Best Songs of the Month (Jul 2016)

These are the best songs of July.

With so much good music steadily coming through, it's easy to miss out on some of the best. To help prevent this, we've rounded up the best songs from the past month. Here are the songs you can't afford to skip, in no particular order.

1.

2. Mac Miller ft. Anderson .Paak - "Dang!"

Over the past years, we've seen plenty of new sides to Mac Miller, from the experimental to the introspective. On "Dang!" he partners with Anderson .Paak for his smoothest song to date. Mac matches the vibe of the low-key funky, electronic beat, and .Paak proves once again that his voice makes any song better.—Jacob Moore

3. Toro y Moi - "Grown Up Calls"

Could it be? A song's alternate version that hangs with the original? It sounds blasphemous to write out loud, but Toro y Moi is an exception to every rule. This rework of "Grown Up Calls" runs just short of seven minutes long, and every second of its hazy groove is as enjoyable as the last, especially the bassy breakdown that dominates the last act. We've no idea how long Chaz has been holding this one in the vault, but its liberation is welcomed with open arms.—Graham Corrigan

4. NAO ft. A.K. Paul - “Trophy”

Nao

NAO and A.K. Paul teamed up for the London singer's stunning debut track "So Good," so it makes sense that they made more magic on her debut album For All We Know, which is out today. Creating that singular sonic world with spiky guitars and a sultry funk, A.K. Paul also features on vocals, giving NAO a sparring partner for her soaring runs. This better not be the last time these two work together.—Constant Gardner

Related: NAO's Debut Album is a Statement of Intent from a Rising Star

5. ScHoolboy Q - "THat Part (Black Hippy Remix)"

Whenever ScHoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul rap together, it's an event. It doesn't happen often enough, but when Black Hippy comes through and drops a remix, the four artists always seem to bring the best out of each other. The original "THat Part" was already memorable, but with these four flexing their different styles, we'll be replaying the remix for days.

Who came hardest though? I think Jay Rock took this one.—Constant Gardner

6. SAINt JHN - "Roses"

After some time writing behind the scenes, SAINt JHN is back with a new name (he used to go by Carlos St. John) and style. His song "Roses" is emotive and highlights the Brooklyn singer/rapper's charisma, and there's a depth to the songwriting that goes beyond most of the new music in this dark, moody lane. Originally, the song was going to be passed off to another artist, but SAINt JHN got so attached to it that he decided to hold on to it for himself. Good call.—Jacob Moore

7. PartyNextDoor - "Not Nice"

Fans of PartyNextDoor have been patiently waiting for him to release his next album PartyNextDoor 3 (P3) for two years now. He recently made his return with the announcement they've been anticipating—P3 will finally be released on August 12. The good news was followed up with a brand new single titled "Not Nice."

Since PND penned Rihanna's latest hit single "Work," it comes as no surprise that his new song also features the Caribbean influence mainstream audiences can't get enough of right now. "Not Nice" features an uptempo rhythm led by an infectious bassline—the Vybz Kartel sample serves as the cherry on top of an already sweet track.

This new single strays away from the sound of his two previous projects, but if this is a preview of what's to come on P3, it will certainly be welcomed with open arms.—Adrienne Black

8. Felix Snow ft. Jitta on the Track - "2 Live"

Producer Felix Snow has been putting in work recently, producing music with SZA, Young Thug, DJ Carnage, and others. Whoever Snow works with, he seems to bring out some magic, and "2 Live" with Jitta On The Track is yet more proof of that. It's bouncy but nostalgic, and the work with vocal samples towards the end is glorious. Another winner for Felix Snow.—Constant Gardner

9. Mabel - "Thinking Of You"

Mabel

Mabel's debut single, "Know Me Better," was so good—so personal and intimate—that I was worried she wouldn't be able to match it. Follow up "My Boy My Town" was a solid pop offering from the London-based singer, but "Thinking Of You" is another gem of a love song.

Where "Know Me Better" focused purely on the excitement of a blossoming romance, "Thinking Of You" sees Mabel unable to take her mind off a lover, even when she's with another man. There's a relatable uncertainty in her lyrics, but that chorus is solid, heartfelt gold. This is contemporary pop music at its very best.—Constant Gardner

10. Desiigner - "Timmy Turner"

Designer

It's finally here. After exactly one month of dabs, memes, and Instagram teases, Desiigner has released "Timmy Turner" and... it's very polarizing. One thing it proves beyond doubt, though, is that there's more range to this kid than "Panda."

