Ask anyone about hip-hop here, and images of Drake, Rick Ross and dark clubs – filled with moonglow centered around the heavy sound of bass – will come to mind. They’ll tell you of club-goers sprawled across the dance floor, stepping on each other’s feet, bumping shoulders, and waiting for the moment their favourite Fetty Wap song blends seamlessly into the hottest Kanye West single.
Today’s hip-hop jams are vital to the culture: they show how imperative this genre of music is to the world, and how the changing hip-hop scene is as experimental and international as those easy-to-digest pop anthems. I’d say that we’re also seeing the blurring of lines between new R&B and hip-hop. Look at Drake, for instance… isn’t he a “singer” and a rapper? That’s the beauty of music today; artists feel free to explore “their sound” while collaborating with others; celebrating each other’s creativity and bridging the gaps that exist between them.
In the centre of Abu Dhabi’s club culture you find DJ Allad. Between resident gigs, mentoring aspiring DJs, and curating live sets for music artists, DJ Allad keeps himself very busy. DJ Allad took time from his packed schedule to share the top five club jams:
1. Tory Lanez – Luv
Seems like everyone is falling in “luv” with the new single from Torey Lanez. This Canadian artist is bringing island flavour to a classic single originally created by popular dancehall duo deejay Tanto Metro and singer Devonte. Lanez flips the track into a club banger that will probably be added to his soon to be released album.
2. Skrillex & Rick Ross – Purple Lamborghini
This song is just as dope as it sounds. I can only imagine the energy produced at the studio session where the two artists created this hip-hop and electronic dance collaboration. Skrillex’s “Oh My Gosh” magnetic marks are all over the track while Ross raps engagingly about “Big Problem.” “Purple Lamborghini” has been picked up for the Suicide Squad movie soundtrack.
3. D.R.A.M. featuring Lil Yachty – Broccoli
The only thing better than eating your vegetables is listening to songs about them. This song features vocals from rapper Lil Yachty. The bass-heavy trap beat has a very chirpy piano loop that is hard to forget. ”Broccoli” has been burning up the international music charts, and… it’s a great reminder to eat those veggies!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSUOAYjgRJs
4. Drake featuring Rihanna – Too Good
“Too Good” is a Caribbean-inspired polyrhythm hit with a simple beat and lyrics about neediness and love. What draws listeners to this song is its one-liners. This standout track, which features Rihanna, is part of Drake’s new album Views.
5. Fetty Wap – Wake Up
This song is a dedication to the class of 2016. Its message, explained by Fetty Wap in a recent social media post, is intended for teens who may be struggling through school. Fetty insists that everyone has to find what motivates him or her in life to reach success. The song’s music production is nothing special, but the track does have enough balance of fun and familiarity to keep you dancing in the club.
