Hot summer nights, mid July, baby! Yes, that's right. It's the middle of the summer and we're smack dab in the epicenter of a heat wave. No one can seem to shake the heat, not even the rain is helping.
And while I'm scurrying off to the beach somewhere, you may be gearing up for a cross-country road trip...or a rooftop bar somewhere in the city...or a night in with your friends. Regardless of everyone's weekend plans, it's imperative that we have a good playlist to listen to this weekend.
That's where I come in! I round up all of the new music released this week and pick out a few great songs to put into a Weekend Playlist. That way, you don't have to do all the work of searching through a bunch of new playlists in order to find the songs that are actually worth listening to.
This week is no different from the rest, another busy week trying to figure out which song will top the charts and compete with songs like "Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey and "Please, Please, Please" by Sabrina Carpenter for Song of the Summer. With so many new songs out, it makes the odds even greater that you'll find something you like.
So, without further ado, let's get listening!
Wallows- "Bad Remake"Â
Fans have been asking for Wallows to release "Bad Remake" for years. Ever since the band was doing live sessions for their debut album, Nothing Happens, which just celebrated its five year anniversary. Now, as the band releases an exclusive vinyl for its anniversary, "Bad Remake" is officially out for the world to hear.
The song is the epitome of surf rock: dreamy, nostalgic, and equally catchy. It's perfect for summer, sending you straight to the beaches of California. Something about the song sends you back to the 60's, when The Beach Boys were ever-so-popular...but at the same time, "Bad Remake" is a sign that Wallows has always had their sound figured out, and it will always work.
Glass Animals- "Show Pony"Â
Glass Animals long-awaited album, I Love You So F***ing Much, is finally here alongside single "Show Pony." The song itself is classic Glass Animals sound, the one that made us fall in love with hit song "Heat Waves." However, "Show Pony" has the same makings of a banger that everyone will love.
It's the tale of a relationship from start to finish. It's blunt and almost heartbreaking, but is masked with a melodic beat and lead singer Dave Bayley's unique vocals that make it an exciting beginning to an even better album.
MABEL- "Female Intuition"Â
A leading voice in R&B right now, MABEL can twist and turn her smooth vocals throughout any song and it sounds incredible. Her newest song, "Female Intuition" is the badass Destiny's Child-esque renaissance we've all been yearning for. It's empowering, sexy, and strong.
We certainly don't have enough celebrated female R&B artists in the game right now...and MABEL knows how to push boundaries in the best way with her music. "Female Intuition" is just another reason she's so iconic.
Madison Beer- "15 Minutes"Â
There are times where I've thought Madison Beer deserves the same hype that pop girls like Sabrina Carpenter are receiving. With "15 Minutes", Beer brings the heat with a bouncy, entrancing pop song that oozes sex appeal in a dream-like melody. It's different from what the rest are doing, and that's a good thing.
Her vocals are as solid as ever with "15 Minutes" and it's just another should-be hit for Beer.
ROLE MODEL- "Scumbag"
A fun loving track is exactly what we needed on this playlist. Thankfully, ROLE MODEL is here to deliver what he knows best: heartbreaking lyrics masked with upbeat melodies and ear-wormy hooks. "Scumbag" happily screams lyrics like "I'm a scumbag! But you stand by me" during its chorus.
It's about seeing someone for who they really are, and loving them even if they suck a bit. We've all been there, ROLE MODEL is just being honest.
Neon Trees- "El Diablo"Â
A new era of Neon Trees is underway: one where the band is more raw and honest than ever, willing to bare it all to their listeners. With new album, Sink Your Teeth, written over the course of three years, a lot has changed for the band. Newest single, "El Diablo", is high energy right off the bat with an essence of pop rock.
It's perfect for a night out with your friends, pure fun the entire way through. "El Diablo" is a song that you may not have pinned to be written and performed by Neon Trees, but somehow their new sound works perfectly. It's edgy, but not in a way that doesn't work.
Gallant- "Fly On The Wall (Osaka Version)"
"Fly On The Wall" is an emotional and introspective track that gently washes over you as soon as you turn it on. With deep, soothing vocals, Gallant prepares for the release of his sophomore album, Zinc., where he stays true to himself as an artist. "Fly On The Wall" is a perfect beginning to the album, soft and building, reminiscent of an argument.
“It came together as an honest and visceral story I’d been trying to write for a long time,” says Gallant. “It’s focused on the lyrics. The chorus reminded me of saying something I regretted in the heat of themoment during an argument.”
It's almost absurd that we're in the middle of July as I write this. I have friends groaning that the summer is over already, which is completely and wholly untrue in my eyes. But enough with the mourning, this article is about happiness (among other things.)
There's something about the looming weekend that gets me overly excited. It may be because I don't have to set an alarm for work, or even look at my laptop...but there's another, very prevalent reason as to why I love Fridays (and you should, too): new music is released every weekend.
So yes, summer Fridays are amazing, but when you top it off with the promise of new music...you can't go wrong. During the summer, everyone's a bit more active- and that includes musicians. There are live performances galore, and every artist is dropping a song in hopes of winning the coveted "Song of the Summer" title.
And with the summer not even close to over, a brand new song of the summer could emerge at any given moment. So, that's where I come in. On Fridays, I round up all of the new music released each week that's worth listening to. That way, you don't have to do all the work searching through playlist after playlist of new music to show your friends.
