Best Songs of the Week

Kid Cudi's next chapter is beginning in earnest. After releasing the rock-heavy Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven this past December, Cudi returned with "The Frequency" last month and followed it up this week with a masterful collaboration with Mike WiLL Made-It, "All In."

The latter provides some addictively propulsive production, deep bass and watery synths that swirl around Cudi's vocals to create a mystical, otherworldly vibe. It's one of our favorite tracks from the artist in recent memory—there's no telling what he'll do next, but Kid Cudi is officially on a hot streak.—Graham

Just based off the singles, you could tell that A$AP Ferg's new album Always Strive And Prosper, his second studio record, was going to be as varied as a major label rap album can be in 2016. While more pop-leaning songs like Missy Elliott collab "Strive" or the smooth "I Love You" with Ty Dolla $ign and Chris Brown might bring Ferg new fans, he is still at his very best making high-energy, high-impact tracks like "New Level," or the all-too-brief "Yammy Gang."

Harnessing the Mob's energy over a Cashmere Cat and Lido-produced beat, this is a strong addition to Ferg's catalog of tracks that will go all the way off at his live shows.—Constant Gardner

There are so many varying factors that can make a song lovable—many times it’s just the beat, other times it’s the hook, and sometimes it's just a a feeling that you can't pin to a specific part. But for Florida rapper Kaiydo’s latest single “Lottery” it was the opening punchline that personally pulled me in.

As soon as I heard Kaiydo say, “I just had a dream I won the lottery,” over some heavy-hitting bass, I was prepared for this to be a boastful party record. However, he completes the line saying, “then I woke up dead broke,” quickly bringing things back into perspective. With "Lottery," Kaiydo offers up a feel-good record for everyone who may not have made it just yet, but are on their way. The thumping production and the heavy dose of reality in the lyrics work together to create the perfect motivational record to get up and start making your dreams come true.—Adrienne Black

Some songs wear nostalgia like the latest fashion, tossing around samples and signifiers of amber past that don't feel earned—to say nothing of feeling genuine.

Chicago rapper Femdot's "97'." sounds like it crept out of someone's record case to walk around and try modern living on for size.

It captures the soul of older records (prominently sampling Seals & Crofts' "Sweet Green Fields," the foundation of Busta Rhymes' hit "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See," here used to much more leisurely effect) with the youthful energy and ego of a 20-year-old raised in the age of Spotify—the Golden Era is an abstract concept, available at the click of a button. "97'." captures much of Femdot's charm and skill, showcasing a deft, playful storyteller with an ability for crystallizing warm memories, rather than cloyingly crafting a false vision of the past.—Jon Tanners

London-based singer, rapper, and producer GAIKA released his SECURITY mixtape this week, describing it to us as being "about the fear of death and how that controls all of us." Yes, the project gets dark, but there are also moments release like "GKZ." It's certainly an ominous track, but at 2 a.m. in a dark, smoky, underground rave, this one will give you life. Caribbean influences, underground club music, and trap are thrown into GAIKA's blender, and the result is a more acurate representation of the sound of modern London than you'll hear anywhere else.—Constant Gardner

It's always great when an artist steps out of their comfort zone and delivers a fresh sound to the fans. With the help of Felix Snow, SZA was able to do just that as she put her versatility on full display with "Lies." TDE has been sounding superb on nearly everything they've done this year, so it's no surprise that the group's First Lady kept up pace, taking a break from her usual chilled, nostalgic production and jumping into a lively world of electro-pop. Her voice sounds amazing over the uptempo beat, and this song could easily become a huge pop hit.

"Lies" will be on Felix Snow's upcoming compilation project Nukes In The Kitchen, as he and his partner David Singer-Vine continue to build up the brand of their EFFESS Records imprint.—Eric I.

Post Malone has become a polarizing figure, but good music always wins, and Post's got another one with "Go Flex." We've been aware of the Texas artist's non-rap influences for a while now, but he puts those on full display for the stomping, knee-slapping, catchy-as-hell ode to flexing. It's an odd mish-mash of styles—much like Post Malone himself—but it sounds so perfectly natural.—Jacob Moore

"Random Love" is the latest offering from the mysterious Appleby, and this feels more like a piece of performance art than just a song. "Random Love" tells a story of modern romance with thoughtful and clever lyrics from Appleby, and booming production from Elias Abid. Add in some sweet vocals from Chicago duo Iris Temple and a screaming guitar solo, and "Random Love" becomes a truly complete record.

"It came about pretty much how all of our tunes do." Appleby says. "Just me next to Elias riffing an idea the moment he touches a keyboard. I'm just grateful our everyday homies Iris Temple joined us."

Appleby, Abid, and Iris Temple work well as a team on "Random Love," but Appleby went out and got some additional vocals from one last contributor—his mother. "To have some of the most important people in my life join me on this record, including my mom saying, 'Justin you are special,' warms my heart in a way no other record can."

Listen to "Random Love" below and watch out for Appleby's Down Dance EP, out April 25.—John W.