My favorite 40 songs of 2018

Happy 2019, ya filthy animals!

I'm here making my annual appearance. Please don't get gassed and think because I'm kicking off the year with a new post that this is gonna be some sort of consistent ritual. There is a good chance this is the only thing I write for the whole year. Yeah I know, I'm a POS.

Anyway, I thought I would return to my roots (wait... I had roots?) and post my favorite songs from the past year. This list is subjective but that doesn't mean you can't roast tf out of it. There's not much criteria here... these are simply the 40 songs I enjoyed the most in 2018. Why 40? I don't know, tbh. It just feels like a good number to cap this at. Plus I missed the past few years (which was usually my fav 30) so y'all muthafuckas have earned an extra 10 songs for your troubles.

On to the list!

40. Migos 'Stir Fry'
Hell has frozen over

39. Kanye West 'Yikes'
But I'm still 'Make Kanye 2006 Again' all day

38. Rich The Kid 'Plug Walk'
I'm not gonna pretend like this is full of lyrical content ('space coupe like E.T.?!') but the beat bangs

37. Bazzi 'Mine'
At only 2:11 long, this might pack the most punch per second for any song this year

36. Justin Timberlake 'SoulMate'
35. James Bay 'Pink Lemonade'
34. 5 Seconds of Summer 'Youngblood'
Nothing like some good ol' fashioned white pop

33. J Balvin feat. Anitta & Jeon 'Machika'
32. Nicky Jam & J Balvin 'X'
31. Maluma feat. Nego Do Borel 'Corazon'
30. Reik feat. Ozuna & Wisin 'Me Niego'
You have now reached the portion of the countdown where you're reminded that I'm Puerto Rican & Dominican

29. 6ix9ine feat. DJ SpinKing 'TATI'
As much as I don't want to, I like the kid. His energy is undeniable. Free my dude

28. Mike Will Made-It feat. A$AP Rocky, Nicki Minaj & A$AP Ferg 'Runnin''
27. Nicki Minaj 'Chun-Li'
Sure, she may have said some wild shit last year but this is classic Nicki right here (and I mean that in a good way)

26. Drake 'Mob Ties'
This is the type of energy he should've brought to the Pusha T battle

25. Clean Bandit feat. Marina & The Diamonds & Luis Fonsi 'Baby'
I admit I just heard this a few days ago but I CAN'T STOP LISTENING

24. Marc Anthony, Will Smith & Bad Bunny 'Esta Rico'
Initially, I thought this song could do without the Fresh Prince. But then I kept singing 'I think you're delicious' in my head

23. DJ Snake feat. Cardi B, Ozuna & Selena Gomez 'Taki Taki'
Sadly, this isn't Cardi B's only appearance here. Wtf is wrong with me

22. Christina Aguilera feat. Demi Lovato 'Fall In Line'
21. Clean Bandit feat. Demi Lovato 'Solo'
On a personal level, 2018 was probably a year Demi Lovato would like to forget, but she did kill it on these two bangers

20. Khalid 'Better'
Smooth soul from a dude rocking a flat top

19. Post Malone 'Better Now'
So we're just gonna ignore the fact this dude looks homeless?

18. Anderson .Paak feat. J. Cole 'Trippy'
My pick for album of the year. 'Oxnard' is worth your time

17. Ella Mai 'Boo'd Up'
I have been caught singing this shit in some of the sassiest ways possible

16. DaniLeigh 'Lil BeBe'
Dominicaaaa ahh ahh ahh

15. Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B 'Finesse (Remix)'
It pains me to say this but Cardi did enhance this song. On a related note: I don't know who I am anymore

14. J. Cole '1985'
More bars like this in 2019 por favor

13. YG feat. 2 Chainz, Big Sean & Nicki Minaj 'Big Bank'
You couldn't have picked better features to rock this beat

12. Kanye West & Lil Pump 'I Love It'
'You're such a fuckin' hoe, I love it'... yesss bring out my inner thot

11. Drake feat. Michael Jackson 'Don't Matter To Me'
Now THIS is how you do a posthumous collabo with MJ

10. Childish Gambino 'This Is America'
In under four minutes, Donald Glover takes us on a musical voyage, complete with various vibes. Like this country, the mood is uplifting & joyful at times, but also rough & sinister at others. 'This Is America' got a lot of attention due to it's graphic visuals (easily the video of the year) but the song accompanies it so beautifully.

