Carrying on our Songs of Summer ’16 rollout, today (August 24) we look at a couple hits that, had they arrived earlier in the season, could have pulled off a Usain Bolt-like lap around the summer. So like that, we call these the #LateBloomers.
PARTYNEXTDOOR “Not Nice”
PND may have left fans disappointed with his melancholic P3 release, but there’s no denying how irresistible “Not Nice,” a sizzling slice of Caribbean flavor, is. A perfect complement to his work on Rihanna’s, er, “Work,” the catchiness and danceability behind this infectious melody had the potential to be a sunray this summer. Had this been released at the top of the year, perhaps right after Rih Rih’s smash, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
Tory Lanez “Luv”
As proven by his “Controlla” cover and hits like “Say It,” Tory Lanez has a midas touch that is undeniable. That said, the singer’s “I Told You” single, which flips Tanto Metro and Devonte’s timeless dancehall smash “Everyone Falls In Love,” is perfect proof. Although it was released during the early weeks of June, just before the summer officially kicked off, traction behind “Luv” didn’t begin until about a month ago. At this moment, the record continues to grow, giving Tory his highest charted single on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (No. 9). Because this is such an undeniable record, there’s no doubt that this will live on past the summer.
French Montana “No Shopping”
Picking up where they left off on “Pop That,” French Montana and Drake came back with another one (Word to DJ Khaled) for the MC4 highlight, “No Shopping.” Joe Budden rap feud aside, this festive record sounds and feels like the perfect summer soundtrack. It packs a bounce, a catchy hook (“Sippin on the drank, I ain’t trine think”), and a feature from Mr. Summertime himself, Drizzy Drake. All in all, despite arriving so late in the season, this quickly became a befitting addition to everyone’s cookout soundtrack.
Desiigner “Tiimmy Turner”
When his a cappella performance of the record went viral earlier this year, there was no thought on anyone’s mind that this would sweep the summer. So after grabbing Mike Dean for the monstrous backdrop and accumulating over a million views for the aforementioned viral clip, Desiigner shut down the “one hit wonder” chatter with the arrival of “Tiimmy Turner.” It may have arrived late, but the steady rise behind this banger is a reminder of its undeniable impact and bleeding potential.
Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber & MØ “Cold Water”
Despite having dropped a month ago, Major Lazer’s dancehall-tinged “Cold Water” collaboration with Justin Bieber and MØ got the most people talking. A week after its release, the single quickly soared into the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, where it currently sits at a comfy No. 3 spot. With the way pop has been experimenting with exotic waves and sounds lately (think Drake’s “One Dance,” Rihanna’s “Work”), this is yet another winning number that, in spite of its late registration, will certainly outlast the summer.
Stick with REVOLT all week as we lead up to crowning the official Song of the Summer. Monday we brought you the songs that #PeakedTooEarly , and Tuesday were the songs that #Didn’tStandAChance .