We’re back with another What We’re Listening to Wednesday and I have to vent for a second. It hit triple digits in NYC this week, which means I’m officially entering my villain era and this week’s playlist is the soundtrack.
Between the sweat, the sidewalk steam, and the sweet, sweet hum of every AC unit in a five-mile radius (and the mystery liquids dripping from them), one thing is clear: it’s hot as hell, and the music is even hotter. From bashment bangers to SoundCloud deep cuts, this lineup is serving heatstroke chic.
My Selects
Track One – “Safe” – K Lion
This one’s giving sexy emotional damage. K Lion floats over a moody, hypnotic beat with the kind of effortless cool that makes you want to slide your sunglasses down and smirk at a stranger. It’s subtle and smooth. It’s safe, but like, the kind of safe that gets you in trouble.
Track Two – “BRIK PAN BRIK” – Skillibeng
You already know when Skillibeng pulls up, it’s about to get chaotic in the best way. This track sounds like what happens when your speaker catches fire at the function. It’s rowdy, it’s raw, it’s “play this and watch your neighbors call the cops” energy. In other words: iconic.
Track Three – “Rich Walk” – Ding Dong
If walking down the street with main character energy was a sport, this would be the anthem. “Rich Walk” is made for stunting, whether you’re in designer or Duane Reade slippers, you will strut like the city is your runway. Bonus points if you’re dripping in sweat but still acting unbothered.
Nathan’s Selects
Track Four – “All That” – Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae always has a way of turning longing into something beautiful. “All That” is dreamy and atmospheric, full of glossy synths and soft emotion. It’s the sonic version of a slow fan blowing on your face after a long day in the sun.
Track Five – “Yougotmefeeling” – Parcels
This song sounds like disco melted into your cold brew and made you feel flirty. It’s groovy, it’s glossy, and it makes you wanna flirt with someone purely based on their outfit. A certified rooftop dance moment with just enough synth to make you levitate.
Track Six – “So Did I” – The Lagoons
Laid-back and sun-soaked, this one feels like falling asleep on the beach and waking up with mysterious tan lines. It’s vibey, it’s breezy, and it kind of smells like sunscreen and flirting. Would recommend listening to it while roasting on a beach blanket.
Laneisha’s Selects
Track Seven – “Jazz Strings” – LSB
This one has a hypnotic rhythm and really subtle vocals that feel like they’re made to soundtrack the quietest, hottest moments of the day. It’s lowkey but magnetic, a slow burn in the best way.
Track Eight – “Satl – Everything to Me” – Wagner Antônio
There’s something about this track that feels both experimental and grounded. The looping beat keeps it steady while the textures and melodies evolve. It’s a song that builds its own little world, one where time slows down.
Track Nine – “In Europe, Kinda Sad” – 1tbsp
The boldest of Laneisha’s picks, this one is fast, punchy, and full of character. Genre-bending and full of sharp turns, it keeps you guessing and hits with a punch of energy when you need it most.
What makes this week’s picks stand out isn’t just the heat, it’s the range. Listening to these songs reminds us that summer isn’t one feeling; it’s a whole spectrum. It can be loud and chaotic, smooth and reflective, or completely unexpected.
Whether you’re in the mood to move or just need a sonic escape from the blazing sidewalks, this lineup has a little something for every version of you. Music might not drop the temperature, but listening to it can shift your mindset — and sometimes, that’s more than enough.