9. Ariana Grande 'No Tears Left To Cry'
2018 was the year I finally understood the appeal to Ariana Grande, 'cause before that I was utterly confused. There is no way I'm gonna be able to hit the high notes she reaches in the hook, but that hasn't stopped me from trying. Cover your ears, pendejos.

8. Kendrick Lamar & SZA 'All The Stars'
Apparently, everything associated with 'Black Panther' was gold. Movie was a huge commercial success, and the soundtrack did phenomenal as well. The lead single set off the buzz, and with good reason. "This maybe the night that my dreams might let me know all the stars are closer." Shit had me ready to go to war for Wakanda.

7. Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper 'Shallow'
I knew this song (and movie) was gonna be a smash when I saw the trailer months before it's release. Sure enough, both did not disappoint. This is gonna be one of my go-to karaoke songs. And yes, I'll be doing Gaga's part.

6. Drake 'Nice For What'
Drake was making it impossible for me not to have him in heavy rotation. We already discussed his masterful MJ mix, but now you're just gonna sample the queen L-Boogie and expect me not to F with it? The whole world was singing 'kiki, do you love me?' last year, but quietly, this song was superior.

5. Lil Wayne 'Uproar'
There is great power in the 'Special Delivery' beat. When G. Dep rapped on it almost 20(!!) years ago, it had muthafuckas looking like they were catching seizures. Now you're gonna have a revitalized Weezy on there while Swizz Beatz hypes it up in the back? They trying to put dudes in a coma.

4. A$AP Ferg 'Harlem Anthem'
I rented 'Uncle Drew' and what stuck with me the most was the credits. Not because the movie was bad... a few cheap laughs, but entertaining overall. It's because this gem was playing over it. This is real New York rap, and that is the greatest compliment I can give anything musically.

3. Nas feat. Kanye West 'Cops Shot The Kid'
When it was announced that Nas was gonna drop a new album executive produced by Kanye, I was stoked. Seven tracks later, I was let down. You can't give the greatest MC of all-time 26 minutes for an album. FOH. It also seemed like the two lacked chemistry throughout the project. This song, however, is what I was expecting. A genius use of a Slick Rick sample to "remind 'em why Kaep kneels."

2. Jaden Smith feat. Nicky Jam 'Icon (Remix)'
After one of the many Met games I attended, there was a post-game concert featuring Busta Rhymes and a 'special guest'. That guest was Jaden Smith. That was the start of my fandom. Since then, I have been telling anyone that would listen that young Jaden is gonna be the biggest rap star on the planet one day. This song is exhibit A.

1. J. Cole 'Kevin's Heart'
I've officially entered Cole into my favorite 10 rappers of all-time. And that is a BIG deal. One of his strongest qualities is how he makes his music so relatable. 'Kevin's Heart' is no different. On some level, every guy can identify with this song... fighting that never-ending battle of temptation while in a committed relationship. "If I take this cookie now, one day I'll do the time." Choose wisely.

And there you have it! Hope you enjoyed the list. If you have ideas for future blogs, hit me up and let me know and maybe I'll be more active on here this year. Maybe.

My least favorite songs of 2015

Greetings, mutants!

As you may (or should) have read by now, my favorite 30 songs of 2015 are in the books. Awesome anthems like 'Bad Blood', 'I Can't Feel My Face' and 'Uptown Funk' made last year magical. But not magical enough. Sadly, musical geniuses like Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and Bruno Mars were outnumbered by tone deaf trolls who continue to pollute the airwaves with their over-saturated tunes.

In an effort to highlight the biggest offenders, last year I began to list my LEAST favorite songs of the year. Because they need some love, too. And I'm not gonna lie... I am starting to enjoy this more than listing my actual favorites. This is like my therapy... being able to pound on the keyboard and shit on all these scam artists posing as recording artists.

