Best Songs of the Week

A$AP Rocky is back. His last album felt like a necessary step forward—big collaborations, a more diverse production set, experiments with a radio-friendly sound—but "Multiply" is a return to top form. This is why we liked Rocky in the first place.—Confusion

Flying Lotus got some extra special guest MCs for his latest album You're Dead! in the shape of Kendrick Lamar and the legendary Snoop Dogg. We've previously spoken about how brilliant the FlyLo/Kendrick collaboration is, and now You're Dead! is officially out, we can share our appreciation of "Dead Man's Tetris" too.

The beat is wonderfully weird, a mish-mash of see-sawing synth lines (which sound a lot like SBTRKT's "Wildfire" to me) and crunchy drums, not at all the kind of environment you'd expect to hear Snoop Dogg's laid-back flow. Then that recognizable drawl comes in, emerging from a mess of noise, and you realize Snoop can rap over absolutely anything and make it sound awesome.

Definitely wouldn't be mad at more collaborations between these two, but for the moment let's enjoy this track.—Constant Gardner

Lately, there's a noticeable gap between rock, folk, and electronic music. When the worlds merge, it's typically an awkward, forced blend of sounds. Los Angeles based newcomer BØRNS brings together the genres naturally. It's his first song, and it's an intriguing introduction that picks up where My Morning Jacket's Z left off.—Confusion

You know when you go to a club and the DJ starts playing something you’ve never heard before but it immediately gets your full attention? Maybe the song has only been on for about 15 seconds, but you’ve already decided you’re about to love that song.

Well, that’s the kind of reaction I had when I first heard “Why” by Rome Fortune. The song starts off in a way that hints that something crazy is about to happen. And if the production isn’t enough to completely win you over just yet, the hook turns out to be something catchy enough to pick up on after just one listen. The louder you play it, the better it all feels. Before you know it, this will be the go-to song for your pre-game festivities, after parties, and everything in between.

Download the entire Small VVorld project here.—Adrienne Black

Sometimes a song comes along at the right time and perfectly matches how you're feeling. This week was a tough one personally, and listening to something like Rich Gang’s mixtape just felt... off. I know, I know, you're probably all like, "But KK, Rich Gang are some of your best friends, how could they be the wrong type of music?" But it's true, "730" just wasn't where my head was at.

Then I got sent Hayden Calnin’s new song "I Corrupt." Melancholy, beautiful, and gripping, it was exactly the kind of feel I needed. That's not to say that the song is only incredible if you're feeling more somber than usual, but sometimes you just want someone to go through those emotions with you, even if they are on the other side of the headphones.—Katie K.

It's been a while since we've heard new music from AlunaGeorge. With so many downtempo, experimental R&B artists stepping into the spotlight, would the duo switch things up? Thankfully, they didn't. On "Supernatural," they keep their signature danceable, pop-leaning sound, and it's as just as enjoyable as it was when they emerged back in 2012.—Confusion

HW&W sure know how to pick 'em. They're one of the camps that turned me on to Ta-ku, Kaytranada, and Pomo, and one of their latest picks is the mighty Sweater Beats, who drops his Cloud City EP through them later this month. The first glimpse of what's sure to be an intoxicating release, "Dark Matter" transcends most of the chilled turnup that's out there because of Allie's beautiful vocals.

The instrumental would win on its own, but she adds a heavenly human element, riding the beat like a cotdamn pro. It's one of those moments where you realize, "you know what, this futhermucking producer should be working with more vocalists." Heavy petting music for soft naked bodies, or something.—khal

There's a lot to love about L.A.-based duo BC Kingdom's "COLOURS," our first taste of their upcoming EP Buckwild Spirit. First off, there's the production which draws you in with a gentle beatless intro, before hitting you with pounding drums and rich bass, then there's that huge chorus, and finally there's the stirring outro. This is 21st century gospel, so throw your hands up high and give praise.—Constant Gardner