Song: 25 Bucks
Artist: Danny Brown feat. Purity Ring
Year: 2013
Why it’s Dope: A satisfying ambiance that has a nocturnal sparkle to it, a ghostly post-hook that penetrates your consciousness, a well-constructed composition that is engaging and multi-faceted, and top-notch rapping that is equipped with impeccable flows, gutsy lyrics, and an idiosyncratic vocal timbre.
Song: Time Machine
Artist: BIG K.R.I.T (featuring Chamillionaire)
Year: 2011
Why it’s Dope: A fantastic hook that is anthemic, inventive, and sincere, succulent chorus instrumentation that feels intergalactic in the most dirty south way imaginable, a sinewy bass that is the definition of irresistible earcandy, and excellent rapping that is a mix of nostalgic lyrics and scintillating flows.
P.S. This song is on the mixtape Return of 4Eva, one of my favorite mixtapes ever. 😊😊
Song: Anywhere But Here
Artist: Killer Mike (feat. Emily Panic)
Year: 2012
Why it’s Dope: A meaty bassline that serves as the track’s sonic and compositional anchor, an understated chorus that is gentle, wispy, yet totally penetrating, a gorgeous ambiance that is filled with subtle details and colorations, and no-nonsense rapping that is forthright, reflective, and socially conscious.
Song: The League Of Extraordinary Nobodies
Artist: El-P
Year: 2007
Why it’s Dope: Innovative synths that are life-affirming and exciting, an excellent composition that vacillates between moments of experimental spaciousness and machine-like aggressiveness, scintillating production that is forward-thinking and gritty, and brilliant rapping that combines an intricate flow with candid and existential lyrics.
Song: November
Artist: Tyler, the Creator
Year: 2017
Why it’s Dope: Wonderful production that is soulful and intimate, a slick hook that is memorable and meaningful, an adventurous composition that is filled to the brim with twists, turns, and powerful moments, and stellar rapping that is equipped with delectable flows, an abundance of presence, and honest lyrics that delve into anxiety and nostalgia.
Song: Overlordian
Artist: Dark Time Sunshine featuring P.O.S.
Year: 2012
Why it’s Dope: An enchanting ambiance that feels glacial and vast, stunning chorus synths that audaciously burst through the tune’s sonic landscape, vigorous percussion that aligns beautifully with the aforementioned synths, and noteworthy lyrics that are poetic and inspiringly confrontational.
Song: FAKE
Artist: BROCKHAMPTON
Year: 2017
Why it’s Dope: Splendid production that exhibits a wide array of colorful textures, a tasty chorus that is effortlessly infectious, a sturdy lead synth that serves as the track’s compositional anchor, and strong vocal performances that are quite varied, yet cohesive and consistent in their quality.
Song: Motion Lines
Artist: Busdriver
Year 2014
Why it’s Dope: A gorgeous ambiance that is enveloping, organic, and vivid, slippery percussion that has an off-kilter bounce to it, a gut-wrenching hook that is devastatingly personal, and masterful rapping that is thought-provoking, fervent, and utterly electric.
Song: Zone 3
Artist: Denzel Curry (Prod. By Ronny J MarkMC9 & POSHstronaut)
Year: 2013
Why it’s Dope: An excellent intro that perfectly builds up your adrenaline and anticipation, unforgettable strings that seep into every corner of your consciousness, back-breaking percussion that booms with confidence and militancy, and top-tier rapping from Denzel Curry that is exciting, dazzling, and urgent.
Song: The End
Artist: Shlohmo
Year: 2019
Why it’s Dope: An engaging intro that is sinister yet also life-affirming, gorgeous production that is organic, potent, and a little wonky, ass-kicking percussion that is undeniably striking and vigorous, and a stellar lead melody that is deliciously haunting and ghastly.