In the words of Sabrina Carpenter in her #1 hit single, "Please, Please, Please": "I know I have good judgement, I know I have good taste." I've found the best new music released July 12, 2024 and I'm nice enough to share. So, let's get listening!
Teddy Swims- "Danger"Â
Teddy Swims is another up-and-coming artist who shouldn't be counted out too early. He's already hit the jackpot with "Lose Control," but "Danger" is an impeccable follow up that deserves equal hype. It's catchy, sexy, and makes you want to dance. It's soulful in all the right places, with a sprinkle of pop and jazz.
My favorite on this playlist this weekend.
John Summit, Paige Cavell- "Tears"Â
John Summit has just released his debut album, Comfort in Chaos, amidst the summer of house music. He's on of the leading names in electronic music right now- pushing boundaries and making headlines for his groundbreaking sets. With an innate ability to make hit after hit, John Summit is here with "Tears"- which I can already hear on every rooftop in NYC this summer.
Alesso, Nate Smith- "I Like It"Â
It's certainly a country summer, and it's also a summer of house music...so why not blend the two? That's exactly what Alesso and Nate Smith do with "I Like It." It's an easy collaboration that can get your group dancing in no time. With Alesso's ability to create an upbeat backtrack and Nate Smith's satisfying country sound, "I Like It" will be on replay for you all summer.
Lexa Gates- "I Just Can't Be Alone"Â
Queens native Lexa Gates embodies the New York spirit in her music through passionate, hard-hitting lyrics. Her voice is full of personality and soul, and she's garnering attention for her music being both authentic and relatable. With a deep, soulful vibe, Gates is an exciting rising star who deserves for her voice to be celebrated.
"I Just Can't Be Alone" is quintessential Gates: jazzy, smooth, rich vocals with insightful lyrics that build throughout the song. Her music and sound is entirely unique, which makes Gates so exciting to listen to.
keshi- "Say"Â
You may already know keshi- who captured the hearts of fans by bearing his soul in his music. He's gearing up to release his sophomore album, Requiem, in September by dropping the first single: "Say." "Say" is a complete vibe, a soft rock feel mixed with groove.
One of the best songs on the playlist this week, if "Say" is a glimpse into Requiem, there's a lot to look forward to.
Ice Spice, Central Cee- "Did It First"Â
Ice Spice's rapid rise to fame shows no signs of slowing down as she gears up to release Y2K!, her highly anticipated debut album. Her rap style is catchy, amassing huge amounts of streams on Spotify and making her one of TikTok's favorite artists. "Did It First" is another addition to Ice Spice's already prolific discography.
It's fiery, worming its way into your brain from the moment you press play.
Eminem- "Somebody Save Me"
An apology (and love) letter to his children and family members he hurt due to addiction, Eminem provides his classic rap flow mixed with introspective lyricism. It's an incredibly sad, yet beautiful rap that gives you a peek into the past few years of Eminem's life and his struggles with addiction.
Ahead of his album, The Death of Slim Shady, "Somebody Save Me" is haunting in the best way.
SALEKA- "Save Me"
Although SALEKA plays popstar Lady Raven in M. Night Shyamalan's newest thriller, TRAP, she's also one in real life. As she releases the soundtrack for the film, the newest installment is equally impressive. The entire album, LADY RAVEN, was composed, produced, and performed entirely by SALEKA herself.
Her musical prowess is impressive, and "Save Me" exhibits her vocal ability perfectly. Someone who should be recognized beyond this film, SALEKA is a threat in the industry.
As you read this, imagine me to be sitting somewhere on a beach in New Jersey (hold your horrified gasps) surrounded by friends and a Bose Soundlink Max speaker blaring my favorite tracks. I'm always on aux, dear reader, as I'm sure you can imagine. My Spotify playlists are highly sought after by a specific group of people (my friends).
And yes, it's also worth mentioning that it's a holiday weekend. For those of us in the good ole United States of America, it's the Fourth of July during a very terrifying election year. So, in order not to think about the current state of our country, we must listen to music. And lots of it. Doctor's orders.
So that's where the good new comes in: each week, there's a whole set of new songs released. Especially during the summer, because artists know you're looking to stream. And patiently, as I wait for Harry Styles to drop new music (it's been two years, H), I have this weekly segment where I round up the best new music released.
I comb through press releases, the Spotify-curated playlists, and the charts to find the next big songs that will get you and your friends dancing.
If new music sounds like something you need right now, let's get listening!
Lana Del Rey x Quavo - "Tough"
Welcome back, rapper Lana Del Rey. After being spotted hanging out with Quavo in Atlanta and performing the song at her sold-out Fenway Park show, the friend duo are here with "Tough." It's highly anticipated for a reason- combining Lana's earthy, crooning voice with Quavo's ability to craft a hit rap song.
With two seasoned veterans, it's hard to go wrong...and Lana Del Rey is the ultimate risk-taker when it comes to music. Expect a sonic shift, but the same voices you know and love. It's both country and rap bundled into one song that makes perfect sense.
Good Neighbors - "Daisies"Â
Good Neighbors deserves all of the hype they've been receiving so far. "Daisies" is the perfect dose of summertime in one song...and how perfect, as it's about falling back in love with yourself. It feels just like that- with the synths, the vocals, the instrumental breaks envelop your senses, sending you into sunshine and a field somewhere.
