#Repost: Billboard.com - The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Migos & More Are Spotify Editors' Picks for New Music Friday

Every week, Spotify updates their "New Music Friday" playlist, featuring 50 of the freshest new tracks hitting the service that week.

On the heels of Billboard's partnership with the streaming giant, we'll be tapping Spotify's editors to sift through the soon-to-be-hits and highlight the best of the bunch.

Check out the picks and listen to the entire "New Music Friday" playlist below.

The Chainsmokers - "Paris"

With the Grammys a month away, The Chainsmokers, who are nominated for an impressive three awards, continue their streak as hitmakers, delivering a new single that is sure to carry us through any possible mid-January winter blues. While promoting their new track, "Paris," the DJ duo offered their own interpretation of the song's title, sharing two definitions that hold a different meaning than solely doubling as the beloved capital of France, detailing "Paris" may also refer to "1: a sentimental yearning for a reality that isn't genuine," and "2: an irrecoverable condition for fantasy that evokes nostalgia or day dreams." Although their proposed definition fits the song's blissed-out dreamy feel, part of the chorus is open to another interpretation, offering solidarity to the citizens of Paris who just over a year ago experienced a terrorist attack, with the line, "If we go down, we go down together." Their new single sticks to their signature sound, recruiting a female vocalist to both strengthen and soften their track before it builds into a series of guitar riffs and gentle, melodic production. With "Paris" the Chainsmokers have once again found success balancing infectious minimalism with catchy lyrics, leaving audiences with no choice but to sing along and get lost on cobblestone sidewalks under dimly lit street lamps in one of the world's most romantic and mysterious cities.  

Halsey - "Not Afraid Anymore"

Just days after the official tracklisting for the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack was announced, the franchise has today released Halsey's contribution, a steamy track titled "Not Afraid Anymore." With the compilation boasting a star-studded array of musicians, including fellow A-list singer Nick Jonas who shared the bold (and fitting) prediction "many babies will be made to this soundtrack," Halsey's track is right at home and in good company, among the likes of Nicki Minaj, Tove Lo and John Legend, to name a few. The 22-year-old singer's offering falls in line with the book-turned-movie's reoccurring themes of seduction, fantasy and forbidden love, placing her storytelling lyrics delicately and fiercely over an enticing and darkly menacing composition, full of striking violins and crashing drums. Rising to the challenge of creating a visual track capable of transporting listeners directly into the intense plot between leading characters Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, "Not Afraid Anymore" showcases Halsey's tried and true ability to use her confidence in her vocal talents to take charge, captivating audiences with a her distinctively sultry voice and a similar bravado not-so-subtly found in the very major motion picture she's helping soundtrack.

Julia Michaels - "Issues"

After helping pen tracks for the likes of Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas, Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez and more, Julia Michaels is ready to let her own voice shine and step alone into the spotlight. After inking a deal with Republic Records and performing at the 2016 Closing Ceremonies at the Olympic Games in Brazil alongside electronic music heavyweight Kygo, the singer-songwriter has finally begun teasing her forthcoming EP with the release of her debut solo track, "Issues." While she has impressively co-written songs that have gone on to exceed a reported 8 billion streams, it's clear she has plenty of material left in the vault, maybe even setting aside some of her best material for her own solo career. While the 23-year-old chooses to navigate her "issues" on her new single, judging from her growing catalog, she has a lot more figured out than she's letting on. With blunt, honest lyricism and razor-sharp songwriting, Michaels' decision to choose minimal production proves to be wise, helping to frame her intriguing vocals expertly in order to give fans a delicious first taste of what is yet to come. As far as making a strong introduction goes, this rising talent has that mastered, too. 

Migos - "T-Shirt" and "Call Casting"

Raindrop, drop top... Migos is poised to take the music industry by storm this year, thanks in part to an epic co-sign from Donald Glover. While accepting an award at the Golden Globes for his hit show Atlanta this past weekend (Jan. 8), the insanely talented Glover took advantage of the moment in the spotlight to do the unexpected during his speech, thanking Migos, "Not for being on the show, but for making ‘Bad and Boujee.’" Later in the night he went on to refer to the hip-hop trio as "the Beatles of this generation," but at this point the Internet was already sent into a frenzy in support of both parties respectfully and the rest is now history. While such a shout out is equally memorable and influential, it doesn't hurt that Migos not only is now holding down the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Hot 100 with the track Glover referred to as "the best song ever," but has also been busy readying their second studio album, Culture, due out on January 27. Today, the Georgia natives continue their winning streak, sharing two new singles off of the album, "T-Shirt" and "Call Casting." In true fashion to the group's lavish trap stylings, each single has an infectious quality that will have fans listening on repeat until the total package arrives later this month. 

