Staff Picks 7/24/23
Sparky Staff Picks is a series where our writing and editing team comes together to talk about what’s been stuck in our heads and on repeat in our playlists. it doesn’t matter if it’s new or old, popular or underground, it just needs to have us in a chokehold. Follow Sparky on Twitter and Instagram @sparkywtf for more.
Slim Jesus, “Warning Shots”
Slim Jesus is best known for one song, and one song only: “Drill Time.” Perhaps no one encompasses the raucous, random, straight up bizarre era of Soundcloud rap like Mr. Jesus himself. Better known for being a fraud than a true “gangsta,” Slim Jesus holds another sneaky banger under his belt.
“Warning Shots” owes most of its irresistible nature to Kmakehitz. The beat could easily be a leftover from a Tee Grizzley track–and it’s fantastic. Slim Jesus basically yells over the track, but the head bopping snares and tingly keys offset and elevate his goofy bars. “You ain’t really with the shits/Put them Glocks up/Free the gang out that mafuckin’ locked up” he raps. Yet, the rapper has quite literally said that he’s “not out here catching bodies and shit, obviously.” But does authenticity really matter? Lil Tecca, too, has admitted that his bars are simply that–bars.
With an infectious beat and fast flurry of flying lines, “Warning Shots’ is the best argument for bringing Slim Jesus back to the frontlines of the internet’s rap scene. Slim Jesus, oh Slim Jesus, where art thou? - Liz Foster
Charli XCX, “Speed Drive”
Charli XCX has mastered the art of the car song. Not just a song to play in the car, but a song about cars. Now, a track joins the likes of iconic bangers like“Vroom Vroom, “White Mercedes,” and “Backseat.” “Speed Drive,” which features on the soundtrack of the hotly anticipated Greta Gerwig’s highly anticipated Barbie film.
In an interpolation of the 1980s smash “Mickey” by Toni Basil, XCX belts, “Ah Barbie, you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind/Jump into the driver’s seat and put it into speed drive/Hot, ridin’ through the street,s on a different frequency/Know you know just what I mean, we’re runnin’ through the red lights.”
“Speed Drive” balances XCX’s classic hyperpop notes with twinkly pop with a grimey bassline hiding underneath the bouncy pop beats. EASYFUN, a member of long term XCX collaborator a.g. cook’s record label, provides the hot pink vibrations, synths, and melodic keys. In her own words, Charli sought to make a song that “[felt] quite bratty [and is] about just being hot.” On “Speed Drive,” she delivers exactly that. -Liz Foster
Felix Ames , “Bend, Don't Break”
Now I found this song at the perfect time- as if the universe wanted me to set myself right. Felix Ames knows there are the good days and the ugly. With a groovy yet honest blend of guitar and drums, Ames’ sincerity helps us understand the fault in his stars. He has much to work on, pleading with his significant other to see that he is a work in progress. Ames is not asking them to turn the tables for him, as most of the time he is responsible for his messes. But he’s not one to hold someone back while he works through his demos. “If you don’t wanna stay, don’t think I can change your mind”. I hope you realize that what’s working for you may not always be what helps you shine the brightest. —Kimberly Moon-Chong
Idman , “Hate”
I’m really big on R&B tracks that are reminiscent of early 2000s break up songs. “Hate” by Idman really does a great job bringing me back to those nostalgic vibes. I can’t forget to mention how incredible the bride in this song is as well. Bridges that build up passion and emotion are super rare these days. I’ve been finding myself listening to this song over, and over again. The vulnerability of being honest and vocal about missing someone while also expressing all of the ways they broke you is both a nod to personal development and therapeutic for the mind and soul. I’m looking forward to hearing more new music from Idman, she’s easily becoming one of my favourite new artists of 2023. - Luanna Leitao
Ryan Beatty , ”Cinnamon Bread”
I don’t even know where to start… If you aren’t familiar with Ryan Beatty’s music… get familiar. If you know the famous hook from BROCKHAMPTON’s “Sugar” the featured artist is Ryan Beatty. ANYWAYS— I’m obsessed with cinnamon bread the food, and the song. This song feels like waking up on a sunny morning in a field of daisies wrapped up in a warm, fuzzy blanket while drinking a hot cup of earl grey tea. Although a warm feeling, the song itself tells a poignant tale of a relationship destined for heartbreak. The haunting lyrics and soulful melody blend perfectly, painting a vivid picture of the emotions entwined in this heartrending story of reflecting on your past love’s lovers. The bittersweet tone lingers with memories of happier days and a touch of remorse for what might have been if things were different. - Luanna Leitao
Liza, "Give In"
To be honest, I immediately gave in to Liza's newest single "Give In". “Give In” is the perfect Sunday morning song, as Liza easily evokes that nostalgic feeling of freshness, happiness, and joy. During my fall 2022 internship, I had the pleasure of meeting her and she radiates this energy 24/7. Liza has also flawlessly depicted the mood of 2023 and relationships with “Give In” through her lyricism on “Give In”, “I can’t deny/I’m breaking all my rules/I can’t help but give in to you.” One of my favourite RnB artist from Toronto and super excited to hear what’s next! - Jake Cooper
Hailey Knox, "Future Me"
Currently in a little RnB girly phase with artist like Liza and Snoh Aalegra, but Hailey Knox has swept me off my feet. One of the most authentic, pure voices in RnB that will absolutely break your heart. “Future Me” is current dialogue with her and her future self where she has poured her emotions into her lyricism, “All I see/Is someone that barely know/Do you still have days you forget your worth” – Gut wrenching! Teased this year on TikTok, fans have really come to resonate with this track, and I look forward to seeing if any potential artist would feature as well! - Jake Cooper
Calvin Harris ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR - “Nuh Ready Nuh Ready”
When you put two hitmakers in a room together, “Nuh Ready Nuh Ready” is what comes out. Calvin Harris collaborated with Toronto’s very own PARTYNEXTDOOR to make this track that seamlessly blends elements of dancehall, reggae, and house, creating a hypnotic and upbeat atmosphere that’s impossible to resist. With Calvin Harris’ infectious beats and thumping bass lines riding underneath PARTYNEXTDOOR’s smooth vocals, this song delivers evocative lyrics that speak of spontaneity and living in the moment. My friend played this song last summer at Wasaga beach, and it made a comeback into my playlist for the second summer in a row. Whether it’s played at the beach, pool parties, or nightclubs, this track gets people feeling good. If you like celebrating the thrill of embracing the unknown and seizing the present this summer, be sure to add this track onto your playlist. - Tenzin Choegyal
Future , “WIFI LIT”
Atlanta native Future–considered by many as one of the pioneers of the use of melody and auto-tune in modern trap music–made the invigorating track “WIFI LIT” to encapsulate the essence of modern day urban culture. Future’s melodic flow and wordplay effortlessly blend with the track’s dynamic rhythm, making it an instant bop amongst hip-hop lovers. This is an motivational feel-good song for me because lyrically, Future delves into the theme of living life to the fullest and embracing the fast paced, ever-connected world we inhabit, using the metaphor of being “WIFI LIT” to symbolize the electrifying and high-energy lifestyle. Perfect for parties, nightclubs, and especially working out–this song is a must add for this summer. - Tenzin Choegyal