After the mega-hit "Home" and follow up single, "Keep It Up," "Daisies" proves Good Neighbors is on the right track. This new era of indie pop is just what we needed right now.
Eminem, BabyTron, Big Sean- "Tobey"Â
Shady's officially back- with new album The Death of Slim Shady (Coupe De Grace) on the horizon, he releases "Tobey" alongside Big Sean and BabyTron. It's high energy, and even though industry giants like Eminem have been around for over a decade, "Tobey" feels fresh.
And, of course, Eminem waits to come in at the very end and close out the song with fire verse after fire verse. It's a fun sneak peek into what comes next in the final era of Slim Shady.
Louis The Child, Laszewo, Pluko- "Slow"Â
Louis The Child is a name synonymous with summer hits. Just in time for your days spent lounging on the beach and hanging with your friends, this song begs for a relationship to slow down. It's about taking things slow, and showcases the collaborators sounds perfectly.
"It flowed like water," Louis The Child say. "It's a song about wanting to dive straight into a relationship, about feeling all the right emotions and not wanting to hold back or take things slow."
Felix Jaehn, Sophie Ellis-Bextor- "Ready For Your Love"Â
Two icons: Felix Jaehn and Sophie Ellis-Bextor (yes, of "Murder On The Dancefloor") are here with "Ready For Your Love." It's entrancing- an ethereal beat mixed with Ellis-Bextor's lilting voice that floats over the house track. It makes you want to dance, it's perfect for the electronic house renaissance we're having this summer.
I can hear this playing in New York City clubs for the foreseeable future...and it'll be well-deserved. "Ready For Your Love" is an instant hint.
KATSEYE- "Debut"Â
Ahead of their debut EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), KATSEYE is here with "Debut"- a symphony of powerful vocals from this brand new girl group. KATSEYE has already proven they've got what it takes to be the next big thing in the industry, and "Debut" solidifies they are taking stardom in stride.
Their vocal diversity makes "Debut" an exciting listen- starting strong and building throughout its entirety. Definitely not the last time we're going to hear from this group, but a promising beginning nonetheless.
Summer began with one definitive truth: if you thought you were a hater, you’re not a hater like Kendrick Lamar is a hater. I’ll admit: Drake has won his share of rap beefs. In 2015, he got into it with Meek Mill over claims that Drake doesn’t write his own songs. He emerged victorious, though he’s never beaten those ghostwriting allegations. Still, he took the crown, and “Back to Back” is still one of my favorite of his songs. However, we can’t forget that he’s taken some big hits and some super public losses, too.
In the summer of 2018, he and Pusha T started a fire that culminated in the revelation that Drake had a son, Adonis. While now, Adonis is frequently at his father’s side at public appearances like basketball games and even appeared on his album, being forced into claiming your son by a Soundcloud diss track is crazy.
But what’s crazier is how Kendrick shut this summer down for Drake. For a pop star who usually spends summers at the top of the charts, he’s spending this one in hiding. All because Kendrick decided to instigate probably the greatest rap feud of our generation and
win it. I want the next season of Ryan Murphy’s Feud to be about this. I want to take a class at a liberal arts college about the ethics or psychology or marketing behind it. I want political scientists to write think-pieces about what this says about the political and economic state of the world. But until then, here’s the Popdust take on Kendrick’s war on Drake — and why there’s one obstacle that keeps me from celebrating his victory lap.
First things first: The history of Kendrick Lamar starting beef
For context: Kendrick Lamar is the greatest rap artist of our time — decorated with Grammy wins, American Music Awards, and even a Pulitzer Prize for the album
DAMN. He is also a Gemini. Unpredictable. Opinionated. Occasionally, arrogant. It’s what makes him great and why we love him. Other famous Geminis include Gwyneth Paltrow and Kanye West. You get it. Figures who are unstoppable when they use their mercurial madness for good, and problematic at best when they get a tad too unhinged. The question is: on which side of this line does Kendrick Lamar’s latest venture fall?
The braggadocious rapper is known for taking shots at his peers. His message is always clear:
I’m the greatest rapper of our time, but it would be nice to have some competition. In 2013, he issued this direct challenge when he appeared on Big Sean’s “Control” with Jay Electronica. This verse is the equivalent of Nicki Minaj’s verse on “Monster.” It’s so fire that most people forget whose song it was in the first place. When you talk about “Monster,” you talk about Nicki. When you talk about “Control,” you talk about Kendrick and the shockwaves he sent through the industry.
The year before, he dropped his career-defining concept album
good kid, m.A.A.d city. Knowing he’d just released one of the most dynamic rap albums of all time, he appeared on “Control” to make sure everyone else on the planet knew it too. In a three minute verse, he issued a challenge to every rapper in the game, name-dropping 11 of the biggest rappers at the time (like the good old days) — including J.Cole and Drake.
“Jermaine Cole, Big KRIT, Wale, Pusha T, Meek Millz, A$AP Rocky, Drake, Big Sean, Jay Electron', Tyler, Mac Miller — I got love for you all but I'm tryna murder you,” he rapped. “What is competition? I'm tryna raise the bar high,” he continued.