Bonobo - "No Reason" featuring Nick Murphy

Bonobo today makes a triumphant return after a four-year hiatus with the release of his sixth studio album, Migration. The 12-track LP, out on Ninja Tune, is an adventurous collection of varying moods, tempos and melodies, each so beautiful the project can arguably be considered poetry in and of itself. The British-born Los Angeles transplant has been navigating the electronic end of the spectrum for almost two decades now, masterfully weaving through boutique genres such as downtempo, chillwave and trip hop, in order to perfect his reputed experimental style. With his new project offering a diverse range of songs, each complete with his characteristic polish of eclectic flair, "No Reason" is a bewitching feat, clocking in at over seven minutes of brilliant, brooding production. The emotive ballad features Nick Murphy, with both elegantly exploring mystical themes surrounding the unknown but doing so with curiosity, instead of fear. At times, perhaps thanks to fleeting vocals and the song's accompanying dark melodies, "No Reason" feels like a somber inner dialogue, artistically displayed over a smart, rolling composition as complex as it is precise. In a way, the mesmerizing track itself takes us full circle, much like how Bonobo's travels always seem to take him home, no matter exactly where that may be.

How Quickly Do We Forget About Rap Beef These Days?

In 1998, the breakout success of the infamous boy band sensation known as the Hanson Brothers was the only thing my suburban peers were talking about.

I was in the third grade when I won the elementary school-age lottery and found myself third row at the biggest concert venue in my hometown. My best friend confirmed our lifelong friendship when she eagerly chose me to join her after her father surprised her with two tickets to the hottest show in town (well three tickets, because he had to suffer through the boy band's crooning and pre-teen swooning to supervise us). My 8-year-old confidence was through the roof after that. Even though I was maybe too young for my first big concert, at that time, I had too much sauce and the world was mine.

Years later, I found myself third row once again, this time at a Nas concert, covering the special occasion for my job as a music journalist. As he powered through his classic catalog, I couldn't help but think back to the last time I rocked a show from such unforgettable seats, wondering what my childhood best friend was up to at that very moment. We hadn't talked in roughly a decade, and from my fleeting memory, it was because of her opposing opinions regarding the Spice Girls. I'm dead serious. S**t got that real. You either sided with me and we ate lunch together, or you sided with her and I kept a petty distance.

While my hip-hop peers of today had been discussing the Notorious B.I.G. versus Tupac, firsthand experiencing the most iconic and definitive rap beef of all time, I was boasting some stubborn music preferences myself while sporting my first-ever pair of Nikes and talking PG-rated smack on the basketball court at the neighborhood YMCA. Now that it's the year 2017, such beefs may not end friendships as drastically and permanently as they did in the 90s but do they escalate as quickly as they are resolved? Or, does the Internet never forget, honestly truly?

This month, my pen game has focused specifically on the antics of Soulja Boy and Chris Brown. As their beef began in a traditional sense, with each fighting over the affection of the same woman, it grew into a possible celebrity boxing match inspired by 50 Cent and further supported by Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson. If this was 1995, such an evolution would have taken weeks, maybe even months, and been soundtracked with an assortment of fiery diss tracks. However, until Fif got involved, Soulja was already apologizing to Breezy, even proposing the idea of working together and "being friends." So, one has to ask, will we still be talking about this a week from today? Will the idea of a high-stake boxing match gain momentum over time or fizzle out as a new beef with new players is placed front and center on every music website?

I personally would be elated if I could focus on literally anything else than Soulja Boy's video selfie confessionals, reminiscent of a millennial Real World, but judging from his track record, that won't be the case. However, unlike the case of Meek Mill vs. Drake, a modern rap beef permanently etched into our culture, Soulja Boy has so much going on, it's not always exactly clear who his problem is with. Soulja Boy vs. the World makes it much so harder to keep track, and therefore we become less engaged from the sidelines.

Naturally, that phenomenon snowballs because Soulja still wants the spotlight on him, so he picks bigger targets to air his frustration and test his luck with. As fans wonder if he'll end up getting locked up or losing his shiny World Poker Deal as a result of his aggressive Instagram tendencies, we're still talking about it and having a good laugh over the madness, aided by such gifts as him getting spontaneously attacked on camera. Although we may have trouble personally investing in the beefs he ignites, the way that we do when it comes to Meek and Drizzy, Soulja Boy is a lowkey marketing genius. At times, he's blissfully unaware of the long term affects his idiocracy may have on his career, but right now, he's got us in the palm of his hands where he wants us. While I hate it, I can't help but semi-respect it.

Question is, how exactly long will it all last?

#Repost Billboard.com: Ed Sheeran, Sam Hunt & More Are Spotify Editors' Picks for New Music Friday

Originally posted on Billboard.com here. 

On the heels of Billboard's partnership with the streaming giant, we'll be tapping Spotify's editors to sift through the soon-to-be-hits and highlight the best of the bunch.

Check out the picks and listen to the entire "New Music Friday" playlist below.

