I heard the song for the first time when she performed at the 2023 VMAs and fell in love with it because it’s a mix of what’s familiar and what’s brand new. Using the legendary Dionne Warwick’s orchestration from her 1964 hit song, “Walk On By” and adding it behind Doja’s clever and unabashed lyrics makes for the ultimate modern female anthem. It’s genius! Strip away the devil imagery (which is really just surface distraction) and you have a song about a woman who knows her own self-worth, is unapologetic about her choices, and won’t settle for less than what she deserves. It’s the banger that lives rent-free in my head.

- Wendy L. Wilson, Executive Editor

It's no secret that this breakout artist (a discovery of Snoop Dogg) sounds almost hauntingly like Marvin Gaye, who we lost nearly 40 years ago. On his 2023 release, The Rebirth of Marvin, his tenor voice is accompanied by a particular early-70s soul sound, which Snoop has long been partial to in much of his own music.

Joining producers Eric Nealante Phillips and Soopafly, London is following the trend of artists not actually bringing back, but continuing the sound of orchestral soul music that has been replaced by Korg, Yamaha, and Roland beat machines over the years. Examples of this include, of course, Silk Sonic, and also Michael Kiwanuka or Black Puma

So why is my vote "Mulholland Drive?" 

Co-written with singer LaToiya Williams, this track is really a departure from his channeling of Gaye. Instead, it has an adult contemporary sound intended to place the listener into a relaxed mode and appeal to their intelligence. In other words, it's "grown folks' music" and makes no apology for sounding like it. Just on arrangement alone, the record stands leagues above any release I've heard this year and is my pick for the very best of 2023.

- Madison Joe Gray, Senior Editor, News

Veeze’s June album Ganger was one of the strongest hip-hop releases in 2023, stamping Detroit as one of rap’s biggest hubs. “Broke Phone” (featuring Lucki) proved that not only the Midwest has something to say, but that Veeze can rap his ass off for as long as the instrumental can provide him a beat. His scratchy and faint tone also comes through on the buttery smooth banger. It’s modern-day hip-hop at its highest level.

- Paul Meara, Staff Writer, Music

“No Bars” showcases JT's lyrical prowess and commanding presence. With a pulsating beat and two-verse structure, the single became an anthem for self-confidence and empowerment, resonating with city girls worldwide. The Miami-bred emcee’s razor-sharp delivery and bold, unfiltered verses solidify her as a force to be reckoned with in the evolving female rap scene. As one of the standout singles of 2023, "No Bars" marks a triumphant chapter for City Girls, reaffirming the rap duo’s status as trailblazers in the industry.

- Ebbony "Miss2Bees" Pinillos, Editorial Web Producer

Tell me you don’t feel so loose and free once the beat drops. Monet’s ‘Alright’ record is a perfect description of how we should feel all year round. It helps her album is JUST as good. Zone out with friends at the club, a friends night, or with your man to this record and it’s guaranteed satisfaction and pleasure with every spin. 

- Ty Cole, Digital Contributor

Sometimes you need a theme song to help you get back on your ish and make it happen. Understanding that you won't have an explanation for everything that occurs in life but that it all somehow works together is a major key to moving forward when disappointing or unexpected things take place.

"Grateful for the blessings. Grateful for the lessons. Grateful for the clarity to see that they're connected."

- La'Janeé, Senior Social Editor

Usher has cemented his status as an icon with his Las Vegas residency, where he is known to serenade the ladies every chance he gets/ After being embroiled in a controversy with Keke Palmer and her then-boyfriend Darius Jackson, who questioned her fashion choice. At the same time, she attended one of Mr. Raymond’s shows, Usher came up with a banger that is the ultimate troll job with “Boyfriend.” Over a slick, mid-tempo track, Usher seductively sings, “Somebody said that your boyfriend's lookin' for me/Oh, that's cool, that's cool/Well, he should know I'm pretty easy to find/Just look for me wherever he sees you.” It doesn’t get much better than that. Taking the revenge anthem to another level, Palmer even appears in the video for the song with Usher

Trolling aside, “Boyfriend” is a stark reminder that Usher remains the King of contemporary R&B as he is set to release his forthcoming project, Coming Home. Also, it’s a warning to fellas to step their game up, or someone else will.

- Rashad Grove, Staff Writer, News

When I think of great R&B singers, Lucky Daye will go down in history as one of the best. From his lyrics to a voice that has range, “That’s You,” epitomizes a great R&B love song. “Cocoa butter...Baccarat on covers..I smell it on my sheets,” those are some baby-making lyrics! 

-Yesha Callahan, Entertainment Director