Best Songs of the Week (July 1st, 2016)

Fans of Mick Jenkins have been patiently waiting for the release of his forthcoming album THC, the follow-up to 2015's Wave[s], for a few months now. While continuing to put the finishing touches on the new album, Mick returned this week with a new track to treat his fans.

Jenkins' latest track "Sunkissed" is a collaboration with frequent collaborator theMIND, with Da-P providing the bass-heavy production. Based on the title and the rhythm, it's easy to mistake this track as a light, fun song for the summertime. But Mick and theMIND manage to fit an important message to people of color about loving and appreciating the skin they're in over an infectiously bouncy rhythm that makes you want to listen to this on repeat.—Adrienne Black

It's been a year since Cousin Stizz's breakout mixtape Suffolk County, and now he's right around the corner from releasing his next project, MONDA. It's this middle ground, this in-between space of experiencing success but waiting for more, that Stizz explores on his latest single from the upcoming project.

"500 Horses" paints a detailed but straightforward picture of the rapper's career pace, showing both Stizz's ability to remember his roots while picturing a more luxurious lifestyle. It's another strong offering from MONDA, hinting that if the rest of the project follows suit, Stizz's life will be moving a lot faster than 500 horses.—Katie K.

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

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

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

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

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