The verse was a wake-up call. Kendrick was banging on everyone’s doors and telling them to get to work. And, to his credit, they did. Every rapper felt like they had to prove themselves, and the music we got in the verse’s wake was their attempt. From Drake’s
If You're Reading This It's Too Late mixtape, which took him finally from R&B to full rap star, to J. Cole’s Forest Hills Drive, some of these rappers released their best work.
But while there was love in “Control” — especially since Kendrick had collaborated with and even toured with some of the artists mentioned a few years prior — the past decade certainly changed things.
A definitive timeline of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef in 2024
The Big Three? Kendrick, Cole, and Drake
Though some say Kendrick started the current iteration of the feud, it actually goes back to Drake’s album
For All the Dogs. In “First Person Shooter,” J. Cole actually gives Kenny props — describing him, Ken, and Drizzy as the “big three.”
But in March 2024, Lamar appeared on “Like That" alongisde Future and Metro Boomin
We Don’t Trust You album to say: “motherf**k the big three, n*gga, it's just big me.”
In response, Cole released “7 Minute Drill” in early April. He went album for album, giving a pretty ungenerous take on Kendrick’s albums, insinuating he is washed up, irrelevant, and jealous — mad talk from someone who’s just called him part of the “big three.”
“Your first shit was classic, your last shit was tragic / Your second shit put niggas to sleep, but they gassed it / Your third shit was massive, and that was your prime / I was trailin' right behind, and I just now hit mine / Now I'm front of the line with a comfortable lead / How ironic, soon as I got it, now he wants somethin' with me.”
However, in a surprising move, Cole soon took himself out of it. At the Dreamville Festival in North Carolina just days later, Cole publically apologized on stage — not a common occurrence in the rap world. Calling it “the lamest shit [he] ever did in [his] f**king life," he said that though the internet seemed to “want blood,” he didn’t. While the decision was met with an overall groan from fans and the rap community — tapping out of beef so soon made him look like he couldn’t handle the heat. However, now, it seems like Cole knew something Drake didn’t: when to quit.
At first, critics pointed to other times Kendrick has thrown shots. It didn’t have to be personal, they said, and a rap battle is distinct from rap beef. Rap battles are integral to the genre, and the fire is always friendly. But J Cole was soon proved right when Drake put his two cents in, and the battle went from a tiff about artistry to something increasingly more personal.
Drake v Kendrick, one on one
On April 19th, Drake released his first response: "Push Ups." Its notable lyrics included digs on Kendrick’s height (even though short kings are up right now) and on his TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) record deal — namely for making him do that verse on Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood.”
The most incensed lyrics, however, were about Kendrick’s legacy. “What's a prince to a king? He a son. / Get more love in the city that you from.” Drake implied that he was bigger physically and career-wise, “Sonning” Kendrick. But it was implying that Drake was more popular in the West Coast, where Kendrick is
Regal, that really took this beef to another level.
Known for his “Back to Back” disses, Drake doubled down days later with “Taylor Made Freestyle” — with Swift catching strays again. The title implies that Kendrick pushed back his latest release out of fear of Taylor Swift’s
Tortured Poets Department and says that Taylor’s running the music industry (kinda true).
However, the song’s controversy doesn’t end there. Drake used AI to take on the voices of Kendrick’s West Coast idols and make more jokes about Lamar not being the “West Coast savior” he thinks he is. However, the Tupac Shakur Estate threatened to sue if Drake didn’t delete the track. For those counting at home, that’s two diss tracks wiped from the internet before Kendrick could even respond.
Still with me? This is where it really gets interesting.
“Euphoria” et al
Kendrick released “Euphoria” on April 30, 2024. One of the definitive two tracks from this feud, “Euphoria,” is a six-minute saga that essentially says
you wanted to get personal? Let’s get personal. Up until this point, Kendrick’s jabs were about the music. But in “Euphoria,” he takes shots at everything imaginable about Drake: his fashion sense, his friends, his hip-hop credentials, and even his Blackness — saying no one wants to hear him say the N-Word anymore.
The more hateful the bar, the better. The most-quoted lyrics were even a reference to a DMX interview about Drake from a few years ago, implying that hip-hop legends don’t respect Drake or his posturing. “It's always been about love and hate, now let me say I'm the biggest hater,” he said before going on a tirade that put all other haters to bed and crowned Kendrick the biggest hater ever. “I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress / I hate the way that you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it's gon' be direct / We hate the bitches you fuck 'cause they confuse themself with real women / And notice, I said "we," it's not just me, I'm what the culture feeling.”
Early in the morning 3 days later, Kendrick released another track: “6:16 in LA.” This song is about OVO, Drake’s team and brand, and how there might be disloyalty in the ranks. He rapped: “Have you ever thought that OVO was working for me?/ Fake bully, I hate bullies / You must be a terrible person/ Everyone inside your team is whispering that you deserve it/Can’t Toosie Slide up out of this one, it’s just gon’ resurface.”
Hours later, Drake responded to the claims about his team with claims about Lamar’s family in “Family Matters.” This, again, took the beef to another level. He made claims about infidelity and even domestic abuse in Kendrick’s relationship. While the jury is still out on whether or not these claims are true (Kendrick denied them), like anything, words are about impact, not intent. And these words got Kendrick riled up.
Now that they were talking about family, literally minutes later Kendrick released “Meet the Grahams”, making good on the line in “Euphoria”: “Don’t tell lies about me, and I won’t tell no truths about you.” He confirms that this beef won’t end with an apology, though it started with one. It’s for life. Petty king. “F**ck a rap battle, this a lifelong battle with yourself,” he raps.
