The Genius Community is a group of international music lovers who come to Genius every day to contribute musical knowledge. Through the medium of annotations, they decode the deeper meaning behind lyrics, contextualize them within an artist’s discography, pinpoint their social relevance, or uncover their historical influences.
The best annotations are not only well-written and comprehensive, but also bring new insight to the lyrics we’re all obsessed with. They consolidate the most interesting information about trending music, or take what could otherwise be unassuming lyrics and transform them into engaging tidbits of knowledge. With that in mind, here are the Best Annotations of July 2019.
Ed Sheeran dropped his fourth studio album, No. 6 Collaborations Project and sold 173,000 units the first week, while also landing the number 1 spot on Billboard charts. On the 50 Cent and Eminem assisted track, “Remember The Name,” he flexed his rapping chops and brought the same energy as his featured artists. Genius contributers, @KennyTogs and @AveragePlus explained why he rapped about money not being important to him.
The internet was trying to confirm Big Sean and Jhené Aiko’s break-up since last year, but it wasn’t until around March of this year that Aiko finally took to Instagram to confirm. The rapper was seen in February getting cozy with his ex-fling, Ariana Grande, but on his new track, “Single Again,” he seems to be content with the bachelor lifestyle. Genius contributor, @watergod broke down the significance of Sean’s use of the phrase, “I Don’t Fuck With You,” in an annotation.
Taking a chapter from Kendrick Lamar’s book and his curation of Black Panther: The Album (Music from and Inspired By), Beyoncé curated the soundtrack for this year’s Disney live action remake of The Lion King. On “MOOD 4 EVA”, JAY-Z gives a shoutout to deceased rapper, Nipsey Hussle and Genius contributor, @aintnojigga explained the theme that Hov interpolates.
K.Dot has been relatively quiet ever since he curated Black Panther: The Album (Music from and Inspired By) back in February of last year. While fans eagerly await the rapper to drop new music, they were happy for the snippet he delivered on the Dreamville compilation track, “Under The Sun.” Genius contributor, @TrappaChiNo found out how the collaboration occured.
Post Malone dropped “Wow” back in December 2018. It serves as the first single for his third studio album, which is set to release this year. His second single, “Goodbyes,” marked the first time he and Young Thug worked together. Post opens the track, empathizing with Kurt Cobain, and resident top Post Malone scholar, @speckhelper wrote the reason why in this month’s best annotation!
