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Our Top 10 PnB Rock Songs list looks at a talented performer. PnB Rock was a rapper, singer and songwriter. He gained attention when his song “Selfish” peaked on the Hot 100 charts. He gained crossover appeal with his appearance in Ed Sheeran’s song “Cross Me.” He also made an appearance in XXXTentacion’s single “Changes.” PnB Rock released two studio albums before his life tragically ended. He appeared in 32 singles during his career.
Rakim Hasheem Allen was born December 9, 1991 – September 12, 2022. While he was growing up, he listened to artists such as Tupac and Jodeci. In 2014, he released his first mixtape. He wrote the songs on the mixtape while he was incarcerated. In 2015, he was signed to a record deal. In 2016, PnB Rock released his first single “Selfish.” It peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. In January 2017, PnB Rock released GTTM: Goin’ Thru the Motions. The album peaked at number 28 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Selfish,” “Playa No More” and “New Day.”
The album sold over 500,000 copies. Catch These Vibes came out in November 2017. It peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Feelins” and “Issues.” TrapStar Turnt PopStar came out in May 2019. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “ABCD (Friendzone),” “Nowadays”, “I Like Girls” and “Go to Mars.” PnB Rock went on to release other singles and mixtapes before his life was cut short.
PnB Rock was on his way to becoming a big star in the music industry. His life was cut short, and he was taken from us too soon. He may be gone, but his legacy lives on through his music. Our Top 10 PnB Rock Songs list gives music fans a chance to check out some of his best songs.
# 10 – Nowadays
Opening our list for the Top 10 PnB Rock Songs list is “Nowadays” and appears on the TrapStar Turnt PopStar. The single was released in 2018. The song is about his journey from his humble beginnings to his success. He talks about the hard time he had growing up. The rapper grew up poor and lived in broken homes. Survival wasn’t very easy for him. He goes into detail about his experiences growing up. Throughout the song, he talks about achieving success. His success was due to his determination to make his life better. His plan was to help those around him. He wants to show his people that you can make it.
“Nowadays” is an inspirational rags to riches song. PnB Rock allowed listeners into his life story. We get an inside look at how life was for the rapper before he became a star. This song gives fans a chance to visualize his road to fame. The lyrics are like peeking into his journal. We love the message he has in this song. PnB Rock doesn’t put down his neighborhood. He also didn’t make it a braggadocious song about being successful. He was willing to humble himself by mentioning his less-than-ideal upbringing.
Fans may be inspired if they listen to these lyrics. If he was able to achieve success, you could too. The song combines r&b and hip-hop music. The music is sure to please fans of both genres of music. PnB Rock is speed racing through his lyrics. He has a fast flow, and it might be hard to keep up with him. It’s easy to see that this song means something to him by the way he puts his heart into it.
# 9 – Issues ft. Russ
Number nine on our Top 10 PnB Rock Songs list is “Issues” from the Catch These Vibes album. The song came out in 2017. It explores infidelity and lies. The song is told from PnB Rock and Russ’ points of view. PnB Rock talks about having “issues” that he can’t hide. He tells his girlfriend that he loves her, but he actually doesn’t. He admits to cheating on her. His infidelity causes strife between them. In Russ’ verse, he talks about different women being in his life because of his fame. He enjoys his lifestyle and is eager to be with all the women. His list of women was long even before he was famous. He has been criticized for his behavior, but he’s not sorry.
“Issues” is a dramatic song about complex relationships. The song delves into different subjects. It’s about infidelity and womanizing. PnB Rock and Russ’ characters in this song are in committed relationships, but they stepped out on them. We were surprised that they didn’t make themselves look like the good ones in the song. They fall on the sword and take on the roles of the villains. They aren’t ashamed of the roles they play in the song.
They are convincing as people who are proud that they are unfaithful to the women in their lives. The lyrics are a raw and honest look at infidelity. We may not approve of infidelity, but we respect the realness of the lyrics. The rappers work well together on this song. PnB Rock rap sings his verse. He gets the chance to sing and rap on this song. He slows down the speed of his rhyming for this song. Russ’ rhymes are faster than PnB Rock’s rhymes. Their speeds may be different, but they arrive at the same place musically.
# 8 – Playa No More ft. A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Quavo
Coming up next on our list is “Playa No More” from the GTTM: Goin’ Thru the Motions album. The single came out in 2016. The song is about a man who wants to give up his player lifestyle and commit to a relationship. In A Boogie wit da Hoodie’s verse, he wants to spend time with a particular girl rather than be with different girls. He has grown and matured. He’s not a player anymore. He is ready to make a commitment. The rapper wants something real with the woman in his life. He is done with temporary flings.
In PnB Rock’s verse, he talks about not wanting to play games. He doesn’t want to forget names. He used to engage in casual relationships, but now he wants to make a commitment. He is ready to fall in love with the girl he is currently dating. She stands out among the others. In Quavo’s verse, he talks about being interested in someone and hopes the time is right. He is done with his player lifestyle and wants to focus on her.
