We’ve all been there: walking into a concert, thinking you know what you’re about to hear and suddenly getting hit with the deepest album cut of all time.
Well, have no fear for Spring Fest. The Spectrum has you covered.
Before heading down to the biggest show of the semester this Saturday, make sure to give each of these tracks a listen so you at least look like you know the lyrics.
Daniel Caesar featuring H.E.R. - “Best Part”
Spring Fest normally does not consist of tear-jerkers in the setlist, but this year might be different.
Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. bring new meaning to beautiful in “Best Part,” the most recent single off Caesar’s “Freudian.” The stripped-down, acoustic gem serves as a powerful cut from the record, and it’s simplistic, heartening lyrics keep the song together.
Both H.E.R. and Caesar have some of the most mesmerizing voices in R&B music, and the simplicity and harmonizations in “Best Part” bring out both of their star qualities.
The two make the perfect musical pair and even with Caesar performing the song solo, it should make for an enjoyable experience.
Daniel Caesar - “Blessed”
It's important to keep in mind that Daniel Caesar concerts tend to get a little involved. On his last tour, several couples got engaged to his ballad “Blessed,” leaving with not only a great concert under their belts but also a ring.
The chances of that happening at UB are pretty slim, but the chances of him playing “Blessed” aren’t.
The piano ballad and Caesar’s soulful vocal chops match well, while the honest lyricism completes the magic track. With simple chords and an even simpler take on the classic love song, Caesar’s set, especially “Blessed,” should keep fest-goers engaged –– figuratively, if not literally.
Ty Dolla $ign featuring YG - “Ex”
Sure, Ty Dolla $ign might have his fair share of solid features, but his own material is pretty catchy.
“Ex,” one of the better cuts off his latest album “Beach House 3,”shows off a funkier side of the rapper. With some of his better vocal runs and an infectious beat drop, “Ex” displays exactly what Ty is capable of on his own. The YG feature at the end just adds some extra familiarity to the funky record.
Ty Dolla $ign featuring B.o.B. - “Paranoid”
If “Or Nah” is Ty’s biggest hit then “Paranoid” is a close second.
The 2013 DJ Mustard-produced hit made way for many to come from Ty and helped propel Mustard even further into popular music.
The song capitalizes on Mustard’s simple production and Ty’s harmonies and vocal runs. Still, who could forget that it features a verse from everyone’s favorite flat-earther B.o.B?
Once this track drops at Spring Fest, 2013 is going to make a comeback.
A$AP Ferg featuring NAV - “What Do You Do”
Before A$AP Ferg hits the stage on Saturday, listening to his recent record “Still Striving” is essential to get a taste of the quality trap he’ll bring to the show.
Sure, “Plain Jane” is massive, but Ferg’s latest album offers a lot more.
Standout “What Do You Do” is addictive and smooth, bringing together a heavy percussive beat and a free delivery from one of rap’s biggest rising stars.
Aside from Ferg, the track is laced with rapper NAV, who carries the second verse and sections of the chorus. Together, the two created what could easily be a big hit and what will certainly be a big hit among a UB crowd.
A$AP Mob featuring Playboi Carti - “Walk on Water”
Ferg may be making waves as a solo artist, but it’s difficult to praise the rapper without recognizing the role he’s played in A$AP Mob.
Last year’s “Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy” saw some of the group’s best work together. “Walk On Water” proved to be a highlight on the record, and Ferg’s verse showed off some expert triplet flow. Not hearing this one at fest would be a shame, but luckily, Ferg’s huge musical resume should leave fans with nothing to be disappointed in –– however he decides to curate the setlist.
Brenton Blanchet is the senior arts editor and can be reached at Brenton.Blanchet@ubspectrum.com and @BrentBlanchSpec.
Brenton J. Blanchet is the 2019-20 editor-in-chief of The Spectrum. His work has appeared in Billboard, Clash Magazine, DJBooth, PopCrush, The Face and more. Ask him about Mariah Carey.
