#WeekendPlaylist: Our Favorite Songs of the Week

February was nothing short of eventful, with new projects from Kodak Black, $NOT, Robert Glasper and more. British singer and songwriter Bakar dropped his sophomore album, four years after his debut. And with March settling in, we have new singles from our favorite artists — mainstream and underground. 

Here are the 10 songs we’ve had on repeat lately. 

EARTHGANG, JID & J. Cole – “WATERBOYZ”

EARTHGANG’s recent album “GHETTO GODS,” features familiar names like Future, Ari Lennox and Baby Tate. Their standout single “WATERBOYZ” features Dreamville’s J.I.D. and J. Cole. As usual, Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot trade verses over a bouncy beat, while J.I.D. and J. Cole ground the track with poignant verses. 

Bakar – “Youthenasia”

Bakar sings about his maturity and growth on “Youthenasia.” He references his debut project “Badkid” singing, “Bad man, not a bad kid anymore.” After three minutes into the track, Bakar’s soft voice slowly fades while tribal chants flood the track before slowly vanishing. 

Kehlani – “little story”

Kehlani’s signature raspy vocals return for the cinematic “little story.” She recounts her feelings about how tumultuous love can be over soft guitar strums and a violin section. Throughout the video, she is singing with three violinists, while the end of the video features her daughter playing in the water.

Dreamer Isioma – “Sunset Drive” 

Newcomer Dreamer Isioma takes the reins on the groovy, guitar-driven “Sunset Drive.” They detail getting ready for a party that is “gonna be a hell of a night.” Lively horns join in with their light yet confident chants in the outro. Turn this song on whenever you’re cruising around at night. 

Avril Lavigne – “Love Sux”

Pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne dropped “Love Sux,” her seventh studio album, in February. Artists like WILLOW and Machine Gun Kelly mark the recent resurgence of the pop-punk genre that Avril Lavigne popularized in the early 2000s. ‘Love Sux’ is reminiscent of Avril’s “Sk8er Boi” and “Girlfriend” days, taking a lighthearted and empowering approach to discussing breakups and toxic relationships.

Robert Glasper – “Heaven’s Here” (Feat. Ant Clemons)

Robert Glasper and Ant Clemons combine their talents to make the laid-back yet passionate love song, “Heaven’s Here.” Clemons’ expertly clear falsetto conveys his poetic love for his partner, “And tell me, why would I ever give you up and drag myself back to Hell?/When I got Heaven here with you.” Glasper provides a delicate jazz background to create the easy-going vibe of the song. 

Central Cee – “Straight Back To It”

Central Cee dropped one of the most motivational tracks since “Started From the Bottom” with his album cut “Straight Back To It.” The UK native raps, “Took me a L, no problem/I got on my grind, got straight back to it.” “Straight Back To It” is a necessary addition for those who need a wake-up, club or gym playlist. This song, positive affirmations and a superhero pose in the mirror for two minutes is probably the secret to invincibility.

Bibi Bourelly, Maureen Boyer & SamTRax – “Sun.”

“Sun.,” the intro for Bibi Bourelly, Maureen Boyer and SamTRax’s collaborative EP “Soléy,” combines elements of neo-soul, hip-hop, and rock, layering harmonized vocals over a heavy drum beat and a sample of “Runaway,” by Kanye West. Light piano underlines the entirety of the calming yet provocative alternative R&B track that concludes with a less-than-one-minute long monologue. 

Che Ecru – “HONEST”

Che Ecru smoothly serenades his girl on “HONEST.” The singer utilizes his effortless rasp and enchanting harmonies to deliver the catchy chorus and confident verses. Che Ecru and Thurdi produced the bass-heavy R&B/hyperpop beat, so you know it’s a must listen. 

Conway the Machine – “Tear Gas” (feat. Rick Ross & Lil Wayne)

Hip-hop legends Rick Ross and Lil Wayne join Conway the Machine for “Tear Gas.” The track features a classic pitched-up vocal sample coupled with a piano that gracefully floats in the background. Conway the Machine raps about his success despite adversity in life and his recognition, stating, “Probably won’t get my flowers while I can smell ’em.”