof Raving"

Before people started to appreciate how vital he was to The xx's sound, Jamie was that third guy in the background, who didn't sing. Then, with a few remixes in 2009, hints of his unique production style emerged, before being totally confirmed by 2010's wonderful Gil-Scott Heron remix album, We're New Here. Jamie xx released "Far Nearer," in all its tropical 4x4 glory, in 2011, but he returned with avengance this year, dropping the beautifully atmospheric "Girl / Sleep Sound" 12" (neither of which would look out of place in this best songs list) before veering left with one of the year's most unique songs.

I made "All Under One Roof Raving” whilst on the tail end of another year on the road with The xx. I was missing life in London and trawling through any music and videos that reminded me of home. It serves as a reminder, not to take any time for granted at home or away.

Jamie gave the above explanation when introducing this song for its first play on radio, and it makes sense. It's a uniquely British song, made by a truly unique British artist, who has succeeded in making the sort of dance music song that will appeal well beyond "the scene." Quite frankly, nothing else out there sounds like this right now. This isn't just a song, this is an audio collage of British rave history, a distillation of Britain's storied dance music culture into a six minute work of art.

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9. Pharrell - "Marilyn Monroe"

The other day, someone—I forget who—was saying Pharrell's album wasn't good because it sounds like one long commercial. You know why commercials use catchy music? Because people like it.

Pharrell isn't trying to be a subversive artist. He's already established himself as a creative genius and helped shape modern music like few other active (and relevant) musicians. With GIRL, Pharrell is making music that people like. It's polished, fun, feel-good (unless you're one of the dreamkillers complaining about how tired you are of "Happy"), and still manages to pop like a splash of bright paint against a cement wall.

This album isn't made for critics or cool kids. It's made for the masses, and leave it up to Pharrell to pull that off while still maintaining his cool on songs as excellent as "Marilyn Monroe." It's such solid pop that it could have been a Michael Jackson song from the late '80s. Since then, the gap between hip, cool-kid music and mega-pop has widened, and it's almost impossible to please both. Leave it up to Pharrell.

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8. Lykke Li - "No Rest For The Wicked"

It's hard to pick a standout from Lykke Li’s new album I Never Learn. There are no big pop hits here, but the layers of vocals in the chorus to "No Rest For The Wicked" give it a dramatic flair that sets it apart. This is an album about loneliness and heartbreak, but that doesn't mean a bunch of whiny, tender songs. Lykke Li exudes strength, control, and power, even when her lyrics read like the diary of a broken girl.

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7. Drake - "0 to 100"

We’re currently in that strange period of time between Drake albums, wherein we get copious amounts of one-off tracks that exist either as a thanks to fans, or a chance to show off. Out of all the tracks Drizzy has given us this year, “0 to 100” is his flashiest. We all know that Drake is at his best when he’s flaunting off his status or lamenting lost relationships, so when he combines both of them, it’s something special indeed.

With its ghostly James Blake-featuring conclusion, the two-parter hints at Drake’s growing ambitions. Not many hip-hop artists possess as much versatility as Drake; it says a lot that he can make a banger and slower slab of ethereal atmosphere on the very same song. It might be hyperbolic to say he’s catching up to the greats, but damn if he isn’t trying to.

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6. How To Dress Well - "Face Again"

How To Dress Well’s ”What Is This Heart?” is full of absolutely stunning moments, but “Face Again” is Tom Krell at his absolute darkest. His music has always focused on emotions and love's complexities, but “Face Again” dives deeper than anything he’s ever done. The subject matter is far from pretty, but the guttural bass and heart-torturing lyrics craft a beauty that’s a little harder to appreciate.

It’s music from the soul, about the soul. Fractured, filled with darkened hues and troubled anxieties, it’s one of the most realistic depictions of in-the-moment heartbreak. Confused, loud, and tender all at the some point; “Face Again” makes its way under your skin and asks for an answer it doesn’t know the question to.