“Not Like Us”: The Finisher
And in quick succession, Kendrick released the defining song of the beef — a real contender for song of the summer. “Not Like Us” compares Drake’s OVO crew to Kendrick’s West Coast crew, specifically calling them sex offenders. The cover art is an aerial photo of Drake’s Toronto hellscape of a mansion with a cluster of sex offender symbols over it. Scathing. Humiliating. And when the lyric of the summer is about your penchant for grooming young women? How will Drizzy ever recover?
He put in a valiant effort with his next track, “The Heart Pt. 6.” He came back at Kendrick’s family and even asserted that he’d fed Kendrick false information — a goofy move for a goofy man. But maybe it would’ve worked the way he wanted if not for “Not Like Us.” As it was, there was nothing he could say to top that. Kendrick was at his most spiteful, most hateful, and most talented. And the song became an instant anthem. What could Drake really do about that?
Kendrick won. Now he’s on his victory lap
For a minute, rap fans were divided. With each new track showcasing the rappers at their best, some were divided about who was winning. From the salacious revelations to the actual bars, everyone was talking about the beef and what it meant. But after the release of “Not Like Us,” even Drake fans had to agree that their man was cooked.
Even worse, they started playing “Not Like Us” and “Euphoria” on the radio. That’s how you know you’ve lost a rap battle: they play one person’s songs on repeat but never spin yours. And these were serious plays. Serious enough that “Not Like Us” debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and “Euphoria” climbed to No. 3. Two songs of the summer? Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar behavior — our short stars!
And if that weren’t enough, “Not Like Us” might even win a Grammy. When TMZ asked Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. about the track, the music mogul said: “That’s a relevant record that’s impacting on so many levels. So much creativity and talent.”
All summer, I’ve been saying that if I were
Olivia Rodrigo, I’d be sick seeing the girl who stole my boyfriend top the charts with the most infectious songs of the summer (Sabrina supremacy … hope Olivia gets her driver’s license or whatever that song was about). Similarly, if I were Drake, I’d be ill at the thought that a song so scathing was doing numbers on the charts. Especially since Drake is used to sitting pretty at No.1 in the summer. Sorry, man, not this year.
The significance of Kendrick’s Pop Out show
We’ve established that Kendrick Lamar is the most petty person that ever exists. So it should have been no surprise when he announced a show in Los Angeles on Juneteenth. To double down on the fact that, despite Drake’s claims, he does get love from his city, he dedicated the night to the West Coast by bringing out, you guessed it, his friends.
With the Pop Out concert, Lamar proved that the feud wasn’t just about taking personal shots, it was about territories. Teams. Friends. And the love you get from your city. After his status as the definitive West Coast rapper was challenged and his ties to his city were questioned, Kendrick Lamar brought out not just West Coast artists but also united members from rival gangs on stage. It was an incredible show of unity and the power of culture on Juneteenth. But imagine being Drake, and people are literally ending beef just to dance on your grave? And to make matters worse, it’s streamed live online for the world to see?
The show — and the rap beef in general — was also about proving how embedded in Black culture Kendrick is, as opposed to Drake, according to his claims. It was ultimately about the difference between pop versus rap. Pop, where Drake falls, according to Kendrick, is about individuality and topping charts. That’s why all of Drake’s shots were about making hits and having a lot of fans. Kendrick even let him have his flowers for that on “Euphoria,” saying: “I like Drake with the melodies, I don't like Drake when he act tough.” Hop-hop, as Kendrick demonstrated, is about the culture. “This ain't been about critics, not about gimmicks, not about who the greatest,” he continues.
And Kenny is not the only person in the hop-hop community who feels that way. In January, Yasiin Bey — the rapper formerly known as Mos Def — called Drake a pop artist, not a hip-hop artist. In later statements, he clarified his critique but didn’t retract it, saying: “I require more of myself and others than just talent or charm or charisma — particularly in times of urgent crisis.” As a rapper who was prominent during the 90s and early 2000s, Bey sees the artform as connective, capable of having an impact outside of a club or Target shopping aisle. “What I would like to see, in terms of creators or creative people in the world as it relates to our culture, is for people to connect with us beyond the jukebox or the dance floor.”
Kendrick’s impact has always been felt in his music. From showcasing the realities of life in Compton in
Section.80 to analyzing the cultural impact of gang violence in good kid, m.A.A.d city, and talking about Black culture in To Pimp A Butterfly, his music, videos, and performances are always reflective of Black culture and life. The Pop-Out Show showed he walked the walk, too.
Until it didn’t.
The only flaw of Kendrick’s Pop Out show: Why Dr. Dre complicates Kendrick’s legacy
There are two main headlines from The Pop Out: Ken & Friends show. The first was how Kendrick broke the record for how many times he played the same song in succession. To close the show, he played “Not Like Us” not once, not twice, but FIVE times in a row. He’s petty! He’s a hater!
During the course of the show, and including during the encores, he also brought out West Coast artists to show his connection to his city. The surprise guest list included: YG, Tyler, The Creator, Roddy Ricch, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Ty Dolla $ign, Dom Kennedy, Russell Westbrook, ScHoolboy Q, Steve Lacy, Mustard, and Tommy the Clown.