Well, my friends, this year will be no different. My wrath will be unleashed once again! *clears throat* OK quick reminder... I only focused on songs that were mainstream relevant. No need to point the finger on some fucktard's mixtape that he's harassing tourists to buy in Times Square. The bigger the impact these songs made, the more likely they were to piss me off.

It's go time. I present to you... my least favorite songs of 2015.

Fetty Wap 'Trap Queen'
From the moment I heard this travesty, I knew it would be on this list. The fact that this is arguably one of the biggest hits of 2015 is an indictment on how dumbed down the audience has become. Fans of this trash are going to say I am unreasonably sour on this song but tell me, what do you like about it? Is it the off-key belting? Or maybe it's the solid content, praising birds who handle drugs for their scumbag boyfriends? Oh, that's right... it's catchy. If you have this on your playlist, there's a warm place in hell for your tasteless ass.

Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo 'Time Of Our Lives'
After appearing on my top songs of the year list repeatedly, Pitbull appeared on the worst song list last year for his collaboration with that skank Ke$ha. Now he drags poor Ne-Yo into the mix with one of the worst written songs of '15. Here's the gem of a chorus:

I knew my rent was gon' be late about a week ago
I worked my ass off, but I still can't pay it though
But I got just enough to get up in this club
Have me a good time, before my time is up

Wonderful message. Hey kids, fuck your rent... go to the club and waste your money on overpriced alcoholic beverages while you listen to rubbish like this!

Meghan Trainor 'Dear Future Husband'
I really wanted to put anything this culture vulture sings but I will narrow it down to one of her corny ass songs. Ever since I heard 'All About That Bass', I knew this snowflake was up to no good, defacing old school soul music by slapping a big, fat pasty face on it. It's a shame we struggle to highlight black soul singers but are quick to promote melanin-challenged muthafuckas like this who are nothing but cheap imitations. Speaking of which...

Charlie Pugh feat. Meghan Trainor 'Marvin Gaye'
You thought you were off the hook, Meghan? Well not so fast! Now your equally annoying sidekick is gonna get some, too. It's one thing ripping off black music, but then having the audacity to use a legendary black singer as the title of the song? Oh no he didn't. Yeah, I know Charlie, you were aight on that Wiz track and maybe your chorus made a few folks shed some tears for Paul, but that doesn't earn you a 'get out of jail free' card. 'Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on?' Both of you, go somewhere deserted and take your watered down, soul-lacking 'soul music' with you.

Usher feat. Juicy J 'I Don't Mind'
Just when you thought Pitbull & Ne-Yo had the 'worst written song of the year' award wrapped up, here comes this little gem. So apprarently, this song is about dating a stripper and being able to see past the obvious obstacles because, despite her shaking her culo in front of a bunch of derelicts, she's still leaving the club with you. And you know what? I'm willing to look past that, because there are a handful of dancers who are swallowing their pride so they can put themselves through school or feed their kids. But here's the problem...

'I make enough for the both of us, but you dance anyway'

Yes, that's an actual lyric from this shit-fest of a song. Ursher makes it clear that his income can comfortably support himself and this trick, but she still chooses to drop down and get her eagle on for singles. And here I thought stripping was a last resort to make some money. How foolish!

Rihanna & Kanye West feat. Paul McCartney 'Four Five Seconds'
Kanye West is married to Kim Kardashian... and I HATE Kim Kardashian. That association alone could land this song on this list. The biggest reason? Kanye's awful singing. Look, everybody can't be Drake. And really, why would someone as talented as Kanye want to follow that blueprint anyway? That singing shit ain't for everyone. To make matters worse, Rihanna slayed the track. Take out Yeezy, factor in the Beatles connection and RiRi might be taking home a grammy. You hear that, Kanye? You just cost Rihanna a grammy. Selfish prick.

Drake & Future 'Jumpman'
Speaking of Drake, what the fuck was this? Is this what the kids are listening to now-a-days? This is another case of addition by subtraction. Admittedly, this song would've avoided this list with just Drizzy. But just like practically everything in life, Future ruins it. What is the obsession with this dude? He sounds like someone with down syndrome being autotuned. Google the lyrics to this rubbage and tell me if I'm missing something. I know style has always played a big part in rap music but when it's 95% style and 5% substance, something has gotta change.

