PLAYLIST: CURATED BY SACHÉM

second guessing is out now!

Image: Supplied.

Brisbane based hip-hop artist Sachém has teamed up with LaRussell on his new single, second guessing. To celebrate the release, he has curated an exclusive playlist for MILKY full of songs he was listening to whilst creating the track.

second guessing is all about the theme—and how it’s portrayed. So, the lyrics are the priority. Here’s a list of songs, artists, and standout lyrics that were in rotation during the creation of second guessing featuring LaRussell.

OCEAN VIEWS – NIPSEY HUSSLE

Nipsey has always been a beacon of light for me—lyrically, but also in his beat selection. He possessed a genius-level grasp of narrative techniques, especially the art of “show, don’t tell.”


Standout lyric:
“I got my dough right, plus the right dough. That means it’s legal, pay taxes to them white folks.”

THANK GOD 4 ME – SCHOOLBOY Q

I was in Los Angeles during the building stages of Second Guessing in Feb/March 2024. Around the same time, ScHoolboy Q dropped his Blue Lips album—and I missed out by minutes on an invite to his undisclosed listening party. This was my favourite track off the album. It always takes me back to that moment.


Standout lyric:
“If you couldn’t do the work, why sign? You want the money or you wanna inspire?”

PURPLE – NAS

I discovered this song in 2022 and it’s been in steady rotation since. Nas on his unapologetic, reminiscent steez. Beat selection? Flawless. Vocal and spatial placement? Masterclass. Every writer aspires to Nas-level storytelling.


Standout lyric:
“The hood love you but behind your back they pray for the day / A bullet hit your heart and ambulances take you away”

GIVE & GIVE – CONWAY THE MACHINE

A big homie put me onto Conway, and I haven’t looked back. This has been a staple in my lyrical toolkit. Not just for the bars, but for his story and the post-Griselda journey.


Standout lyric:
“So captivating, my verses that they ignore the chorus.”

SAMURAI – LUPE FIASCO

Arguably one of the most influential rappers of the 2000s. Samurai, the title track from his album, was a standout reminder that less is more. “Kick, Push, Coast” lives in the hearts of many—and Lupe proves again why he’s one of one.


Standout lyric:
“A strong vibrate meditative song of guidance / designed to raise eyelids.”

TELL ME – GROOVY THEORY

At a time when lyrics were at the heart of everything I was doing, Anel Larrieux of Groovy Theory reminded me: it’s the feeling that sticks with people. Art is soul. This track has all of it.


Standout lyric:
“Tell me if you want me to give you all my time.”

HUSTLER MUSIQ – LIL WAYNE

I’ve always been a Weezy F Baby fan—real rappers know what’s up. I used to bump this as a kid, pretending I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. Funny enough, I felt that same way while making Second Guessing. So, I brought this one back.


Standout lyric:
“I’m just riding along, with my daddy on my mind like: ‘You gotta be kidding! How the hell you ain’t here to see your prince do this thing?’”

COUNT ME OUT – KENDRICK LAMAR

I haven’t quite put my finger on it, but I feel like Dot is operating on a higher level—and that somehow, he’s been guiding me. When I heard this, I knew I needed to be more vulnerable. It felt like he was talking directly to me. This song also led me deeper into my gospel roots.


Standout lyric:
“One of these lives, I’ma make things right with the wrongs I’ve done—that’s one of you now.”

IF JESUS CAN’T FIX IT – THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY

Speaking of gospel… halfway through my U.S. trip to collab with LaRussell and Lachlan Caskey (from Last Dinosaurs), I took a detour to Tampa to visit family. I cried when I left, but this song gave me strength.
My Aunty Betty-Jean Ligon showed it to me and said, “You know this your family? This my daddy's brother—Joe Ligon.”
So let me introduce you to my kinfolk: The Mighty Clouds of Joy.


Standout lyrics:
“The weight of the world is pressing you down
And when you need a friend, no one can be found
But I know someone who really cares
Whatever the situation, He can answer prayer.”

WHAT MORE CAN I SAY – JAY-Z

The Black Album was an era. I was young, talented, and fearless—and Jay-Z gave me a confidence no one else could. Working with LaRussell was nerve-racking. He’s one of the world’s best. I brought this track back to remind myself exactly who I am.


Standout lyric:
“They crazy, they don’t paint pictures—they just trace me.”

TIRED/REFLECTIONS – WESTSIDE BOOGIE

Before linking with LaRussell, I landed in L.A. and bumped this album all the way through. BOOGIE is a master of emotion and self-expression. I never imagined that six months later I’d be making a song with him.
Feels like I’m collecting the Infinity Stones of California rap. Consider that your collab announcement.


Standout lyric:
“I’m the one in front the gun, and the one behind the trigger.”

second guessing is out now!