Migos’ Culture III rollout is going as well as could be expected with a global pandemic to deal with. Shortly after releasing lead single “Straightenin,” the Atlanta trio revealed the release date with a Michael Jordan-style statement, then announced a festival in Las Vegas to promote the project before sharing the avant-garde cover art. Today, they presented the next piece of the puzzle, revealing the tracklist and features, which naturally include Offset’s wife Cardi B and their longtime collaborator Drake.
The project also boasts the dubious distinction of hosting two posthumous appearances from Juice WRLD and Pop Smoke, as well as a potentially star-making performance for Youngboy Never Broke Again, and an eyebrow-raising guest spot from Justin Bieber, who has previously worked with Quavo on his song “Intentions” and DJ Khaled’s “I’m The One” and “No Brainer.” Future and Polo G round out the features on an 18-song tracklist that surprisingly does not include “Rolling Stone,” the song Offset told Billboard is the one he can’t stop playing from the album. Perhaps it was cut at the last minute or maybe the name was changed (or Offset misremembered it); we’ll find out this Friday.
Culture III is due 6/11 via Quality Control and Motown/Capitol. You can participate in their first listen Thursday at apple.co/FirstListenMigos.
Now that the world is eagerly rushing a return to normalcy after over a year of shutdowns, cancellations, and rigid social distancing rules, the need for music to keep everyone’s spirits up is more integral than ever.
Since music serves as a snapshot of our life experiences, the Song Of The Summer plays a huge role in remembering and cherishing those moments. (I’ll never forget the summer before eighth grade thanks to Rihanna’s “Pon De Replay.”) If 2021 is as massive in real life as it is in theory, this year’s summer hit could be etched in our memories forever.
While we have the power to christen our own Song Of The Summer, there is often one song that the mainstream unofficially dictates as “the one.” This song is inescapable, often catchy, gives you the feeling of being carefree, and sometimes, it’s incredibly danceable. What better way to kick things off than with a prediction of what that coveted track will be?
Here’s a list of 10 potential “songs of the summer.”
Justin Bieber – “Peaches” Feat. Daniel Caesar and Giveon
The sweet and tangy vibe of the Billboard chart-topper basically oozes fun in the sun, so this pick should be a given. Its continent-trotting chorus — where Biebs mentions hitting up Georgia, California, and his Canadian home up-north — also provides inspiration for listeners’ safe, CDC-regulated summer travel plans.
Dua Lipa – “Levitating” Feat. DaBaby
Lockdown didn’t allow Dua Lipa to have the summer anthem she deserved in 2020 after releasing the Grammy-winning albumFuture Nostalgia last spring. However, the rap remix to her hit “Levitating” continues to sit pretty on the 2021 charts, so there’s a chance her reign will finally hit. (Better late than never!) The song’s disco-heavy energy also capitalizes on the country’s collective yearning for better, simpler times.
Doja Cat – “Kiss Me More” Feat. SZA
Doja Cat owned summer last year with her ‘70s inspired “Say So,” so another hit for the singer/rapper during the sunny season would be most apropos. As with “Levitating,” “Kiss Me More” has old-school club vibes (with an interpolation of Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical”) that brings throwback themes to the forefront, while Doja’s slick-tongued rap and SZA’s laid back swagger modernize the tune.
Kali Uchis – “Talepatía”
In a sea of chart-topping anthems, this is somewhat a dark horse in the competition. However, given the song’s theme about a long-distance lover, it works perfectly given our socially-distanced circumstances. The TikTok-favorite found on Uchis’ sophomore album, “Talepatía” also comes equipped with production befitting of her Colombian heritage, which provides a different sound for those cross-country, top-down road trips.
Olivia Rodrigo – “Good 4 U”
Unlike other Song Of The Summer selections which utilize the disco/R&B sound, the pop-punk style is strong with “Good 4 U.” With Hayley Williams-levels of enthusiastic aggression overlaying the entire track, Rodrigo shows her range as a performer. Plus, if she rules the summer, it’s proof that the *future* Grammys Best New Artist nominee is a singer for all seasons. (Remember, she had winter on lock with “Drivers License.”)
