It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 20 years since R&B staple Ciara released her debut album “Goodies.” While the quality of her output has varied over time, in “Low Key,” this DJ Luke-sampling tune is a vast improvement from some of her more recent projects. Lyrically, the singer highlights how hard she works professionally and personally while still carving out enough of herself to indulge in the pleasures of love and marriage (Hey Russell!). The track lends itself perfectly to its accompanying EP “CiCi” and stands out amongst a solid, slightly too brief, but well-rounded project.

Watch the “Low Key” lyric video, stream it, or grab some music by Ciara.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “Low Key” by Ciara appeared first on THE 97.

An R&B duet is a dish best served hot — with the right ingredients, a pair of crooners can combine to create cosmic chemistry. On “JEANS,” budding star Jessie Reyez and burgeoning icon Miguel join forces to secure their very much-deserved places in R&B. The scintillatingly slow jam is anything but shy with its grind-inducing guitar licks and blush-inducing explicit lyrics. Reyez’s gruff and gritty vocals are perfectly complimented by Miguel’s guttural groans. The track may be titled after an article of clothing, but the pair surely has every intention of inspiring their removal. It’s a sure thing.

Watch the “JEANS” video, stream it, or get some records by Miguel or Jessie Reyez.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post Review: “JEANS” by Jessie Reyez & Miguel appeared first on THE 97.

Coming into one’s own requires a commanding level of self-confidence. Janelle Monáe’s embodiment of “free ass muthafucker” over the last several years reached new heights with the release of her latest, summer-ready album “The Age of Pleasure.” On the album cut “Phenomenal,” Monáe taps newbie Doechii to join them in a celebration of both phenomenal face and “phenomenal puss.” Opening the track, Monáe proclaims: “I’m looking at 1,000 versions of myself and they’re all fine. as. fuck. Say it to my face… bitch.” The question is asked (“How you feel?”) and answered (“Phenomenal!”); it’s not up for debate.

Listen to “Phenomenal,” or purchase “The Age of Pleasure” on vinyl

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “Phenomenal” by Janelle Monáe & Doechii appeared first on THE 97.

Seeing red? Mission accomplished. Doja Cat has been inciting flames of fury amongst her fans, some former, with recent comments and criticisms she’s made about stan culture. Truth be told, this instance is hardly the first or worst controversy to surround the hitmaker; being problematic is essentially part of her brand at this point. Nonsense aside, the first two singles from Doja Cat’s fourth studio album “Scarlet” see her leaning hard into Hip-Hop, shedding the glossy pop sound behind her biggest hits. While “Attention” didn’t create too much buzz, “Paint the Town Red” has ignited quite the stir.

Debuting at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Dionne Warwick-sampling track is only gaining in popularity. Today, it broke records on Spotify, garnering the largest single-day streams total of any solo female rap song. It’s predicted that the song will enter the top ten of the Hot 100, potentially reaching #5. The success is well-deserved. Doja Cat’s choice to quit straddling the line of Pop and Hip-Hop and embrace her status as one of Hip-Hop’s leading lady rappers is proving to be a success. As its insanely catchy chorus goes, “Bitch, I said what I said; I’d rather be famous instead.” Her no-fucks-given attitude has translated into the music, and it’s clear that while it may make her unlikeable, it’s made her music undeniable.

Watch the “Paint the Town Red” video, stream it, or get some Doja Cat vinyl.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post Review: “Paint the Town Red” by Doja Cat appeared first on THE 97.

It’s fitting that during the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, such a catchy and modern tune uses such historical samples as its structure. Similar to the original version, which uses a sample from “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash, Coi Leray’s “Players” remix sounds fresh without getting lost in the enormous legacy of the sampled track. On the Busta Rhymes-assisted remix, which uses his 1997 single “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” as its foundation, Rhymes crafts an updated verse that showcases his dynamic rhythmical flow. Overall, his inclusion makes for a fresh yet nostalgic listening experience.

Watch the “Players” visualizer, stream it, or pre-order Coi Leray’s album “COI” on vinyl!

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “Players (DJ Saige Remix)” by Coi Leray & Busta Rhymes appeared first on THE 97.

Twenty-five years into her career, Mýa has mastered the art of being booked, busy, and in control. After founding her own label Planet 9 in 2008, she’s continued to perform around the world and has released several albums and singles independently. Her latest, “Whine,” is a throwback in virtue of both its sound and its feature from dancehall king Bounty Killer. Mýa sounds and looks better than ever — sexy, yet ever classy. Whether via new releases or the recent celebrations of her classic Y2K albums, Mýa continues to remind us why she’s one of R&B’s most underrated icons.

Watch the “Whine” video, stream it, or complete your Mýa music collection.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post Review: “Whine” by Mýa & Bounty Killer appeared first on THE 97.

If Charlie had angels and demons, surely the latter would be a trio of men. Serving up a multi-genre, multi-cultural combination, the trio of Travis Scott, Bad Bunny, and The Weeknd provide the perfect demon-time soundtrack via “K-POP.” Laced with plenty of star power, this party anthem is tailor-made for the club, and no doubt inspired by its namesake’s effects. As the track progresses, each star shines via his signature sound: Scott sets the mood with a trippy rap, Bad Bunny ups the energy with bombastic bars, and Weeknd cools things down, atmospherically floating atop the beat.

Watch the “K-POP” video, stream it, or get some Travis Scott vinyl.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “K-POP” by Travis Scott, Bad Bunny & The Weeknd appeared first on THE 97.

There’s something magical that happens when a pop princess finds her dance DJ prince. Just ask Kelly Rowland. The collaboration between KAROL G and Tiësto, “Don’t Be Shy,” was a worldwide hit for the Colombian superstar singer and Dutch DJ, so it’s a no-brainer that the pair hooked up once again. The newly-released “PROVENZA (REMIX)” is a dancefloor-ready mix of one of her more laid-back tracks, transforming its vibe from beach day to night club. KAROL G’s signature slinky, tongue-twisting style of rap singing is abundant in rhymes and criminally catchy — even if you don’t speak Spanish.

Watch the “PROVENZA (REMIX)” live, stream it, or pre-order the BICHOTA SEASON vinyl.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “PROVENZA (REMIX)” by KAROL G & Tiësto appeared first on THE 97.

Adding a phrase to the pop culture lexicon is a telltale sign of impact. With “Padam Padam,” Kylie Minogue gives “heartbeat” a new name and reminds us why she’s been a pop music mainstay for decades. The 55-year-old icon proves that with the right song, a true diva will flourish regardless. The infectious dance track immediately claimed its place in the zeitgeist upon release, with its fiercely red music video and undeniably catchy hook featuring perfectly relatable lyrics for her target audience: the gays — arriving just in time for Pride month, “Padam” has become an inescapable anthem.

Watch the “Padam Padam” video, stream it, or pre-order the album, “Tension”

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “Padam Padam” by Kylie Minogue appeared first on THE 97.

In 2023, summer came early. Twelve days into the New Year, Miley Cyrus dropped “Flowers,” a bittersweet, disco-pop bop that perfectly leverages Miley’s unique voice and empowering image. With a captivating visual and song, Cyrus broke streaming records to debut at #1 on the Hot 100, spending 8 weeks at the pole position. As the lead single from “Endless Summer Vacation,” “Flowers” is a great representation of the album as a whole, which delves heavily into her post-divorce emotional reckonings. Strutting in her strength, Cyrus’ aura of cool remains unbreakable. She gave herself “Flowers” via the biggest hit of her career.

Watch the “Flowers” video, stream it, or get “Endless Summer Vacation” on vinyl.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus appeared first on THE 97.