Each week, we highlight the rad, the bad and the straight-up sad in music. This week:Frank Ocean bares his soul, Kendrick Lamar gets dark and Nas’ highly anticipatedcomeback has everyone talking. Check outlast week's music roundup here.--> Download This

"Sweet Life" by Frank OceanFrank Ocean was busy this month. Hesort of came out on his Tumblr, released his album Channel Orange a weekearly digitally and then sold over 131,000 in his first week. His personal life may havetaken center stage, but his album has some definite noteworthy tracks, like “SweetLife.” The muted, breezy number draws a narrative about falling in love with someonefrom the sunnier side of the tracks. “Why see the world when you got thebeach?”“Swimming Pools (Drank)” by KendrickLamar“Swimming Pools (Drank)” strangelyserves both as a cautionary tale as well as great drinking background music. Moreconscious than his peers, Kendrick is always good for this duality: He makes you thinkwithout thumping you over the head, and we love that. The dark, ominous beat comescourtesy of rising Toronto producer T-Minus.“Bye Baby” byNas (prod. by Salaam Remi and Noah “40” Shebib)"Bye Baby," the closer to Nas' new studioalbum, Life Is Good, finds Nas setting the record straight as he candidlyexposes his tumultuous relationship with his now ex-wife, singer Kelis. Helmed by SalaamRemi and Noah “40” Shebib (who is quickly becoming hip-hop’s go-toproducer for all things emo), “Bye Baby” intersperses Guy’s classic“Goodbye Love” in a musical therapy session of sorts. TMI for you? Check out“Loco-Motive,” featuring Large Professor, also on Life Is Good, formore lyricism and fewer Kleenex.“Hey You” by Tyler, TheCreator and Toro Y Moi A summery, disco-hued track from Tyler, TheCreator and Toro Y Moi. According to the Odd Future frontman’s Twitter, “HeyYou” was an unfinished track that “got out somehow,” but it’spretty smooth as is.“National Anthem (Remix)” by Das RacistDas Racist give Lana DelRey’s “National Anthem” their own spin, complete with Diplo, MileyCyrus and Deepak Chopra name checks.
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