When preparing this month’s staff playlist, everyone’s reaction was the same: “It can’t be a month has passed already?!” It can only mean it’s the official run up to Christmas, where we’re convinced someone is hitting fast-forward on life. When everything is pretty hectic, there’s no better time to listen to your top tunes. Whether it’s to help motivate and keep up with the fast pace, or to take a moment to sit back and breathe. This month, we have two Kanye tracks that have hit the top spot, along with other nostalgic tracks from Zed Bias and Q-Tip. The Spotify track-list features an array of old and new, chill and upbeat, and ranging from Wiley to Yazoo. Although there are no Christmas songs in sight (nor will there be next month FYI), we’re still keeping spirits sky high. Scroll to tune in.

SOPHIE

WON’T TRADE – Q-TIP (2008)
I know so many songs sample other tunes, but this one should go in the hall of fame. A catchy, classic Hip Hop beat that’s both easy listening and gets you jiggy. Aside from Silk Sonic’s latest bop ‘Smokin Out The Window’ and ‘Rah That’s A Mad Question’ by Barry Can’t Swim which literally samples Aitch saying ‘Rah that’s a mad question that’ (lol), the rest of my top picks have been pretty old. From 80s Yazoo to an OG Bicep tune, maybe it’s time I branch out and listen to some new releases instead of being a creature of habit… or not.

SAM G

GHOST TOWN – KANYE WEST, PARTYNEXTDOOR (2018)
One word: Timeless. Ghost Town, along with the rest of the eponymous EP it featured on, is truly some of Ye’s best work. I get nothing but nostalgia when I listen to this track, I’m instantly transported back to 2018 – screaming along to the chorus with a car full of friends on the way to college – good ole days. CULTED sounds has really made me realise how much of a Kanye fan I am (this is my third time featuring Kanye oops), so my task for the next month is to try something new.

STELLA

NEIGHBOURHOOD – ZED BIAS (2000)
This month has flown by for me, and having this song on repeat might have been a big part of that. An absolute classique, this song is perfect for pacing it when you’re late, getting ready to go out, or even a feel-good anthem to get you up in the morning. A heavy hit of nostalgia coupled with the bass of garage – what’s not to love?!

CHRIS

PLEASE DON’T MOVE TO LONDON IT’S A TRAP – MURKAGE DAVE (2021)
After a longggg two year hiatus, Murkage Dave is back and I couldn’t be more here for it. This track is a perfect example of how Dave is able to effortlessly integrate social commentary and political ideals on topics like gentrification and wealth disparity without force-feeding us his opinions or detracting away from the quality of the riddim. He is an expert worldbuilder and I can’t overstate how nice it is to be back emersed in the Murkage universe. Defo check out the B-side on this single release titled ‘Awful Things’, it’s a certified banger too.

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See also: CULTED SOUNDS: WHAT THE TEAM LISTENED TO IN OCTOBER

See also: CULTED SOUNDS: WHAT THE TEAM LISTENED TO IN SEPTEMBER