Ed Sheeran – “Castle on the Hill” and “Shape of You”

Ed Sheeran finally makes a triumphant return to our #NewMusicFriday playlist, after taking a much deserved break from releasing music and actively utilizing social media. After boldly taking a break from Twitter for over a year and only sparingly updating Instagram, following a 5-year run of nonstop recording, touring and promoting his music, the English singer-songwriter has made his lengthy hiatus worth the wait for his eager fans, today releasing two new singles off of his highly anticipated third studio album. Considering Sheeran first began exploring his talents as a musician seriously at the age 13, his taking some personal time off further proves he is wise beyond his years, showcasing through his music how it is both beyond beneficial and exhilarating to recharge and seek new real-world inspiration every now and again.

"I find myself seeing the world through a screen and not my eyes, so I'm taking this opportunity of me not having to be anywhere or do anything to travel the world and see everything I missed," he wrote on Instagram, prior to temporarily disappearing from the public eye. Before logging off, the 25-year-old teased that his album is "the best thing [he's] made thus far," and now that a taste of his forthcoming project has arrived, fans are eager to see how his promise is holding up - as well as find out the meaning behind that mysterious blue square he cryptically tweeted without explanation back in December 2016. 

While Sheeran's career accomplishments to date can fill a book, what arguably is most impressive is his ability to consistently reinvent himself, while also staying true to his vision and making the music he wants to make. On "Castle on the Hill," fans are treated to what can be considered "classic Ed Sheeran," as he offers a new powerful pop anthem that we can already imagine filling our car's radio speakers every time we drive along the coast at dusk. With lyrics showcasing his growth and maturity as a singer, he reflects on the wild ride that brought him to where he is today, all while poetically taking the scenic route home.

Meanwhile, with "Shape of You,” he completely switches gears, delivering a tropical synth-laden ballad that unexpectedly shows off an intriguing sexier side to Sheeran, as well as displays his skillful control of his vocal range. While his two new songs are strikingly different, we don't lose sight of Sheeran's beloved charm and personality in either, something that not every musician looking to switch up their sounds can accomplish with such ease. Needless to say, we're more than excited to see what the brilliant musician has up his sleeve next. Cheers to you, Ed, and welcome back! 

Sam Hunt - "Drinking Too Much"

Sam Hunt is beginning the new year on an interesting footing, outing his deepest thoughts and celebrating his recent engagement simultaneously. His new single, "Drinking Too Much," acts as both a genuine apology and an endearing love song, weaving the seemingly contradictory intentions together, crafting an open letter to his muse that curiously manages to expose his flaws in a way that embraces them.

He and his now-fiancée Hannah Lee Fowler have really been through it over the years, with the singer-songwriter owning up to his faults and past mistakes through brutally honest lyrics, wiping the slate clean as they look towards their bright future together.

The song is inspiring for those hoping to weather the storm with their current partners, with the couple acting as a living example that while love does not come without madness or hardship at times, there is undeniably a kind of love "you don't fall out of." With Hunt's signature talk-singing approach paired with beautifully soft instrumentation, the deeply personal song proves the best way to embrace a new chapter is with an open mind and an open heart.

Snakehips - "Don't Leave" featuring MØ

To give fans a first taste of their forthcoming full-length debut album, Snakehips, a British electronic duo known for working with Zayn Malik, Tinashe and Chance the Rapper, has recruited Danish singer MØ for their first collaborative effort, "Don't Leave," a dazed and dreamy testament to being both in love and perfectly imperfect. With blunt lyrics such as "But I'm not just a f**k-up, I'm the f**k-up you love," MØ not only shoots her shot to convince her better half not to leave because of her flaws, but she does so through blunt lyrics that match her signature blend of grit and grace.

Considering the 28-year-old vocalist tactfully made a big impression in 2016, continuing to build off of the momentum from her mega-successful collaborations with Major Lazer, Iggy Azalea and Justin Bieber and beginning to establish her solo career, one could say that her linking with Snakehips makes perfect sense, with both anticipating to level up by releasing highly anticipated studio albums this year. If 2016 was the year both MØ and Snakehips proved they both are talented forces not to be slept on, 2017 is the year there's no looking back. 

You Me At Six - "Take On The World" 

With the release of their fifth studio album, You Me At Six is entering a new phase in their career, one that is over a decade in the making. While the five-piece's new project offers a refreshingly subtle change in direction, the group manages to occasionally stray from their renowned blend of pop-rock without abandoning their roots, much to the delight of their day-one supporters.

You Me At Six's decision to experiment stylistically without completely reinventing themselves works brilliantly in their favor, as exemplified on their airy track, "Take On The World." With frontman Josh Franceschi at the wheel, warm guitars help frame his passionate, storytelling lyrics, building into a pleasant and euphoric earworm that is as welcoming as it curiously infectious.

"'Take On The World' embodies the spirit of a band who have worked for 10 years to headline arenas and get to the top of their game and then keep working harder," their manager fondly explains. "It also represents their ambition for this new chapter writing their best songs after years of success." As we spend more and more time digesting their new album, we couldn't have worded it better ourselves.