In these uncertain times, music has helped fans and artists alike get through even the toughest of days. Hot Chelle Rae is right there with you, and they have a bumping playlist to help you “quarantine and chill.”
HCR’s guitarist Nash Overstreet curated a jam-filled soundtrack for social distancing, which features hitmakers like Lil Uzi Vert, Lady Gaga, Blackbear and Megan Thee Stallion. The 18-song playlist, aptly dubbed “Quarantine and Chill,” includes a Dua Lipa track that Overstreet says is sure to result in “a living room in-your-underwear situation,” and a Bazzi tune perfect for getting drunk by a pool — you know, if you’re lucky enough to be quarantined near one.
Overstreet shared his thoughts on each of the songs with Billboard, revealing the rising rapper he thinks is “one of the dopest artists out right now,” the female singer he considers “one of the best guitar players out there,” and the hip-hop star that’s one of his current favorite artists.
Hot Chelle Rae, who officially reunited last year after a five-year hiatus, will release a new EP titled Tangerine — their first project since 2011’s Whatever — on April 10. Ahead of the release, check out Overstreet’s playlist and comments below.
Lil Uzi Vert, “That Way”: This records goes in. As a fan of the Backstreet Boys’ OG “I Want It That Way, it’s cool hearing someone flip it into a whole different vibe. So good for kicking back and smokin’ and sippin’ in some colored LEDs.
Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now”: Dua has been dropping fire since the jump, and this may be our favorite yet. The melodies to the piano drop-chorus just make you wanna dance. And yeah, corona makes that a living room in-your-underwear situation.
BENEE feat. Gus Dapperton, “Supalonely”: First time I heard this, it was attached to someone’s Snapchat filter, and I went straight to Spotify to save it. It’s a bop, and what title could better sum up chillin’ by yourself while we social distance?
Lady Gaga, “Stupid Love”: If you haven’t seen the video, go now. This is SO what we love from Gaga. Love that she’s just going fully in the dance-pop direction.
Pop Smoke feat. Quavo, “Shake The Room”: Pop Smoke’s late passing was super tragic. The day I heard the news, I put all of his records on repeat, and this song is just a f–king presence. Fully in its own lane, which is rare for any song to create a feel you know right away.
Doja Cat, “Go To Town”: I was a big fan of all Doja Cat has been doin’ even before we matched on the dating app] Raya. ? She’s got crazy flow, crazy lyrics and crazy visuals in all the best ways. One of the dopest artists out right now.
G-Eazy feat. Tory Lanez & Tyga, “Still Be Friends”: EVERY time this comes on, it’s better and better. All three artists are fire. And you know, everybody’s had a friendship they wished they could add a little to, right?
Kiana Ledé feat. Lucky Daye, “Forfeit”: Kiana Ledé is the dopest singer. I’ve known her since she was 16, and have never not been floored by how talented she is. This chill soul vibe just feels so good while she drops high energy lyrics over it.
Hudson Thames, “Only”: One of our best friends, and one of the most musical people I know. This latest release is such a great concept. It seems to trigger every different person to hear a different meaning inside of the lyric — and the video is amazing!
Ed Sheeran feat. Ella Mai, “Put It All on Me”: Smooth jams to the max! These two are killing this duet. Glad they decided to get musically “Boo’d Up.”
H.E.R., “Carried Away”: As a guitar player, this girl is one of the best guitar players out. First time I heard this song, I was hooked on the chords and the rawness instantly. Jealous I didn’t make it up!
Jhené Aiko feat. H.E.R., “B.S.”: Anytime an artist drops a song that’s the same concept as one I’ve been a part of (I released one with Jax a couple years back called “Back On My Bulls–t”), it’s hard not to feel a type of way — but this one I’m SO into. Jhené’s whole album is amazing! Glad I’ve got good s–t for this self-isolation of a spring.
Swae Lee, “Someone Said”: Took long enough to hear where the “Sicko Mode” vocal sample came from! Swae Lee is one of my favorite artists and writers out right now. This flow, his vocal tone, the beat… it’s all wavyyyy.
DaniLeigh feat. DaBaby, “Levi High”: Would I like this song as much if it wasn’t the InstaThot anthem for showing off a–? We’ll never know. But damn, DaniLeigh AND DaBaby always come with fire, and this one gets stuck in my head — and even more every time I see someone with good jeans on!
Overstreet, “For A Heartache”: My brother Chord] — like the actual one from the same mother — has been dropping some great records. Super proud of this last year of music he’s put out. Both as Chord Overstreet and Overstreet he’s come into his own hard!
Bazzi, “Young & Alive”: From “Mine” ’til now, this dude has been dropping hooky, great songs. Get drunk at a pool and tell me this one isn’t a good time.
Blackbear, “Me & Ur Ghost”: I LOVE this song. Just such a good ride. Bear actually wrote with us for Hot Chill Rae records back in the day, as did the other writer on this song, Andrew Goldstein. Soon as he started dropping his own music, we were fans right away.
Megan Thee Stallion feat. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign, “Hot Girl Summer”: The second #HotGirlSummer became a thing, I knew somebody was gonna do it in a song, and Megan did it up right. This one’s still gonna be playin’ on my playlist this summer.
