For the last eight years, I’ve been recapping each week with a playlist called Weekly Dope that highlights the best drops. Every Monday, I’m hitting you with a couple dozen songs that are worth a listen in hopes to keep y’all caught up on what’s going on in never ending monsoon of new music. I even throw together some artwork with a mix of the album art.
Taking it back even further, way back to the heart of The Blog Era (that I still miss to this day), I started playlist called What’s in the Shakedeck where I showed off what I was personally jammin’ to at the moment. There was a healthy mix of classic tracks entwined with brand new ones, rare gems that might’ve been slept on, and just a collection of music for people to enjoy, possibly help discover something new or remember a past favorite.
After reviving the series last summer and showcasing Atlanta’s history in rap a few months later, I’m back with another installment. Where Weekly Dope will be used to feature the latest tunes, the Shakedeck will give me a chance to share my own selections.
On the latest drop, I wanted to highlight the importance of movie soundtracks over the years. The idea was actually birthed while listening to Jay-Z’s American Gangster album. And while it’s more of an album (Top 5 in his catalog btw) than a soundtrack, it got me reminiscing about songs that either made their debut on a soundtrack or were released prior but were a catalyst to the overall sound.
Equipped with 42 songs, starting with Public Enemy‘s “Fight the Power” (from Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing OST), the playlist runs in chronological order of the film’s release dates with music from Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Jay-Z, OutKast, Warren G, Method Man + Redman, Eminem, 50 Cent, and others, before closing with Kendrick Lamar + TDE‘s work on Black Panther and J. Cole + Dreamville‘s Creed III.
Press play below and be sure to add the playlist wherever you get music.
DISCLAIMER: Some soundtracks weren’t available on streaming, like Space Jam, so I couldn’t include tracks like “Hit Em High” smh. Also, I had to add 2Pac‘s “Pain” from the Above the Rim soundtrack. I’m actually mad I overlooked it. But we here now.
KEY! is known for making songs with lots of energy and catchy hook. His new project "Epiphany" keeps that trend alive.
Chase & Status have teamed up with Lancey Foux for a new banger called "Homework," and it's an immediate playlist addition.
RXKNephew and RXKZeroTheGod's latest song, "Dear Gucci," comes in response to Pooh Shiesty's arrest, last week.
Mobile, Alabama's Yung Bleu is back with a more rap-focused project called "World At War," quickly following up "THERAPY."
Jim Legxacy is coming off a strong 2025 highlighted by "Black British Music," and now, he is back with the follow-up, "idk idk."
The last couple of years of New York hip-hop have belonged to Cash Cobain, and with "Wish," he continues to push his sound forward.
Renz has been putting out music on streaming platforms for years, but the 2020s have marked a real breakout moment as he returns with a strong new single.
A$AP Rocky decided to add some bonus songs to "Don't Be Dumb," and the first of those songs is called "Swat Team."
With “More Or Le$,” Le$ offers 12 laid back tracks, carrying the project with ease, style, and self assurance.
Known for his shadowy and eclectic style, Bones pushes deeper into discomfort on “DeathBecomesHim,” delivering songs that are as unsettling as they are compelling.
Advertisement
Leave a comment