As we reach the mid-mark of October, it's only right to reflect on the fire September brought us. Keeping the same momentum from August, September held its own and truly delivered some memorable top music moments. Check out my top 10 of September below!
1. Summer Walker - Stretch You Out (feat. A Boogie wit da Hoodie)
It's safe to say it is most definitely SUMMER WALKER SZN. With the release of her debut album, "Over It" releasing a little over a week ago, one of my favorite singles from the album arrives with her second single, "Stretch You Out." Summer laments over a former lover who required much of her but simply couldn't uphold his part of the relationship.
Unlike a typical sad girl song, this song is so sensual, sexy, and smooth. Summer's voice is literally enticing, alluring, and entrancing all in one. While A Boogie is not necessarily needed for this track, he adds a quick verse to compliment the the steamy songstress.
2 . Post Malone - Die For Me (feat. Future & Halsey)
Regardless of how anyone feels, Post Malone is one of the most talented young artists out right now (I'm a bit biased because I love Posty haha). His third album,"Hollywood's Bleeding" continues to solidify my previous statement. More specifically, the collaboration, "Die For Me" featuring, Mr. Future Hendrix & the charismatic Halsey is one of my absolute favorite tracks on the entire album.
The three come together to lament about their toxic relationships. Halsey adds her womanly touch as she bellows about her trash relationship as well. The three come together bringing out all of the feels, pain, and emotion to create this outstanding trap-rock vibe.
3. Mahalia - What You Did (feat. Ella Mai)
Honestly, I had never even heard of Mahalia until a few months ago, but there was a specific energy about this track that grabbed me by the throat and demanded my attention. Sampling Cam'ron's, "Oh Boy," both Mahalia and Ella came together like milk and honey and did exactly what was required. Both the visual and the song are both great and the two sound amazing as they demand their lovers to talk to them about their actions and essentially... what they did.
Their voices are so authentic, pure, and soothing that even as they direct their anger and confusion at their lovers, it is still so beautiful.
4. PnB Rock - Fendi (feat. Nicki Minaj & Murda Beatz)
While, I am not remotely a huge fan of PnB Rock, the man delivered a VIBE with this "Fendi" collaboration featuring, the veteran herself, Nicki Minaj and producer Murda Beatz. PnB Rock provides that new wave of rapping meshed in with singing. His flow is pretty consistent for the most part. He's catchy for sure.
While she's been quiet since her "retirement" announcement, Nicki returned with a hot verse on the record and basically made it her track. In pure honesty, she bodied the recorded and definitely delivered some instagram caption worthy lyrics that will have the ladies feeling themselves. Murda Beatz provides the hypnotic production that makes you want to get up and dance and the three definitely created a moment.
5. Da Baby - VIBEZ
If it wasn't clear, this is most certainly Baby's season right now. Dropping his second project "KIRK," the Charlotte native has literally blown up ALL OVER. One of my immediate standouts from the project arrived instantly with "VIBEZ." Providing that same cocky, humorous-yet-serious swag, Baby does not hold back as he flows about his wealth, status, and of course... his women.
He makes it clear he does not have time for the distraction of the women as he pursues success, riches, and wealth. Of course he loves engaging with them but not long enough to get caught up. The flow is hot, the delivery is strong, and the visual is trademark Baby with funny moments and much chaos.
6. H.E.R. - Slide (feat. YG)
H.E.R. and YG are literally the collaboration I had no idea I wanted, needed, or would even enjoy... but I love literally EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. As usual, H.E.R provides the mysterious sensual appeal. Her voice is so ghostly yet so exotic. YG compliments her shadowy persona as his verse seems as if its directed right to her.
Providing the perfect mix of R&B / Cali Hip-Hop, Slide is definitely a sneaky banger!
7. EARTHGANG - Trippin (feat. Kehlani)
Now I'm still learning more about EARTHGANG but what I do know is... this track here is downright funky! EarthGang provides the feels, the vibes, the old school appeal and much more. The sing and rap about not wanting a "part-time" lover who only brings drama and headache. They're sick of these women always “trippin'” and having issues all the time.
If you didn't know, Kehlani has been utterly bodying any and every feature that she lays her Heavenly voice on. This record adds to that collection of work as she holds nothing back. Lani gets gritty, raw, and explicit as she gets descriptive in the time of acts she's ready to engage in with her lover. The song is definitely a gem for sure.
8. Kevin Gates - By My Lonely
There's a pure gritty, raw energy that radiates from Kevin Gates that I appreciate it. Paying respect to the late Speaker Knockers and one of his most notable tracks, "Lonely," Kevin Gates tells a story through his flow as he reminisces on the street life. He reflects on coming up with nothing and now being successful. This is one of those hood anthems that many will appreciate and relate to as they look back on where they are and where they came from.
9. Post Malone - Take What You Want (feat. Ozzy Osbourne & Travis Scott)
Now... I have never been a fan of Rock / Heavy Metal, but when I tell you this song here literally makes you channel your inner rockstar and pull out your air guitar, I mean it. Never did I imagine in my 24 years of living that Post Malone, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, and Travis Scott would come together to create the best Rock-trap experience.
As the male equivalent of a female break-up song, the three channel all of their pain, anger, and turmoil from each of their heartbreaks and lay it completely on the song. Ozzy bellows throughout the chorus leaving chills down your spine as you listen. Travis provides the swag and trap demeanor, while Posty takes the lead and transforms into the rockstar we know him to be. "Take What You Want" is definitely a moment in music and one of my favorites from Posty's album.
10. Quality Control, Offset, & Da Baby - Pink Toes (feat. Gunna)
Back with their second compilation album,"Quality Control: Control the Streets, Vol. 2," Released in the earlier part of September, QC turns up the heat with "Pink Toes." Enlisting both Da Baby and Gunna, the record showcases Offset and the two bouncing off one another with larger-than-life verses, consistent delivery, and immense charisma. Each of the rappers simply deliver as if almost effortlessly. The production is dope, and it the song makes for a great listen in the car.
Each month, the songs that are released somehow outdo the previous month's. September without a doubt left me with many memorable moments in music that I will not forget. These songs not only make me want to move, but they are relatable, stimulating, and overall just great to listen to. I cannot wait to see what the rest of October brings for music!