Pigeons & Planes' Best Songs of the Month

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

Juice WRLD and Lil Uzi Vert make perfect sense together. Juice WRLD is one of the fastest rising new artists we've seen break through in years, and fresh off the release of his Goodbye & Good Riddance project, the genre-defying artist keeps things moving with an Uzi collaboration on "Wasted." The song has been quietly added to the album on streaming platforms, and judging by his hour-long freestyle, Juice WRLD has plenty more song ideas in his head.—Jacob Moore

Read our interview with Juice WRLD here.

The Internet's new album Hive Mind features the signature funk, complex musicality, and gorgeous arrangements that fans have come to love them for, and their single "La Di Da" delivers it all. Syd and Steve trading lead vocals becomes equally as important as each intricate piece of instrumentation, and it all works together.—Adrienne Black

Despite the fact that the Zaytoven beat from "When I Think About It" was already used by Larry League last year, Future still sounds great on it. At this point in his career, the Atlanta veteran has little to prove—he's not reinventing himself with each release or turning his roll-outs into spectacles. BEASTMODE 2 was presented as a spontaneous last-minute decision, but the 9-song project feels fully formed. Future and Zaytoven stick to the formula, and on tracks like "When I Think About It," "Wifi Lit," "Racks Blue," and "Hate The Real Me," the chemistry between these two is evident. Future's one of the only rappers out who can make even the most hedonistic song feel genuinely thoughtful and emotional, and when you add some Zaytoven keys to that, it's a beautiful thing.—Jacob Moore

After the powerful "This Is America" and its gripping video, Childish Gambino continues to confound expectations and deliver new takes on pop music with the one-two punch of "Summertime Magic" and "Feels Like Summer." The former is upbeat, a bright, funky song with steel drums and lighthearted lyrics, while the latter is hazier, the soundtrack to the sun setting at the end of a long, hot day. Neither hit as hard or are as singular as "This Is America," but both are a reminder of Donald Glover's uncanny ability to successfully shift between sounds and approaches, not to mention mediums of entertainment.—Alex Gardner

The story behdind Childish Gambino's powerful "This Is America" dance choreography.

There's a trajectory to most rising pop careers that goes something like this: start out making cool music, get bigger, make objectively better but less interesting music, lose your edge, become a pop superstar. Billie Eilish isn't following this trajectory. When we first heard her, she was 15 years old and already had her own style. Instead of toning it down, Billie has gotten even more bold and is embracing the qualities that make her stand out instead of the ones that could have helped her fit in.

Today, Billie Eilish is one of the most compelling young acts in music, and instead of looking to other pop stars for inspiration, she gets it from boundary-pushing acts like Tyler, The Creator, who she cites as one of her favorite artists. Watch our interview with Billie Eilish here, and check out her latest single "you should see me in a crown" below.—Jacob Moore

The third single Brockhampton's delivered through their Beats 1 radio show, "1997 Diana," is nowhere near as flashy as "1998 Truman" or "1999 Wildfire," but it's just as essential. More of a throwback to the chaotic energy of the first Saturation, the brief but sweet new track evokes the same feeling hearing the incredible "Star" for first time did. In other words, it's a perfect reminder of the type of brilliance that got them to where they're at now.—Joe Price

It's been a tumultuous time for Brockhampton, but they've somehow managed to bounce back far quicker than expected. With their fourth studio album on the way, they've proved with their new song "1999 Wildfire" that regardless of the events that led to them losing a member, they're still as strong as they ever were. The hook, provided by Kevin Abstract, cements the gorgeous song, but standout verses from both Bearface and Matt Champion make it. 

It might not have been the best situation for them, but they're certainly not letting it get in the way of becoming the biggest boyband in the world.—Joe Price

“The underground shit, it started out a certain way," Xavier Wulf told us in an interview earlier this year. "Like, real n****s only, just killing shit underground. But now some fuck shit slid through and popped off. There are some dudes that got by off of the formula that me and a few of my peers laid down. They connected that formula and it's not real a lot of times.”

