Best Songs of the Week

Snoop Dogg is a man who simply cannot be boxed in. Throughout his long career he’s proven that he can make any kind of music that he wants, and be great at it. It seems like Snoop Lion is on hiatus and Snoop’s funkier side Snoopzilla is back. At least for now. Judging from his first single “Peaches N Cream” and this second single “So Many Pros,” it seems that his forthcoming Pharrell-produced album Bush is going to be full of ‘70s inspired jams.

Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, and Charlie Wilson have proven time and time again that they know the formula to make a damn good song. “So Many Pros” is yet another example of the magic that this dream team is capable of making. The beat is infectious and smooth enough to two-step along to, the bridge and hook are simple enough to learn instantly, and the results make for a song that is appealing to both younger and older generations.—Adrienne Black

Bricc Baby Shitro's Nasty Dealer mixtape comes as a logical extension of the work Brodinksi and his Bromance label started on his excellent debut album BRAVA. On it, he combined his tough dance music production with awesome underground street rappers from ATL to LA and beyond, and Brodinski told us that there were a lot more rap/electronic collaborations to come from him and his crew.

Shitro, with his manic energy, is the perfect partner for the punishing beats which, on Nasty Dealer come from established rap producers like Metro Boomin and Sonny Digital as well as Bromance affiliates like Sam Tiba (who produced the brilliant "6 Drugs"), Richelle, Myd, and Brodinski himself. The one track he produced on the mixtape is big, menacing keys, raw bass, and Shitro doing what he does best. Going hard.

If you haven't download the tape yet, grab it here.—Constant Gardner

This is that sweet spot between rapping and singing. That style of repetition and subtle melody can sometimes be terribly monotonous, but every now and then, the production and vocals mesh for a hypnotizing effect. TM88's entire Sacii Lyfe mixtape is drugged out and aggressively bass-heavy, and it's the perfect tone for this mesmerizing delivery.—Confusion

Download the entire tape here.

London singer Jones came out with her stunning first song "Deep," but could she follow it up? "Indulge" isn't quite as immediately arresting, but it is nonetheless excellent. The production is lush but restrained, allowing her voice, and the beautifully romantic words she's delivering, to shine. What's next for Jones, we don't know, but her debut EP, which features "Indulge," "Deep," and "You," is definitely a great debut.—Constant Gardner

The way the internet responds to anything Kanye-related these days is getting a little unhealthy. It's a full-body spasm of excitement and reverence that hinges on hysteria. If only he would put out a bad song, maybe we could all calm the fuck down. But alas, he has not.

"U Mad" isn't even 'Ye's song, but he steals the spotlight from Vic Mensa with a ponderous verse unpacking his woes in the courtroom. The production on "U Mad" was a group effort, but that, too, has the Yeezus seal of approval. It's a booming track that's sure to appear all over your nights out for some time to come.—Graham Corrigan

Related Vic Mensa: "It's Chicago Over Everything"

Young Thug's Barter 6 was bound to be polarizing. It didn't matter if he kept the Carter 6 name, or if Wayne co-signed him, or if he shot the cover of the album fully clothed—listeners were going to have an opinion. But fuck it, that's what makes it exciting. If your music's released and the timeline's not debating it, you did something wrong. Sure, people will love Barter 6 and people will definitely hate Barter 6, but they're all talking about Barter 6. Thug already won regardless.

Considering the project hit the internet only yesterday, it's still too early to definitively state whether this love or hate is warranted. But one track clearly sticks out because it delivers a rarely seen side of Thug. "Amazing" doesn't follow the pattern we're used to on most of his previous material. He partners with Cash Money singer Jacquees, who adds a depth and accessibility to Thug's otherworldly but infectious hooks. "Amazing" shows that same mainstream side we saw from Thug on "Hookah," proving he doesn't have to sacrifice his oddities for popularity.—Katie K