Best Songs of the Week (June 10th, 2016)

Portland rapper Aminé’s single “Caroline” has been floating around for a few months now, but unfortunately this track didn’t reach my own ears until he released the pairing video this past week. And for that I’m thankful, because if it weren’t for the brightly colored, fun visuals that instantly caught my attention, I may have completely missed out on this gem.

However, even without the assistance of the music video, “Caroline” still stands strong on its own. Aminé has a unique harmony embedded within his flow that makes his delivery hard to resist, while the quick wit of his wordplay adds another lovable layer to the track. “Caroline” gives a brief shout out to OutKast’s 2003 single “Roses,” but in this bouncy version, Caroline is the love interest rather than the butt of a joke.

There's no doubt that this will be on repeat all summer long.—Adrienne Black

Clams Casino's 32 Levels is shaping up to be one of the summer's biggest releases. A collab with Lil B came first, and we were gifted this week with "All Nite." Clams provided production for Vince Staples' massive debut Summertime '06, and they haven't lost a step here. The ominous, percussive beat comes complete with birdsong and plenty of excellent samples from Clams' otherworldly sound bank, but Vince takes things higher with some of his best verses in recent memory. He promises death upon enemies, preaching a whip-smart, shoot-first philosophy: "Better bite the bullet 'fore the bullet fight your brain"—Graham

As a songwriter, Starrah has contributed to Rihanna's "Needed Me," Travis Scott and Young Thug's "Pick Up The Phone," Jeremih's "Pass Dat," and Kevin Gates' "2 Phones." She's obviously got an ear for extremely catchy hooks and unforgettable melodies, but so far, she's best known for her behind-the-scenes work. "Rush" is an early step towards establishing herself as a solo act, but she's already sounding like a star.—Jacob Moore

Young Thug has been featured on my favorite summer songs of the past two years. In 2014 it was T.I.'s "About The Money," and in 2015 it was "I Know There's Gonna Be (Good Times)." It's still early, but "Pick Up The Phone" is feeling like a strong soundtrack to the summer of 2016. It may not be a chart-topping hit or a radio smash, but it's one of those songs that can change your mood within the first few seconds. Can these guys just make an album together already?—Jacob Moore

For the first single from the rumored Cruel Winter album, Kanye West enlists Quavo, Travis Scott, Desiigner, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti and the big Guwop himself Gucci Mane. Like many of Kanye's recent releases, "Champions" feels unfinished and we wouldn't be shocked if we get another version in the coming weeks. But the one we have for now is still a jam.

Kanye threatens to hit the 'Ye button, Desiigner spits his ad libs all over the track, and Gucci declares the end of Gucci clones. 2 Chainz and Big Sean always seem to spit their most memorable verses on collective songs like this, and this track is no different. But who had the best verse?

Like any G.O.O.D. Music song, "Champions" is a celebration of success and excess and we can't wait to see what else Cruel Winter has in store.—John Walaszek

Anderson .Paak hasn't disappointed us yet, and his latest guest feature is another winner. On "No Slaves," he teams up with Knox Brown, a British producer, singer, and songwriter who debuted in 2014 with the brilliant "Harry's Code" and then laid low for over two years. Knox is back now with a new EP featuring Paak, BJ The Chicago Kid, and British rapper Kojey Radical, and "No Slaves" is the first single. With warm production, soulful vocals, and another fire verse by Paak, this is a strong return for Knox Brown. Yes lawd!—Constant Gardner

Drake songs that include a time and location in the title are always fire. It's science. And after just another Drake album we were desperate for a track like "4pm in Calabasas." Last Friday Drake came out firing and put out "For Free," "Back on Road," and "4pm in Calabasas." Full of Diddy references, shoutouts to both Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky, and a friendly reference to Kris Jenner, Drake snaps on this record. He attacks the Vinylz, Frank Dukes, and Allen Ritter produced track with the intensity listeners couldn't quite find on Views.

The chip seems to be back on the 6 God's shoulder and he delivers punchline after punchline on "4pm."—John Walaszek