Double Nickel Part Four: Views From The 6
The final 12 songs. In case you missed it or need a refresher on how we got here don’t worry, Part One, Two, and Three, aren’t going anywhere.
Group B: Death of a Supermodel
12. Know Yourself Jacques Greene Intro Edit — Drake
Who hasn’t shouted “With my woes” at least once this past year? Jacques Greene makes you earn it with this edit and the build up is perfect. This is the perfect excuse to turn up and I don’t think we’ll ever stop shouting the hook while people mob during a night out.
11. Wolves — KRNE ft. MOONZz
The only Kanye sighting we will have on this year’s list as we await SWISH. While “All Day” had it’s moment, it’s this cover of “Wolves” that I can’t quit.
10. Kemosabe— NoMBE
The toughest song to pin down on this list because really it could have been “Miss Mirage,” “Kemosabe,” or “California Girls.” In the end, “Kemosabe” wins out. Even if the chorus for “Miss Mirage” is the catchiest of the three. Just do yourself a favour and listen to all three on repeat and don’t stop. This is a voice that sounds like it’ll never let you down.
9. Preach — Ambre Perkins & Kehlani
Remember when I said there was just something about girls singing Drake that just got me? Well, here’s Exhibit B on the list. Preach.
8. Echo — Kevin Abstract
One of the most reflective songs on the list. “Echo” is very different from the previous tracks Kevin Abstract has released. He does melancholy well on this introspective track.
7. Anna — Jon Waltz
Jon Waltz has introduced us to “Victoria” and Alyss. If the title track is any indication I cannot wait to meet Anna.
Group A: The Six
6. Scholarships — Drake & Future
My favourite track from What A Time To Be Alive. While “Jumpman” gets played more at parties, this song never lets you forget how they can even afford J’s.
5. Born to Shine — Big Boi & Phantogram ft. Run The Jewels
Run The Jewels already come out to “We Are The Champions” by Queen when taking the stage. This first verse might need to be added to the entrance.
Ric Flairin’, long fur coat wearin’, Rolex rockin’, silk shirt wearin’…
Nothing beats Run The Jewels and Big Boi having fun with bars over a jazzy beat with Phantogram giving a mesmerizing hook.
4. White Iverson — Post Malone
This song shouldn’t be as successful as it is. If someone were to ask what does the internet produce, I would show them this song. Even in 2010, Post Malone would’ve seemed too weird. “White Iverson” would be seen as a niche. In 2015 though? It’s right at home.
3. The Hills — The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s second phase of how to completely takeover a summer. Abel is right at home with a song that sounds like it only should be played between dusk and dawn. And right now, nobody does it better.
2. Alright — Kendrick Lamar
The picture above shows Kendrick Lamar’s set list before the took the stage this year at Osheaga. I was there and that’s not how it went. Before Kendrick took the stage to headline Saturday night, the crowd was chanting the hook to “Alright”. He ended his set with “Alright” and Mos Def even added his own touch. As cool as opening the festival by seeing Run The Jewels, or my girlfriend getting BANK’s set list. When I think of Osheaga, I think of the crowd all singing, “We gon’ be alright, Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon’ be alright.” And Kendrick soaking up that energy and giving it back to us.
This is also not mentioning the profound importance of the song because of what has happened in 2015. “Alright” has become the anthem for Black Lives Matter. A rallying cry for everyone. Kendrick has always been able to filter his community through himself. Watching an entire crowd chant a song befoer he even took the stage is something I will never forget.
“Alright” might not be the number one song on this list but it is the important song of 2015.
- Legend — Drake
Even with all of the weight “Alright” carries, 2015 belongs to Drake. From start to finish nobody has held the ears as well as Drake. First there the surprised release of If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. With people debating not only the lyrics and songs, but arguing if it was a mixtape or an album or an ep. In the summer it was Drake destroying Meek Mill and getting a Grammy nom for it. And he closed out the year with releasing a collab album with Future, What A Time To Be Alive.
I remember listening to “Legend” and thinking that the mixtape was worth it just because of the first track. With the first track, Drake proves why you’re too late after reading the album cover. Whatever he does next it’ll just add to his legacy.
