What’s POPPIN 2023!

As the year draws to a close, memories of hot summer days spent hanging out with friends at the pool or basketball court come flooding back. And what were we listening to during those moments?

One standout hit that dominated the airwaves earlier in the year was PinkPantheress’s single “Boys a liar,” released in November of 2022.

Although it debuted the previous year, it surged in popularity, especially after featuring rapper Ice Spice. The track became ubiquitous on TikTok and other social media platforms, with practically everyone knowing it. The music video on YouTube has racked up an impressive 175 million views.

Another artist who had a stellar year was Brent Faiyaz. His 2022 album “WASTELAND” continued to make waves in 2023. Songs like “JACKIE BROWN,” “DEAD MAN WALKING,” and “ALL MINE” remained favorites and continued to be widely used on social media. Faiyaz’s ability to convey vulnerable thoughts and emotions resonated deeply with listeners, making “WASTELAND” an instant hit.

Although he also dropped the album “Larger than Life,” it didn’t garner as much attention this year as “WASTELAND” did.

Among the favorites at Buena Vista was NBA Young Boy, who saw tremendous success with his four albums released this year, each containing at least two standout tracks. “B**** Lets Do It” from his album “Richest Opp” was a fast-paced, upbeat anthem that echoed across basketball courts, football fields, and barbecues all summer long.

From his album “Decided 2,” the sequel to 2018’s “Decided,” “Now Who?” showcased a medium to high-paced vibe with a somewhat melancholic flow, reflecting themes of love, loss, pain, and regret.

Lastly, “Black” from his album “I Rest My Case” exemplified a more rockstar vibe, reflective of the album’s overall tone.

While it’s unlikely that we’ll see any more releases from these top-tier artists listed above this year, their contributions to music, culture, and our collective memories have been nothing short of amazing. These are just a few examples of the incredible music they’ve blessed us with this year.