The 9th Floor Playlist Update
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As the summer comes to a close, we look back at all the good times and the bad times under the sun. It's all about self-care and enjoying life this summer. We included many new releases from our favorite artists, including Lorde, Billie Eilish, and Doja Cat. In between the lines, we have few new gems from the freshman class.
Our resident superstar Slake Dransky teams up again with one of his best friends and collaborators to jumpstart all the feel-good energy. We follow it up with some of the biggest names to promote self-love and 100% NOT GIVING A ----- about what any haters have to say with Lil Nas X, Cardi B, Lizzo, cupcakKe, and more.
There's a little bit of that wind-down sunset vibe with airy voices like Ashley Zarah, Allison Ponthier, and the incomparable Michaela Jaé. And you know it's not a 9th Floor Media playlist if we didn't include some fiery electronic sounds like SAYMYNAME and Swedish House Mafia.
“I Feel Good!” - Jason LoCricchio, Slake Dransky*
Slake Dransky collaborated with his longtime friend and fellow artist to bring us all a fun, little anthem to close out the summer. It's been a minute since the pair collaborated, like on "Charlie Chaplin" on LoCricchio's 2018 album The Departure or "Mmm-Editate" on Slake Dransky's self-titled mixtape. All fire tracks. The colorful music video was shot and directed by Austin McMains. Dransky and LoCricchio are Robert DeNiro and Leo DiCaprio to McMains' Martin Scorsese.
“Rumors (feat. Cardi B)” - Lizzo
Every year I'm waiting for Disney to announce the live-action remake of Hercules but from the perspective of the most essential characters in the movie. The Muses. Thanks to Lizzo's first single in a long ass time, I got my wish for now with the music video for Rumors. Welcome back to the playlist, Lizzo. It's where you belong, Queen.
"INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)" - Lil Nas X
I'm sure you heard the controversial double standards presented from the hate around the third single from Lil Nas X's debut album Montero. Watch this music video and question everything you thought you knew about yourself. You're an undercover freak. After all the rumors, it makes you wonder if the industry baby Lil Nas X is referencing is DaBaby. Queen Lizzo said all the rumors are true, yeah. Oop!
"Wild Side (feat. Cardi B)" - Normani
Don't worry, Normani. We will give you all the credit and attention you deserve on the 9th Floor playlist. Yes, everyone wants more than two singles. Yes, everyone is waiting for a whole album. But, we can't deny that the rare times Normani graces us with her presence, it's a sexy moment to remember. Can we also discuss that Cardi B's baby-to-be is featured in music videos before they even have a name?
"One In A Million" - Aaliyah
In the theme of controversy, Aaliyah's discography is finally hitting the stream waves. Word on the street, there's a bit foul play and exploitation at work-- but we enjoy Aaliyah's music nonetheless. We felt it essential to include this track which laid the groundwork for many modern-day hits, including Normani's “Wild Side.”
"Moonwalk" - cupcakKe
Imagine singing this song as a small kid. Wait, I can. We're quick to forget how dirty music could be in the 90s and early aughts. If you're in the mood for a messy, claim your sexuality anthem-- here's your song. Chicago rapper cupcakKe might not get as much play as other female rappers topping the charts, but she never disappoints. This song is full of Michael Jackson-themed double entendre. If you didn't notice already, we love a good theme over here.
"Run It (feat. Rick Ross & Rich Brian)" - DJ Snake
Remember back in the day when movie soundtracks had some of the best tracks of the year. This might be the case with the soundtrack for Marvel's newest film, Shang-Chi, and The Legend of the Ten Rings. DJ Snake teams up with the deep voices of Rick Ross and Rich Brian for a beat we just know is going to accompany a great fight scene.
“Lifetime (with Ty Dolla $ign & 070 Shake)" - Swedish House Mafia
Swedish House Mafia is back! EDM is not the same without the supergroup trio gracing the stages of the music festivals. The second comeback single from their upcoming 2021 Paradise Again reminds the world why we were obsessed with these dudes in the first place. Take us back to paradise, boys.
"Carnival" - Ashley Zarah, Gula
What is dark pop? According to the talented Iranian singer-songwriter Ashley Zarah, it's sad pop music actualized by affliction and concealed by pretty sounds. After a first, second, and fifteenth listen. We agree. Dark pop is brooding and sounds lovely. Ashley is one to watch. We want more from the dark pop universe.
"STAY (with Justin Bieber)" - The Kid LAROI
Australian rapper, singer-songwriter The Kid LAROI is on the rise for sure. This single from his revamped mixtape F*ck Love 3: Over You features one of the best Jedi Masters for teen pop music, Justin Bieber. The Kid LAROI knows how to blend the pop sounds of rhythm and blues, rap, and dance music just the right way. The council has spoken, and you can stay on the playlist.
“HAPPY PILLZ (feat. Cara Hart)” - SAYMYNAME
We're longtime fans of the "Godfather of Hardtrap." SAYMYNAME's unique sound reminds us of the beautiful, chaotic electronic dance music. If you're in the mood for your ears to turn inside out and get snatched into a parallel universe of heavy bass and electrifying melodies-- you must see him command a stage. This track features the angelic voice of Cara Hart, and it's the perfect marriage of melody.
"I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE" - Måneskin
We discovered this delicious song from our beautiful Italian friend while chilling on a sailboat in the middle of summer. A whole mood. Featured on the Italian rock band's second studio album, Teatro d'ira: Vol. I, released earlier this year, it’s a song about the many facets of sexuality and love in relationships. It's edgy, it's sexual, and it's definitely a song to get the crowd jumping.
