You’ve got the furniture, you’ve got the pool table, and Bezos’ delivery boys have just finished helping you set up your wicked new audio system. The squad is coming through on Friday for a “cave-warming”. You need a banging playlist, and quickly. Luckily, we’re right on hand with a neat little selection of tunes that will, hopefully, prevent the dreaded “pass the aux”.
10. Fally Ipupa: “Bad Boy” (feat. Aya Nakamura) – Tokooos
A surefire way to raise eyebrows, and get feet tapping at the same time, is to throw on this epic jam from Congolese superstar Fally Ipupa. An Afro-Pop vibe with an EDM tempo sees Fally glide effortlessly between his native Lingala and French. Up and coming French songstress Aya Nakamura, of “Djadja” fame, adds a sprinkling of spice, as she sours and sulks at Fally’s playboy ways.
The up-tempo rhythm, and Fally’s cheerfully mischievous singing, is a masterful blend, one of many spectacular moments on the 2017 album “Tokooos”. Great for a pre-game drink-up, or just a casual hang session. Perfect for busting serious moves on the dancefloor.
I seriously recommend giving this record, and album (Available on Amazon) a spin. As chief of the man cave, it is always a good look to have cultured tastes.
9. Future: “Solo”- Hndrxx
Auto-crooner Future (A.K.A. Future Hendrix) initiates a breakup by trying to use his hectic life on the road (and overtly flashy lifestyle) as justification for his lack of commitment. When that fails, he tries to bribe the, understandably fuming, young lady with shopping trips, cars, and actual trips. She agrees, which serves as a mini self-fulfilling prophecy for the Future. In his heart, wants the woman to refuse the materialism he presents and just willingly walk away… which would make him want her again. Confusing, right?
This warped concoction of emotions intoxicates the ears through Dre Moon’s trippy production, and Future’s effortless “Aye” flows. While some may remain inebriated by the beat, others will be quickly sobered up by the blunt lyrics. “Take my advice, live a better life”, jabs the self-proclaimed “Street Prophet”.
The Atlanta native’s trademark pain, or pettiness, continues to serve as rocket fuel in this street ballad. Super Future takes off, leaving yet another would-be Lois Lane with nothing but a G-Wagon and NDA-wrapped memories.
While “she” may, or may not, be “for the streets”, this song is a definite must-have for any young savage’s man cave. Check it out on Amazon.
8. NoLuv Nevo: “Chase It” – Single
If you are a fan of the TV series Power Book II: Ghost (Available on Amazon), you might remember hearing this banger, brought to you by up and coming to rapper NoLuv Nevo. I’m no spoiler, but let’s just say this song serves as the background to a scene where ludicrous amounts of money are being made.
A simple enough trap banger, with booming basses, and 808 drums, merged with NoLuv’s ear-wormy repetition of “Chase it, chase it, chase it”. “It” of course, refers to moolah\greenbacks\ “the bag”.
Wealth is the sole mission, and NoLuv laments that he is only limited to 24-hour shifts in this relentless pursuit. The ultimate hustle anthem to get you amped for whatever work you have to accomplish in your sanctuary.
Available on Amazon.
7. Burna Boy: “Collateral Damage”
Just another highlight in the Nigerian sensation’s rapidly expanding gallery. With snazzy 80’s-funk electric guitars flickering across a rolling thunder cloud of Afro-pop percussions, prepare to involuntary learn “Pidgin” English.
Burna Boy skillfully pulls off the classic pill-in-a-treat formula with this beauty. Most listeners will just resonate with the song’s exotic and bouncy vibe, but those who really dissect music for messaging are in for a treat. With the help of annotated lyrics, helpful comment sections, and close listening you soon realize the meaning of the song.
What initially comes off as a flashy club banger is soon revealed to be a call to action against civil injustices, in Nigeria and beyond. Burna Boy ruthlessly, and rhythmically, calls out corrupt politicians and law enforcement, as well as their perceived role in the oppression of poor masses. “Fight for your rights, but you go dey fear” is a challenge reserved for the masses themselves, as “The African Giant” calls on the oppressed to abandon fear and keep on marching to justice.
Get “Collateral Damage” on Amazon today.
6. Nite Jewel: “Nowhere to Go” – The Music of Grand Theft Auto V (Vol.1)
Anyone who has played Rockstar Game’s Grand Theft Auto (GTA) V for a significant amount of time might remember this one. Although singer Nite Jewel (real name Ramona Gonzalez) is a woman, this poppy pop tune is a fun, hop-on-the-table type of song that goes well with a few too many glasses of whiskey in the old man cave.
