My Favorite Songs Of 2024

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  1. Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan
  2. HOT TO GO! – Chappell Roan
  3. TEXAS HOLD ‘EM – Beyoncé
  4. Houdini – Dua Lipa
  5. I KNOW ? – Travis Scott
  6. Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
  7. girl, so confusing – Charli xcx & Lorde
  8. Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
  9. I Guess Time Just Makes Fools Of Us All – Father John Misty
  10. Like That – Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar
  11. Training Season – Dua Lipa
  12. Jerkin’ – Amyl and The Sniffers
  13. Nothing Matters – The Last Dinner Party
  14. Water – Tyla
  15. Guess – Charli xcx feat. Billie Eilish
  16. Broken Man – St. Vincent
  17. Please Please Please – Sabrina Carpenter
  18. Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
  19. Starburster – Fontaines D.C.
  20. Abigail – Soccer Mommy
  21. Step Into Your Power – Ray LaMontagne
  22. What About the Children? – Gary Clark Jr. feat. Stevie Wonder
  23. LUNCH – Billie Eilish
  24. WILDFLOWER – Billie Eilish
  25. MY HOUSE – Beyoncé
  26. Mamushi – Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
  27. Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves
  28. yes, and? – Ariana Grande
  29. My Golden Years – The Lemon Twigs
  30. All In Good Time – Iron & Wine feat. Fiona Apple
  31. Taste – Sabrina Carpenter
  32. Lights Camera Action – Kylie Minogue
  33. The Architect – Kacey Musgraves
  34. That’s How I’m Feeling – Jack White
  35. Dancing in the Flames – The Weeknd
  36. BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Billie Eilish
  37. Femenine – Empress Of
  38. Saturn – SZA
  39. Once in a Lifetime – Joshua Idehen with the Social Singing Choir
  40. Capricorn – Vampire Weekend
  41. The Door – Teddy Swims
  42. Calling You Out – Charly Bliss
  43. Mess It Up – The Rolling Stones
  44. Eusexua – FKA twigs
  45. x-ray eyes – LCD Soundsystem
  46. Grace – IDLES
  47. Too Sweet – Hozier
  48. Young Lion – Sade Adu
  49. Baddy on the Floor – Jamie xx and Honey Dijon
  50. Euphoria – Kendrick Lamar
  51. Life – Jamie xx & Robyn
  52. Mother Nature – MGMT
  53. JOLENE – Beyoncé
  54. The Rest of Me – Michael Kiwanuka
  55. Worth It. – RAYE
  56. Dream Job – Yard Act
  57. Mood Swings – Little Simz
  58. All You Children – Jamie xx & The Avalanches
  59. The Light Nights – Camera Obscura
  60. J CHRIST – Lil Nas X
  61. Weightless – Romy
  62. 360 – Charli xcx featuring Robyn and Yung Lean
  63. LEVII’S JEANS – Beyoncé featuring Post Malone
  64. Sinner – The Last Dinner Party
  65. Sticky – Tyler, the Creator feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne
  66. Too Much – girl in red
  67. Well, Alright – Johnny Cash
  68. Peaceful Place – Leon Bridges
  69. Clams Casino – Cassandra Jenkins
  70. Sympathy Is a Knife – Charli xcx feat. Ariana Grande
  71. Take Me Home, Country Roads – Lana Del Rey
  72. Racist Piece of Shit – Fishbone
  73. While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Lucinda Williams
  74. Classical – Vampire Weekend
  75. Bells and Whistles – Bright Eyes
  76. Alimony – Miranda Lambert
  77. Genesis. – RAYE
  78. Neva Play – Megan Thee Stallion feat. RM of BTS
  79. Disease – Lady Gaga
  80.  BLACKBIIRD – Beyoncé with Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy
  81. Flea – St. Vincent
  82. Friend of a Friend – The Smile
  83. HIND’S HALL – Macklemore
  84. HISS – Megan Thee Stallion
  85. Timeless – The Weeknd with Playboi Carti
  86. 16 CARRIAGES – Beyoncé
  87. we can’t be friends (wait for your love) – Ariana Grande
  88. On My Mama – Victoria Monét
  89. Death Valley High – Orville Peck featuring Beck
  90. Tennessee Rise – The Tennessee Freedom Singers
  91. The Feminine Urge – The Last Dinner Party
  92. Surround Sound – JID feat. 21 Savage & Baby Tate
  93. Talk Talk – Charli xcx
  94. Cinderella – Remi Wolf
  95. Afterlife – Sharon Van Etten
  96. Real Good – Homeboy Sandman
  97. Sexy To Someone – Clairo
  98. Beaches – Beabadoobee
  99. Favourite – Fontaines D.C.