I think I got enough off my chest for one year. Let this be a message to all artists, regardless of genre... I'm watching you. Drop some basura in 2016 and I'm gonna be on yo' ass. GeeQue, out.

My favorite 30 songs of 2015

Feliz año nuevo, pendejos!

Hope 2015 was kind to you. Musically... truthfully... it was another sub-par year. I would love to lie and tell you it was the extravagant comeback we have been anticipating for years but frankly, it was more of the same. Thankfully, by the grace of God, I was able to gather 30 songs that I deemed worthy enough to be featured in this annual masterpiece.

I'm sure I say this every year so let me continue the tradition... this is my favorite blog to write. Matter of fact, this is the 5th annual list! *confetti falls* I understand the responsibility... I don't take this list as a joke. Throughout the year, I am closely monitoring the tunes that get my culo shaking. I say this also to remind you that these aren't the BEST songs of the year, but rather my FAVORITE. I expect your list to look very different than mine, because we different muthafuckas. But don't let that stop you from debating or even shittin' on my list. I welcome the war, hoe.

OK enough suspense... let's get to it, folks. My favorite 30 songs of the past year.

30. Nicki Minaj feat. Drake & Lil Wayne 'Truffle Butter'
Not sure what I enjoy more... the song or the definition on Urban Dictionary

29. Calvin Harris & Disciples 'How Deep Is Your Love'
Making great dance music and boning Taylor Swift. Calvin Harris, you lucky son of a gun

28. Hailee Steinfeld 'Love Myself'
96% sure this song is about masturbation

27. Halsey 'New Americana'
Getting high on legal weed? Check. Raised on Biggie & Nirvana? Check. Top 30 song? Duh

26. Selena Gomez 'Same Old Love'
Trying my hardest not to be sexually attracted to her and failing miserably

25. Gente de Zona feat. Marc Anthony 'La Gozadera'
In case you didn't believe I'm Latino

24. Melanie Martinez 'Soap'
My all-time favorite contestant from 'The Voice'

23. Miguel 'Waves'
Slowly becoming my go-to guy in the R&B department

22. DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge 'You Know You Like It'
21. Skrillex & Diplo feat. AlunaGeorge 'To U'
Still unclear about who AlunaGeorge is/are but welcome to the top 30, you infectious asshole(s)

20. Justin Bieber 'What Do You Mean?'
In 2016, there shall be no more Belieber shaming

19. Walk The Moon 'Shut Up & Dance'
Would've been higher if I didn't hear it 35325647 times

18. Elle King 'Ex's & Oh's'
Mmmm bring your lil chubby, tattooed ass over here

17. G-Eazy feat. Bebe Rexha 'Me Myself & I'
Are we positive this isn't Drake?

16. Troy Ave 'Doo Doo'
Shittin' on haters, literally

15. Luke Bryan 'Kick The Dust Up'
A country song made my top 30! History has been made!

14. Tori Kelly 'Nobody Love'
Taylor is lucky she has my heart, 'cuz I'd taste a scoop of Tori Kelly's vanilla ice cream any day

13. Fifth Harmony feat. Kid Ink 'Worth It'
Come & show me that you're wit it, wit it, wit it, wit it

12. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 'Downtown'
You recruit Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz and Kool Moe Dee for a song... in 2015?! Awesome

11. Missy Elliott feat. Pharrell 'WTF (Where They From)'
Missy could literally drop wet farts on this electric Neptunes beat for three minutes and still make my list

10. Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars 'Uptown Funk'
I know what you're thinking... every time Bruno Mars makes the countdown, I reference his 'Moonshine Jungle' show that I attended at the Barclay's Center in the spring of 2013. How it was the best live performance I have ever attended. How energetic, lively and overall entertaining he was. I promise you, I will not do that this year.

