Stampede Staff Playlist: April Edition

Nas is a great rapper by himself, and “Ghetto Reporter” is a great starting single to his album “KDIII.” It has no features, it has fairly minimalist production and flows well. The lyricism is amazing as well. Hit-Boy excellently produced the background track and it is easy to see how much power Nas can still bring to his songs 30 years into the game. ...

The eighth song on Lil Yachty's new album, “Sunset Demo,” which was released in January, is arguably the best track. Listening to “Drive Me Crazy” can instantly make anyone listening happy whether you are a Yachty fan or not. This upbeat song is about the surprise Yachty feels over one person being his and how he hopes they always will be. The two drive each other crazy with the strong ...

Going along with the idea of love, another song that has a similar theme is “Tangerine” by Frank Sativa. Sativa is a smaller artist who got attention from TikTok and has released a string of songs that have gotten their rightful attention. What caught my attention most was “Tangerine,” a slower melodic love song. Frank seems to be describing a woman he is heavily attracted to and describes ...

Beabadoobee’s sophomore album, “Beatopia,” showcased a variety of new sounds and styles. However, Lovesong, a song that returns to her bedroom pop roots, stood out to me as an instant favorite. Lovesong is not your typical romantic ode, despite its gentle production. Beabadoobee focuses heavily on the complexities in her relationship, such as her tendency to connect her problems to her p...

When I was a sophomore, my friend introduced "Steamroller" to me by saying "it changed my life." This was the first Phoebe Bridgers song I listened to, and will always remain one of my favorites. "Steamroller" depicts the emotional turmoil of developing feelings for someone close to you. Bridgers amplifies this struggle by connecting it to her sadness, which she calls "a steamroller." What I l...

 "Cardigan" is the lead single to Taylor Swift’s eighth album “Folklore” which, throughout its songs, tells the story of love and heartbreak. “Cardigan” is one of my favorite songs because of its simple rhythm but beautiful, meaningful lyrics. Taylor Swift does a brilliant job of conjuring up stories and relating to her audience through her music. The song cardigan is a perfect example...

Mental health is an important issue in our society today. This song is a reminder that you are not alone and there is someone out there fighting for you. The hardships of life can overtake our lives and make us feel hopeless. The lyric “I will send out an army to find you,” describes that there are people and resources available that will rescue you from the hardships of life. Daigle does an ...

Chelsea’s and Jeremy’s collaborations are some of the best songs by both artists because their voices flow so well together. This gentle song in particular describes what it is like to be in love, whether that is towards a friend, family member or significant other. When you love someone you take the time to enjoy their presence which is what the first verse explains. Furthermore, the lyric “...

This song is light and whimsical. It feels like spring and sunshine. Whenever I hear it, I cannot help but want to dance. The lyrics are some of the most unique I have ever heard, and they have been put over a fun beat that makes the listener want to be a rockstar performing to their fans. This song feels exactly like having all the windows of your car down during the summer. ...

This is a classic song. It details heartbreak and longing through gorgeous lyrics. One of the most magical aspects of this song, though, is the live version. When Fleetwood Mac performs the bridge of this song, specifically when Stevie Nicks repeats the line “never get away” three times, you can feel everything they wanted to convey. This is one of the songs that you find at the right momen...

Another Nas song produced by Hit-Boy off of King’s Disease III, “Hood2Hood” starts with an entrancing, airy, almost spacey beat. Later on, it mellows out and allows Nas’ expert lyricism to take over. He discusses how everyone, regardless of their hood (neighborhood or place growing up) needs to join together if they ever wanna make lasting change. Regardless of how the song discusses th...

"Almeda" by Solange is a soulful and powerful song. The song's lyrics pay homage to the rich cultural heritage and history of African Americans. Solang’s vocals and production create a captivating experience that is empowering. This song is a great listen for those looking to expand their musical horizons. The album is great for exploring social issues through the music lens. ...