“Playa No More” tells a story about three former players who are ready for a commitment. They are over the womanizing lifestyle and are ready to settle down. It teaches you that it’s never too late to change your lifestyle. It showcases their growth and maturity as men. We give the men credit for not wanting to stay in the player lifestyle and wanting to make commitments. Rappers don’t always talk about wanting to commit to one woman.
They usually want to keep up the player’s life, so it was refreshing to hear them seeking commitments from the women in their lives. The song has a smooth r&b and hip-hop sound. The song starts softly and then it explodes musically. The infectious beat will have you moving around. If the music sounds familiar, they used an interpolation of Joe’s song “Don’t Wanna Be a Player No More.” The interpolation makes complete sense because of the title and the theme.
# 7 – Feelins
The seventh pick is “Feelins” from the Catch These Vibes album. It was recorded in 2017. The song is about a man who is in love with someone who may not feel the same way. He wonders who she’s talking to when she’s on the phone. He wants to know who is giving her false information about him. He believes he’s the one for her. The rapper is obsessed with her. She has him in his feelings. He feels the distance between them. She misses the things he does for her. He reminisces about the things they did together in the past. As the song continues, he talks about missing the way they used to be when they were happy together.
“Feelins” is an introspective song about a toxic relationship. The lyrics reflect the insecurities and uncertainties in a relationship. He captures the pain of someone struggling with the fact that his relationship isn’t the same. PnB Rock explores the different layers of the relationship. He reminisces about the good times they shared as well as the bad times. He’s taking us on an emotional journey.
The song is relatable to anyone who is in a roller coaster relationship. If you feel you are in a one-sided relationship, this is your song. It will have you in your “feelings” before the song is done. The song has a breezy r&b sound. The track features a sample of DeBarge’s song “I Like It.” The sample helps set the music on fire. PnB Rock sings and raps on this song. He may not be the first person you think of when you think about great singers, but he does a good job.
# 6 – Luv Me Again
The sixth place song is “Luv Me Again.” The non album single was released in September 2022. The song is self-explanatory. He wants his partner to love and trust him. He wants to be with her for the rest of his life. He talks about the first time he met her. She is special to him. He knows he hasn’t always been the best, but he still wants to be with her. He is determined to marry her. He’s going to find her and wants to be intimate with her again. She means the world to him.
“Luv Me Again” is a straightforward love song about a man who wants to be back with the love of his life. He doesn’t shy away from how he feels about her. He isn’t afraid to let her know that he wants her back in his life. The heartfelt lyrics will hit home for you if you are in a similar situation. If you are missing the love of your life and want them back, listen to this song. It will let you know that you are not alone. You can also play this song for the person you love. It may convince them to take you back.
The lyrics are universal. The song is from a man’s point of view, but a woman can express these feelings as well. The music is smooth which goes with the theme of the song. The song is short so you don’t get that much time to get into it before it’s done. PnB Rock sounds sincere pleading with the person he loves to come back to him. He makes you feel his lyrics. He does utilize AutoTune in the song, but it doesn’t take away from the depth of it. The song is bittersweet because it is one of the last songs he released before he was taken from us too soon.
# 5 – Forever Never ft. Swae Lee and Pink Sweat$
The next song on our Top 10 PnB Rock Songs list is “Forever Never.” The non album single was released in 2021. The song is about complex relationships. The song opens with Pink Sweat$ talking about his reckless behavior. He has been dealing with personal demons and wants to find retribution without hurting the woman he’s dating. In the chorus, they talk about an unbreakable love between two people. Love is supposed to last forever. PnB Rock talks about not being able to find anyone better than the woman he is with. Their relationship was supposed to last forever. He is afraid that their love may come to an end. In Swae Lee’s verse, he talks about wanting his relationship to last. Their relationship has flaws, but he believes they are meant to be together.
“Forever Never” is a reflective song about men who want their relationships to last despite their obstacles. They will do whatever it takes to make their relationships work. They are afraid that their demons will come between them. PnB Rock, Swae Lee and Pink Sweat$ aren’t afraid to be vulnerable on the track. They want to have love, but don’t want their demons to get in the way of it. If you want to commit to someone, this song proves that others feel the same way. The lyrics are sincere and will help you see that it’s possible to have the people you want even if you’re not perfect.
They delve into the fact that people are afraid that their relationships won’t last. This song is relatable to people who are afraid that their relationships are going to end. It teaches you that you can be vulnerable when it concerns your relationship. Pink Sweat$’s vocals are pretty good in the song. He sings in time with the beat changes. PnB Rock sings and raps in the song. He is at the top of his game in this song. Swae Lee sings his verse and has a good voice. The trio sound great together. You may become an instant fan of all three artists when you listen to this song.
# 4 – I Like Girls ft. Lil Skies
“I Like Girls” appears on the TrapStar Turnt PopStar album. The single came out in March 2019. It’s about a man who wants to be with a woman who is open minded. He talks about being with different women. He wants the women to be attracted to him as well as other women. He wants the women to be intimate with him as well as other women. PnB Rock loves their wild behavior and how they aren’t afraid to do wild things. He loves women who embrace their freedom. He has no standards when it concerns women. They can be any nationality and he would be fine with it. Lil Skies reinforces the same points that PnB Rock does in the song. He enjoys being with different women without being committed to them.
