BOP SHOP: SONGS BY KIM PETRAS, KACEY MUSGRAVES, JAY B, AND MORE

AND MEGAN THEE STALLION GOES TONGUE OUT ON A REMIX OF BTS'S BUTTERIEST HIT

The search for the ever-elusive "bop" is difficult. Playlists and streaming service recommendations can only do so much. They often leave a lingering question: Are these songs really good, or are they just new?

Enter Bop Shop, a hand-picked selection of songs from the MTV News team. This weekly collection doesn't discriminate by genre and can include anything — it's a snapshot of what's on our minds and what sounds good. We'll keep it fresh with the latest music, but expect a few oldies (but goodies) every once in a while, too. Get ready: The Bop Shop is now open for business.

Kim Petras is back and better than ever. On “Future Starts Now,” the German-born pop singer of “Heart to Break” fame leans into the genre’s affinity for self-empowerment anthems. “You’re more than just anybody / Don’t give up, the future starts now,” she proclaims over a triumphant electronic beat. The single doubles as the beginning of a new era for Petras, who recently signed with Republic Records, the powerhouse label behind pop icons like Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. It’s safe to say her future looks pretty bright. —Sam Manzella

Mini Trees: "Cracks in the Pavement"
There's a delightful sway running through Lexi Vega's latest single as Mini trees, the lo-fi project with high ambitions. She calls it "living room pop," a clever way of both wresting control of the oft-abused "bedroom" label and nodding to the party-ready groove that livens up the tune like a set of interior string lights. Vega has been a drummer for years; the rhythm of "Cracks in the Pavement" showcases her attention to a beat. But her songwriting, and the way she centers mood so directly, makes this one a favourite for the for the patio, and even the bedroom, not just the living room. —Patrick Hosken

BTS ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “Butter”

Of the things that could not have been predicted in 2021, hearing “ahhh” in a K-pop song tops the list. In a surprise collaboration between two of today’s biggest artists,  Megan Thee Stallion joins BTS on a remix of the massive hit single, “Butter.” It’s a true remix, with Megan’s iconic verse arriving early in the song and her vocals incorporated throughout. However, the real highlight is the harmonized rap between the Houston rapper and rap line members Suga. BTS’s music choices continue to prove that music is truly universal and cannot be defined by border, colour, or language. May we all have a hot girl summer. —Sarina Bhutani

Alexander Nate: “Save This Dance for Me”
“Save This Dance for Me” is a dreamy, soulful track from Virginia-based R&B artist Alexander Nate. The singer’s latest release is a nostalgic love story that pairs smooth vocals with gorgeous visuals. The video features a young couple locked in a sensual interpretive dance meant to symbolize the ups and downs of a relationship. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment. “If it all fades away when we’re older, and you save one memory,” he sings. “Could you save this dance for me?” —Farah Zermane

Sunshine Boys club: “Like a God”

Over a swaggering beat and throbbing brass line, Sam Martin finds the confidence in himself to continue on with “Like a God,” the newest single from his pop outfit Sunshine Boys club. He knows when to dial up the acoustic guitar and when to give in to the echoes, as he lyrically examines changes in life, the voices through which we speak to ourselves, and the ever-present opportunity we have to make our lives better. “Why don’t you do it right now,” he sings, drawing out the last word into an irresistible chorus. —Carson Mlnarik
......and so on