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5. Lana Del Rey - "Money Power Glory"

Lana Del Rey’s sophomore album is a pleasing step forward for the artist, experimenting with new sounds and song structures, and incorporating everything from psych-rock guitars to the weird waltz of "Shades of Cool." The more straightforward, Born To Die-esque songs, like "Fucked My Way Up To The Top" and "Ultraviolence," are still great pop songs, but the album's best moments come when Lana really extends herself, pushing her voice into new places and trying out totally new styles

"Money Power Glory" is one such song, a hymn-like ode to doing whatever it takes that unfurls at the chorus with the sort of melody that an angel-voiced choir should be singing in a cathedral with sun streaming in through the windows. It's a truly epic moment on a powerful pop record, and the flourish of a fuzzy guitar solo is just another reason that this is the best song from Ultraviolence.

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4. St. Vincent - "Prince Johnny"

St. Vincent’s self-titled album is a slight departure from her previous projects. More experimental than the albums that preceded it, St. Vincent is a fun, eccentric, and at times aggressive collection of songs. There are a few anomalies, though, acting as throwbacks to 2011's Strange Mercy, like "Prince Johnny," a slow, steady ballad filled with nostalgia and melancholy.

Here, Annie Clark shows extreme finesse and versatility. Yes, she can play the hell out of a guitar, but she also has an incredibly dynamic voice to prove that she's one of the most well-rounded musicians in the game. "Prince Johnny" encompasses that latter idea in a neat and intelligent little package.

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3. Sam Smith - "Stay With Me"

Before Sam Smith took off fully in the U.S., he was known as a featured artist on songs like "La La La" and "Latch." Everyone could hear the potential of his voice, but how would he use it?

It's been too long since we've seen an Adele-level star rise. Finding that sweet spot between mass appeal and critical acclaim is seeming almost impossible these days, but Adele found it, and on his debut album In The Lonely Hour, Sam Smith has found it too. "Stay With Me" is a massive ballad with a huge chorus boosted by a full choir. It's over-the-top in a way that mainstream hits are meant to be, but Sam's emotive vocals make it impactful too. This isn't that soulless pop that we're used to hearing from hits of this scale, and it's a highlight from a vocalist who is hopefully going to make a major impact on music in the next decade.

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2. Jungle - "Busy Earnin"

The songs that Jungle have shared so far have already explored a variety of different styles, all rooted in a sort of throwback, groove-heavy sound that mixes funk basslines and soulful pop vocals, into a very current, recognizable sound. Much-loved by online press and listeners before they had even played a show, Jungle's growth seemed fairly organic and evenly paced. Each new song shared elements of previous ones, and all were very good, but to make a transition from blog-favorites into something bigger, it's important to have that one big song. One that people will hear once and never forget, one that someone walking by at a festival will hear and make the effort to find out who played it.

"Busy Earnin'" is that song—bright, bold, and possessing an undeniable chorus given some extra swagger by that horn section. And just wait until you hear it played live. Game, set, and match, Jungle.

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1. T.I. ft. Young Thug - "About The Money"

There is no shortage of hip-hop fans who refuse to embrace Young Thug. He wears weird clothes, sings off-key in a voice so excited that sometimes it cracks and morphs into a squeal, and he ignores all those skill sets (lyricism, mainly) that people who claim to like “real hip-hop” usually equate to quality. And still, here we are, with Kanye, Drake, Wayne, T.I. and more all riding for this young Atlanta rapper as he rises.

This song probably isn’t going to convince Thug haters that this is an important artist who deserves more credit for his unique approach to rap, but it certainly feels validating for those of us who knew Thug’s potential. Unlike a lot of his unhinged mixtape tracks—many of which are released without Thug’s knowledge or approval—this song feels complete. Thug isn’t just aimlessly freestyling and switching flows when he feels like it. The song is structured, Young Thug has his role, and plays that role while balancing his quirky flair with a more polished, restrained (barely) style. It’s still Young Thug, but it feels like the next step, like a clear advancement in the evolution of Young Thug from weirdo Atlanta rapper to rising rap superstar. And the significance of Thug next to Atlanta legend T.I. is not lost.

Oh yeah, T.I. sounds great on this song too, and London On Da Track cements his spot as one of hip-hop’s best new hit-makers. Hip-hop in Atlanta is alive and well.

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