Best Songs of the Week (Feb 3rd, 2017)

With so much good music, it's easy to miss out on some great tracks. So we've rounded up the best songs from the past week. Here are the songs you can't afford to skip, in no particular order.

When Vince Staples teased a mystery release called “BagBak” on Instagram earlier this week, fans weren’t sure what to expect. Some speculated the new material would simply be a track, while others predicted the Long Beach rapper was gearing up to drop a full-length project. Late last night, he put the debate to rest by unleashing a room-rattling new single.

Rapping over sharp, post-industrial drums and a menacing synth bass, Vince delivers politically charged lines with urgency and dexterity. Throughout the track, he touches on racism, violence, and political unrest. He uses the track to convey a message of empowerment: “Ain't no gentrifying us, we finna buy the whole town,”​ he raps defiantly. “BagBak” is Vince in his finest form, performing with the same passionate delivery and unwavering confidence that made Prima Donna such a compelling listen.—Charlotte Freitag

Well, here we are. Nearly four years after "Without" left me on the floor in a puddle of salty tears, Sampha's full-length Process is here. Like its namesake Joel Embiid, the album is a product of patience. The songs are full, rich constructions. Each choice sounds carefully considered, right from the jump: opening track "Plastic 100°C" runs over five minutes, contains an orchestra of instruments (harp back), and runs the gamut of dynamics. 

I love comparing demos to the "finished product," and we have the opportunity here. When FADER posted an acoustic version last summer, it was a signal Sampha was still capable of greatness. Six months later, he followed through.—Graham Corrigan

Fans waited a long time for Culture and Migos did not disappoint. Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff all have shining moments throughout the 13-track project, capping off their incredible run with the first #1 album of their career.

One of the biggest records on the album has to be "Slippery." Gucci Mane holds his own, but it was tough to compete with Offset's insane verse. Aside from "Bad & Boujee," this may be his best moment on Culture—every bar punches you right in the chest. Takeoff also spits a solid 16 and Quavo gives fans exactly what they look to him for, crazy melodies and clever bars to quote for days.—Eric Isom

There's no denying that The Internet has grown as a collective during the span of the release of their three albums. This year, each of the members are setting out to show their own personal growth and style with solo releases. Last week Matt Martians shared The Drum Chord Theory and this week he's followed by Syd's debut album Fin.

Throughout the album Syd flexes her ability to steal the spotlight, regardless if it's a bass-heavy radio hit or a syrupy groove to set the mood. For the majority of the album, Syd carries the torch. The only feature comes from Atlanta's breakout star 6LACK. Their collaboration "Over" features an infectious rhythm, catchy hook, and a relatable storyline that fans are used to hearing from both Syd and 6LACK. It won't take long for this to be stuck in everyone's head.—Adrienne Black

Stormzy's back!

We knew something was happening when branded billboards started popping up in London earlier this week, but on Thursday we were suddenly gifted an album release date, tracklist, awesome artwork, and a new song and video. "Big For Your Boots" is a statement of intent, no doubt, with a booming grime beat from Sir Spyro and a uniquely English video that features tracksuits, estates, chicken shops, and Stormzy riding past some of London's most famous landmarks atop a police car. Yes, Stormzy can sing and make pop tunes, but it's by being a top level MC that he's become the star he is today, so it was only right that he kicked off his debut album rollout with some #bars.—Alex Gardner

"Omaha" is the first new Toro y Moi material we've heard in a good while, and Chaz Bundick picked up right where he left off. Gorgeous cascading melodies are shadowed by sighing synths as Chaz bemoans a love lost: "You're already gone," he pines, but the song ends on hopeful chords thanks to some delicious backing vocals and the bittersweet folk-rock that Chaz has made his own in recent years. Fans of Bundick's other sounds, don't despair. His collaboration with identical twin jazz virtuosos The Mattson 2—Chaz Bundick Meets The Mattson 2—drops March 31.—Graham Corrigan

It doesn't feel like all that long ago that Brockhampton released their fantastic debut mixtape American Trash, but they're already gearing up to release the sequel. "Cannon" offers a delightful tease of what's to come from the Texas group, and it's something of a change of pace from tracks like "Bet I" and "Dirt."

What stuck around, however, is the constant movement and surprising twists. It wouldn't be a full Brockhampton without a switch-up, and man does "Cannon" deliver on that front. Everyone does a brilliant job with their verses, but Bearface's outro is a personal favorite, capping off the song with a gorgeous refrain and vibrant burst of colorful production. While 2016's debut mixtape felt like Brockhampton capitalizing on their immense talent, "Cannon" seems to imply the best is still yet to come.—Joe Price

Villz blew me away with "Loyalty." The Florida singer delivered the perfect late night slow jam, keeping things simple over the seductive ENT production. In the midst of a wave of new R&B talent ranging from The Weeknd to PartyNextDoor and Bryson Tiller, Villz shows that he is built to survive in the new landscape as he floats over this alluring record.—Eric Isom

Have you ever danced with the devil? KAMI aims straight for pop’s heart on “Scene Girl.” The SAVEMONEY collective’s time-traveling crooner further asserts himself as the not-so-secret weapon his team can count on to turn heads. He channels the eeriness of Mulholland Drive in the nighttime, tapping partner-in-crime Knox Fortune (of Chance The Rapper’s “All Night” fame) for a brooding dive through darkness.

Hellbent on once more proving the depth of his crew’s talent pool, the Chicago crooner flexes his pen on "Scene Girl." These are grim, ghoulish lyrics rooted in the tragic and damned. Bodies flood the floor. A weapon’s trigger beckons. Knox’s score creates a hypnotizing horror film, a twisted sequel to The Nightmare Before Christmas. This is a completely excellent song, and has us waiting with baited breath for whatever these guys cook up next.—Alex Siber

Over the last two years, Los Angeles singer/songwriter SiR has worked to grow his fanbase with impressive releases like 2015's Seven Sundays album and last fall's Her EP. After the recent announcement that SiR is TDE's latest signee, he's sure to have a whole new set of eyes on him now. And his newest singles dont disappoint.

SiR returned this week with the release of a sultry single titled "Ooh Nah Nah" alongside Virginia vocalist and saxophone player, Masego. Together the two created an irresistible track. It's much more seductive and relaxed than the previous single "W$ Boi" and showcases the sort of variety we can expect to hear on his upcoming Her Too EP later this month.—Adrienne Black

St. Louis artist Lewis Grant couldn't have found a better collaborator than Dylan Brady. The two make for killer team, and as they've continued to release art together, they've only gotten better. Indulging in his more experimental tendencies, Dylan dials things back for the stripped-down "How Could I Know?," recalling the brilliance of his 2015 debut All I Ever Wanted.

Lewis Grant's ever-improving lyricism really pops with those heavily processed vocals, drawing more attention to his vivid surrealism than any of his previous tracks. Eighteen-year-old rapper Lil West provides a highly energetic guest verse, adding a little levity to the proceedings and proving once again why he's one of the most promising rappers on SoundCloud right now. Despite how little sounds are actually happening on the track, all three artists involved make it feel like a stacked affair in the best way possible, providing detailed imagery with very few tools.—Joe Price