See Me Now , Kanye West, with Beyoncé and Charlie Wilson, from unnamed album (forthcoming on Roc-a-Fella/Def Jam, streaming at kanyeuniversecity.com)
The latest catchy thing from Kanye West retrieves our testy hero from the doghouse and seeks new ways to describe his genius. "I am lord!," he yelps, after accepting his own laurels as a "chocolatey" Socrates. There's a twist of pepper in Beyonce's vocals but a lot of cocoa butter in the smooth, Swingle-Singers-style scatting in the background, suggesting a return to preppy hip hop for the messiah from Chicago.
U Should Know Better , Robyn & Snoop Dogg, from Body Talk Pt. 2 (forthcoming on Konichiwa, streaming here)
The Swedish pop singer raises a cheeky middle finger to all the irritating powers in the world, in a monotone quasi-rap rant that sounds as if she's been channelling Lady Sovereign. Snoop Dogg, fresh from his cameo on Katy Perry's California Gurls, obligingly seconds the emotion.
Wumbanzanga, Konono No. 1, from Assume Crash Position (Crammed Discs, streaming here)
This monochordal rhythm jam speeds along a rough and lively stretch of road, then picks up a vocal ensemble that abruptly pulls the tune's tonality in a whole different direction. Somehow, it works. The Congo's best kalimba/percussion band rides the street-party groove for nearly 12 minutes. R. E.-G.