How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : A$AP Rocky, Flipp Dinero, Mura Masa, Roddy Ricch, Don Toliver, Kid Cudi, 21 Savage, Juice WRLD, Bugzy Malone, Sidemen, Stormzy, J. Cole
They are the performers of twelve hip-hop, soul, etc. tracks that ranked in various charts, this week (50/52) BUT … in the Tens 2010s.
1. Who is credited as the co-producer on ASAP Rocky’s “Fuckin’ Problems”?
- A Noah “40” Shebib
- B Drake
- C Clark Jackson
2. Which year saw the official release of Flipp Dinero’s “Leave Me Alone” music video?
- A 2019
- B 2017
- C 2018
3. On which label was Mura Masa’s “Love$ick” released?
- A Sony Music
- B Universal Music
- C Def Jam
4. Which distinctive sound is prominently featured in Roddy Ricch’s “The Box”?
- A Car engine revving
- B Orchestral symphony
- C “Eee err” squeak
5. With which alter-ego does Don Toliver reference himself in his track?
- A Donny Bravo
- B Donny Womack
- C Donny Darko
6. What thematic element is included in the title of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” song?
- A (Dream)
- B (Nightmare)
- C (Vision)
7. Which Grammy Award did 21 Savage’s “A Lot” win in 2020?
- A Best Music Video
- B Best Rap Performance
- C Best Rap Song
8. What was a notable reaction to Juice WRLD’s track described in the lyrics?
- A Devastation
- B Amusement
- C Heartbreak
9. How fast is Bugzy Malone’s “December” in BPM?
- A 120 BPM
- B 140 BPM
- C 160 BPM
10. What genre parody is featured in the Sidemen’s “The Gift”?
- A Trap
- B Drill
- C Lo-fi
11. What kind of clothing is prominent in the video for Stormzy’s “Audacity”?
- A Suits
- B Puffer jackets
- C Summer attire
12. How many parts does J. Cole’s “She’s Mine” suite have on his album?
- A One
- B Two
- C Three
For TWELVE more Hip-Hop & Soul – 2010s Music Videos – week 50/52 – click here
Tracklist
1 . A$AP Rocky – F**Kin’ Problems (w/ Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar) |
‘Don’t get involved, listen what the crystal ball say’
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| A$AP Rocky’s “F**kin Problems” featuring an all-star lineup including Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz, represents a convergence of diverse talents from different hip-hop hotspots, including Toronto, Compton, Atlanta, and Harlem, making it a notable anthem. The song digs into themes of wealth, fame, and relationships, highlighted by a catchy hook and compelling verses from each artist. The music video is directed by Sam Lecca. |
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Featured on the 2013 album “Long. Live. ASAP”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
2 . Flipp Dinero – Leave Me Alone |
‘Leave me alone Drunk as fuck’
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| Brooklyn native with a Haitian heritage, Flipp Dinero’s “Leave Me Alone” is a blend of hip-hop and R&B, capturing post-relationship antagonistic feelings. Directed by Fred Focus, the music video mirrors the song’s themes of solitude and pressure, featuring diverse locations and Dinero amidst various scenarios. |
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Featured on the 2019 album “Love for Guala”. |
3 . Mura Masa – Love$Ick (w/ A$AP Rocky) |
| Mura Masa’s track “Love$Ick” featuring A$AP Rocky is a fusion of electronic, calypso, and hip-hop elements. The song, accompanied by a music video directed by Yoni Lappin, explores themes of love and emotional turmoil. A$AP Rocky’s verses add depth to the track, which originally focused on a superficial sexual encounter, transforming it into a more complex exploration of romance. The music video, set in an urban UK landscape, follows teenagers in various scenarios, complementing the song’s narrative without featuring the artists. |
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Featured on the 2017 album “Mura Masa”. |
4 . Roddy Ricch – The Box |
‘I done put my whole arm in the rim, Vince Carter (Yeah)’
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| A collaboration between Roddy Ricch, a rising artist from Compton known for blending Californian rap and melodic trap, and the song’s producer 30 Roc, “The Box” is a hip-hop track featuring a unique beat and Ricch’s engaging flow. The song’s themes revolve around love and emotional challenges. Its music video, co-directed by Christian Breslauer and Roddy Ricch, showcases actors Donnell Blaylock Jr., Jennifer Penner, and Tj Wimbs. “The Box” became a viral sensation, particularly for its distinctive squeaking sound effect. |
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Featured on the 2019 album “Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
5 . Don Toliver – No Idea |
‘I’m picky with my women, I’m decidin’ (Oh)’
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| Houston native, Don Toliver’s “No Idea” is a moody hip-hop track marked by Toliver’s melodic vocals and introspective lyrics. The accompanying music video, directed by Grant Singer, mirrors the song’s moody and introspective atmosphere with its cinematic visuals. |
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Featured on the 2020 album “Heaven Or Hell”. |
6 . Kid Cudi – Pursuit Of Happiness [Nightmare] (w/ MGMT) |
‘Oh my God, why’d I drink so much and smoke so much? Oh’
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| Kid Cudi’s track “Pursuit of Happiness [Nightmare],” featuring MGMT and produced by Ratatat, explores life’s struggles, emotions, and hardships, mirroring Cudi’s experiences with depression and addiction. The music video, directed by Brody Baker, portrays Cudi amidst a party, symbolizing feelings of isolation. It includes appearances by MGMT’s Ben Goldwasser, rapper Consequence, and actor Jake Hoffman. |
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Featured on the 2009 album “Man On The Moon: The End Of Day”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
