My Top 7 Songs from the City 2020
This year, as hectic and hellish as its been, produced some great art - if not nationally, then locally. Baltimore artists really ate this year up with many artists putting out work that wouldn’t suggest having to survive while living amongst global struggle. We’re talking music that would’ve sent crowds in a frenzy, or maybe the music would’ve taken you to a quiet segment of Jones Falls Trail listening to the rush of the falls. This list contains songs that I would’ve loved to have experienced at The Crown, AFROPUNK, or a Brooklyn (New York) day festival. Wherever the music takes you, you’ll be better for it by giving it a listen and even better for buying it.
7. Smackdown by Chris Cassius featuring Deetranada
Chris Cassius has a good ear for beats as he slides over this song accompanied by Deetranada. The second verse is where he really goes in and it feels like the ante is really up. Then, as if you couldn’t get even more hype, Deetranada enters the game on 11. You feel the aggression and almost want to fight or flight yourself. I just feel it in my body that she had to have slammed the mic down when she finished her verse. Had to.
Apple Music Link | Bandcamp Link
6. Top Bitch by Baby Kahlo
Kahlo is definitely that girl. Her energy is definitely that of its own category. Her ability to mesh punk rock and rap into its own medley of something new is just of what being a Black female rapper is - creating your own avenue. “Top Bitch” is another song I wish I had the fortune of experiencing live. I want to mosh and scream “I”m a top bitch” Now that my hair is long enough and my body is more sturdy I could definitely bump some heads. Not to mention she released not just one but TWO videos for the single.
Apple Music Link | Bandcamp Link
5. Got it On by Butch Dawson
“Got It On” was produced, written, and performed by Butch Dawson himself. Dawson himself has modeled for several brands so its not surprising he would write about clothing in this sense. The song is definitely giving runway, but not in a untz untz way. I could see one of these expensive fashion brands using it in a promotional video. They tend to pull inspo from Black people anyway, so why not?
I admit, though I’ve heard the name Helmut Lang many times, I never thought to look into what the brand was, but the song made me curious so I took a look. Me, I’ma stick to the rivers and the Levis I’m used to.
Apple Music Link | Bandcamp Link
4. Nymph by Randi Withani
The third track from her debut EP portfolio drafts, “Nymph” is song the taste of vanilla glaze on a cinnamon roll. This song feels like the sunlight in Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On” video. This song is warmth. It’s comfort.
3. Pendulum Swing by Zadia
Choosing this song from Cheyenne Zadia’s Vacants was no easy to-do. The album is truly a gem from start to finish with a poetic introduction from Devin Allen , many features from some of Baltimore’s best artists, all the way through to the ninth track.
So, what makes “Pendulum Swing” the song I chose? “Pendulum Swing” is pretty much the setting scene of this project. I imagine it opens a beautiful Spike Lee film. It sets the tone for the album - smooth percussion backing a simple piano melody with Zadia’s layered soulful harmonies carrying the track. Ayefinney takes us to the middle with some dope bars “Fuck is fools hating for?”
Apple Music Link | Bandcamp Link
2. Straight Drop by YTK
2020 has been a good year for YTK, who released his full-length project “From Grace, For Grace” earlier this year. “Peyote” the opening track almost had this spot with its Raury-like dreamlike soundscape introducing the project. Then, not too long after, YTK released the one-off “Straight Drop” - the best manifestation of YTK’s “coolness”. The song could easily become a radio hit. Its one of those songs you’d play at a day party and find yourself bopping to without even being conscious of it.
1. Nasty by Miss Kam
“Nasty” could’ve been the song of the summer. It’s the song we deserved to hear at Artscape just ass being thrown like interceptions during an NFL game. But like the NFL, Artscape, and Summer, - the panoramic took ass shaking to “Nasty” away from us. At least in the context of a bunch of friends having fun. EYE happened to enjoy myself with this song and its helped me lose a few pounds (as I jump roped) over the summer. The song is the final track of her EP “Birthday Pack” released on her birthday. As a fellow May baby myself (on the Taurus side) I may be a bit biased, but its definitely worth topping the list. But you listen to the track yourself and tell me that I’m wrong!
Honorable Mentions
I’m Okay - T.Ali
Trackpants - Chris Cassius
Henny on the Pavement - Zadia
Thus Spoke My Father, The Coward - Infinity Knives