However, one surprise guest tarnished the legacy and made a hypocrite out of Kendrick. Dr. Dre. Kendrick brought out Dr. Dre to perform one of his songs. Introducing Dre, he said: “It's only right that we start from day one, you know? So where would we be without our legends?”
However, although Dre was a fixture in 90s California rap, his legacy has become problematic over the last few decades. Dr. Dre has been accused by multiple women of physical assault, from writer Dee Barnes in 1991 to singer Michel’le, who was in an abusive relationship with Dre between 1990-1996. This is extra ironic because Kendrick uses a sample from Michel’le in “Like That,” but is still platforming her abuser? Rightfully, critics have pointed out this hypocrisy in the wake of spending all that time on his diss tracks rapping about the abusers in Drake’s circle.
Bringing out Dre complicated the entire message of the Pop Out. Does solidarity only exist for Black men? Does calling out abuse only matter when it’s to knock someone down a peg — not to actually hold anyone accountable or get justice? At the end of the day, what good is a community gathering that celebrates Black culture when it’s still invested in some of the same toxic protections of misogynoir?
While I’ll still be playing “Not Like Us” for what it stands for, I will continue to hope that Kendrick takes his own words to heart so I can more wholly celebrate his victory.
From the moment Megan Thee Stallion crowned summer 2019 “Hot Girl Summer,” each subsequent summer has fought to earn its own moniker. And just before the solstice, Charli XCX came to claim the crown with her album BRAT. The very instant the neon green album cover made its way to our Spotify feeds, it was clear it would be an instant classic.
And now, after sitting with the album for a few weeks — and blasting it through my headphones like armor against the heatwave — it's undeniable that these timeless tracks will define summer 2024. So everyone, like your pilot after a flight, I’d like to be the first to welcome you to BRAT summer.
Let’s be clear: BRAT summer is an extension of the summer of
gay pop. Look at the charts, and you’ll discover that many of this summer’s favorite earworms are made by and for the gays. Happy Pride from the queer community! Songs like “Good Luck Babe!” by our favorite performer Chappell Roan [who we interviewed here!] and “LUNCH” by alt-pop queen Billie Eilish are proudly queer anthems that aren’t going anywhere all summer and beyond. And while Charli isn’t queer herself, she’s a cornerstone of the queer music community. Her impact on the gay music scene cannot be ignored — she did the soundtrack to the lesbian cult film Bottoms, for goodness sake. And that’s to say nothing of her years making gay pop bangers before Jojo Siwa crowned this the summer of the genre.
Think of it like the parents who get citizenship in a country because their children were born there. For many queer folks, Charli is mother, and her music is directly influenced by and produced for LGBTQIA+ audiences. She follows a tradition of other hyperpop divas who have become icons in the queer community. Madonna. Kylie Minogue. Lady Gaga. Charli XCX.
Though for too long she was relegated to “gay famous” — aka only a household name to queer people and mostly unknown to mainstream pop charts — everyone has finally caught on. So if you’re new to Charli standom, welcome to a party so fun you’ll never want to leave.
BRAT is Charli’s seminal work — no wonder this is the record drawing the most public intrigue and influence of her career. She teased the album for months. With interviews, campaigns, DJ shows, and even announcing a joint tour with Troye Sivan, Charli was telling us to get ready for BRAT summer for months. For a while, some even wondered if it would live up to the hype. Luckily, it has exceeded it.
In her cover story interview for THE FACE magazine, she described
BRAT as “irresistible club pop made by a dyed-in-the-wool party girl.” And she delivered on her promise. BRAT is infectious and instantly timeless. It’s party fodder that’s surprisingly poignant. It’s not just an album, it’s a lifestyle. And everybody’s going to be living it all summer long.
Already,
BRAT has brought back partying. Even The New York Times has caught on — they recently published an article on partying in the new age. It included items like social media etiquette and not taking off your shoes in someone’s apartment. Overall, it feels like a treatise on BRATty behavior.
Consider this our take. From how to dress to how to act, here’s the Popdust guide to having a BRAT summer.
Bring back indie sleaze
Every year since the pandemic, fashion blogs have been predicting the return of indie sleaze. This Tumblr-era aesthetic reigned during the height of the early 2010s party girl era. It was characterized by cigarettes, ripped tights, and smudged eyeliner. It was embodied by Tumblr icons like Alexa Chung and the rest of the “rockstar girlfriend” set. And, in recent years, many of its markers have returned.
Arctic Monkeys put out a new album. Everyone is preoccupied with It-Girls again. But Indie Sleaze as an aesthetic has failed to regain its grip on the youth culture.
However, BRAT might be singlehandedly bringing back that vibe. It makes me want to put on a crop top and buy a choker. It makes me yearn for American Apparel days and wearing Doc Martens to the club. The #CleanLook aesthetic is out. Dressing for the most feral night of your life? In. Call it inner child healing and go full tilt into Tumblrcore.
Add one more accessory to your outfit before leaving the house
Allegedly, Coco Chanel once said: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” Clearly she was not a BRAT. Instead, add an accessory to your look each time you leave the house. Being a BRAT is about being over the top. It’s about buying the rhinestone and bedazzled tourist caps when you’re on vacation. It’s about giant sunglasses at night. It’s not just about accessorizing, it’s about
over-accessorizing.