7 . 21 Savage – A Lot (w/ J. Cole) |
‘Told my brothers take my breath if I turn to a snitch’
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| 21 Savage’s song “A Lot,” featuring J. Cole, addresses life’s challenges and complexities, particularly within the black community. 21 Savage shares personal experiences, including the loss of his brother and his father’s imprisonment. J. Cole’s verse adds depth, discussing experiences with racism, disillusionment with the political system, and highlighting issues like police brutality. The music video, directed by Aisultan Seitov, portrays a family gathering that evolves into a reflection of individual hardships, including health issues, loss, and incarceration, amidst a backdrop of black excellence. |
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Featured on the 2018 album “i am > i was”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
8 . Juice WRLD – All Girls Are The Same |
| Jared Anthony Higgins, aka Juice WRLD’s track “All Girls Are The Same” is a poignant reflection on heartbreak and emotional turmoil and touches on themes like coping with pain through alcohol use. The music video, directed by Cole Bennett, enhances the track’s introspective nature. |
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Featured on the 2018 album “Goodbye & Good Riddance”. |
9 . Bugzy Malone – December |
| Produced by Krunchie and Zdot, Bugzy Malone’s single “December” reflects on Bugzy’s journey from his past to his current successes, encapsulating his personal growth. The music video, directed by DIR.LX, features Bugzy in a cathedral and amidst festive Christmas lights, effectively complementing the song’s narrative. |
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Featured on the 2019 album “December”. |
10 . Sidemen – The Gift (w/ S-X) |
| The music video is directed by Konstantin. |
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Featured on the 2019 album “The Gift”. Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site |
11 . Stormzy – Audacity (w/ Headie One) |
| Stormzy’s single “Audacity,” featuring Headie One, is a hard-hitting track that addresses challenges and confrontations in the music scene. The accompanying music video, directed by Taz Tron Delix, showcases Stormzy and Headie One in a gritty, industrial setting with dirtbike races and fires. Trivia: the lyrics of the track also references Stormzy’s historic Glastonbury performance, where he wore a Banksy-designed vest, symbolizing the pressures of his influential career. |
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Featured on the 2019 album “Heavy Is The Head”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
12 . J. Cole – She’s Mine Pt. 1 |
‘Cause now you’re here and I just wanna be Right by your side’
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| J Cole’s song “She’s Mine Pt. 1” deeply resonates with its portrayal of the complexities of love, embodying both the joy and fear of vulnerability. When questioned about the song in a New York Times interview, J. Cole says that his intent is to humanize those often misrepresented in media, using the power of love to illuminate their true essence. |
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Featured on the 2016 album “4 Your Eyez Only”. |
And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Drake holds the co-producer credit for “Fuckin’ Problems” under the pseudonym C. Papi. His contribution to the track extended beyond his vocal presence, adding depth to the production.
2. Released on May 15, 2018, Flipp Dinero’s “Leave Me Alone” music video debuted before the song caught on in mainstream media, including sports broadcasts.
3. “Love$ick” by Mura Masa was released on Universal Music, reflecting an international backing for its catchy blend of electronic and hip-hop elements.
4. The iconic “eee err” sound in “The Box” was an improvised addition by Roddy Ricch, cementing its place as an earworm-inducing track.
5. In his song, Don Toliver references his alter-ego Donny Womack, a nod to cultural influences and his artistic persona.
6. Kid Cudi’s track is subtitled “(Nightmare),” hinting at the introspective journey within his larger debut album narrative.
7. “A Lot” won 21 Savage and J. Cole the Grammy for Best Rap Song, marking a significant accolade in both artists’ careers.
8. Juice WRLD’s track delves into heartbreak, a recurring theme in his discography marked by emotional depth and personal trials.
9. Bugzy Malone’s “December” runs at 140 BPM, giving it a steady pace fitting for its lyrical content and production style.
10. A drill parody with holiday lyrics features in the Sidemen’s “The Gift,” blending genre tropes with seasonal themes.
11. The music video for “Audacity” prominently features puffer jackets, symbolizing the toughness and resilience conveyed by the artists.
12. “She’s Mine” comprises two parts on J. Cole’s album, showcasing the duality of introspection and personal reflection.
For THE FULL HIP-HOP & SOUL COLLECTION click here
NB . You may wonder what are these “Quotes” attached to certain photos above. Well! For a specific song, we take a still from the video on one side and select a lyric from the song on the other. We then merge the two. Et voilà!
Rap Quotes • Don’t get involved, listen what the crystal ball say (A$AP Rocky) • Leave me alone Drunk as fuck (Flipp Dinero) • They only killing time, another second gone (Mura Masa) • I done put my whole arm in the rim, Vince Carter (Yeah) (Roddy Ricch) • I’m picky with my women, I’m decidin’ (Oh) (Don Toliver) • Oh my God, why’d I drink so much and smoke so much? Oh (Kid Cudi) • Told my brothers take my breath if I turn to a snitch (21 Savage) • Cause now you’re here and I just wanna be Right by your side (J. Cole)
Music-wise : Hip Hop, Neo Soul, Pop, R&B, Rap, Slap House, Rap, Urban Contemporary, Afroswing, Grime