The melody that I've been humming every day since the XXL freestyle video dropped is golden, and still connects, and that dirty, g-funk synth line is a touch of Mike Dean genius. I still want to hear a stripped back piano version, an a capella version, and maybe an organ version, but still, "Timmy Turner" is a lot of fun. Grrrrrrraaaaaah.—Constant Gardner

11. Shura - "Indecision"

Of all the bouncy pop jams on Shura's Nothing's Real, "Indecision" might be the most fun. Airy synths set a mood of bittersweet determination—Shura's been spurned on this track, but it's not making her rethink a thing. "It may be over," she sings, "But there’s something you should know / You’ve got my love."

The instrumentation is on point, too—the syncopated toms and arpeggiated bells give "Indecision" a Blood Orange vibe, but Shura's vocals provide a dreamy energy only she could muster.—Graham

12. Denzel Curry ft. Boogie and Allan Kingdom - “Today”

With music fandom comes the joy of watching talented young artists grow into themselves. Denzel Curry, Allan Kingdom, and Boogie have each leveled up again and again, no longer small acts with potential but esteemed artists on the cusp of something greater. It's what makes "Today"—a slow-moving anthem for those who wake up and chase their own goals—all the more special. The song's very existence is a testament to that mentality, not to mention the internet's power. Regional barriers are absent as exports from California, Florida, and Minnesota represent their respective homes well.—Alex Siber

13. Francis and the Lights ft. Bon Iver & Kanye West - "Friends"

You know a song concept is top notch when not one, but two stellar tracks arise from the same source material. Francis and the Lights' "Friends" first appeared in sampled, excerpted form on Chance The Rapper's "Summer Friends," a touching standout that anchored Coloring Book in a nostalgic recollection of early memories. Francis' layered voice takes point there, developing melancholic context in the song's opening moments.

The original version is just as strong. Credited as guest artists, Bon Iver and Kanye West dance and sing along in the track's accompanying video, providing cosigns by way of proximity. Justin Vernon's presence, in particular, comes as a welcome surprise. More than a few listeners heard Francis for the first time this past May and labeled him the Desiigner to Bon Iver's Future. Starlite has, in fact, been doing this for a very long time, and he shows his talent with a song as emotionally gripping as its Chicago cousin. Expect things to speed up for the seasoned vet in the coming months.—Alex Siber

14. Lil Yachty ft. Offset - "DipSet"

Lil Yachty's new Summer Songs 2 solidifies the self-proclaimed King of Teens as the strongest new brand in hip-hop. Yachty's not trying to be the best rapper alive, and most hip-hop purists still aren't going to be won over by SS2, but this tape delivers everything that Lil Yachty fans want. It's packed with delightful charisma, addictive melodies, and well-placed guest features to provide some balance to Yachty's playful delivery. Early standouts include the intro, "King of Teens," "Life Goes On," and "So Many People," but the Offset-featuring "DipSet" is Yachty at his most elegant.—Jacob Moore

15. Clams Casino ft. A$AP Rocky and Lil B - "Be Somebody"

Clams Casino

Clams Casino broke down each song on his excellent new album 32 Levels for us, and "Be Somebody" means a lot to him. The track was originally going to appear on Rocky’s album but after some back and forth, Clams got it and added Lil B as the finishing touch. “They haven’t worked together yet, and there’s no better place for it than on my album," he told us. "I had to make it happen.”

Bringing two rappers whose sound and evolution he has been such a big part of together on a track is an impressive feat indeed, but even better is just how out there this beat is. It's based around disembodied samples of Mikky Ekko's vocals, a vaporous production which both rappers flex their respective styles over. Only Clams could have made this happen, and 32 Levels is a crowning achievement in his career so far.—Constant Gardner

Related: Clams Casino's New Album 32 Levels In His Own Words

16. Blood Orange - "Best To You"

The new Blood Orange album Freetown Sound isn't as immediate as his last album Cupid Deluxe, but Dev Hynes seems more inspired than ever, and it couldn't come at a more perfect time. Musically, the album features all that we love about Dev—funky grooves, soulful spirit, and strong pop songwriting—but it's Dev's message that gives weight to Freetown Sound.