Silk Sonic – “Leave The Door Open”
The soulful, smooth, and silky song evokes vintage vibes (do we see a pattern here?), which is perfect for ditching our collective present-day COVID-19 nerves for a few minutes. The inviting, sensual lyrics could provide listeners with the courage to begin a potential summer fling, or to have a chill evening with that special someone…
“Twerkulator,” City Girls
…but if you’re trying to live out #VaxxedGirlSummer or #ShotGirlSummer to the fullest, look no further than “Twerkulator.” Thanks to long-awaited sample clearance (it uses Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force’s “Planet Rock”), the Miami rap mainstays released their highly-anticipated song just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. It certainly may be time for the twerkulator, so shake what ya mama gave ya.
Nicki Minaj – “Itty Bitty Piggy”
If you’re looking to be on your boss b*tch tip this summer, allow Nicki Minaj to give you the anthem. Now that the streets are opening back up, Onika’s enduring hit from her now-streamable mixtapeBeam Me Up Scotty is a perfect contender for the coveted Song Of The Summer honor, especially since it continues to “go awf” 12 years after its initial release. The Queen of Rap could still be on top.
BTS – “Butter”
With synthy, ‘80s-drenched production, the Bangtan Boys’ latest dance-pop anthem (released May 21) hit DSPs just in time for the change in temperature, and is sure to keep things “hot like summer” for both their diehard fans and casual listeners.
Natasha Bedingfield – “Unwritten”
Though it was released in 2004, the English singer’s euphoric pop track was given new life thanks to a trap-friendly TikTok remix (“Like Yhop” by Esco featuring Shawn P). The original musical breath of fresh air has been heavily praised since the dance challenge popped off. Many hope that Summer 2021 is a reintroduction to freedom, and we’re ready to (safely) “feel the rain on [our] skin” again.
Honorable Mention: Whatever Drake Drops
Drake had the summer season in his clutches at least two times in the past. 2016 was the year of “One Dance,” and 2018 gave us “In My Feelings.” Given what he teased fans with his March EP Scary Hours 2, we don’t have any doubts that Certified Lover Boy will provide some sort of summer anthem whenever it drops. Kudos to you, Drake, for keeping us on our toes.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Pop superstar Justin Bieber has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, and he’s adding another to the list. The chart-topping performer recently had a studio session with Southern rap star Soulja Boy. Soulja Boy + Justin Bieber collaborating on something new The “She Make It Clap” hitmaker was hyped to team up […]
Part of what makes DJ Khaled’s over-the-top motivational speaker schtick so amusing is he’s not afraid to poke fun at himself — he’s in on the joke. That holds true in the new video for “Let It Go” from his recently released album Khaled Khaled. Recruiting 21 Savage and Justin Bieber for a tongue-in-cheek clip that finds the trio fighting alligators and creating a whole new meaning for the term “golf club,” Khaled shows off his sense of humor while promoting everything from his latest project to the Chime financial app and Raising Canes restaurants.
The video’s narrative begins with a simple premise: Khaled and his billionaire buddies hitting the links at Khaled’s own golf course for a friendly round of big-money golf with Bieber playing Khaled’s trusty caddy. When one of Khaled’s playing partners challenges Justin to tee off, Khaled ends up boasting about his ability to find and develop talent when Bieber sinks a hole in one from what looks like 100 yards. Next, the young phenom squares up with 21 Savage, showing off a variety of trick shots before Khaled has to save the day by wrestling an alligator.
The trio then cruises the course in Lamborghini golf carts and has a dance party near the scoreboard. It’s all very silly and fun and exactly what you’d expect from Khaled’s latest joyful rollout, which has included dragons and pirate treasure, post-apocalyptic cityscapes, and a neon-lit casino.