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Tunes Du Jour Presents Jay-Z

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Jay-Z’s musical journey is a testament to artistic evolution, entrepreneurial spirit, and the power of reinvention. Born Shawn Corey Carter in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects, he transformed the challenges of his early life into a narrative of remarkable success that extends far beyond music. His discography reflects not just his lyrical prowess, but a strategic approach to storytelling that captures the complexities of urban experience, ambition, and personal growth.

From early tracks like “Can’t Knock the Hustle” to later, more reflective works like “The Story of O.J.,” Jay-Z has consistently demonstrated an ability to narrate his life’s trajectory with remarkable honesty and insight. His collaborations reveal another dimension of his artistry – whether trading verses with Kanye West, creating anthems with Rihanna, or exploring complex themes with artists like Justin Timberlake, he has always been more than just a solo performer. These partnerships showcase his versatility and his skill in creating music that resonates across different genres and audiences.

Beyond music, Jay-Z emerged as a cultural entrepreneur who redefined what success could look like for a hip-hop artist. His business ventures – from Roc-A-Fella Records to Tidal, and partnerships with brands like Armand de Brignac champagne – illustrate a vision that extends well beyond creating hit tracks. He transformed the traditional narrative of a rapper’s career, positioning himself not just as an artist, but as a mogul who could navigate both creative and corporate landscapes with equal finesse.

His personal life, particularly his relationship with Beyoncé, has also been a significant part of his public persona. Together, they’ve created a power couple narrative that transcends music, touching on themes of love, family, and shared ambition. Albums like EVERYTHING IS LOVE demonstrate their ability to collaborate not just as romantic partners, but as artistic collaborators who can create groundbreaking work together.

What makes Jay-Z’s journey particularly compelling is how he has continually evolved. From street narratives to introspective explorations of success, race, and personal growth, he has never allowed himself to be confined by early expectations. His music has become a form of cultural commentary, addressing systemic issues while celebrating individual achievement. Whether through tracks that become New York anthems like “Empire State of Mind” or provocative statements like “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune),” he has consistently pushed musical and cultural boundaries, cementing his status as not just a hip-hop artist, but a true cultural icon.

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Tunes Du Jour Presents Eminem

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Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, has been a dominant force in hip-hop for over two decades. Rising to fame in the late 1990s with his major-label debut The Slim Shady LP, Eminem quickly became known for his rapid-fire delivery, complex rhyme schemes, and controversial lyrics. His subsequent albums, including The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show, solidified his status as one of the best-selling artists of the 21st century.

Throughout his career, Eminem has produced numerous chart-topping hits. Tracks like “Lose Yourself,” “The Real Slim Shady,” and “Without Me” showcased his ability to blend catchy hooks with sharp lyricism. His storytelling abilities, evident in songs like “Stan” and “Mockingbird,” have set a high bar for narrative rap. Eminem’s impact on the genre extends beyond his solo work. His collaborations have often resulted in memorable tracks, from “Forgot About Dre” with Dr. Dre to “Forever” alongside Drake, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne. His work with D12 on songs like “Purple Pills” and “My Band” demonstrates his ability to work within a group dynamic.

Despite his undeniable success and influence, Eminem’s career has been marked by persistent controversy and criticism. Many critics point to the misogynistic and homophobic content in some of his lyrics. Songs such as “Guilty Conscience” and “97′ Bonnie & Clyde” have been criticized for their graphic depictions of violence against women.

The problematic aspects of Eminem’s work extend beyond specific themes. Some listeners find his humor juvenile and distasteful, citing songs like “Just Lose It” as examples. Critics argue that despite his technical prowess, Eminem’s core themes and style have remained largely unchanged over the years, suggesting a lack of artistic growth.

These ongoing debates around Eminem’s content raise important questions about artistic expression, social responsibility, and the expectations placed on artists as they progress in their careers. Despite the criticisms, Eminem maintains a significant fanbase and continues to be a prominent figure in hip-hop. Whether Eminem can continue to evolve and remain relevant in a rapidly changing music industry remains a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike.

Tunes Du Jour Presents 1999

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As we look back on the musical landscape of 1999, it’s hard not to be struck by the sheer diversity and quality of singles that dominated the charts and airwaves. Straddling the end of one millennium and the dawn of another, this year produced an extraordinary array of hits that continue to resonate with listeners today.