My rule of thumb is to pick a go-to accessory and exaggerate it as much as possible. For example, if you love a funky earring, commit to the biggest, most outrageous earrings you can find. Personally, I adore rings, so this summer, I’m literally stacking every ring I own every day. If my hands weigh as much as my head, I’m doing it right.
Don’t sleep in your makeup — but make it look like you did
The cardinal sin in beauty is sleeping in your makeup. You run the risk of clogging your pores, activating or worsening acne, causing premature aging, drying out your skin barrier, and irritating your dermis. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You’re also missing out on all the potential benefits of your nighttime skincare routine when your skin needs the TLC the most.
Being a BRAT might be about being booked and busy, but it’s also about keeping yourself at your best to do it all over again tomorrow. So, no, don’t use BRAT summer as an excuse to sleep in your makeup, but use it as inspiration to
look like you slept in your eyeliner.
I’m talking thick brows, smudged eyeliner, smoky shadow, and finger blush. Apply with no caution whatsoever, and you have the look.
Say yes — to everything.
Consider that one Jim Carrey movie
Yes Man. When he’s bound to say yes to everything, hilarity ensues. In real life, the same is true. Doing it for the plot, as the kids say, can open doors you never expected. In the winter, I’m protective of my boundaries and selective about what I do. In the summer, I’ll take any opportunity to be outside.
An extension of this rule is keeping the conversation open. Don’t just ask people what they’re doing, ask them if you can tag along. You’ll be surprised how often they tell you that the more, the merrier.
Don’t flake
Saying yes to plans is a commitment. But it’s not very BRATty to cancel at the last minute. Once you affirm plans, respond to a Partiful invite, or slide up on someone’s story about a house party, you’re bound to it. Even if you only go for a moment, show your face, and leave, it’s better than flaking completely.
Dance!
In the song “girl, so confusing” (not the version with Lorde, but we’ll get there), Charli says: “Think you should come to my party and put your hands up!” The queen has spoken — y’all better put your hands up.
It might seem like a given since we’re talking about parties, but people don’t want to clock in and dance anymore. It’s time to break the cycle. This summer, let’s make a pact to actually dance at parties. No more standing on the walls, trying to look cool and nonchalant. Being a BRAT is about being chalant.
Think Troye Sivan in his icon run of music videos last year. I want to channel “Get Me Started” energy to every song on
BRAT. You don’t have to have full choreo, but let the music move you, for goodness sake! That’s what it’s for.
Especially if they’re playing throwback 2000s and 2010s recession-pop
This one is for the DJs: If you’re playing
BRAT at the club (you should be), it’s best paired with recession pop. Play Charli mixed with the greats and their own pop bangers. BRAT is influenced by the music of the past decade. And considering Cahrli has been making music that whole time, BRAT is an homage to this era. The best way to pay it respect is by
Pregame with sad girl music
A BRAT is complicated. They contain multitudes. They’re complex and layered. Behind the party girl exterior is a deep yearning that can only be soothed by sad girl music. If you’re watching
Lana Del Rey’s Coachella 2024 performance on YouTube before going out, congratulations, you’re a BRAT.
I personally find that starting the pregame with Phoebe Bridgers, moving on to Billie Eilish, and ending with Charli sets the perfect mood. You have to work your way up to Charli. You have to emotionally earn it.
Wired headphones forever
The above is true when you’re alone, too. Listening to music in your headphones, it better be either La Del Rey or Charli this summer. But the headphones themselves matter. Until they make neon green skins for your bulky wireless Airpods, wired earphones are the official choice for a BRAT summer. Whether you choose the classic Apple earphones or trendy ones like the Koss vintage-inspired earphones,
as long as they have a wire, you’re good.
Ponder the meaning of life
“I think about it all the time, that I might run out of time,” ponders Charli on BRAT. “My career feels so small in the existential scheme of it all,” she ends the song, “i think about it all the time,” before leading into a song of the summer, “365.” Clearly, her career means something — both to her and the culture. And it’s a sign to us all. It’s normal to ponder the meaning of life, to spiral at the club, to have an existential crisis in the car on the way home. As long as you show up and dance.
Take digitals. Post the good, bad, and the ugly
Every other year comes a photo trend. During Tumblr, it was the Polaroid camera. For the past few years, it’s been the disposable. Now, it’s the digital cameras. While we don’t have to bring back Facebook albums compiling every photo from every night, I shudder to recall that dark time, digital cameras offer both whimsy and functionality. Just don’t dilly-dally before sharing with your friends.
It’s also about being real online and offline. There’s no room for shame or regret when you’re a BRAT. So post every pic, even if your eye is half closed — in fact, that makes you seem cooler. Like, wow, you’re too busy living your super cool and awesome life to stress about your photos. And I’ll be in the likes of all your photo dumps and stories because BRATs support BRATs.
No beef. Work it out on the remix
Undoubtedly, the most viral storyline from the BRAT rollout came a few weeks later with a remix. Many had already speculated that the song was about Cahrli and Lorde’s purported beef. After years in the industry, the two kept being compared to each other and Charli has spoken out about these comparisons before. While they weren’t fighting it out on Instagram Live, the fans hyped up this so-called rivalry. It finally seemed like Charli was addressing it in “girl, so confusing,” a song straight out of the
Barbie soundtrack (which she also worked on).