“I Like Girls” explores exhibitionism. PnB Rock and Lil Skies enjoy women that are free and open minded when it concerns intimacy. They want them to be with them as well as each other. The track teaches you to let go of your inhibitions and throw caution to the wind. The song encourages you to embrace all forms of love. It’s a message that people have different ideas of what is considered normal. The theme may not be relatable to everyone, but it teaches you not to be ashamed to embrace your preferences. We have to respect that people like different things.
They challenge stereotypes and push boundaries. PnB Rock and Lil Skies aren’t afraid to push the envelope when it concerns intimacy. The music is catchy and upbeat. It will have you on the dance floor as soon as the beat drops. They sound like they are having a good time with this song. Their good time is contagious because you may have a good time listening to the song. They push themselves when they perform their rhymes. They are rap singing throughout the song. PnB Rock and Lil Skies vocals are a match made in heaven.
# 3 – Cross Me – Ed Sheeran ft. Chance the Rapper and PnB Rock
Coming in at number three is “Cross Me” from Ed Sheeran’s No. 6 Collaborations Projects album. The single came out in May 2019. It’s about a man who wants to protect the woman he loves. Ed Sheeran opens the song by talking about his relationship. It is serious and different. He wants to protect her and wants her family and friends to understand that he’s not going to hurt her. His life has been spent being in and out of relationships, but he has found true love. He doesn’t want to lose her. She is loyal and he’s going to stay by his side. She can depend on him. If anyone tries to hurt her, they will have to deal with him.
“Cross Me” is a touching love song about a man who will do anything for the woman he loves. It depicts the desire to protect someone in your life. They are willing to do anything to make sure the women in their lives are safe. The women mean everything to them, and they will do anything to make sure no one hurts them. The lyrics are universal because they could be about any woman in their lives. It can be about a girlfriend, wife, daughter or friend.
The song is relatable to anyone who has a special person in their lives. We love how Ed Sheeran, Chance the Rapper and PnB Rock want to celebrate the women in their lives. This is a song that is meant to put a smile on a woman’s face. Any woman would feel good listening to this song. The guys are an unlikely team, but they make the song work for them. This track allows Ed Sheeran to do something different. The song is closer to Chance the Rapper and PnB Rock’s styles. They were able to adapt to make this hypnotic song sound perfect.
# 2 – Horses – ft. Kodak Black and A Boogie wit da Hoodie
The runner up on our list is “Horses” from The Fate of the Furious: The Album. The track came out in March 2017. The song is about living on the edge. They want to go fast no matter what the consequences. Their lives might end tragically, but they want to have fun. They want to have all the fun they can before it’s too late. The rappers go into detail about the power they have. This power happened because of their reckless lifestyles. Their lifestyles may be reckless, but they will enjoy the rewards that come with it.
“Horses” is a metaphoric song about living a fast life. PnB Rock, Kodak Black and A Boogie wit da Hoodie talk about living life in the fast lane. This track is perfect for the Fast and Furious movies so it’s no surprise that it was included in the soundtrack. It’s haunting listening to them talk about their lives ending in tragedy considering what happened to PnB Rock. His life ended tragically so it might be hard to hear that part of the song. This hard-hitting song will come out at you while you’re hearing it. The song has an excellent hip-hop sound. It sounds perfect for the club. You may find yourself pumping your fists in the air while this jam is going. The trio delivers on their rhymes.
# 1 – Selfish
The number one song on our Top 10 PnB Rock Songs list is “Selfish” and appears on the GTTM: Goin’ Thru the Motions album. The single came out in June 2016. The song is about a man who wants his woman all to himself. He doesn’t want her to be with anyone else. He is “selfish” when it comes to her. PnB Rock admits he isn’t ready for them to be in a committed relationship, but he hates the idea of her being with someone else. He is possessive over her, but he can’t help it. He will do anything he can to make her happy. Her wish is his command. He wants her all to himself.
“Selfish” is a heartfelt song about a man who selfishly wants to keep a woman to himself. He knows it’s wrong to hold on to her like that, but he doesn’t care. He has become obsessed with her. PnB Rock slows things down to tell this poignant story. The song gives him a chance to show his vulnerable side. “Selfish” tackles his emotional side. This song will hit home for you if you find yourself drawn to someone and want to make them your own. It’s a realistic story about love.
Sometimes people get possessive when they are in love. PnB Rock sings this song in a way that’s easy to sing with him. He may be saying the words you’re thinking about the person in your life. PnB Rock has a way of engaging his listeners through his vocals. This is the song that helped make him a household name. It’s one of his biggest hits and it’s easy to see why. He did everything right with this song. Listening to this song may remind you about the hole the industry has now that he is no longer with us.
Top 10 PnB Rock Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