For years, Xavier Wulf has been an influential figure to the way current rap sounds and feels. With his new album East Memphis Maniac, he's well-positioned to get the praise he deserves, and he doesn't need to rely on a formula. The album shape-shifts from the feel of classic Memphis rap to a more modern approach, and an early standout with a little of both is "Match Hunters" featuring MadeinTYO.—Jacob Moore

The video for Denzel Curry's "Clout Cobain" should probably come with a trigger warning for those of us traumatized by clowns. But it's an important watch, a black and white nightmare set in a circus tent that doubles as the music industry. Denzel is the main event, dancing and posing in ghoulish makeup at the behest of a grotesque ringmaster.

The frenzied camerawork and rabid crowd are a chilling accompaniment to Curry's lyrics, which are dotted with "suicidal doors" and pleas for help. Growling bass and eerie chimes set the scene, In an accompanying statement, Curry explains the video's imagery: "This cyclical modern day minstrel show does end lives prematurely and ultimately, it's the artists who can break the influence of the industry's ringmasters."—Graham Corrigan

Unlike with many singers, the "you" in Jessie Reyez's music has never been some vague, one-dimensional object of affection. From the cold ex on "Figures" to the "Broken home baby" on "Apple Juice," Reyez's writing has consistently been empathetic, detailed, and unflinchingly honest, and her new track continues down that path. Reyez fills the pockets of a sweeping, string-heavy instrumental with dominant vocal runs that bend, quiver and stretch around the edges of her considerable range. The heartbreak on "Apple Juice" is made universal, but the song will hit especially hard for anyone who has ever tried to save someone from themselves. Reyez has had a fairly under-the-radar 2018, so here's hoping "Apple Juice" is a harbinger of more tunes to come.—Grant Rindner

Chance The Rapper has been so wholesome lately that when he dropped four new songs this week, it was refreshing to hear the standout start with a Jamie Foxx sample repeatedly singing "fuck you." It's a simple song with Chance's sharp and direct delivery slicing through the understated, loop-driven production. No word on when the album's coming, but Chance has been working, and judging by the pointed lyrics on "I Might Need Security," he's got a lot to get off his chest.—Jacob Moore

Even if the idea for the production hadn't hatched on an episode of P&P's Delete Your History, we'd still think this long-awaited "Fortnite" single is awesome. Both Murda Beatz and Fortnite have been dominating their respective fields, so it's only right that the multi-platinum producer was the one to sample the game's theme song. The record features Yung Bans, Ski Mask The Slump God, and Lil Yachty, three of the biggest Fortnite fans in rap and also three of music's hottest rising stars. The song is fun, catchy, and another example of how unpredictable and limitless hip-hop has become.—Eric Isom

Jaden Smith is constantly evolving, and his latest offering, SYRE: The Electric Album, ushers in a fascinating new stage of his artistry. The unconventional album, which Jaden released via Instagram earlier this week, features reworked versions of five songs from his November release SYRE. The new recordings are otherworldly and emotive, and SYRE: The Electric Album closes with the revamped version of “Icon,” Jaden’s most popular track to date.

The high-energy hit single is transformed into a sprawling, atmospheric reflection on Jaden’s place in the world, youth, and the future of humanity. The new instrumental arrangement is driven by daintily strummed guitars, stacked harmonies, and rich, slow-moving bass. Jaden coolly slips into relaxed cadences and flows, signaling a stark change from the breakneck pace of his delivery on the original version. Both versions of "Icon" are compelling works of art for different reasons, and with the newly released electric version, Jaden displays his ability to adapt multiple musical styles with finesse and creativity.—Charlotte Freitag

21-year-old Memphis producer Tay Keith has been having quite a year, shaping the sound of current rap with beats for superstars like Drake and A$AP Rocky as well as more underground artists like Xavier Wulf and Hoodrich Pablo Juan. His latest work is Lil Yachty's new single "Who Want The Smoke," featuring rap's premier couple, Cardi B and Offset, as well as ad libs from BlocBoy JB. Expect to hear this one played loud this summer.—Alex Gardner

It's been a minute since we heard from DRAM, but he returned with three new songs this week on his That's A Girls Name (his real name is Shelley). The synths on the standout track "Best Hugs" give the track a nostalgic, feel-good vibe fitting for a cool summer jam. The two-step worthy track is a sweet song about a girl with incredible hugs, but quickly turns simultaneously disrespectful and hilarious when you realize DRAM is preparing to swoop in and steal someone's girl—"Your girl gives the best hugs / If I was you, I wouldn't mess that up."—Adrienne Black

Some fans of Jazz Cartier probably love him for his unlimited energy, but his followers know that Jazz has impressive range. In the mix of a few more energetic tracks on his official major label debut album Fleurever, Jazz calms things down a bit with "IDWFIL.

