Best Songs of the Month

Calling Little Simz a hard work seems like an understatement at this point. In the few months since the release of her debut album A Curious Tale Of Trials + Persons she has continued to drop new music. Barely stopping to take a moment to celebrate, she's collaborated with various artists and now gifted fans with a holiday treat, her latest release AGE 101: DROP X.

The 7-track mixtape is filled with features from some of Simz' musical friends, but one of the tracks that stands out the most is "Sea Level." Simz calls on ALXA and Mick Jenkins for assistance. The fluid production feels as if you're just as the hook implies, "Deep under water baby." Simz can hold down the track on her own, but the additional voice give "Sea Level" another level of depth. And it only makes sense that Mick Jenkins would be on the track with the aquatic theme.—Adrienne Black

On "Handstand," Tunji Ige hones in on one of his best skills—simplicity. He doesn't need to employ tongue-twisters or double-time flows to entertain. "Handstand" is irresistibly catchy and might be my favorite Tunji song since "Ball Is Life."—Confusion

Nok from the Future's production is always on point, but he's outdone himself on this one. With Cousin Stizz and Night Lovell at his back, the mysterious producer turned in a grandiose, cinematic vision for "Up North," swinging from an ominous acoustic guitar to booming electronic production.

Stizz and Lovell do more than hold their own—they each possess such uniquely different styles that this feels more like a song in three acts rather than a beat passed between rappers. It's one of my favorite cuts from our I Like It, What Is It? compilation, and a testament to the power of collaboration.—Graham Corrigan

Kevin Abstract has evolved a considerable amount since the release of his debut album, MTV1987. His only problem is that he's not ready to grow up just yet, even if the future is capable of bringing more joy than the past ever could. As Kevin sits on the brink of accepting adulthood, he's started to reflect on his life so far, however short it may be. "Echo" is all about the melancholic feelings that reflection is capable of evoking, positioning itself as something like The Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" for today's own disenfranchised youth.

"Echo" speaks of uncertainty, longing for past and future times in equal measure. Sometimes the scariest thing about the world is not knowing what's next, and that's something that Kevin understands. "Echo" even starts with a stark realization, "Staring at the sky ain't gone fix my problems." That line alone to speaks volumes about Kevin's desire for furthering himself, let alone his career. He's no longer content just going through the motions, and "Echo" is more than indicative of that.—Joe Price

These days with the internet making everything so readily accessible, it’s easy for artists to be inspired by sounds from all over the world and create music that can’t quite be pinned down to a specific location. As enjoyable as that can be, it always seems refreshing when artists come out sounding like a proud product of their hometown. Bay Area native Caleborate fits right into the latter category with his latest single “Hold On.”

With the help of some booming production from Kuya Beats and Cal-A, Caleborate provides a track that sounds like a full tour through his city in just under five minutes. There’s an even blend of modernity and nostalgia embedded into the production that matches Caleborate’s own flow. His strong delivery demands attention but layered over the beat, the combination feels like a warm welcome and proper introduction.—Adrienne Black

Post Malone provided a bit of foreshadowing when he went in over 50 Cent's "Window Shopper" beat for "#mood." On "Tryna F*ck Me Over," the two artists link up for real over Scoop Deville production, and it's the natural meeting point for a seasoned vet and a young up-and-comer. So what do 50 Cent and Post Malone have in common? They both know what it's like to be hated on.—Confusion

On Black Friday, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole blacked out and remixed each other's tracks. While Cole did the damn thing, it's always a blessing to hear K Dot just rap. Over Cole's "A Tale of 2 Citiez," Kendrick spends almost four minutes discussing the industry being in shambles, merging jazz fusion with trap music, and how it's basically just not fair that he's so fire with the pen. To Pimp a Butterfly is dope, but all I need is a hook-less Kendrick coasting over a hypnotic instrumental. All I need.—khal

It’s common knowledge by now that Anderson .Paak has a very eclectic sound. Similar to the majority of the cover art for his singles and albums, his music comes together like a collage—layers of various elements and influences creating one beautiful piece. So far, Anderson has shared three tracks from his upcoming album Malibu; “The Season / Carry Me,” “Am I Wrong?” and the latest, “Room In Here.” Each has been drastically different than the last, but equally strong and infectious.

Anderson gets a guest verse from The Game while Sonyae Elise adds some sweet harmonies to the background of “Room In Here.” This smooth track only takes seconds to love, but feels worthy of being on repeat for hours.

Anderson .Paak continues to deliver strong tracks, one after another. Just the thought of waiting until January 15 for the full album is unbearable.—Adrienne Black

The wait is finally, finally over. Jeremih's Late Night hit iTunes last night, a day before its scheduled release date, the perfect wink to fans who have suffered through endless delays, watching one of our generation's most creative crooners flounder in label purgatory.

One of the last tracks he shared before the full release was "Pass Dat," an irresistibly smooth cut produced by O.C. and written exclusively by Jeremih. The singer plays a couple of different characters here, pitching his voice up for the chorus and turning the delay all the way up. The result is a futuristic R&B track of the highest caliber, and more evidence that Late Nights was worth the wait.—Graham Corrigan

The Weeknd and Future have both had a massive 2015, so it's only right that they end the year teaming up together. "Low Life" came as a surprise late Christmas Eve, but it's a welcomed one. The seductive, hazy track finds both doing what made them so successful this year: Future serving syrupy verses while The Weeknd handles the chorus with his laidback flow. It's the perfect way to go out on for the two, showing listeners that neither have any intentions of slowing down in 2016.—Katie K

Ever since Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge joined forces as NxWorries and released their incredibly infectious first single “Suede” earlier this year, I have been (im)patiently waiting to hear more. Thankfully that wait is coming to an end this week. The duo announced that their joint EP Link Up & Suede is dropping on December 4 via Stones Throw. NxWorries followed up their announcement with the other song featured in the EP title, “Link Up.”

Similar to their previous single, “Link Up” is instantly lovable. Knxwledge provides yet another smooth beat with a subtly infectious groove. In the past year alone, Anderson .Paak has proven that his voice fits perfectly over just about any beat, but there’s something about this pairing that feels so right. With these two strong singles, there’s no doubt that the EP will be special.—Adrienne Black