Pair the Best Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop Songs of 2016 with These Strains

From politics to pop culture and everything else in between, it’s been one rollercoaster of a year. As we look back, it’s safe to say music may be the one thing that kept us functioning in 2016.

Here’s a recap of the best songs from 2016, along with our suggested cannabis strain pairing. We’re starting Part 1 off with the best hip-hop, R&B, and pop songs of the year, and we’ll follow up with a list of the top country, EDM, and rock songs. Create your own playlist and strain bar on New Year’s Eve to say a proper adieu to a challenging year. Here’s to 2017!

Top Hip-Hop Songs of 2016

“Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane

After getting released from prison last year, East Atlanta’s Gucci Mane jumps on superstar rap duo Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles.” It’s one of the most popular songs of the year, becoming the go-to track for 2016’s hottest social media challenge, the Mannequin Challenge. The Sremmurd boys even got the A-OK from legendary Beatle Paul McCartney himself. What could possibly top that?

Strain Pairing: Gucci OG

Gucci OG is a potent hybrid that will give you the spark in energy needed to keep up with Rae Sremmurd and Gucci Mane as they perform sold-out shows around the globe and interact with fans.

“No Problem” by Chance the Rapper

2016 was the breakout year for Chance the Rapper. The Chi-Town MC streamed his highly anticipated mixtape, Coloring Book, exclusively through Apple Music. “No Problem” is Chance’s second single off of Coloring Book and he’s joined by hip-hop heavyweights Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. In this song, Chance raps about being an independent artist (he still hasn’t signed with a label) and not allowing the music industry (or anyone, for that matter) change who he is. Chance is nominated for an outstanding seven Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Song for “No Problem.”

Strain Pairing: Grape Ape

Grape Ape is a great strain to help ease your problems and mind. It pairs well with “No Problem” because of Chance’s carefree attitude and lyrics about no one being able to stop him.

“Broccoli” by D.R.A.M. feat Lil Yachty

D.R.A.M. invites up and coming rapper Lil Yachty to join him on his breakout single, “Broccoli,” off his self-titled debut album. Besides the fact that “Broccoli” is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance (a huge accomplishment in itself), what we here at Leafly find special is that one of the hottest songs of the year references cannabis, likening it to the vegetable broccoli. D.R.A.M. is living in a total green dream as he raps about being in the middle of the party rolling up his “broccoli,” while fantasizing about all the wonderful things he looks forward to now that he’s finally made it.

Strain Pairing: Green Dream

Green Dream, a sativa-dominant hybrid cross of Green Crack and Blue Dream, will leave you with a long-lasting happy high. Just as happy as D.R.A.M. is when he gets to spark a joint of his favorite strain of “broccoli.”

“All the Way Up (Remix)” by Fat Joe feat. Remy Ma, Jay-Z and French Montana

Back in 2004, Terror Squad was in the club leaning all the way back. Fast-forward 12 years later, Fat Joe and Remy Ma prove they can still get the party going with the release of this year’s club banger “All the Way Up (Remix).” It was such a smash-hit, that even the G.O.A.T. Jay-Z decided to join his fellow New Yorkers on the track to represent their city. “All the Way Up (Remix)” is about celebrating your success and accomplishments with the ones you love and started your journey with.

Strain Pairing: NYC Diesel

NYC Diesel is a hybrid strain recommended for social anxiety that pairs great with this song. The effects of this strain are known to make consumers feel like they’re the life of the party, becoming extremely talkative and happy.

“OOOUUU” by Young M.A.

Another rapper to emerge on the music scene this year was Young M.A., hailing from none other than Brooklyn, New York. Young M.A. delivers a sick flow, but what got most listeners’ attention was her “OOOUUUs” throughout the track and unforgettable lines like, “You call her Stephanie, I call her Headphanie.” Young M.A. had a huge impact on hip-hop and pop culture in 2016.

Strain Pairing: Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is a heavy indica, which pairs well with the hard-hitting bars Young M.A. delivers on “OOOUUU.”

Top R&B Songs of the Year

“Lake by the Ocean” by Maxwell

R&B legend Maxwell returns after a seven-year hiatus with “Lake by the Ocean.” It’s the lead single off of his album BlackSUMMERS’night, the second installation of a trilogy of albums. “Lake by the Ocean” leaves listeners in awe, shocked that singer Maxwell still has it after all these years. It’s just one of the many reasons he’s nominated for a Grammy Award for his vocal performance on “Lake by the Ocean.”

Strain Pairing: Blackwater

With a sweet grape aroma and deep purple buds, Blackwater is known to make you feel happy while easing the body and mind. It’s a great strain to put you in the perfect mood for a night in listening to Maxwell.

“Exchange” by Bryson Tiller

Bryson Tiller put his own twist on R&B with the release of his debut studio album Trapsoul in 2016. Young Tiller’s unique sound, simply characterized as a hybrid of southern trap music and R&B, has generated him a huge fan base in just a short amount of time. “Exchange” is about an ex-lover Bryson would give his all to, if only she would forgive Bryson and give him all her love. (It’s pretty complicated.) The track was certified platinum and has been nominated for a Grammy Award for this year’s Best R&B Song.

Strain Pairing: Platinum Girl Scout Cookies

Platinum Girl Scout Cookies is a really uplifting hybrid strain, a perfect option if you start thinking about your ex or relationship issues while listening to this song.

“Kiss it Better” by Rihanna

Next to her summer smash “Needed Me,” Rihanna’s “Kiss It Better” was one of 2016’s most intimate and sexy ballads. She sings about reconciling with a lover after things have hit the fan. Being the seductive superstar she is, Rihanna passionately sings, “What are you willing to do?” She then responds that the only way for the two to make things better is if they “kiss it better.”

Strain pairing: Kiss

Kiss may be a somewhat hard strain to find, but its powerful body effects and mood elevation pair well with Rihanna’s 2016 make-up song of the year.

“Come and See Me” by PartyNextDoor feat. Drake

Drake’s protégé PartyNextDoor released his first single “Come and See Me” from his second studio album, PartyNextDoor3. The track is about an ex-girlfriend who swears their relationship is one-sided because he never travels the distance or has the time for her with his busy schedule.

Strain Pairing: Champagne Kush

Champagne Kush and “Come and See Me” pair well because this indica-dominant hybrid is calming and great for zoning out while listening to music or having a chill night in with friends or your significant other.

“Cranes in the Sky” by Solange

In 2016 Solange released A Seat at the Table. The album quickly shot to the top of the charts, becoming the soundtrack to so many peoples’ lives this year. “Cranes in the Sky” is the debut single off of her latest album. The song touches on all of Solange’s failed attempts to alleviate the pain in her life by sleeping, drinking, and sexing it away, among other things. A Seat at the Table is Solange’s most honest and awe-inspiring work to-date. She was even nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance for this single.

Strain Pairing: Lavender

The cannabis strain Lavender is known for its flowery and sweet flavor properties upon exhale, but don’t let this strain fool you, as its effects can be just as heavy as the message in “Cranes in the Sky.”

Top Pop Songs of the Year

“Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” was Billboard’s Pop Song of the Year. With an acoustic feel and catchy lyrics like, “My mama don’t like you, and she likes everyone,” what’s there not to love about a song that talks about telling an ex to take a good look in the mirror? “Love Yourself” is an instant pop classic.

Strain Pairing: Love Potion #1

Love Potion #1 is a 70% sativa strain known to make consumers feel happy and all lovey-dovey. Give this strain a try while listening to JB’s “Love Yourself” and see if it doesn’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

“24k Magic” by Bruno Mars

“24K Magic” is a pop song by none other than the Dr. Funk himself, Bruno Mars. Immediately upon hearing the radio smash, you’ll want to get up out of your seat and groove to the rhythm of the beat. As we all know, Bruno Mars knows how to keep the party going and he definitely brought the funk in this song.

Strain Pairing: Dr.Funk

Pass around a joint of Dr. Funk and you’re sure to keep the party and laughs going all night long. This indica strain has a sweet berry taste upon exhale and leaves consumers feeling “magical.”

“Starboy” by The Weeknd

The Weeknd has gone from underground Canadian crooner to international pop superstar right before our eyes. He’s a self-proclaimed “starboy” and isn’t shying away from all his recent success and whatever awaits him in the future. The Weeknd knows he’s out of this world and ahead of his time, and he’s embracing every bit of it in “Starboy.”

Strain Pairing: Astroboy

Astroboy is a hybrid strain that, upon exhale, produces a mix of sweet and sour fruit flavors. This strain pairs well with “Starboy” because of The Weeknd’s positive and negative perceptions of fame now that he’s a pop sensation.

“Formation” by Beyonce

Our compilation of the best songs of 2016 just wouldn’t be complete without mention of Beyoncé. To be honest, Beyoncé kind of reigned the entire music industry in 2016 with the release of her most deeply personal and creative body of work yet, Lemonade. “Formation” was the controversial single that started it all.

Strain Pairing: Pink Lemonade

Pink Lemonade pairs with “Formation” because of the strain’s amazing lemon scent and flavor. But besides that, the strain Pink Lemonade also has calming properties to help ease the emotional rollercoaster of a ride Bey takes us on with Lemonade.

“Side to Side” by Ariana Grande feat. Nicki Minaj

Ariana Grande is finally coming into her own, transitioning from Disney princess to superstar diva. On her album Dangerous Woman, she unapologetically sings about love, relationships, and overall just having a good time. Ariana is letting everyone know that she’s not a little girl anymore. And who better than Nicki Minaj to join her on her breakout hit single?

Strain Pairing: Supergirl

Only a strain like Supergirl would be able to tame the fieriness that is Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj when they team up on a track. Although this indica strain has a relatively low THC content, don’t let that fool you. Supergirl is a fast, hard-hitting strain perfect to pair with this song and dynamic duo.

Check out Part 2 of Leafly’s Best Songs of 2016 to see which country, EDM, and rock songs made our list along with our suggested strain pairing for each!

Nicolle Callier

Nicolle is an editorial intern at Leafly.

The post Pair the Best Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop Songs of 2016 with These Strains appeared first on Leafly.

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Cannabis Industry Gets Image Boost from Celebrities in 2016

As we close in on the end of the year, it’s good to look at some of the bright spots from 2016, especially in the cannabis industry. Let’s face it, the growing legalization movement was one of the few bright spots of the year because if we’re keeping it totally 100, 2016 totally sucked ass.

There were many wins worth celebrating this past year, but one of the bigger milestones that should be recognized is the number of famous people jumping headfirst into the cannabis industry, with several celebrities debuting brands this year in an effort to bring cannabis products into the mainstream.

Country music legend Willie Nelson, one of the industry’s most decorated cannabis advocates, now has an adult-use cannabis company to serve those in legal states throughout the country. Willie’s Reserve is a higher-end cannabis company that offers a number of different products ranging from flowers, to pre-rolls, vape cartridges, and disposable vaporizers. Nelson has always been one to light up a joint and pass it to his left, as Willie’s Reserve’s tag line is, “My stash is your stash.”

A close friend of Nelson, Snoop Dogg has also jumped into the cannabis industry. This year, he debuted Leafs by Snoop, a cannabis product company selling its line in Colorado and Canada only. Snoop’s line includes flower products, wax and oil products, and an edibles line called Dogg Treats.

Tommy Chong also has a cannabis brand titled Chong’s Choice. The Cheech & Chong legend has been a loud voice for the advocacy movement, working tirelessly to destigmatize the plant, so it’s only fitting that you can now get some of his hand-selected products. Chong’s Choice is available now in Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Musicians and comedians alike weren’t the only celebrities to dabble with the cannabis industry in 2016, as the Cannathlete movement started to get traction as well. A number of former professional athletes came out in support of cannabis legalization during the year, with former NFL All-Pro running back Ricky Williams being one of the most noteworthy to do so.

Williams, along with a few business partners, opened the world’s first cannabis-friendly gym in San Francisco called Power Plant Fitness. The gym’s goal is to incorporate cannabis with someone’s workout, whether that means consuming prior to exercising or post-workout to aid in recovery.

We would be remiss to not mention the legend himself, Bob Marley, as the Marley family has brought Marley Natural to the market. (Note: Marley Natural is owned by Privateer Holdings, the parent company of Leafly.) The cannabis brand incorporates a lot of Bob’s favorite strains and cannabis-related items combined with today’s technology and growing techniques. Marley Natural is currently available for purchase in Oregon, with future stores opening in Washington State and California in 2017.

What were some of your favorite brands that debuted this year, and which celebrities are you hoping will throw their hat into the ring in 2017?

Gage Peake

Gage Peake is a staff writer who specializes in breaking news coverage, politics, and sports.

The post Cannabis Industry Gets Image Boost from Celebrities in 2016 appeared first on Leafly.

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STRAIN OF THE DAY 12/30/2016: HASHPLANT HAZE (HYBRID)

CANNABIS STRAIN OF THE DAY 12/30/2016: HASHPLANT HAZE (HYBRID)

from
https://www.potbox.com/database/hybrid/hashplant-haze/

Start 2017 Off with a Bang with These Sex and Cannabis Supplies

As 2016 draws to a close, I thought I’d share with you my favorite sex and cannabis supplies to start 2017 off right. Because I want you to find what’s best for you and your body (and, more practically, what’s available in your state), I’m intentionally suggesting types of products rather than specific items to pick up. Happy shopping, and Happy New Year!

Cannabis Supplies to Carry on the Go

Vape Pen

I love concentrate vape pens for lots of reasons, but most especially because they are portable and discreet. I keep one (okay, four) in my purse in case I want to take a puff when I arrive at my destination or if I want to take another puff once the festivities begin. My purse is currently home to two sativa pens, a CBD pen, and a hybrid pen.

There are so many options on the market in various concentrations, strain-specific and non-, solvent-derived and solventless…try a few different ones on your own and bring options to share. What works well for you may not work for your partner(s)! Portable flower vapes can be pricey, but are nice if you prefer flower to oil. Some, like the Firefly 2, do both! I just got one and I am utterly obsessed with it.

Low Dose Edible

When I say low dose, I mean less than 10mg. If you’re new to cannabis or especially sensitive, I would suggest starting with a 2.5mg dose. Make sure you get a product with clearly marked dosing guidelines–products should be a self-contained item with the correct dosage listed or, if part of a larger whole, should be scored to make it clear how many milligrams you’re getting in each dose. As always, start low, go slow. Much like salt when you’re cooking, you can always add more, but once there’s too much in there, it takes a lot of time and effort to restore balance.

Smoking Supplies

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve arrived at a place only to find that they don’t have a grinder. Or a pipe. Or a lighter. Or literally anything useful for smoking flower. Be the badass who pulls out a snazzy case filled with supplies, not the forgetful one searching frantically for a lighter.

Sex Supplies to Buy in 2017

Non-Latex Barriers and Lube

As I’ve mentioned, oil and latex are not compatible. Also, since latex is a sensitizing allergen, more and more people will develop allergies to latex over time. Do yourself a favor and invest in nitrile or polyurethane condoms and gloves. Gloves are great for everything–they keep things hygienic, cover any rough spots on your hands or fingernails, and help keep things extra slippery when you lube them up, because unlike the skin on your hands, gloves can’t absorb lube.

Lube, as I’ve mentioned, is essential. Many companies make single use “pillow packs” so you don’t have to lug a whole bottle with you.

Suggestions: FC2 female condom, Trojan Supra, Black Dragon gloves, Sliquid Essentials Lube Cube

Curved Penetrative Toy

I love curved toys because they can be used for prostate or g-spot stimulation, making them great for all bodies. It’s nice to have a penetrative toy in your collection because both hands and factory-installed phalluses get tired after a while, and this gives you another option to keep things going! For best practices, your toy should be made of a non-porous material like silicone, glass, metal, or treated wood.

Suggestions: njoy Fun Wand, Tantus Slow Drive, Spartacus basic curve spiral glass dildo

Small External Vibrator

I strongly prefer rechargeable vibes, but battery operated vibes tend to have a lower price point, which is appealing to new users and anyone on a budget. Vibrations tend to operate on a spectrum of buzzy to rumbly and most people prefer one to the other. Personally, I like the deep rumble more than the surface level buzz, but other people prefer the buzzy sensation. Small handheld vibes like those listed below can feel less intimidating if you’re new to incorporating toys.

Suggestions: We-Vibe Tango, Fun Factory Bullet, Colt Waterproof Power Bullet

Sex Blanket

They’re pricey (right around $100), but absolutely worth it. A sex blanket has a waterproof core that keeps lube and fluids from soaking into sheets, carpets, or upholstery, ensuring minimal mess and easy clean up.

Suggestion: Liberator Fascinator Throe

Additional Supplies

If you want to be extra prepared, keep the following in a small bag:

• Small packet of unscented baby wipes
• Mouthwash
• Nail file, especially if you don’t have gloves (nails are sharp!)
• Bottle of water
• Eye drops

What are you putting in your sex and cannabis to-go bag for 2017?

Ashley Manta

Ashley is a writer, feminist, and sexuality educator. She is a contributing writer for Leafly.

The post Start 2017 Off with a Bang with These Sex and Cannabis Supplies appeared first on Leafly.

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Furor Over Anti-Pot Sign Puts TGI Fridays in Hot Water

It’s been a long day for the poor soul(s) who manages the Twitter account of TGI Fridays, America’s favorite celebratory venue for an exercise in self-destructive binge-eating.

It all began when a Twitter user stopped by the TGI Fridays location in Largo, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C.—where somebody, or at least somebody with access to a word processor, printer and roll of tape, doesn’t appreciate the smell of marijuana and posted this sign to the restaurant’s front door.

Let this go down in TGI Fridays history lmao pic.twitter.com/CcC07P8e8E

— Henny Kravitz (@MaggDaddy) December 29, 2016

There it is—if you carry the sweet smell of cannabis terpenes with you as you stroll through life, this is not the family-friendly chain eatery for you.

The sign was apparently posted sometime last week, according to accounts on social media. Within hours, the sign did indeed go down in TGI Friday’s history, as the sign that will live in infamy for at least the rest of the day.

Following the sign’s posting to Twitter at around 9:30 a.m. East Coast time on Thursday, a cavalcade of outrage followed from (we can only presume) cannabis-friendly Twitter users within driving distance of a TGI Fridays. Some vowed a boycott. Others demanded explanation—and still others, presumably, prepared to hotbox the car and head over to the nearest location for some direct-action revenge.

Whether owing to the quantifiable positive impact marijuana has on chain restaurants with ample portions or simply choosing to engage in corporate damage-control, all day long, TGI Friday’s has been in spin mode, telling—by last count—several dozen Twitter users that the sign was not sanctioned and has been removed.

@MaggDaddy The sign posted wasn’t sanctioned by Fridays and we are actively investigating it with the restaurant’s management.

— TGI Fridays (@TGIFridays) December 29, 2016

Most places that serve alcohol—and TGI Fridays most certainly wants to sell you beer—post a sign that reserves the establishment’s right to refuse service to anybody for any reason, so stating outright a refusal to serve anyone stinking of weed should be legal, if not foolhardy. After all, money that smells like marijuana is still money—and it’s hard to suss out the smell of cannabis over the oil and grease from deep-fryers.

HIGH TIMES reached out to TGI Friday’s for comment but have yet to receive a response.

But their overworked social-media manager’s work speaks volumes—and is a very wise move. That TGI Fridays is within quick driving distance of the activists who recently successfully smuggled marijuana into the office of attorney general Jeff Sessions. It may be too late, but if the TGI Fridays in Largo, Maryland, avoids becoming the most pungent TGI Fridays on the planet, they’ll have their social media manager to thank. And reward, possibly with unlimited mozzarella sticks.

You can keep up with all of HIGH TIMES’ marijuana news right here.

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http://hightimes.com/news/furor-over-anti-pot-sign-puts-tgi-fridays-in-hot-water/

Leafly Budtender Panel: Watch Cannabis Industry Insiders Review Popular Vape Pens

Texas Cop Makes Teenager Do Pushups Instead of Booking Him for Smoking a Joint

An off-duty Texas police officer caught a teenager smoking weed in front of a movie theater. The cop decided to resolve the situation in an equally off-duty, macho, paternalistic way that only police officers can get away with these days.

He told the boy to do 200 pushups, right then and there, or he’d book him for weed possession. The teen, of course, did the pushups.

Good thing the young man was in good shape. Not every teenager could pull off that many pushups on demand and on the sidewalk.

According to an ABC affiliate, someone ratted the teen toker out. So the police officer apparently saw it as his civic duty to get involved.

When the cop, identified as Eric Ball, saw the boy finishing off and tossing a “cigarette,” he recognized the telltale aroma and knew he had an incident on his hands.

“Marijuana gives a distinct odor. He knew what the teen was up to,” said Arlington Police Lieutenant Chris Cook, who clearly has a flair for the obvious.

Cook said the teen responded respectfully and recognized that he’d “made a mistake.”

Yes, young man, it is a mistake to smoke weed in front of a crowded movie theater in Texas, which has some of the harshest marijuana laws in the country.

Let’s not forget that some cops in Texas are prone to warrantless roadside body cavity searches if they think they smell something skunky during a traffic stop.

“He could have very well arrested this teen, but instead he tried to do something better,” said Cook.

Obviously Ball, who played high school football where push-ups are often meted out for discipline as well as conditioning, thought he was doing the right thing. Certainly most of the media reports appear to agree.

But the incident begs a question: Why are teenagers, even ones silly enough to smoke a joint in public, subjected to the threat of having their lives derailed due to a criminal conviction for possessing a substance that is safer than alcohol?

You can keep up with all of HIGH TIMES’ marijuana news right here.

from
http://hightimes.com/news/texas-cop-makes-teenager-do-pushups-instead-of-booking-him-for-smoking-a-joint/