When it comes to addressing race, identity, and sexuality, there's nobody as graceful as Dev Hynes, and that's so important during these confusing times in America. "Best To You" is an early standout for me, but this is an album I'll be spending a lot more time with in the coming months.—Jacob Moore

17. DJ Khaled ft. Jay Z & Future - "I Got The Keys"

DJ Khaled

Let's skip over the Khaled-isms for once and admit it: for all his hilarity and Snap stories, DJ Khaled has been releasing the best music of his career recently. I don't know how much he has to do with the writing, mixing, and mastering of these tracks, but I do know that his name is listed first, and that "I Got The Keys" will be playing all summer long. Lemonade has given us a Jay Z reborn—he's snarling from the opening lines: "N***s always asking me the key / 'Til you own your own you can't be free / 'Til you're on your own you can't be me / How we still slaves in 2016?"

Future's hook is electric, Khaled plays the able hype man as ever, and a heavyweight contender just stepped in the song of the summer ring.—Graham

18. Banks - "Fuck With Myself"

It's been two years since BANKS released her brilliant debut studio album, GODDESS. Thankfully, the wait for new music officially came to an end this week as she shared a new video and details on her currently untitled sophomore album—which is due out on September 30.

Her latest single, "Fuck With Myself," comes off as a bold declaration of independence. As she sings, "I used to care what you think about me," it becomes clear that this isn't necessarily a boastful track.

It's about putting self-love high on the list of priorities, and while BANKS' haunting vocals add an intriguing element to the single, they never overshadow the main message. After "Fuck With Myself," we're excited to hear more from BANKS' new album.—Adrienne Black

19. Smino ft. Jean Deaux - "Lemon Pon Goose"

Smino is on fire, uncovering a little more of his talent with each new track until we can see the full picture. He's made magic with producer Monte Booker already, but this time Sango is the perfect match, with Jean Deaux finishing this track off with her warm vocals.

There's a real dancehall influence on "Lemon Pon Goose" but Smino still makes the track his own, spitting slow then fast and killing the hook too. The St. Louis rapper can get deep and reflective, but this time he's having fun, and so are we. Pure summertime party vibes.—Constant Gardner

20. Boogie - "Man Down"

Boogie

L.A.'s Boogie is so versatile. He's proved he can make a club hit with "Oh My," while some of the production choices on his two mixtapes come out of left field. Boogie can turn up one moment and hit you with a deep reflection on society's ills the next, always with a wicked sense of humor running through his lyrics.

On "Man Down,"Boogie is trapped in his own dark thoughts, which are brought to life in the video by the room where he's rapping—and just wait until that beat switch kicks in.

Thirst 48 Pt. 2, a follow up to Boogie's brilliant 2014 mixtape, is coming this August. Wack, social media-obsessed rappers, watch out. Boogie's coming for your neck.—Constant Gardner

21. James Vincent McMorrow - "Rising Water"

James Vincent McMorrow is evolving before our very eyes. The Irish singer still has that beautiful voice, but "Rising Water" signals a shift: the new single boasts production from OVO Sound's Nineteen85, who put some propulsive sounds and choice filters behind and within McMorrow's angelic vocals.

"Rising Water" has levels, and it introduces them one by one: first that bendy bass, then the vocal loop, then the lead voice—and this is all before everything blooms at the chorus. If anything can get you through this shitty, shitty week, it's that chorus. We loved JVM's acoustic work (never forget "Red Dust"), but this direction is a step forward by any measure. And with a new album out in September, you can be sure there's a lot more heat coming.—Graham Corrigan

22. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie - "My Shit"

I never said I was forever the first, but I feel like I know a gem when I hear it. A Boogie (Wit Da Hoodie), a Bronx, NY rapper I just got put onto this week, is giving me Dej Loaf vibes with his infectious single "My Shit." I want this to last like the perfect summer night. It's a track that feels too unique to not mean something.