9. Meek Mill feat. Tory Lanez 'Lord Knows'
Look, I know he battled Drake and got embarrassed. I know he was the subject of many mean-spirited memes. I could care less. Maybe I'm swayed because this was the backdrop to the most epic scene in 'Creed'. Whatever the case, this BANGS. So yes, Meek Mill might have caught an L to Drake, but that Canadian clown didn't sniff a spot on my top 30, so who really won?

8. Demi Lovato 'Cool For The Summer'
I couldn't name you three Demi Lovato songs if my life depended on it. I mean, I know she is... the kind-of-cute judge from the X-Factor that used to be depressed. But her music never struck a chord with me. That is, until she dropped this anthem that is sure to be played during our warmest season for the next century.

7. The Weeknd 'Can't Feel My Face'
Justin Timberlake has been trying his best to channel Michael Jackson for years now, even 'collaborating' with MJ on his posthumous release 'Xscape' in 2014. He never got close. THIS song? This feels like MJ reborn. No one will ever come THAT close to the greatness that is Michael Jackson, but I applaud the Weeknd for his valiant effort.

6. Yelawolf feat. Eminem 'Best Friend'
Group me in with the people that find Yelawolf to be a bit corny. Not to say he doesn't have redeeming qualities, I just don't get it. That surely didn't stop me from having this in rotation for at least half the year. In 2016, let's make a plea to release more gully songs about Papa Dios.

5. Lupe Fiasco 'Deliver'
Last year, I found it in my heart to forgive Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, two artists I had previously despised, and reward them with much deserved top 3 spots. Those close to me know why I'm at war with Lupe, and you will know one day when I write my New York Times best seller. Let's just say shit ain't sweet. I may be a lot of things but dammit, I am fair. Lupe's look on poverty in the inner city while using something as delicious as pizza as a metaphor is everything I wish rap was today.

4. J. Cole 'No Role Modelz
'First things first, RIP Uncle Phil... for real.' Captain Save-A-Hoe's beware, this is not the song for you. It's been over a year since Cole dropped his new age classic '2014 Forest Hills Drive' and I still can't get enough. It's refreshing to hear an MC chastise reality show hoes when most of this coon rappers put out trash to attract them.

3. Zedd feat. Jon Bellion 'Beautiful Now'
Usually when I'm running my ass off on the treadmill, the fast paced dance music that gets my legs moving tends to be a bit empty in terms of emotion or content. Ahhhh, at last, I have discovered the perfect mix. The ultimate backdrop to what was a wonderful 2015 for your boy.

2. Major Lazer X DJ Snake feat. Mo 'Lean On'
I have a tight knit group of friends. A lot of them, I have known for over half my life. They understand why I am the crazy mutant I am today. So when I hear something like 'focus, fire a gun, we all need someone to lean on', it gets my spidey sense tingling. The only thing that would make it better is if it were over a thumping Indian-influenced beat. Oh it has that, too? Badass.

1. Taylor Swift 'Bad Blood'
This isn't like last year where 'Happy' was my clear cut #1. Any of the top five songs could have had this spot. So let's look at the tie breakers. Video? Taylor, surrounded by various models and actresses, posing as blood-thirsty heroines. Impact? You already know the numbers '1989' did, and this was arguably her biggest hit off the album. Can I mention how Kendrick Lamar is one of my favorite current MC's, yet I refuse to sync the remix of this song that he's featured on onto my iPod because his verses essentially equate to less Taylor? And finally, and most importantly, let's factor in how I am utterly obsessed with her. I have her calendar on my wall, for crying out loud. Yes, Taylor Swift is #1... on this list, and in my heart.

And there you have it... another year in the books. Can Taylor Swift go back to back next year? Which artist who I currently hate will I forgive? Stay tuned! Until then, I hope 2016 finds you much success, whatever that means to you.

My favorite 40 songs of 2013

Remember me? :D

Let's get the obligatory "Happy New Years!' shit out the way. Hope 2014 is kind to ya. Truth is, for all the great shit 2013 brought to me, more blog posts was not one of them. But it's a new year, new me! Just kidding... I hate when people say that. However, I am gonna start on a positive note and give you an original piece... and one that often stirs up some emotion.

