$atori Zoom, courtesy.

This week we feature the melancholic melodies of The Wrecks and Tuk Smith and The Restless Hearts, outstanding production and bars by Mazen and $atori Zoom, and self-love-affirming lyricism of Su Lee and Julia Wolf.

Mazen, “Pellegrino (Freestyle)” — I love when rappers can make the most out of minimalist instrumentals like this. A deep bass line with the light pings of xylophone in the background, alongside the faintest snare taps make this beat feel serene and sinister all at once. Mazen comes equipped with a number of hard-hitting quotable bars throughout the song as he details the exploits of the kingpin lifestyle.

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Tuk Smith and The Restless Hearts, “Everybody Loves You When You’re Dead” — The opening piano chords of this song reminded me immediately of the longing sensation of Green Day’s “Last Night On Earth.” The Restless Hearts assist in building up this rock ballad while Tuk Smith reflects on mortality. Sure, people will always mourn those who’ve passed, almost out of a sense of unconditional love—but what does that really even mean when nothing you’ve done with your life feels meaningful?

$atori Zoom featuring NORTMIRAGE, “HA!” — The pulsating bass, climbing synth melody and pounding drumming make this the kind of track perfect for blasting in the car. NORTIMIRAGE absolutely knocked it out of the park with this production, while $atori Zoom snaps on listeners with hedonistic lyrics. The energy of this song is infectious, forcing you to cut loose and unleash the animal inside.

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The Wrecks, “Things You Make Me Do” — We all tend to have moments of wallowing in our misery, and I don’t mean sitting around sulking but going through the motions as we grapple with what’s making us unhappy. Frontman Nick Anderson perfectly encapsulates this sentiment, describing feeling bound to his lover’s every whim. The song switches between a laidback, plucky acoustic guitar melody and a loud and bombastic chorus.

Su Lee, “Messy Sexy” — This playful and upbeat pop-rock joint embraces self-love in all its unkempt glory. Su Lee embraces her own imperfections, finding joy in letting go of trying to maintain a perfect presentation of herself for the rest of the world. When our day-to-day lives are already rough enough as they are, it’s important to remember that nobody has it together all of the time. Cut loose, let go and have fun with life’s messes.

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Julia Wolf, “Get Off My” — We have yet another track about embracing yourself. Julia Wolf gets right to the point with this song. Frustrated with the way the music industry and people around her try to take advantage of her artistry and career trajectory, she stands tall and makes it clear she has no patience to deal with them. Who hasn’t wanted to tell their critics, control freaks, and copycats to step right off?

Tim’s pick: I have to give it to $atori Zoom. I once heard someone describe the kind of music that often sparks the pearl-clutching outrage mob to action as “feeling dangerous”—hence its appeal. I can’t think of a more apt description for what $atori Zoom has put out here. The sinister and playful energy is exactly the kind of music I’ve been hungry for for some time now.

Follow hip-hop writer Tim Hoffman at Twitter.com/hipsterp0tamus.