The sample should sound familiar to a few ears as the Cartier's new track loops the gentle harmonies from Kali Uchis and Jorja Smith's collab "Tyrant." Building off of Kali's voice, the production creates the balance of a breezy, relaxed feel with just enough bass to not be overwhelming. "IDWFIL" (I don't wanna fall in love) is one of Jazz Cartier's more vulnerable tracks and further proof of his versatile abilities when it comes to making music.—Adrienne Black

Clairo emerged with a hushed, lo-fi sound on songs like "Flaming Hot Cheetos," but it quickly became clear that she had more widescreen ambitions. Describing her early songs as demos, Clairo is now releasing more polished music like "4EVER" and her latest single, "Better," a disco-leaning collaboration with producer SG Lewis. 

"Sam [SG Lewis] is one of the most talented producers I know," Clairo says. "We met the same day that we made this song, and just clicked instantly. 'Better' is one of the first real steps I’ve made into pop music and this collab feels like a match made in heaven!"—Alex Gardner

It's been over two years since Wellington's Lontalius delivered his gorgeous debut album, I'll Forget 17. His heartfelt, tender approach to emotional pop music attracted the attention of Jay Z and Frank Ocean producer Om'Mas Keith, and ever since he's been working on a follow-up from his current homebase of Los Angeles.

"I Wanted Him" and "That Includes You" are our first previews of what he's been working on since that stunning debut, and it suggests there's a lot of great music to come. More polished, but no less charming, both of the songs retain and further embellish that tactile emotion that makes it so easy to fall in love with his music. "I Wanted Him," with its lush textures and frank lyrics, is exactly the musical comedown needed after such an intense June.—Joe Price

Mac Miller has been candid in the past about the toll of a rapper's lifestyle, which is why it's heartening to hear that the first single off his upcoming record Swimming is a track like "Self Care." Showcasing his considerable ability as a singer and MC, the song is candid and self-critical, like the best work on GO:OD AM and The Divine Feminine. 

Mac takes stock of his life and seems to reference his DUI this May ("That Mercedes drove me crazy, I was speedin' / Somebody save me from myself"). As was the case with his recent standout "Small World," Mac and producers DJ Dahi, ID Labs, and Nostxlgic execute a perfect beat switch where the song really blossoms, unfurling at an unhurried pace, even as Mac muses on oblivion. His candor signals that we're surely in for a fascinating trip through his psyche on Swimming.—Grant Rindner

It's summer, and thankfully Avelino and Not3s came through and dropped party-ready single "Boasy" at just the right time. Over the years, Avelino has shown us how versatile he can be on tracks but this summery record feels like another level of his ability. Rising singer/rapper Not3s has a sharp ability to make catchy hooks over bouncy rhythms with his naturally melodic tone and on "Boasy" the two have perfect chemistry. As they say themselves, Avelino and Not3s are not ones to boast so I'm here to hype it up for them. "Boasy" is an immediate heater that deserves some replay love at the functions this summer.—Adrienne Black

HAWA is a 17-year-old creator based in New York, and her experience with music runs deeper than most. She started composing classical music before she was even a teenager, and her work has been performed internationally by the New York Philharmonic. She got bored of the restrictions that come with classical music, and this month she released her fascinating debut single "Might Be."—Jacob Moore

Read our interview with HAWA here.