With the world slowly but surely opening back up amid the COVID-19 pandemic, live music is making a big return. One of the hottest artists in the game, pop superstar Justin Bieber, had a new tour slated for this summer — but it’s been postponed to early-2022. Justin Bieber Announces New Tour Schedule Justin Bieber […]
Pop superstar Justin Bieber still knows how to win over girls and women of all ages. The award-winning crooner took a moment out of his busy lifestyle to show the biggest salute and love to Fat Joe‘s daughter Azzy Milano on her birthday. Justin Bieber Makes Fat Joe’s Daughter Day Azzy went to her Instagram […]
A little over a year after he made his return with Changes, Justin Bieber began a new album cycle with his sixth effort, Justice. The project, which boasted 16 tracks and features from Khalid, Chance The Rapper, Burna Boy, Giveon and Daniel Caesar, helped Bieber return to the top of the album charts. It also made the singer the first male solo artist to debut a song and album at No. 1 in the same week after “Peaches” made its debut atop the singles chart. This is also the song that Bieber recently gave a stripped-down performance of, much to the delight of fans.
Bieber pulled a seat by a piano as he rocked bright pink sunglasses and dreads — the latter which caused a bit of controversy last week — to deliver the somber take on “Peaches.” While the track originally features Giveon and Daniel Caesar, this version was an entirely solo effort that gave Bieber the opportunity to show off his vocals.
The rendition was the third take of “Peaches” that Bieber has delivered over the past couple of months. He first premiered the track during his NPR Tiny Desk concert from back and March and recently joined Jimmy Fallon and The Roots for a classroom instrumental version of the song.
You can watch Bieber’s stripped-down performance of “Peaches” above.
Burna Boy is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
As soon as DJ Khaled announced that his new album, Khaled Khaled, was “100% done” via a huge billboard in downtown Miami, fans knew it would be a star-studded affair. Now, we know just which stars will appear on the project, and the quickest way to sum up it up is: “All of them.”
Hip-hop stars 21 Savage, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Big Sean, Bryson Tiller, DaBaby, Drake, Jay-Z, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Megan Thee Stallion, Migos, Nas, Puff Daddy, Rick Ross, and Roddy Ricch fill out the features list, along with R&B standouts H.E.R., James Fauntleroy, and Jeremih, pop stars Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, and Post Malone, and reggae legends Barrington Levy, Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, and Capleton.
Of the features, Lil Baby has the most appearances, popping up on three tracks, while Drake appears twice (on previously released singles “Greece” and “Popstar“), as does frequent Khaled collaborator Justin Bieber, and Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts” partner Bryson Tiller. New collaborator H.E.R. pops up a couple of times as well, continuing her meteoric rise, while “Sorry Not Sorry” reunites erstwhile rivals, Jay-Z and Nas, for their fifth collaboration since their 2000s battle for the King of New York crown.
Khaled Khaled is due 4/30 via Epic Records.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
In March, Justin Bieber earned his seventh No. 1 single when the Justice single “Peaches” debuted on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track is still doing quite well, as it is No. 3 on the Hot 100 that was revealed yesterday. Now he has put a new spin on the song by joining Jimmy Fallon and The Roots for their longstanding Tonight Show series of “classroom instruments” performances.
Bieber starts out by playing the track on a toy piano, which actually adds a charming element to the track. From there, he is joined by Fallon and The Roots, who sport instruments like shakers, bongos, xylophones, buckets, paper bags (to tear), and other things of that ilk. Giveon and Daniel Caesar, who feature on the original track, were not involved with this performance.
Justice isn’t Bieber’s latest release, as on Easter, he dropped a surprise EP, Freedom, which features collaborations with Pink Sweats, Tori Kelly, Judah Smith, Beam, Brandon Love, Chandler Moore, and Lauren Walters. He’s also fresh off appearing in Earth Day! The Musical, a Bill Nye-hosted event that also featured Jack Harlow, Maluma, Ben Platt, Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, Cody Simpson, Steve Aoki, Tori Kelly, Zac Efron, Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, and Nick Kroll.
Watch Bieber, The Roots, and Fallon perform “Peaches” above.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