When Dej Loaf hit with "Try Me," I felt like she might've been that next one. She didn't pan out, no matter how memorable that one song truly was, but there's something about A Boogie. His flow reminds me of how Dej attacked the beat, and there's something in that instrumental that has stuck with me. The only problem with "My Shit" is that it's over way too soon. Still, it's a perfect teaser of what I'm hoping isn't just a trial run for an artist who's truly starting to bubble right now.—khal

23. BADBADNOTGOOD ft. Charlotte Day Wilson - "In Your Eyes"

BADBADNOTGOOD

Ever since Charlotte Day Wilson released "After All," we've been anxious to hear what's next. The Toronto singer has a voice that makes success seem inevitable, and she took a big leap in that direction this week on "In Your Eyes."

The Toronto singer teamed up with fellow Canadians BADBADNOTGOOD to make it happen. They have an album out July 8, and this is one of the smoothest, prettiest cuts we've heard yet.

“I went to high school with Charlotte," said BBNG's Alex Sowinski, "And at the time wasn’t aware of her incredible singing and songwriting talent. She was playing sax sitting in the chair next to the drums and said to me ‘damn you got swag son.’ Ever since we’ve been making heat in the lab and are planning to get back and keep crafting hit rekkids!”—Graham

24. Carnage ft. Young Thug - "Don't Call Me"

With bright, upbeat production, Carnage brought out one of Young Thug's most fun verses since "Good Times." It starts off low key, but once he rhymes "poncho" with "brrrumbo," it's on.—Jacob Moore

25. Jaden Smith - "LABOR V2"

It's crazy that some people still aren't taking Jaden Smith seriously as an artist. His output has been limited, but over the last few years he's shown steady evolution, and it feels like it's all building up to that "oh shit" moment that's going to shake up the hip-hop world. Jaden is wildly and unapologetically creative, and "LABOR V2" is smart and different without being inaccessible. This kid is special, and hopefully he'll finish that album soon.—Jacob Moore

26. THEY. - "Deep End"

As soon as that bassy piano kicks at the beginning of "Deep End," you know it's on. THEY. have not made a habit of making bad songs, and this latest release follows suit. There's always one part of every THEY. song that grabs you by the throat, and this time it's the hook—when those cascading vocals shiver in over the razor-sharp drums, there's nowhere else you'll want to be.

And as with all great (not good) songs, there's a third level. In this case, the elevation happens in the last minute of "Deep End"—the chord progression changes ever so slightly, a couple of new synths start dancing around one another, and that vocal tremolo brings it all home. Another incredible cut.—Graham Corrigan

27. Gucci Mane ft. Kanye West - "Pussy Print"

Everybody Looking is the perfect title for Gucci Mane's first project since being released from prison—listeners worldwide have been anticipating this from the moment he was free. He returned to society with a vengeance, and added a ton of hits to his already massive catalog. He also provided some incredible guest verses for the likes of French Montana, Kodak Black, and Kanye West.

On "Pussy Print," Kanye returns the favor and helps make one of the standout records of Gucci Mane's album. Both artists are known to have provocative lyrics, and on this track they deliver witty, clever verses. It's a fun listen and will be sure to gain steam throughout the summer. —Eric Isom

28. Pell - "Basic Beach"

It feels like it's been too long since we last heard from Pell, but thankfully he made his return this week with two new singles, "Show Out" and "Basic Beach." The first single, "Show Out" is a subtle track with just enough funk to get people moving. "Basic Beach" is equally lighthearted, but this track takes a different approach.

In the summertime, as temperatures continue to rise and responsibilities begin to fade into the background, it's common to hear songs about wanting a short-lived summer fling. It's resultingly rare to find someone dedicated to making a relationship last beyond the summer months, when everyone around them is doing the opposite. With "Basic Beach," Pell offers up a soundtrack that manages to fit right in between both of these mentalities. For those currently playing the field but open to finding something deeper, "Basic Beach" might strike the right kind of nerve.—Adrienne Black

29. 24hrs - "BODY"

24hrs

The anonymous enigma we know as 24hrs was already one of our favorite new artists off the strength of his Open EP and the other loosies he dropped, but "BODY" came out of nowhere and might be his best yet. Over laid back, dancehall-inspired IZZE production, 24hrs delivers an addictive hook and more sauced up charisma. At under three minutes, it's the kind of song that you could easily find yourself listening to on repeat—that's exactly what I've been doing since it's dropped.—Jacob Moore

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