So, imagine all of our surprises when Lorde and Charli worked it out on the remix. Released days after the initial album, “The girl, so confusing version with Lorde” was a surprisingly vulnerable and completely powerful move to end this alt-girl beef. Lorde hopped on the track to talk about her insecurities and the defense mechanisms we make to protect ourselves and hurt other people. I almost cried to that heavy pop beat. And Charli wouldn’t have it any other way.
In a world filled with nonsensical (though entertaining) feuds like Kendrick and Drake, this summer is about working it out on the remix. It’s about supporting other BRATs. And inviting that girl you think hates you to your party. Truly iconic.
Popstars have been the backbone of the music industry for decades upon decades. There were OG divas like Whitney Houston and Britney Spears. There were Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Rihanna. But it felt like we were in need of a fresh sound.
Most of our original pop girls are onto ventures like starting beauty lines, starring in films, writing books, and starting families. There wasn’t an immediate need to release albums or tour anymore. So the takeover of male artists on Billboard charts ensued.
Of course, the shine to Taylor Swift will blaze on. But the world grows tired of hearing the same few artists over and over. As always, there’s a bright new, shiny Next Big Thing on the horizon.
The summer of 2024 proves that you don’t necessarily need to be a “new” artist to rise to superstardom. Ever since Coachella, it has become clear that there are two Next Big Things in the realm of pop music:
Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.
Both Carpenter and Roan signed to labels when they were young. You may know Carpenter from opening for Swift on
The Eras Tour or her stint as a Disney star. And you may know Chappell as the opener for Olivia Rodrigo on The Guts Tour.
Chappell has been signed to Atlantic Records since she was 17 - back when she uploaded an original song called “Die Young” to YouTube. Under Atlantic, Chappell released an EP and eventually, in 2020, released “Pink Pony Club.” Not long after, she was dropped.
Everything shifted in September 2023. After being dropped from the label, she remained independent until releasing her debut album,
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, through Island Records.
Come 2024, Chappell toured the album in two parts, captivating fans' hearts with her wit, her live vocal ability, and her homemade tour outfits that were equally as camp as her music.
In the meantime, she remained in control of her social media accounts. Regularly posting funny TikTok anecdotes, capturing more fans in her web along the way. Although Chappell’s album was receiving rave reviews, we were still a little ways away from the world finding her.
Once she joined friend Olivia Rodrigo on
The Guts Tour (previously appearing as The SOUR Tour opener), Roan’s streams saw a 32% increase. But this was only the beginning.
April 2024 marks the complete juggernaut of Chappell Roan’s career. She’s no longer a best-kept secret. Chappell Roan - who sings candidly about sexuality and celebrates being gay in her drag-inspired makeup, her wild red hair, and her Lady Gaga-esque dedication to dramatics - was about to become the next mega-popstar.
The Rise Of Chappell Roan
In early April, Chappell released “Good Luck Babe” as the next single from
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. It felt like the start of the rest of her career. Her way of telling the world: here I am to give you the latest, refreshing pop music. And while I’m at it, shine light on the LGBTQ+ community.
The song received 7 million streams in the first week, “Good Luck Babe” became her fastest song to reach 100 million streams in no time. And then came the Coachella performance.
Chappell was set to perform in the Gobi tent. If you’re clued in to Coachella lore, the tents are generally smaller venues compared to the stages. It’s not typically reserved for bigger artists because they draw larger crowds.
However, during Chappell Roan’s Weekend I set, the Gobi tent overflowed with fans and new listeners alike. The world was watching on the Coachella livestream. And thanks to social media, thousands of TikToks and Instagram Reels were sourced and shared to
millions of viewers.
Chappell Roan caught the world’s attention by being true to herself. Her humility and humor make her relatable - she often displays emotions on stage no matter what they are. Her avant-garde makeup and outfits pay homage to fabulous drag queens and are reminiscent of Lady Gaga in 2010.
And of course, her music brings back a sense of fun to the world. Each song is catchy, daring, and reveals Roan’s true colors. After Coachella, her monthly listener count on Spotify saw a 500% increase to 7 million.
The Year Of Chappell Roan Continues
Since then, the world’s attention is on Chappell Roan. Her monthly listener count sits at over 24 million. She’s dined with new friend Elton John, who shared her album with Ed Sheeran, who also adores it.
She took the stage at Gov Ball 2024 inside an apple, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, holding a massive joint…to a massive crowd - bigger than the headliners. She’s as in-demand as it gets right now…publicly declaring she turned down a visit to the White House until there’s liberty and justice for all.
In an audacious performance, Chappell Roan declares herself as “your favorite artist’s favorite artist.” And she’s not wrong anymore. It’s no longer simply an outrageous statement. Simply put. Chappell Roan is a sensation.
She receives acclaim from Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and so many more. And has been candid about struggling with her recent rapid rise to the top - breaking down onstage, sharing with viewers on TikTok that many pop girls are really just as nice as they seem.
As she continues to grow and flourish in the public eye, Chappell Roan’s bearing up under the burden of pop princess. It’s something she has in common with another rising star, Sabrina Carpenter - who often goes viral for her off-the-cuff comments and sexual innuendos.
A new voice of our generation - Chappell Roan is a breath of fresh air. The people love honesty, they love personality, and they love fine music. Thank goodness Chappell Roan has all three.
You can stream Chappell's The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess here:
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