Daye Jack is not what you might normally expect from an Atlanta rapper. A true product of the internet generation, Daye’s diverse influences are apparent in his genre-defying brand of hip-hop—soulful instrumentals enhanced by electronic treatments and powerful, personal lyrics. At just 19, the Nigerian-born artist already has two musical projects under his belt, the independent Hello World and his new EP Soul Glitch through Warner Music, and is currently working on his debut album. Having put his computer science studies at NYU on hold to focus 100 per cent on producing his music, we definitely expect Daye to continue making waves.
To get a better idea of his sonic influences, we asked him to share some tracks that are currently on rotation on his personal playlist—check them out above and add them to yours now.
1. Skepta – ‘Shutdown’
It’s shutdown, truss me daddy. The feeling is very IDGAF; this song sounds like a riot, like young anarchy. We want to rebel.
2. Snoop Dogg – ‘Beautiful’ ft. Pharrell Williams
‘Beautiful’ is a classic for me. I went back to it after listening to the recent Bush album by the two, and it still hits as if I’m being transported back to the early 2000s.
3. Gorrillaz – ‘Tomorrow Comes Today’
I love how moody this is. It feels like walking with ankle weights. It feels like trying to swim but slowly sinking. But it also feels like getting comfortable with being pulled down, adjusting to any setbacks, and learning to move with all the extra weight or baggage.
4. Weeknd – ‘The Hills’
The chorus and verse on ‘The Hills’ are two different moods that come together.
5. Toro Y Moi – ‘So Many Details’
This is currently one of my favourite love songs. It feels fluid, feels like hanging by a pier and boat watching. I dig the synths.
6. Mos Def ft. Busta Rhymes – ‘Do It Now’
The back and forth is like a conversation between two friends that happen to be Mos Def and Busta Rhymes, and I happen to walk by.
7. King Krule – ‘A Lizard State’
‘Lizard State’ is a piece of silk. I love the feel of the jazzy beat paired with King Krule’s voice.
8. Bob Marley – ‘I Shot The Sherriff’
There are not many songs that are as connected to, and speak as clearly to, present-day crisis as this one.
9. D’angelo – ‘Greatdayndamornin’’
I take this as living on the edge and not being afraid of falling. I think it’s kind of punk in that sense, and that’s why I like it.
10. A$AP Rocky – ‘M’s’ ft. lil wayne
M’s hits hard.