“You ask me why we’re called Gnarls Barkley and I’m asking you ‘why not?’ The name Gnarls Barkley isn’t anchored down. It’s a drifter. A High Plains drifter, I might add.” – CeeLo Green
“There’s no story behind it. The name doesn’t have anything to do with anything.” – Danger Mouse
Gnarls Barkley’s Danger Mouse was born Brian Burton on this date in 1977. A handful of their songs are included on today’s playlist.
Kendrick Lamar, the Compton-bred rapper, has cemented his place as one of the most influential and acclaimed artists of his generation. With a discography that spans multiple critically acclaimed albums and a slew of awards, Lamar’s impact on popular music is undeniable.
From his breakthrough album good kid, m.A.A.d city to his Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece DAMN., Lamar’s music has consistently tackled complex themes of race, identity, and social injustice with raw honesty and lyrical prowess. His signature blend of West Coast hip-hop, jazz, and funk influences has earned him widespread recognition for pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Lamar’s accolades speak volumes about his artistic achievements. In addition to his 17 Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album for DAMN., To Pimp A Butterfly and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, he has received numerous other accolades and honors throughout his career, further solidifying his status as one of the most celebrated rappers of his generation.
One of his most significant achievements was receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018, becoming the first non-classical or jazz artist to be awarded this prestigious honor. The Pulitzer board praised his album DAMN. for its “virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African American life.”
Lamar has also won several BET Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Male Hip Hop Artist multiple times. He has been recognized by the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards, among others.
In 2016, Lamar received the prestigious Generational Icon Award from the California State Senate and the State’s Celebratory Commendation, honoring his artistic achievements and positive influence on the community.
Additionally, Lamar has been celebrated by various publications and organizations for his contributions to music and culture. He has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and his album To Pimp a Butterfly was ranked by Rolling Stone as the greatest album of the 2010s.
Beyond his musical triumphs, Lamar has also been celebrated for his philanthropic efforts. Through his foundation, he has supported various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of youth in his hometown of Compton, including funding for academic programs and community development projects.
With his thought-provoking lyrics, innovative sound, and commitment to using his platform for positive change, Kendrick Lamar has solidified his position as a cultural icon and one of the most important voices in modern music. His impact transcends the boundaries of hip-hop, inspiring generations of artists and listeners to embrace authenticity, creativity, and social consciousness.
As Lamar continues to push the envelope and redefine what it means to be a rapper in the 21st century, his influence on popular music and culture will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
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In the realm of music, 2017 proved to be a year of vibrant eclecticism, where established artists continued to push boundaries and emerging voices made their mark. The year’s soundtrack was a rich collection of narratives, each song telling its own story, whether it be Kendrick Lamar’s thought-provoking lyricism on “HUMBLE.”, or Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow,” an anthem of confidence and empowerment.
The year also saw artists like Future and Lil Uzi Vert pushing the boundaries of rap music, while Lorde and Portugal. The Man offered a more introspective take on pop. Drake’s “Passionfruit” and Calvin Harris’ “Slide” were the smooth, rhythmic tracks that became the backdrop of many summer nights, showcasing the seamless blend of R&B and electronic music.
Veterans like Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus reinvented themselves, leaving behind their pure pop personas for more mature, soulful expressions in “Sign of the Times” and “Malibu,” respectively. Meanwhile, SZA and Sampha delivered deeply personal albums that spoke to the complexities of relationships and self-discovery.
The indie scene was no less vibrant, with King Krule, St. Vincent, and The War on Drugs each offering a unique sonic experience that defied mainstream trends. And let’s not forget the poignant comeback of Kesha, who reminded us of the redemptive power of music.
As we reminisce about the tunes of 2017, it’s impossible not to feel the excitement and energy they brought into our lives. Each track on this playlist brings its own flavor to the table. It’s not just about the songs; it’s about the memories they evoke, the feelings they stir, and the way they become the soundtrack to our lives. Let’s crank up the volume, lose ourselves in the melodies, and celebrate the music of 2017.
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Five years after then president of The Recording Academy proclaimed that women need to step up, the ladies have responded with “How’s this, jerkface?” Women dominate this year’s Grammy nominations. More importantly, all but two of the top 20 songs on my year-end list are led by female artists (with one guy showing up to provide guest vocals). That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. I don’t have a deep analysis for this phenomenon, but I do have a deep appreciation for the talent and diversity of these women (not that women have ever been underrepresented in my annual tallies). The highest placing male acts on my 2023 list are none other than The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Yes, you read that right. The legends are back, and they still can show the young-uns how it’s done. With their song “Angry,” The Rolling Stones have achieved a remarkable feat: the longest span from first appearance to most recent appearance in my year-end surveys. In 1981, my first year of making such lists, the group placed with “Start Me Up.” The 80s are also well represented by Kylie Minogue and Madonna, each of whom made a triumphant return to my list after long absences. Welcome back, ladies! And last but not least, let’s give a round of applause to Megan Thee Stallion, who has been in my top five for five years in a row. That’s a record, I think, but don’t quote me on that. I’m too lazy to check. Now, without further ado, here is my list of the best songs of 2023. Enjoy!
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Congratulations to Megan Thee Stallion, who has placed a song in my year end top five every year since 2019. Her “Her” is my number two song of ’22, kept from number one by Beyoncé, who guested on the remix of MTS’s “Savage,” my number 4 song of 2020. 2022 was a year that left me wanting, so my top 100 has 92 songs. Here they are:
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Prince, Elvis Costello, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Kool & the Gang. It must be my list of favorite songs of 198-, uh, 2021. The aforementioned veterans rub elbows with Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Wet Leg, serpentwithfeet, Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, The Avalanches, Adele and Little Simz.
Here are my top 100 songs of 2021:
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