Back with Vibes

Dimitri L Syde

Tensions rise as everyday Chicago life grinds on—Emmett faces his new reality caring for his baby alone, and the weight of choices hits other leads. The track gives things a laid-back, streetwise rhythm, matching the characters' attempts to stay chill amid growing chaos.

Chill

Slique Jay Adams

Kevin, still reeling from what he witnessed, tries to hang on to moments of normalcy with friends. The smooth R&B vibe of “Chill” underscores his desire for peace and innocence, which are slipping away.

Hidden Gem

CHXRM

Brandon and Jerrika face the daunting aftermath of Coogie’s death. “Hidden Gem” plays over scenes of quiet determination, capturing the struggle to find hope and brighter moments when grief and violence threaten to take everything.

Libations

Novel

Older characters try to forget their woes—Ronnie is in emotional limbo, and adults pour out drinks to numb the pain. “Libations” turns the gathering into a kind of unofficial wake, where sorrow and camaraderie mingle in the air.

Tuff

King Von

Kevin gets caught in street drama and the sense of danger spikes. “Tuff” charges the scene with raw, local energy, echoing the tough choices and survival instincts needed to move forward on the South Side.

FACE

Tish Songbird

Emotional reckoning: Kevin, Emmett, and Brandon all face their demons. “FACE” adds gospel-infused hope as each confronts truth—offering a glimmer that facing up to pain is the first step to healing.

Man Down

BJ The Chicago Kid

The episode moves from a somber recap of broken relationships and shifting allegiances to a bustling family gathering, peppered with jokes about baby mamas, over baby showers and gift-giving. The confident, tough vibe of "Man Down" highlights the characters’ readiness for conflict, underscoring street loyalty and the sense that no one is backing down in a city where past wounds run deep.

DRIVE THRU

Tamae

The party banter continues as new and old tensions surface around family, parenthood, and the pressure to keep up a brave face. "DRIVE THRU" kicks in with smooth beats, echoing the attempt to mask pain with playful camaraderie, as the crew navigates the complications of their intertwined lives with humor and side-eyes.

Optimistic

Sounds Of Blackness

As Jemma plans her move to New York and Maisha leaves for LA, friends reflect, toast, and deal with change and goodbyes. "Optimistic" comes on right as they head into an uncertain future, its uplifting message perfectly matching the bittersweet hope and support that fill their farewells—reminding everyone to keep their head high, no matter what.

Love Language

Tha Faculty

At a quieter moment, two characters begin opening up about their vulnerabilities, pasts, and hopes for healthy love. The sensual "Love Language" flows over montage-like reflections and intimate conversations, tying the theme of honest communication in romance to the episode’s explorations of learning, healing, and connection.

A Song For Mama

Boyz II Men

Emmett goes on a sentimental journey, getting flowers for each of his baby mamas and celebrating the women in his life. The song sets a nostalgic, loving tone as key mothers across the episode are honored and family tensions play out. It nails the emotional warmth, and the bittersweet edge of family bonds on Mother's Day.

Back Burner

Breana Marin

Over the grill, Jamal, Emmett, and Darnell banter about marriage, past loves, and the messiness of their romantic and family histories—paralleling the theme of being left “on the back burner.” The low-key, longing song reflects buried feelings and the constant juggling of relationships, echoing their struggles and messy love lives.

Closing Weapon

Karretero

The stakes ramp up during a high-energy montage as the family gathers, revelations are made, and simmering conflicts inch closer to boiling. The tense instrumental fits the building suspense of shifting alliances, old wounds, and potentially volatile situations at the gathering.

Can't Get Enough

Tamia

The episode enters a party vibe as multiple families and friends converge, dancing, joking, and trying to forget the drama. Tamia’s sultry vocals play as Emmett and his extended circle celebrate together, underscoring the joy and shared affection that breaks through all the chaos, drama, and heartbreak.

DISRESPECTFULLY

Kvng Moses

As the episode closes, tensions and power shifts play out, and the characters double down on their loyalties. The track’s bold, gritty energy mirrors the characters’ determination to claim their place, demand respect, and survive whatever comes next in the aftermath of Mother’s Day drama.

Wildside

Robin Loxley

Bakari gets introduced at an upscale boat party, meeting a book publisher who shows interest in his story, while tension brews over loyalty, ambition, and survival in the streets. The song's edgy vibe matches the uncertainty and shifting alliances during Bakari’s delicate social maneuvering.

Deserve

J.Howell

Begins as Shaad and Victor take psychedelic mushrooms and reflect on love, relationships, and how their past shapes their present. The dreamy, vulnerable R&B tone parallels the introspective mood and their search for self-worth and connection.

QUALITY

Adolphus & Bridget

Plays during Jamal and Dom’s intimate wedding, right after the vows and “You may kiss the bride”—the lyrics ("quality time") echo the couple’s promise to grow together and value each moment, underlining their romantic commitment in front of friends.

Lift My Hands

WopsWorld

As conversations get real at the end of the day on the boat, Charles asks for trust amidst rumors and relationship drama. The gospel-inspired song provides a hopeful, uplifting backdrop, mirroring characters wrestling for faith, strength, and second chances in their personal lives.

Right On Time

Neen Bowen

Papa and Lynae say good night by the dock after a packed day. The chill, soulful track highlights a feeling that even with life’s chaos, some moments—and connections—are exactly what you need, framing their honest, supportive energy in a perfect vibe.

Insane in the Prodgame

Yang

The episode opens with a steamy heatwave in Chicago. Characters are dealing with sudden power outages and tempers flaring. The hip-hop beat sets a tense, edgy vibe as Emmett calls Smokey's about the AC, and daily life keeps grinding amid the chaos—smartly reflecting the city’s restless, “keep hustling” energy. The grime and unpredictability in the song match the mood of the streets and the pressure on everyone’s lives that day.

Step Harder

Rxalu Loaded

As “Step Harder” kicks in, the energy spikes with high tension scenes involving Reg and Jake, who are navigating threats and plotting ways to stay safe, possibly trying to connect with the mob for protection. The song’s hard-edged vibe underlines the urgency and sense of danger in the air, echoing the hustling and survival instincts the characters need right now.

Break It Down

Dot Marv

During “Break It Down,” chaos and confrontation mingle—tensions boil over about debts, gambling problems, and betrayals. Heated exchanges erupt between Keith, Emmett, and others about stolen money and trust, matching the track’s gritty, honest tone. The music underscores the characters’ emotional unraveling and the high stakes of their decisions, making every beat feel consequential.

Gangster

Dot Marv

As tension escalates around Damien's gambling debt, the mood turns gritty and anxious. The song underscores his desperation and the growing threat of violence, capturing the harsh stakes and South Side atmosphere as he realizes how deep he's in trouble.

Guide

Kenyon Dixon

The song plays as characters reach for support and clarity—Damien seeks help from friends and family to pay off his debt. The soothing, soulful track provides a moment of hope and introspection before things spiral further, spotlighting connections under strain.

SUPER POWERS

Gavin Maestro

This energetic track drops as Emmett takes on more family duties—helping with his child while Kiesha rests. The vibe is positive and playful, bringing a boost to the typically heavy drama and echoing the resilience found in everyday moments.

Retrograde

James Blake

The haunting, atmospheric song highlights a turning point after Damien's troubles boil over into violent confrontation. The music’s moody undertone perfectly matches the aftermath, blending sorrow and acceptance as consequences play out and relationships shift.

The Pinnacle

Tommy Nova

Occurs as Emmett and the crew get set up for a pivotal block party. The vibe is busy, with food, laughter, and new faces. The energized, uplifting track matches the sense of hope for the community. People are coming together despite drama at home and on the street, capturing that “we’re still making it” energy.

Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder) - Remastered 2021

Maxwell

Plays during an intimate interlude at the block party. Zeke and Carolyn reconnect, exchanging flirtatious banter and subtle longing, while the neighborhood buzzes in the background. Maxwell’s smooth falsetto underlines their complicated history and sparks new beginnings, amplifying both nostalgia and possibility.

Afro Puffs

The Lady Of Rage

End credits

SUGAR COATED

Tamae

Played during a quiet, emotional part where Ezekiel is making Charles co-pastor and reflecting on family. The mellow vibe of the song matches the bittersweet feelings about turning over a new leaf and priorities.

I'M NOT GOD

Tobe Nwigwe

The song underscores the final heartfelt moments between Jada and Darnell as they discuss love, moving on, and the uncertainty of the future. Its message about acceptance and limits mirrors the scene perfectly.

On Your Way

Lydia Caesar

This uplifting track plays over the living funeral scene for Jada, as friends and family share happy memories. The soulful lyrics fit the mood of celebrating a life still lived, not just mourning.

You Were Meant for Me

Donny Hathaway

This soulful classic plays as Tiff gives birth to Rob Junior in a hospital elevator with Victor's help. The mellow groove underscores the sense of fateful connection and new beginnings, celebrating both family and overcoming odds as Tiff’s baby arrives safely into the world. The song’s warmth ties perfectly to the hopefulness of the moment, even as chaos unfolds elsewhere.

You Do

Dot Marv

Playing while Candice confronts Alicia at her house, this track pulses under a tense scene where Candice, pretending to seek help, sets the stage for Alicia to be robbed. The song’s insistent vibe matches the deception and danger swirling in the air and Candice’s quiet assertion of agency in a high-stakes con.

Hear My Prayer (Acoustic Version)

Callie Day

This powerful, spiritual ballad underscores Jada’s final moments as she transitions, with loved ones by her side. The raw, gospel vocals give the scene emotional heft, elevating her passing into a moment of grace, remembrance, and grieving. The music channels both loss and faith, echoing the family’s hope for peace amid heartbreak.

Be Careful

Armed Rhymery

As the fallout over Alicia's murder unfolds, this gritty hip-hop track plays with Rashad and Victor panicking, moving the body, and the cops surrounding them. The lyrics “Be careful” nail the rising tension, paranoia, and the sense that small mistakes now have huge consequences, capturing the panic and urgency in the air as their world unravels.

Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)

Soul II Soul

The story closes out with this iconic anthem, playing as Rashad and Victor are arrested, and everyone faces the music—literally and figuratively. The mellow, almost triumphant groove brings closure, mirroring the uncertain but inevitable sense of “what’s next?” after a life-changing night. The song throws back to “Belly” and gives the ending a cinematic flair.