Best Songs of the Week

These two producers have been killing it as of late, each with their own distinct style. S-Type’s bombastic, martial beats hit with the kind of power that could shake a house, while the tracks on Yung Gud's debut EP were no less powerful, but certainly more menacing, his synths sounding on the edge of decay at times.

They combine formidably on "Fire," a vicious chest rattler of a beat, setting a precedent early in the year for the level of music we can expect from them. Look out for both of these guys in 2015.—Constant Gardner

There are a few things that go into making Denai Moore's "Blame" so good. Despite her 22 years of age, she's impressively confident and talented. The production from Ben Drew (aka Plan B) is fantastic. But these things are not what makes this special.

What makes "Blame" special is how deeply it makes you feel. I know what she means when she says, "Blame it on us, too young to know / The memories stay when lovers go." But even if I didn't, Moore delivers her story in such a heartfelt manner, she can make any listener relate. It's an emotional sucker-punch, but in the best way possible.—Katie K.

With America finally being on the cusp of properly accepting grime, I'm this much closer to the day where I can blast something like Mystry's "Pulse 8" and not feel like a weirdo. Taking a cue from a certified grime classic ("Pulse X"), Mystry took the low-end energy from that banger, slowed things down a bit, and crafted a trap-leaning gem out of it.

Sure, it's kind of weird, and the bass has a mind of its own, but imagine some of your favorite MCs hopping on something this fierce. And not someone like Danny Brown "because he raps on weird shit," but damn near any MC that is worth their weight in bars should be able to tackle this one with a hot 16. Or should at least be trying to.—khal

At this point, it’s starting to feel like the UK is just a huge music factory, popping out one great artist after another. And not only am I perfectly fine with that, I look forward to every new artist that emerges. The latest young talent, Zak Abel, already looks like he’s off to a strong start with his single “Alchemy.”

The production of the track slowly builds up and when it finally breaks, it's time to dance. This is a feel good track that still manages to showcase Zak Abel’s voice, its smoky quality full of more character than one would expect to hear from the average teenager. Zak Abel has the sort of voice that exudes raw talent and deserves our attention. And he’s surely got mine.—Adrienne Black

Like a lot of new artists these days, Goodbye Tomorrow is choosing to hold out on offering up too much information at first. We know that they're from Chicago, but nothing about who "they" are. Unlike a lot of mysterious new artists who let the music speak for itself, Goodbye Tomorrow lets their visuals help get the message across. And the video for "JAY Z" is one of the most gripping of the year. From production and vocals to intensity and vision, Goodbye Tomorrow is firing on all cylinders.—Confusion

Some of the best songs on Villagers’ last album, including standout "The Waves," made use of surprising electronic elements, but things are pared back on "Courage." Simplicity is the name of the game, both for the song and the video, which is based around Conor O'Brien's fragile vocals and gentle acoustic guitar.

There are some extra effects thrown in at the end, reflecting O'Brien's endless creativity, but at its heart, this is a emotive ballad of the highest order.—Constant Gardner

ALA.NI will be releasing four EPs this year—one for each season—and "Cherry Blossom" is from the first, titled You & I and out on March 23. There's a delicate simplicity to ALA.NI's work that is hard to find in modern music, and while it recalls past decades, there's something incredibly fresh about how unique it is in today's soundscape.—Confusion

There's something really beautiful about a rapper finding the perfect producer. When it happens, they magically enhance each other's abilities, as Action Bronson and The Alchemist (together again) do for one another on "Big League Chew." Bam Bam brings to the table what he's known and loved for: wonderfully vulgar lyrics and that carefree delivery. That along with The Alchemist's soulful beat? It's a match made in rap heaven.—Joyce