By Ricky Rath It’s never too early to start thinking about spring. This week’s playlist is all about that thumping bass and smooth flows of hip-hop for your spring break adventures. 1. Westside, Right on Time - Kendrick Lamar featuring Young Jeezy The first thing that stands out about this song is the sample from the 1973 song “How Love Hurts” by The Sylvers. There is just something about this sample and the way producer Canei Finch slices the sample throughout the song. Kendrick also flawlessly flows through the song rapping about living on the West Coast. 2. Ain’t Gon’ Stop - Sol Sol is a rapper based in Seattle who has made several appearances in Bellingham. This song is a personal favorite of mine to play when the sun is out. I can throw this track on while driving, walking outside or for any spring to summer activity. The beat and hook is irresistibly catchy and spreads good vibes every time you play it. 3. Never Goin Broke - HBK Gang Anybody visiting the Bay Area this spring break? This track is a staple of Bay Area hip hop music with its catchy hook and fun verses from HBK Gang. The West Coast style beat will have you bouncing and singing along to the hook. 4. Day Drink - Brothers From Another This is the perfect track to play while you’re opening a can of beer with your friends. Brothers From Another are also local Seattle rappers who’ve performed at Western within the last four years. The production and lyrics on this song make it a great one to add to the spring kick-back playlist. 5. Kenny Lofton - J. Cole featuring Young Jeezy This track was apart of my favorite J. Cole mixtape, Yours Truly 2. This is also the second song produced by Canei Finch, who also produced the Kendrick Lamar song on this list. Canei again uses samples in his producing to create a classic feel for the song. J. Cole, as usual, adds great storytelling in his lyrics. 6. Clear - Dumbfoundead Clear is by an Asian American rapper who has recently broke into the mainstream through the internet and collaborating with big names such as A$AP Ferg and Too Short. This song makes me want to live the beautiful moments in life in slow motion. The simple but alluring beat is layered with a violin that makes the track just gorgeous. 7. Favorite Song - Chance The Rapper feat. Childish Gambino This has to be one of my favorite collaborations in hip-hop. This song is from Chance The Rapper’s Acid Rap mixtape that elevated to him as one of hip hop’s biggest artists. Favorite Song has a charming beat with clever and fun lyrics. Childish Gambino also delivered a great verse as the guest artist. 8. Look Alive - BlocBoy JB featuring Drake This song blew up on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in February. Accompanied by a hard trap beat, Drake and BlocBoy JB will make you want to dance and turn up instantly. When hasn’t Drake made a catchy chorus to a song? This is definitely a song you can bump in the car with your friends. 9. Telegraph Ave. (“Oakland” by Lloyd) - Childish Gambino Childish Gambino showcases his singing and rapping skills on this song, making it a standout song on the album Because the Internet. The production is creative and features a smooth beat with little details that make it unique. It’ll give you the perfect soundtrack for your adventures this spring. All of these songs can be played in this playlist:
