2 Chainz – “No Lie” feat. Drake

This already feels like the summer of 2 Chainz, given the amount of features we’ve heard from this Georgia-born rapper. As if guest appearances on songs by Nicki Minaj (“Beez In The Trap”), Justin Bieber (“Boyfriend” Remix), Kreayshawn (“Breakfast”), and Kanye West (“Mercy”) weren’t enough, he’s also taken the lead on the trap anthem of the summer. The first single from his debut for Def Jam, “No Lie” is a gargantuan hip-hop beat, with rapid-fire hi-hats, booming bass, and a smooth-as-silk hook from Drake. I’m a sucker for a fearlessly melodic rap song, and 2 Chainz and Drake strike the perfect balance between ferocious and fun on 2 Chainz’ first official single. Summer of 2 Chainz, I think I like you.

Icona Pop – “I Love It”

Stylish Swedish duo Icona Pop seem destined for mainstream success with their Charli XCX-penned dance-pop juggernaut “I Love It.” The pounding synth line is as infectious as anything I’ve heard this year, and the shout-along lyrics are recklessly fun, capable of inspiring both bedroom and dive bar dance parties. Sweden is known for its thriving dance music scene, and once Icona Pop release their debut in the fall, I think they’ll be a staple of the electro-pop canon home to artists such as The Knife and ABBA.

Carly Rae Jepsen – “Curiosity”

The undeniable overnight success of “Call Me Maybe” is a blessing and a curse for Carly Rae Jepsen. On one hand, in the span of a couple of months, she’s forged a unique bond with Justin Bieber, appeared on Ellen, and performed for an audience of millions at the Billboard Music Awards. On the other hand, there’s an unbelievable amount of pressure on Jepsen to deliver another contagious pop monster of a hit, and dodge that dreaded one-hit-wonder label. “Curiosity” is certainly no “Call Me Maybe,” but it’s a decent argument in favour of Jepsen’s sustainability at the top of the charts. Jepsen co-wrote the track with Juno-nominated producer Ryan Stewart, who is also responsible for the Victoria Duffield smash “Shut Up and Dance.” This song is an obvious choice for a “Call Me Maybe” follow-up, with vulnerable lyrics, and strong hooks repeating over a bouncy dance-pop arrangement. Carly Rae Jepsen has positioned herself as the electro-pop Taylor Swift, and it’s looking like “Call Me Maybe” was no fluke.

R. Kelly – “Feelin’ Single”

The reigning King of R&B is back with “Feelin’ Single,” an anthem for the newly unattached, taken from his album Write Me Back. A groovy amalgamation of disco, Motown, and contemporary R&B, “Feelin’ Single” is a swirling, danceable missive for the rebound, engineered to annihilate dance floors worldwide. Kells is liberal with the vocal ad-libs, and that’s nothing new, but unlike a lot of his recent material, this song shouldn’t be appreciated as a comedic novelty. “Feelin’ Single” is a legitimately fantastic pop song, and sounds like a toe-tapping, finger-snapping instant classic.

Adam Lambert – “Shady” feat. Sam Sparro and Nile Rodgers

This month, Adam Lambert became the first openly gay musician to have a number one record on the Billboard 200, and while this is a major achievement, the focus of Trespassing’s success should be based on music, and not sexuality. Trespassing is a collection of electro-pop triumphs and confessional ballads that showcase Lambert’s soaring vocals, with personnel comprised of pop music’s premiere hitmakers, such as Dr. Luke, Pharrell, Bruno Mars, Bonnie McKee, and Benny Blanco. The dark and sleazy “Shady” just might be the finest offering on Trespassing; at times sounding (and I can’t believe I’m writing this) somewhat like a combination of the dark synth-scapes of Trent Reznor and the funky new-wave instincts of Prince. It’s a strange, but satisfying musical stew, with three-part harmony and funky guitar work all over it. Adam Lambert isn’t the first Idol-alumni to conquer the charts (see: Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson), but he’s definitely the most unlikely artist to find acceptance there. And, it’s well-deserved.

Surprises, disappointments and tracks/albums to watch for next month

Surprise of the month: B.o.B.’s new record Strange Clouds hasn’t performed nearly as well as his debut record. While 2010’s The Adventures of Bobby Ray debuted at #1 on the charts, Strange Clouds peaked at #5. The inclusion of guest stars like Taylor Swift, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne can’t make up for the absence of a Bruno Mars-assisted single.

Disappointments: Justin Bieber has yet to deliver a single that packs the same punch as previous hits like “Baby” and “Somebody To Love.” The acousti-rap oddity “Boyfriend” and the Jackson 5-esque follow up single “Die In Your Arms” are lackluster when you compare them to most of Biebs’ back catalogue. Give us a reason to belieb, Justin.

Out in June: New albums with singles from Usher, Maroon 5, and Justin Bieber will dominate the radio this summer.