"Kykakacha" - Otyken
The ancient melodies of this aboriginal Siberian group and their iconic fashion are the perfect celebration of the traditional rhythms of the world. They bring together the sounds of folk, rhythm and blues, funk, rock, and eclectic energy to get your body moving and your eyes wiggling.
"We the People" - Inüit
The young French band from Nantes is five childhood friends, each with their own unique powers. Trombones, percussions, synthesizers, and powerful vocals come together for an adventurous sound reminiscent of Radiohead, electro, and R&B.
"Walk The Beat" - Tierra Whack
Tierra Whack is back with a brand new track. The battle and spoken-word-performing rapper, introduces us to the theme song for your personal runaway. Beyond the beat, the music is an ode to the fashion scene, with Tierra handing out flowers to her favorite designers in almost every line.
“Comme des Garçons (Like the Boys)” - Rina Sawayama
Japanese-British singer Rina Sawayama released her debut studio album SAWAYAMA last year, and this disco-dance bop is one of the many tracks we have on repeat. She has a powerful voice and knows just the right sounds to put behind it. It is futuristic and a blend of funky, synth-pop, and house. A recipe for a beautiful time on the dance floor.
"Hell Is A Crowded Room" - Allison Ponthier
Allison Ponthier is a singer-songwriter with a familiar sound that transports you to a place that feels like home. Her music tells a story. Allow her to take you on a journey from her Texas roots into the hipsterdom of New York through country-born melodies and airily whimsical instrumentation. This particular track is mellow in comparison to the Camp-inspired imagination of her discography. Imagine if Alice became a beautiful songstress before her first trip into Wonderland.
"Something To Say" - Michaela Jaé
Michaela Jaé knows the kids were dying for a feel-good summer anthem. When critics are talking about musical range, they're referring to MJ. If it's not the flawless beauty or the dance moves, then it's the notes that she hits at all the right moments. It's her first single, and we're off to a great start. I think she is going to give everybody a run for their money. Making television history is only the beginning for this triple threat.
"All Eyes On Me" - Bo Burnham
We seriously forget that Bo Burnham is a comedian. He's an artist who discovers every way to deliver his message through performing, writing, acting, and directing. When most of the world curled up into the corner of the bedroom last year and cried, Bo Burnham made sure his camera was rolling and turned the moment into one of the most talked-about Netflix specials. The album includes all the iconic songs, three of which earned him a place on the charts.
Look out for more from 9th Floor Media!
Tracklist
“I Feel Good!” - Jason LoCricchio, Slake Dransky
“Rumors (feat. Cardi B)” - Lizzo
“INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)” - Lil Nas X
“Get Into It (Yuh)” - Doja Cat
“In The Dark (with Jhené Aiko)” - Swae Lee
“Wild Side (feat. Cardi B)” - Normani
“One In A Million” - Aaliyah
“OverHeated” - Billie Eilish
“Hacia el Fondo” - Rubio
“HIT IT (feat. Saweetie & Lele Pons)” - Black Eyed Peas
“Iam The Stripclub” - Iggy Azalea
“Moonwalk” - cupcakKe
“Keto” - IDK, The Neptunes, Swae Lee, Rico Nasty
“Oxytocin” - Billie Eilish
“Run It (feat. Rick Ross & Rich Brian)” - DJ Snake
“Alive” - RÜFÜS DU SOL
Lifetime (with Ty Dolla $ign & 070 Shake)” - Swedish House Mafia
“Tunnel” - Polo & Pan, Channel Tres
“Carnival” - Ashley Zarah, Gula
“STAY (with Justin Bieber)” - The Kid LAROI
“HAPPY PILLZ (feat. Cara Hart)” - SAYMYNAME
“Demeanor (feat. Dua Lipa)” - Pop Smoke
“Nightshade” - Blood Orchid
“I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE” - Måneskin
“Kykakacha” - Otyken
“We the People” - Inüit
“UCKERS” - Shygirl
“Walk The Beat” - Tierra Whack
“Magic Carpet” - Kyle Watson, MAY BBY
“Comme des Garçons (Like the Boys)” - Rina Sawayama
“Noches en Miami” - Natti Natasha
“Oasis” - Polo & Pan
“Bazooka” - Sleepy Chows, JKLN, Antomage
“I Didn’t Change My Number” - Billie Eilish
“Magnified” - Island Police
“Breathe” - Romeo
“BAGDAD - Cap.7: Liturgia” - ROSALÍA
“Fallen Fruit” - Lorde
“Hell Is A Crowded Room” - Allison Ponthier
“Genie in a Bottle” - Sofia Karlberg
“Who Cares” - Chløë Black
“i am” - Royal & the Serpent
“Devil Baby” - Tsar B, Mauro
“Don’t Let Me Go” - Asian Doll
“Need To Know” - Doja Cat
“deja vu” - Olivia Rodrigo
“Memory” - Kane Brown, blackbear
“Die For A Man (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)” - Bebe Rexha
“Colorado” - Milky Chance
“Devil” - Two Feet
“Smells Like Sex” - Sizzy Rocket
“Look Who’s Cryin’ Now” - Jessie Murph
“Psychedelic Views (feat. IDK)” - Sad Night Dynamite
“Make U Stay” - Sega Bodega, Låpsley
“Don’t Wait Up” - Shakira
“Something To Say” - Michaela Jaé
“Goodbye” - LP
“Stoned at the Nail Salon” - Lorde
“Happier Than Ever” - Billie Eilish
“All Eyes On Me” - Bo Burnham
Playlist by Karlo Haddad
Review by Myke Thompson
Photo by Linda Jin