Songs You May or May Not Have Heard Of (But You Should) Part IV

Listed below are some songs that have found their way into heavy rotation on my iPod and iTunes. They are in no particular order in terms of what song I like more. If you have any recommendations, please pass along some artists and songs. If you agree or disagree with some of the songs on my list, let me know! Hit the jump for the list!

Here is Part I, Part II, and Part III

EDIT: So originally I intended on making a Top 10 sort of list, but i came up with 18 songs that I felt like everyone should hear. Enjoy.

NOTE: Clicking on the links will open up the song (most all but the first song are YouTube links) in this window. Make sure to right click and select "Open Link in New Tab."

1. Drop- Earl Sweatshirt: OFWGKTA (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All) is quickly gaining popularity every day. If you don't know who they are, check out their Radical Mixtape (after you get out of the ditch you just jumped in for not knowing them) for a good sampling of what they have to offer. Each member of OF has their own projects as well. My favorite member is Earl Sweatshirt. He is the youngest of the group, but the most lyrically mature. No one's going to applaud OF for their sense of social consciousness or gentle love raps. And Earl shows everyone why in this song. but his wordplay is sick. Just flat-out destroying Rich Boy's beat, Earl is vulgar from the first words, saying "Tell your bitch to stop complaining bout her achy tits/Her body is a temple i don't give a fuck I'm atheist." and in the ensuing lines the graphic details and witty use of words persist, "I'm a nice guy in person but a pervert in the sheets/And I'm magic with the words murder merlin over beats/Make the competition kiss the fuckin curb and then they weepin and they drop." I suggest you check out Earl's tape "Earl" and his older brother, Tyler, The Creator's, "Bastard." Are you in the mood to be thoroughly disgusted? Check this out. Oh, and one more thing: FREE EARL!
2. Never Say Never- Outasight: Now that I got my OF post out of my system, I'm good. Anyway's, Outasight has been around for a couple years and has a very unique sound. He seamlessly blends singing and rapping into his own style. This song is the title track of his most recent mixtape. Of course you can expect me to enjoy this because of its laid back sample. Also, as corny as it sounds, this song has a bit of a motivational feel to it. Outasight is talking about just not giving up. Keep going. This song is definitely a head-bobber. PAUSE
3. We On- Gemini & Lupe Fiasco: Most people I show this song to (even the biggest of Lupe fans) are unfamiliar with this song. It's okay though, I don't blame you. Gemini was once Lupe's running mate, and they spit verses on several of each others songs. Gemini has since stepped away completely from the rap game and turned his focus towards gospel music. You can't knock the man for finding faith but I think it's kind of a shame because I believe he really was able to go toe-to-toe with Lupe on this track. The way in which they rhyme with each other's lines is unlike any other song I've ever heard. I really think it takes natural chemistry to acomplish this song. (Sidenote: who else is excited for Lasers?!)
4. Way Back- Keak da Sneak: If you don't fall in love with the beat right away, then I don't know what to tell you. I could listen to the first 40 seconds on repeat for God knows how long. Keak's voice threw me off at first. But if you can look past that and at the lyrics, Keak has some bars! I don't know who is on the hook, but it sounds good as well. You may be thinking "Oh, this is a typical story bout going from the hood to fame." But listen. This song is not all about him. He's bringing his people with him to the top (I'm not saying that Keak made it there but he sure did try!).

So here are 18 songs I think you all should listen to. I put in a lot of work in making this list so talk to me people! Tell me what you think. Feel free to comment, hit me up on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Enjoy and listen to these songs!