Spotlight on XXXTentacion, Smino, and Snoh Aalegra!

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Dawn Harmonies

XXXTentacion

XXXTentacion, an artist who redefined the boundaries of modern music, left a legacy that continues to resonate deeply with fans worldwide. His sound was a unique fusion of raw emotion and diverse genres, blending the hard-hitting energy of tracks like "Look at Me!" with the melancholic vibes of songs such as "SAD!" and "Jocelyn Flores." I decided to go with a slower song of his to show more of the previously mentioned melancholic sounds. X's music wasn't just about the music; it was a visceral experience, delving into themes of pain, mental health, and the search for redemption. His fearless approach to tackling these subjects head-on created a deep connection with listeners who saw their own struggles reflected in his lyrics. Despite his chaotic personal life, XXXTentacion's influence on the music industry is undeniable, inspiring a new generation of artists to push creative boundaries. His legacy is a testament to his profound impact and the powerful, unfiltered honesty that characterized his art. As someone who has listened to him before and after the height of his career, his SoundCloud hits like “A GHETTO CHRISTMAS CAROL”, “I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore”, and “#ImSippinTeaInYoHood” hit just as hard as some of his later stuff such as “I don’t let go” and “whoa (mind in awe).”

⭐ An EDM Icon With Some Groove

• “Slide (feat. Frank Ocean & Migos)” - Calvin Harris

  • Calvin Harris is known for his EDM sound that fills stadiums and music venues worldwide, but what most people forget is that he’s got some groove in him. Although he is known for massive hits such as “Outside” and “Summer” off of his album “Motion”, songs such as “Slide” and “Feels” sound completely different. He has two funk albums which include “Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1” and “Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2”, and both of them bring vibes for whatever occasion. Calvin Harris shaped the sound of 2010s music, and he continues to grow as an artist.

🎶 Harmony Man

• “All I Need (with Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign)” - Jacob Collier

  • Jacob Collier is a musical genius. That is what most people think of when they hear his name. Although people find out about him through a YouTube video of him performing crazy harmonies and conducting crowd choirs (no seriously, it’s ridiculous), a lot of people don’t listen to his music. This week, I included a feel-good song of his in the playlist, as it showcases groove, soul, and beautiful melodics. If you’re a music theory nerd or someone who geeks out on good musicianship, this is your guy to listen to.

Midday Mix

Smino

Hailing from the city of St. Louis, Smino is a genre-bending artist who continues to show he is the best in the business. Using sounds from hip-hop, r&b, funk, and soul, it’s hard for him to ever put out a bad song. This is especially true when his right-hand man, Monte Booker (a music producer who has a unique sound of his own) is making waves with him. Songs like “Kolors” and “Wild Irish Roses” just scratch the surface of what these two can do. To add to that, Smino’s ability to have a unique flow and wordplay on any track is out of this world. This is highlighted in the songs “Mr. Pinterest” and “Coupe Se’ Yern.” There isn’t another artist out there who sounds like Smino, which is why he is one of the very talented artists that we have covered this week. If it’s good music, we cosign!

♾️ To Infinity and Beyond

• “93 ‘Til Infinity" - Souls of Mischief

  • This song is an iconic 90’s hip-hop song from the popular Oakland group Souls of Mischief. With other big names in the West such as Pharcyde and artist Del the Funky Homosapian, there was an abundance of good music coming out of the west coast around this time. The album “93 ‘til Infinity” is an album that is cemented in hip-hop history, and with the hit song off of the album that shares the same name, it is a timeless record that you should go listen to.

🤩 Writing With The Stars

• “Rockin’ That Shit” - The-Dream

  • For someone who has written songs such as “Baby” by Justin Bieber, “Umbrella” by Rihanna, and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé, it’s no surprise that The-Dream has amazing songs of his own. This week I decided to highlight one of my favorites for you guys. This song is a classic from the 2000s and it still grooves to this day. The-Dream continues to write for many artists today, so be on the lookout!

Twilight Tunes

Snoh Aalegra

Snoh Aalegra, a master of blending soul and contemporary R&B, brings a timeless quality to modern music that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Her voice, rich and emotive, carries a depth that resonates with listeners on a profound level. Dive into Snoh Aalegra's discography, and you'll find yourself enveloped in a soundscape that is as intimate as it is expansive, a perfect blend of classic soul and modern innovation. Her music invites you into a world where every note is infused with passion and every lyric tells a story, making her one of the most captivating voices in contemporary R&B. Tracks like "I Want You Around" and "Whoa" showcase her ability to weave heartfelt lyrics with lush, sophisticated production, creating an immersive auditory experience. Recent singles such as “Be My Summer” have also caught our attention as well, as it was on repeat for me when it initially came out. Snoh's album "- Ugh, those feels again" is a classic that is loved by many, but I like “TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES” as it showcases more of her range sonically.

🌊 The Smoothest Sounds in R&B

• “Tell Me” - Bobbie V.

  • Bobbie V. is someone who had all the buzz in the mid-2000s, and for good reason. With songs like “Tell Me” and “Slow Down” off of his debut album “Disturbing Tha Peace Presents Bobby Valentino”, it’s hard to match such a silky smooth sound. Part of his success is due to being discovered by a producer group known as Tim & Bob, who has a hand in producing hits such as “So Into You” by Tamia and “They Don’t Know” by Jon B. as well as all of Bobby V.’s debut album. As these three have changed the game forever, their sound invites you into a world full of lush chords and beautiful strings that Tim & Bob dub “Asian R&B”.

 🎤 Andre Can Actually Sing?

• “PLW” - Leon Thomas

  • After the success of multiple shows on Nickelodeon such as “The Backyardigans” and more known for “Victorious”, Leon Thomas went straight to work writing for some of the biggest stars in the music industry. Artists such as Drake, Ariana Grande, Giveon, and Snoh Aalegra (he even has writer credits on the song I have featured for Snoh in this week’s playlist!) have all worked with him on multiple songs and continue to do so. He recently made waves in the music industry with his solo career, which started to catch fire after his debut album “Genesis”. If you think he is still just a celebrity from his child star days, please reconsider. He is a powerhouse in today’s music scene!

Playlist of the Week: 
House Pulse

The new week brings new music, and this week we got house! We went ahead and crafted a solid sampler of good house music that will either get you in the mood to dance or chill out in your apartment. Whatever it is, we know you’re going to like this week’s playlist!

🥁 Unmatched Groove

• “Right Here” - The Kount feat. Noam

  • I know I throw around the term “groovy” a lot, but the funk and swing that The Kount brings to any of his tracks is unreal. He grew in popularity due to his work on Instagram (I linked a video showcasing his Instagram and musicianship), where he showcased his heavy use of percussion and key playing. Through this, he has managed to make his living from working with others, releasing his own music, and making sample packs that producers love. He is worth every bit of your time, so go check him out!

🏠️ Beats In The House

• “The Hypnotic” - IAMNOBODI

  • Most known for his song “Separated”, IAMNOBODI is more than just a house artist. In EP’s such as “The Interludes” and “Sketches, Vol. 1”, and even producer credits for guys like Bryson Tiller on “Set It Off”, we see him showcase his versatility with elements of trap, soul, and EDM. Make sure to keep your eyes open for him!

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