By Claire Conlan
Staff Reporter
Popular musical artists like Drake, Cardi B and The Weeknd have all surprised their fans with new music that is making its way to the top of the charts.
While he was in Toronto finishing the recording of his upcoming album, Canadian rapper Drake released a new single on April 6 called “Nice for What,” which is currently number two on the Top Hits list on iTunes. “Nice for What” was released after his other latest single “God’s Plan,” which is still number one on the Billboard Top 100 list.
“I think Drake’s new song brings back old school rap, but keeps up with today’s generation by his modern flare of rhymes,” said senior Hailee Gunn.
Many fans and listeners think “Nice for What” is an empowering, female anthem.
The music video was released the same day as the single was released, and stars a variety of female celebrities: Olivia Wilde, Misty Copeland, Issa Rae, Rashida Jones, Jourdan Dunn, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tiffany Haddish, Yara Shahidi, Zoe Saldana, Elizabeth and Victoria Lejonhjärta, Letitia Wright, Bria Vinaite, Emma Roberts, Syd and Michelle Rodriguez. All of them were filmed doing various activities, such as swimming, dancing, modeling and riding horses, while Drake rapped his verses in the background.
Even people who are not fans of Drake are really enjoying this song.
“I do not really listen to Drake that much, but once I heard this song on the radio I cannot stop listening to this song,” said junior RJ Edwards. “The beat is so catchy. I cannot take this song off repeat.”
On the same day that Drake released “Nice for What,” rapper Cardi B, released her debut studio album, “Invasion of Privacy.” Her album debuted as No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart and No. 1 on the Top Album chart on iTunes.
The album includes four of her latest singles, “Bodak Yellow,” “Bartier Cardi,” “Be Careful” and “Drip,” and features guest appearances by Migos, Chance the Rapper, Kehlani, SZA, 21 Savage, J Balvin, Bad Bunny and YG.
“After ‘Bodak Yellow’ swept the nation as a breakout single, I, like many others, were doubtful that Cardi B would be able to top it,” said junior Cathleen Stanley. “‘Invasion of Privacy’ is one of the best debut albums of our generation. With her new album, Cardi has cemented her place in today’s hit music and she is not going anywhere.”
The day after Cardi B released her debut album, she also starred on “Saturday Night Live” and announced that she is pregnant. While she was performing “Be Careful,” she was wearing a tight dress that showed off her baby bump.
“Cardi B is an artist [who] targets millennial style rap, and for that she is being put on top for staying current and keeping up with the trends,” said Gunn.
Not only are Cardi B and Drake keeping up with trends and hitting the top charts, but so is Canadian singer, The Weeknd.
The Weeknd released “My Dear Melancholy” on March 30, which was his first extended play (EP). The EP includes six songs on the track list: “Call Out My Name,” “Try Me,” “Wasted Times,” “I Was Never There,” “Hurt You” and “Privilege.”
After selling 169,000 album-equivalent units, the album hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
“‘Call Out My Name” is my favorite song on his EP. The song is extremely emotional. It’s about his break up with Selena Gomez,” said senior Vinny Favorito. “Even in one part of the song he says ‘I almost cut a piece of myself for your life, guess I was just another pit stop till you made up your mind.’ He was saying he almost gave her his liver.”
The Weeknd’s EP had a darker style because a majority of the album was about past failed relationships with Gomez and Bella Hadid.
Drake, Cardi B and The Weeknd are just a few of the many artists who have been releasing new music to their fans, and are all fighting for a spot at the top of the charts.
