The DMV rapper El Cousteau’s Earl Sweatshirt collaboration “Words2LiveBy” was one of the best rap songs of 2024, and there is a lot more where that came from. The rapper has been in the mix since 2015, and his newest record, Dirty Harry 2, is a fine display of his style, which is able to fold multiple rap traditions into a forward-thinking body of work. We asked the artist about his Best Songs for hyper-specific situations, and he delivered the goods. Read the article below.

Best song that reminds you of growing up in D.C.?

“Smile” by Scarface (Feat. 2pac) 

Damn, this is hard, but I’m gonna go with “Smile.” My step-father would play it all the time. At first, I know people not from D.C are gonna be like “them niggas ain’t from D.C.,” but older D.C. niggas are gonna be like “yes, for sure.”

Best song for late night driving?

“Look What You’ve Done” by Drake

It's like, so neat.

Best song that made you want to become a rapper?

“Never Forget” by Future

I’m going to go with “Never Forget.”

Best song to listen to before you go on stage?

“Let’s Play House” by The Dogg Pound 

That’s a good old record.

Best song to listen to while you’re getting dressed?

“Grown Man” by Lil Wayne

Best song for relaxing after a long day?

“Zoom” byThe Commodores

Best song with a sick guitar solo?

“Yearning for Your Love” by The Gap Band

Charlie Wilson and his brothers, he is yearning for your love.

Best song that puts you in the mood to be creative? 

“Lonely Girl” by Dorthy Ashby

Okay, there’s a Dorothy Ashby song, but I gotta figure out which specific one it is. I know it is from Afro-Harping. “Lonely Girl”? 

Best song you’ve heard this year?

“Old Kent road freestyle” by Niontay

I gotta give this to one of my friends. I'm gonna go with Ninontay, “Old Kent road freestyle.”

Best song by a new DMV artist?

“Columbia” by M!les Ave