It's my favorite songs of 2013!

I doubt anyone besides myself will notice that I didn't post one of these for 2012. Was it because the music was so atrocious that I decided to skip one altogether? No, actually. I have the list, and it's delightful! It may sound like a lame excuse but I just never got around to posting it. I vowed to never make that mistake again so I'm giving y'all muthafuckas this list. Read it and love it.

One slight change from the last time I posted one of these: I made it a top 40 instead of a top 50. This was not something I planned on doing before making the list but I felt like I was reaching by adding on 10 more songs just 'cause. Less is more and all that. To compensate, I added blurbs to just about every song, because I'm sure you wanted to read more of my expert analysis.

As always, a refresher to the criteria: These are MY favorite songs of the past year. Not the BEST. Not the most POPULAR. Just my FAVORITE. (Envision me yelling every time you see something in caps) I write this because while you can offer your opinion and feelings on what your fav jams of 2013 were, this list is hard to debate because it's the shit I like. You'll notice a lot of dance songs on here. Yeah, 'cause a dude was hitting the treadmill hard last year (until that one day in November when I killed it running 3 miles in something like 25 minutes and sprained my foot so bad I could hardly walk on it for the next week). In response to the lack of hip-hop (my preferred genre of music, if you didn't know), I say show me where to get some and I'm there. Unfortunately, I'm not able to be online all day searching for underground shit to satisfy my rap urges (I just put on some 90's shit for that) and the new shit, especially the mainstream stuff, is horrible.

OK, here's the list. Have fun and hopefully I will speak to you guys a lot more in 2014. Enjoy!

40. Bruno Mars 'Treasure'
Saw him in concert last year, amazeballs!

39. Daft Punk feat. Pharrell 'Get Lucky'
How smooth was this? Perfect summer song

38. Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc 'Wake Me Up'
Liked Aloe Blacc ever since 'I Need A Dollar'

37. Haim 'The Wire'
Thought they were strange when I saw them on SNL but this rocks

36. Action Bronson feat. LL Cool J & Lloyd Banks 'Strictly 4 My Jeeps'
Would love to see hear more NY rap like this in '14

35.  B.o.B 'Missing'
Underappreciated MC who always speaks his mind

34. Jay-Z 'Picasso Baby'
33. Drake feat. Jay-Z 'Pound Cake'
Surprisingly, my fav MC ever doesn't crack the top 25

32. Big Sean feat. Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica 'Control'
Verse of the year candidate by Kendrick. Got damn!

31. Icona Pop 'I Love It'
Two Swedish chicks yelling about crashing their car? Yes, please!

30. M.I.A. 'Y.A.L.A.'
This is what happens when you shazam songs from commercials

29. Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull 'Live It Up'
Every time these two hook up, they make it on here

28. Rihanna 'What Now'
Finally dropped as a single. Best song off of 'Unapologetic'

27. Sevyn Streeter feat. Chris Brown 'It Won't Stop (Remix)'
She might not have the best voice but this is so smooth

26. Ludacris 'Hell Of A Night'
Luda always kills these light, fun club songs

25. Britney Spears 'Til It's Gone'
24. Pitbull feat. Kelly Rowland 'That High'
Both dropped at the end of the year but they've been on repeat heavy

23. Sam & The Womp 'Bom Bom'
22. Fergie, Q-Tip & GoonRock 'A Little Party Never Killed Nobody'
This is what happens when you occasionally watch 'Dancing W/ The Stars'

21. Afrojack feat. Chris Brown 'As Your Friend'
20. Will.I.Am feat. Chris Brown 'Let's Go'
Fuck rehab, Breezy. Just make a dance album with shit like this on it

19.  J. Cole feat. Amber Coffman 'She Knows'
Couldn't get into the album but this bangs

18. Mack Wilds 'Own It'
This feels so New York. Kudos to the remix w/ Jadakiss, too

17. Kid Cudi 'Young Lady'
'Indacud' was one of my fav albums in '13

16. Eminem 'So Much Better'
When Em drops an album, he's guaranteed a spot on my list

15. Sia feat. The Weeknd & Diplo 'Elastic Heart'
The 'Titanium' chick strikes again!

14. Tegan & Sara 'Closer'
I can now cross 'liking a song by Canadian lesbian twins' off my bucket list

13. One Republic 'Counting Stars'
'No more counting dollars, we'll be counting stars' YES

12. Ylvis 'The Fox (What Does The Fox Say)'
Anyone who knows me knows this could easily be my #1. Hilarious!

11. Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding 'I Need Your Love'
Loved this even more after I saw the video

And now, I present my favorite 10 songs of 2013!