Kweku Collins and Ajani Jones craft a hazy, romantic ode as warm and kinetic as Chicago summer itself. Collins is at his best atop these kinds of humid beats, with his elastic flow stretching and bending around the track’s buzzy synths and choppy percussion. Jones is a slightly more traditional MC, and his flow, full of knotty internal rhymes, is a perfect compliment to the melodies elsewhere. The breakdown on “Sisko and Kasidy” is languid and carefree, but with some ominous shades undertow, as the pitch-shifted vocals slither around the mix. Even the most blissful summer is ultimately an oasis, and Kweku’s production is a gentle reminder of that, making “Sisko and Kasidy” a track as suited for your day party playlist as it is for the 3:00AM drive home.—Grant Rindner

It's been four years since Popcaan released his official debut album, Where We Come From, but finally the Jamaican artist has returned with his long-awaited sophomore effort Forever. As expected, the 17-track album features a mix of tougher, street anthems as well as slower tracks laced with sweet talk for the ladies. One of the immediate standouts, "Lef My Gum" is a prime example of Popcaan's duality. He has the ability to deliver lyrics that directly speak to the troubled youth with an alluring melody that draws you in. Thankfully, he offers up an anthem with a message about putting an end to the violence—"Mi love mi life like music / My life too precious to lose it"—that we can only hope will motivate everyone who sings along.—Adrienne Black

Lil West has remained one of the most of the interesting rappers out for quite some time, but with the release of "No More" he's poised for a moment. Produced by frequent collaborator Distance Decay with co-production from Hovenchy, "No More" highlights West's impeccable songwriter skills. His ability to destroy beats most rappers would avoid is one of his strongest assets, and there's little doubt that whatever he's cooking up next will be even better than what's come before.—Joe Price

In the time that we've gotten to know and love Buddy, he's proven how versatile he really is. Despite an eclectic output, there always seems to be one strong common theme throughout it all. Everything from Buddy sounds effortless and natural—similar to fellow Cali native Snoop Dogg. It only makes sense that he and Snoop would eventually land on the same track together, and thankfully they finally did on Buddy's new album Harlan & Alondra for their collab "The Blue." Buddy and Snoop's collab has a strong G-funk inspired rhythm, featuring the necessary amount of bass, synths, and talk box elements for a perfect addition to your next cookout playlist.—Adrienne Black

Watch our full Who Is Buddy? documentary here.

Steven Moses (formerly just Moses) was one of our best new artists of the month, and and has all of the tools he needs to thrive in 2018's music scene. "Love Me" and "Hotboy" struck a chord and left fans eager to see what a full body of work would sound like, and today we have an answer. The Pennsylvania rapper dropped off his debut Love Me // Leave Me and "Qualitestaholic" is an early favorite from the eight-track release.

The Blake-produced record captures the blend of angst, rebellion, and drug influence that Moses embodies and puts his solid songwriting on full display. In an era where everyone wants to be an emo, rebellious druggie, Moses is able to thrive by channeling his real life struggles and put it all in the music.—Eric Isom

Channel Tres' "Controller" is a quietly mesmerizing hit, a snake-charmer of a song that has been slowly making its way around the world (it's currently charting in Australia). The slow build is becoming something of a specialty for the Godmode signee, a skill evidenced most recently by today's release, "Jet Black."

The Compton artist starts off with his signature deadpan delivery, churning out a verse over thumping bass before adding shakers, a little synth, and opening up those filters. It's a masterful lesson in minimalism, but you'll still be bobbing your head by song's end. When we spoke with Channel Tres back in April, he promised "more music and good times." Thus far I have been unable to find the lie.—Graham Corrigan

Lou The Human gets personal on his latest song, "Fuck Your Opinion." His Humaniac mixtape was an exercise in rapping ability and insane lyricism, but it sounds like the Staten Island rapper is more focused on telling his story with the upcoming Painkiller Paradise. "Fuck Your Opinion" is a glimpse into Lou's past and a snapshot of his outlook right now, and it's an intense way to kick off the next chapter for Lou The Human.—Jacob Moore

Check out some other rising New York City rappers here.

AUGUST 08 isn't as established as the other members of the 88rising crew, but he's the unsung hero of the new posse album, Head in the Clouds. Not only did he have a standout verse on the album's lead single, "Midsummer Madness," but he also delivers one of the project's hardest hooks on the thunderous "Disrespectin." Accompanied by strong verses from Rich Brian and Higher Brothers, "Disrespectin" wouldn't hit quite as hard as does if not for AUGUST's manic delivery.—Joe Price