Pop music was in full force, with young stars like Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys delivering earworms that would define the era. Spears’ debut “…Baby One More Time” and the Boys’ “I Want It That Way” became instant classics, their catchy hooks and polished productions setting a new standard for pop perfection. Meanwhile, Latin pop exploded onto the mainstream scene with Ricky Martin’s irresistible “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” a song that seemed to capture the exuberant spirit of the times.

But 1999 wasn’t just about glossy pop. Hip-hop continued its ascent, with Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” showcasing the genre’s growing crossover appeal. Eminem burst onto the scene with “My Name Is,” his irreverent wordplay and controversial persona signaling a new direction for rap. R&B, too, had a strong showing, with TLC’s “No Scrubs” becoming an anthem of female empowerment and Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor” demonstrating the genre’s capacity for emotional depth.

Rock music, far from being overshadowed, produced some of the year’s most enduring tracks. The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Scar Tissue” showcased their evolving sound, while The Offspring’s “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” brought punk-pop humor to the masses. Alternative and indie acts like The Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev pushed boundaries with “Race for the Prize” and “Goddess on a Highway” respectively, proving that innovative songwriting could still find a place in the mainstream.

Electronic music also made significant inroads in 1999. Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” and The Chemical Brothers’ “Hey Boy Hey Girl” brought big beat to the forefront, while Moby’s “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” hinted at electronic music’s potential for emotional resonance. From the dancefloor-filling “Sing It Back” by Moloko to the avant-garde “Windowlicker” by Aphex Twin, electronic artists were expanding the sonic possibilities of popular music in exciting ways.

The singles of 1999 paint a picture of a music industry in flux, embracing new sounds and technologies while still celebrating the timeless art of the perfectly crafted pop song. It was a year that laid the groundwork for the musical landscape of the 21st century, producing hits that continue to inspire and entertain listeners a quarter-century later.

Tunes Du Jour Presents Kendrick Lamar

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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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Tunes Du Jour Presents OutKast

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If you’re looking for some music that will make you groove, think, and feel, look no further than OutKast, the legendary rap duo from Atlanta, Georgia. OutKast, composed of André 3000 and Big Boi, has been one of the most influential and successful hip hop acts of all time, blending Southern hip hop with funk, soul, rock, jazz, and more. Their songs are catchy, clever, and often talk about love, life, and social issues.

OutKast emerged in the early 1990s as part of the Dungeon Family, a collective of artists and producers who shaped the sound of Southern hip hop. Their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was released in 1994 and introduced their smooth flows, funky beats, and witty lyrics. The album featured the hit single “Player’s Ball”, which topped the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart. OutKast quickly gained popularity and respect for their originality and creativity, as well as their ability to appeal to a wide range of listeners.

OutKast continued to evolve and experiment with their sound, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as ATLiens, Aquemini, and Stankonia. These albums showcased their diverse musical influences, from psychedelic rock to gospel, and their lyrical themes, from alienation to empowerment. OutKast also addressed social and political issues, such as racism, poverty, and war, in songs like “Rosa Parks”, “B.O.B.”, and “The Whole World”. OutKast’s music was not only entertaining, but also enlightening and inspiring.

OutKast reached the peak of their commercial success with their double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 11 million copies in the U.S. The album featured two solo discs, one by each member, showcasing their different styles and personalities. The album also spawned two No. 1 singles, “The Way You Move” and “Hey Ya!”, which became anthems for the new millennium. The album won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making OutKast the first and only rap group to receive this honor.

OutKast’s last album, Idlewild, was released in 2006 and served as the soundtrack for their musical film of the same name. The album and the film were both set in the 1930s and explored themes of art, romance, and identity. OutKast then went on a hiatus, with both members pursuing solo projects and collaborations. OutKast briefly reunited in 2014 to celebrate their 20th anniversary and performed at several festivals around the world.

OutKast’s legacy and influence are undeniable. They have sold over 20 million records worldwide, won six Grammy Awards, and been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. They have inspired countless artists across genres and have been praised by critics and fans alike. OutKast’s music is timeless and universal. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic, romantic, or rebellious, OutKast has a song for you. Some of my favorites are “Ms. Jackson,” “Roses,” “Hey Ya!”, “Rosa Parks,” and “The Whole World.” I also love a lot of their features, which I’ve included in the playlist below.

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