so far songs: Elliott's fave 20 Of 2020
hip hop's new daily operation | 7.5.20
What am I listening to? I hate that question. But TheMotto No. 60 (can you believe it?) hits midway through this insane year, 2020. So — and especially with so much music constantly being released—it’s time I come clean on what I personally feel has merit, substance and replay value. Some are big tunes. Some are personal picks. I got my strongest ten up top (not in order; if you make a playlist, you can put it on shuffle). And then ten more that matter. All have remained heavy in my rotation through these tumultuous times.
top billin’:
b*tch / don’t wear no shoes in my house. Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” is the undisputed champion. The catchy crunch of melody, the multiple flows, the squeaky sounds. The song may never get old. Compton wins again ⤵️
having passed the Weeknd in year-to-date activity, Lil Baby, with My Turn (Quality Control/UMG) has the best selling album of 2020’s first half. Lil Baby also has the best song that captures these police brutality-racial tension-fueled times we’re living in. Dude always had perfect timing. I’m impressed by his artistry and work ethic. “The Bigger Picture” is the “Alright” of today ⤵️
before the pandemic hit, Future and Drake had me feeling pretty damn upbeat ⤵️ this big song dropped near my birthday and was a gift. feels like forever ago ⤵️
I’ve been spending a lot of time inside, singing, “I’m outside.” Drake still writes the hell out of a hook ⬇️
the pairing I didn’t know I needed: Russ and Ross body this Boi-1da beat ⬇️
Remember / The effort has to go into the art / Not the wave / Everybody talking 'bout / They own their masters / But if the music don't age well / It don't matter / It's like you own a hundred percent of nothing. I’m inspired by Royce’s uncompromising commitment to substance in his work — the Detroit legend is doing his best work right now. He pops off — and he backs it up right alongside fellow lyrical heavyweight, Buffalo’s Benny The Butcher ⬇️💪🏽⬇️
when producer Alchemist gave me an early preview during my Boldy James Car Test, I knew it was going to be a big record! We were in Santa Monica, CA in mid February, and I wanted to hear even more. I was so impressed by the grouping of Gibbs, Roc Marci and Gunn! They’re a glorious triumvirate on “$500 Ounces” — it’s the finest moment on Pray For Paris (Griselda/Empire) 🎤🎹⏬
on Joe Budden’s latest podcast, Vince Staples says he’s not getting enough credit for his features this year. He’s right. Staples spends a lot of time reflecting on gang culture in his storytelling, and this is one of his best and most vivid verses. Boldy holds his own with honesty and truth, tho: Overlord status/ I be slummin' | My son think that I don’t love ’em | He don't know his daddy thuggin’ ⤵️
⬇️ ⬇️ I’m a li’l jealous one of my fave colleagues got a whole song named after her — and it’s the best song on Alfredo (ESGN/ALC/Empire). It feels elegant. It feels plush. It’s luxury rap. And the vocal chemistry is there. This song, and the slew of Eliantte shout-outs are all too much. Ha!
I got numbers in my phone / That'll never ring again | 'Cause Allah done called them home / So until we sing again | I got texts on my phone / That'll never ping again | I screenshot 'em so I got 'em / I don't want this thing to end. “A.P.I.D.T.A.” was released in March, right before the nationwide lockdown, and before BLM protests around so many of our people being killed by law enforcement. Written Testimony’s closing song was created in remembrance of Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle, but Elect (who also mourns his mother) and Hov truly capture the overall anxiety and sadness of 2020. Sleep well | Sleep well | Lately, I haven’t been sleeping well ⤵️
these are champion mentions: Lil Uzi Vert “I’m Sorry” 🎹 A Boogie Feat. Roddy Ricch, Gunna and London On Da Track “Numbers” 🎤 Conway Feat. Alchemist and ScHoolboy Q “Shoot Sideways” 📶 Gunna Feat. Young Thug “Dollaz On My Head” 🎧 DaBaby “Find My Way” 💥 Megan Thee Stallion Feat. Beyoncé “Savage Remix” 🙏🏾 Pop Smoke “Christopher Walking” 🐕 Lil Wayne “Wild Dogs” 💰 Moneybagg Yo Feat. Lil Baby “U Played” 🤑 Yo Gotti “Recession Proof”
@elliottwilson tweets | @elliottwilson IG | follow HRDlist
a danyelliott production
Danyel Smith + Elliott Wilson