I know, it's been a little while since you've seen JMW's Top 10 lists. I truly do apologize for my hiatus and absence. With that being said, November restored my creativity and returned music to the forefront of my brain. So many gems released this month that I literally had no choice but to pay attention to the vast amount of music surfacing. In a way, it was like a breath of fresh air or a ray of sunshine getting back into the headspace to listen to and focus on music. Without much more hesitation, here are my top 10 tracks of November!
1. Future & Lil Uzi Vert - Real Baby Pluto
When you add two aliens like Future and Uzi together, you can expect the results to be out of this world. On their first joint project, Pluto x Baby Pluto, listeners are introduced to the galactic world of Pluto and Baby Pluto. On "Real Baby Pluto" the two assume their positions as their respective aliases (Future - Pluto, Lil Uzi Vert - Baby Pluto) and they eat the entire song up with heavy bravado, confident lyricism, and rapid delivery. Without any hesitation, "Real Baby Pluto" gets played pretty much every single day.
2. NAV & Gunna - Young Wheezy
The moment I tapped into NAV and Wheezy's Emergency Tsunami, earlier this month, "Young Wheezy" was immediately one for me from the very first listen. The way NAV & Gunna flowed together was immaculate. The seamlessness of the verses, the back and forth flex worthy delivery, and the flawless production stopped me dead in my tracks. The track makes you want t turn up. The beat invigorates you, and the flow is so smooth.
3. Doe Boy - Tweakin (feat. Future)
Freebandz' own, Doe Boy came through November with one of the dopest projects of the month. Yes, I said what I said. Having not been a real heavy listener of Doe Boy, I definitely became a fan after tapping into his Demons R Us (shout out to my cousin for forcing me to listen) project. The flow, tenacity, and cockiness sold me literally off first listen. Future brought that energy I needed with the chorus, adlibs, and overall future. If you've never listened, you have to tap into this project, Doe Boy is a force for sure.
4. Mike WiLL Made-it, Nicki Minaj, & Young Boy Never Broke Again - What That Speed About?
When it was announced on social media that Nicki would be teaming up with Young Boy, I had some reservations about the collaboration. Having listened to him before and also knowing Nicki's style of music as well, I found the paring to be interesting yet odd. However, when I played the track, I was sold. Over Mike WiLL Made-It's upbeat production, the two really created an entire banger. The visual is very sci-fi-ish / futuristic. The concept is very high-tech and colorful. Nicki bodied her verse with ease and Young Boy was also very pleasant to my ears. I would not mind another collaboration from the two.
5. Jazmine Sullivan - Pick Up Your Feelings
I can only begin by saying, there is only ONE Jazmine Sullivan. And boy, am I glad that she's releasing music again. 2020 saw the resurfacing of Jazmine in such an organic form. Following her melancholic summer single, "Lost Ones," the vocal powerhouse returned this month with the feel-it-in-your-gut, "Pick Up Your Feelings." The official acoustic live visual should've simply been the only single released because the way Jazmine Sullivan's voice blessed me is insane. The display of vocal control, dexterity, and passion within her was outstanding and I cannot wait for her album to drop.
6. Rico Nasty - OHFR?
With her debut album only days away, Rico Nasty has been providing that raw, in-your-face, step on your toes appeal since her TacoBella days (if you're not familiar, just check her out on Apple Music). On the Rockstar-appealing, "OHFR?" Rico declares she's living her own way despite what anyone feels about it. Much like the song, the visual displays such a badass Rico. Very grunge-like, and punk rock, Rico brings the spiky hair back along with the hard bars we've associated with her for the last few years. The energy is dope and holds listeners as we await her highly anticipated debut album, Nightmare Vacation.
7. 2 Chainz - Feel a Way (feat. Kanye West & Brent Faiyaz)
When 2 Chainz announced his album So Help Me God was coming this month, I was READY. While I enjoy the entire album, there was something about this track that allured me. Never did I imagine that we would get Chainz, Brent Faiyaz, and yes, even the controversial Kanye West on a track together. Whether it's Brent's haunting delivery on the chorus or 2 Chainz charismatic flow, the song just sticks for me. The moment I hear Brent on the melodic chorus, I can't help but sing along with him.
8. Megan Thee Stallion - Movie (feat. Lil Durk)
2020 has been a hell of a year for Megan Thee Stallion. While she's been on top of the world, she's also experienced much at the dispense of the public eye. From collaborating with some of the top artists of the world to being allegedly shot by her former friend, Tory Lanez, this year has proven to be... a lot. Despite that, the 25-year-old took her pain and issues and channeled into something positive. This month saw the release of the Texas Hot Girl's debut album, Good News. Immediately upon playing the project, I was pulled by the strip club anthem, "Movie." Megan and Lil Durk did exactly what was required on the track and I mean, who doesn't love those chicken wings from the strip club?
9. SAINt JHN - Ransom (feat. 6LACK & Kehlani)
Y'all already know, as much as I love Hip-Hop and Rap, it's something about R&B that takes me to a place. While SAINt JHN is not necessarily an R&B artist this melodic R&B/Hip-Hop record is so serene. I was actually surprised and super eager to play this when I saw the track list for his album, While The World Was Burning. Ironically, the song focuses on not being held for ransom by your lover. Here, the true stars are 6LACK and Kehlani. 6LACK always manages to really just hit the nail on its head when he features on a track. Meshing singing and rapping, his delivery is perfect. Let's not even start with the phenom that is Kehlani. Without adding her own verse, she blesses the truck with ghostly background vocals and vocal additions that just take me to a place.
10. Russ - Who Wants What (feat. Ab-Soul)
I've been saying for nearly a year now that Russ is NOT to be toyed with. From his work ethic, to his artistry, the skill is not to be taken for granted. Here, he taps the legendary Ab-Soul for some feel good traditional Hip-Hop that sometimes feel so very lost from the game. The flow here seems ravenous as if Russ is hungry. As if he's spitting everything off the dome, the flow is relentless, the delivery is bold and confident, and the skill is evident. Ab-Soul does nothing more than amplify the effects done by Russ and takes the track to an even more elevated level.
As previously shared, November brought me back to a place of enjoying music. I truly listened and engaged with the projects and singles that I tapped into and I'm very grateful for this month. There are countless gems that were released (even those I did not name). However, while November satisfied me, it also excited me for what's in store for the remainder of this year as well as going into the new year. Music continues to get me through these trying times and I hope it's been a help for you too.
Until next time, keep being careful and stay safe!
You can listen to any of these tracks in either my "vibes." or "let's get active." playlists on Apple Music, just click here!