This song’s brilliance is so consistent with almost all aspects within, and surrounding, the modern classic videogame. Nite Jewel gleefully captures GTA V’s West Coast-influenced aesthetic and guides it on an electro-synth-fueled bender. This song is so L.A. it probably knows all of the Starbucks managers in the city. Luckily, its expert execution makes it appeal to more than just hacky sacking hipsters.
Get this awesome tune on Amazon today.
5. Kanye West: “Closed on Sunday” – Jesus is King
The ominous, yet addictive, guitar loop. The hauntingly ethereal hums of the “Sunday Service” choir. The buzzy and boisterous bassline that serves as a rollercoaster track on Kanye’s latest experimental theme park, Jesus is King. How fitting for a man who often compares himself to Walt Disney.
The messages regarding the importance of spirituality, as well as wholesome family values, are a good piece of advice from a man who has seen and has been seen by, a large portion of the world. Kanye revels in this new-found maturity, as he calls on wife Kim Kardashian-West to help him guide their young children. His wish to see them avoid most of the pitfalls of life in the public eye burns through in one of Yeezy’s rare moments of humility.
Get it on Amazon today.
4. Bootsy Collins: “I’d Rather Be with You” – Blaxploitation
Funk music royalty Bootsy Collin’s 1976 classic is an absolute pearler of a jam. Guaranteed to add a bit of romance to your man cave’s vibe, as uncle Bootsy raises the thermostat a notch.
The ensnaring drum loops, zippy open hats, and a sparky lead guitar engage in a seductive dance of 70’s soul, blues, and funk. There is currently no word in the English language to describe the intricate, finger-licking bassline. “Funkalicious” will have to suffice.
Bootsy shines as he teases his love interest and simply declares his love for “that smiling face”. But in this simplicity lies true sophistication, as the legend expertly drifts in and out of the spotlight, allowing the listener to also bask in the glorious instrumental.
“Just be a man”, and add this to your man cave playlist. Available on Amazon.
3. Fleet Foxes: “Kept Woman” – Crack-Up
The 2017 album Crack-Up is one of those musical moments that artists can spend decades trying to recreate, often unsuccessfully. After a four-year break, the Fleet Foxes reunited and produced an indie masterpiece.
Lead singer, and founding member, Robin Pecknold was actually the reason the band went on hiatus, as he chose to pursue his college degree. His pained voice rises and splashes over the ever-escalating mandolin melody on “Kept Woman”. Morgan Henderson, on bass, is careful with the taps and doesn’t drown the listener. Wiry guitars tie it all together and the result is an airy and hypnotic dream. Pecknold’s voice guides you through the haze and all you have to do is follow.
This song is ideal for late-night chill sessions in your man cave, as well as for meditation and quiet reflection.
2. Meek Mill: “Ima Boss” (feat. Rick Ross) – MMG Presents: Self Made Vol.1
“Same old attitude”, barks a fresh faced, but hungry, Meek Mill. Back in his old neighborhood, the Philadelphia superstar pops wheelies on bikes like the old days, as if he doesn’t have a massive Rolls Royce parked by his aunt’s house.
Brazen boyishness and belligerent bravado abound, as Meek tag teams with larger than life Maybach Music label boss Rick Ross. Their chemistry is one of many highlights on this underrated classic, as they expertly execute an intricate two-man weave which culminates in an epic alley-oop of a record. Where Meek zigs, Ross zags. Where Ross ducks, Meek dives, as the two swim in sweet excess. Ironic, given that Meek cannot swim.
One of trap music’s earlier godfathers, Jahlil Beats, produces one of his finest works with the track’s instrumental. The shrieky trumpet lead is so catchy it’s unreal. The gut punching 808 bassline works as the bite to Meek’s energetic bark. Ross’ iconic “Huh!” ad-libs cap off an unapologetically masculine song that will rock your man cave’s foundations. A fantastic workout tune, especially for lifting.
You do not want to miss out on this one, boss-man. It’s ready and waiting for you at Amazon.
1. Guns N’ Roses: “Nightrain” – Appetite for Destruction
If “feeling like a space brain one more time tonight” isn’t the most badass lyric ever sung into a microphone, it can only be beaten by “got a rattlesnake suitcase under my arm”. Original GNR members Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven Adler hatched a monster of an album with 1987’s Appetite for Destruction. Among super-smash hits, like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City”, was a particularly self-destructive party tune that drove conservative parents straight to Banana Town.
“Nightrain”, in my opinion, is arguably the best Guns N Roses song ever. Axl’s impish and beguiling singing captivates and charms yet another starstruck fangirl, who willingly serves as a temporary muse. Rose’s cigarette tinged vocals mesh magically with Slash’s peerless performance on the lead guitar, and the song’s 4 minutes and 30 seconds are an absolute masterclass in musicality. Need I say more?
You need Guns N’ Roses in your man cave, my friend. You need this song. Get it on Amazon.