10. Miley Cyrus 'We Can't Stop'
I tried to fight it. I really did. But the fight was not a fair one. For all the negative things I can say about her (and trust me, I realize that she's an industry puppet who's playing out this ridiculous character for attention), I have to give credit where it's due. Shit, even I was twerking to this.

09. A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera 'Say Something'
Jay-Z famously said 'sensitive thugs, y'all all need hugs.' Well, dammit, I need a hug and I need it now. Is this depressing? Uhhhh HELL YEAH. This is the song you play right before your disaster of a relationship comes to an end. Pillows are soaking up tears to this shit right here. You're gripping your teddy bear extra tight. But sometimes pain sounds so beautiful.

08. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 'Can't Hold Us'
Are they corny? Sure. A song like 'Thrift Shop' wasn't going to change that (although I love the message). This? Yeah, this is serious. Any MC who would've rapped over this beat with that hook would've made it into a banger, but they didn't get that chance. Macklemore did. And that makes him one lucky, successful ass dude.

07. Pusha T feat. Future 'Pain'
I hate Future. Seriously, I do. If you replaced him with T-Pain on any song he's on, the song is instantly 10000x better. But that's how much I love this song... that I could bare his down-syndrome sounding ass on the hook. And for that, and many other reasons, Push wins rap album of the year accolades in my book.

06. Joell Ortiz 'Roll Deep'
Let's see what we have in play here: A dope NY MC, who just so happens to be Puerto Rican, rhyming over a hard beat that samples Big Pun AND Frankie Cutlass? How can this NOT be in my top 10? 'I'm in here going pernil, that's one step up from ham'. Songs like this remind me that I still love H.E.R.

05. Drake feat. 2 Chainz & Big Sean 'All Me'
From the moment Drake says 'Got everything, I got everything', you know shit's about to go down. Wouldn't consider myself a fan of any of these dudes but when you can get the best out of all 3 of them over a beat like this with a memorable hook, you have a great anthem.

04. Neighbourhood 'Sweater Weather'
It wasn't until recently (and by recently, I mean last night) that I realized that the lead singer is a dude. And that's probably not a great sign. But trust me when I tell you that something about this song just feels good. Maybe because it feels like California and I was in LA in June (show-off alert!) but I digs this.

03. Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell 'Blurred Lines'
Here's where I brag about downloading this song (and not illegally, either!) in April, way before the frenzy. I'm a visionary! May I add that I previously hated Robin Thicke. He didn't feel authentic to me, and in his past efforts he sounded like he was trying too hard. But Pharrell LACED him. Add the simplistic, yet genius video and you have what was possibly the biggest song of '13.

02. Capital Cities 'Safe & Sound'
A cool dude like myself (ahem) listens to cool music. And this, my friends, is cool. Although they're essentially repeating the same four lines over and over again, the vibe of this song (mainly due to the awesome use of horns) is just... cool. Also doubles as one of my favorite videos of the year.

01. Lorde 'Royals'
I remember the day so vividly. I was in the passenger side of the whip, radio on blast, and both Hot 97 and Power 105 (NYC desperately needs a better 'urban' station) had commercials on so I (tentatively) switched to z100. And that's the moment I fell in love with this song. And then Rick Ross added a verse on it and, surprisingly, didn't ruin it. Yes, this song is amazing. Yes, this is my favorite song of 2014. And yes, you can call me queen bee.

Another year, another list. What were your favorites of 2013? I probably won't care but feel free to let me know. Just kidding! Kind of.