The Ultimate Playlist: Every Song In The Chi Season 7 Episode 10 "Tha Block Is Hot" Soundtrack

The seventh season of The Chi, which premiered in May 2025 and concluded its run, delivered some of the most emotionally charged and musically rich episodes to date. The show’s commitment to showcasing the vibrant, complex Chicago music scene remained a cornerstone of its storytelling, and no episode exemplified this blend of drama and rhythm quite like the tenth installment, "Tha Block Is Hot," which aired in July 2025. This episode, centered around a critical community event, used its soundtrack to amplify the themes of hope, conflict, and community solidarity, featuring a curated mix of established and emerging R&B and hip-hop artists.

The music in "Tha Block Is Hot" was not just background noise; it was a character in itself, setting the tone for Emmett’s harsh realities, Pastor Zeke’s block party efforts, and the overall tension of the South Side neighborhood. From smooth R&B transitions to powerful hip-hop anthems, the soundtrack for this pivotal episode is a masterclass in modern music supervision, carefully selected to resonate with the show's core audience and elevate the dramatic stakes. Below is the definitive breakdown of every track that defined this unforgettable hour of television.

The Architect of Sound: Derryck "Big Tank" Thornton's Profile

The intricate and authentic soundscape of The Chi is largely the work of its veteran music supervisor, Derryck "Big Tank" Thornton. His role is crucial in ensuring the music reflects the authentic pulse of Chicago and the emotional beats of the narrative. Big Tank’s extensive career in film and television has made him one of the most respected names in the industry, specializing in curating soundtracks that blend mainstream appeal with underground authenticity.

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• Full Name: Derryck "Big Tank" Thornton
• Role on The Chi: Music Supervisor
• Key Collaborators: Works closely with series creator Lena Waithe and composer Wyclef Jean to define the show's musical identity.
• Career Highlights (Select Film & TV): *The Boondocks*, *My Wife and Kids*, *You Got Served*, *Power Book IV: Force*, and, of course, *The Chi*.
• Musical Philosophy: Big Tank is known for his dedication to spotlighting unsigned and independent artists, particularly those rooted in the Chicago hip-hop and R&B scenes, giving the show a fresh, unique, and hyper-local sound.
• Impact on The Chi: He is responsible for selecting all the songs heard in the background, underscore, and featured moments, ensuring the music complements the gritty, yet hopeful, urban drama of the series.

Every Track: The Complete Soundtrack List for S7 E10

Episode 10, titled "Tha Block Is Hot," focuses on a community block party—a perfect setting for a rich, vibrant soundtrack. The music selected for this episode underscores moments of celebration, reflection, and underlying threat, capturing the duality of life on the South Side. These tracks are the heartbeat of the episode, perfectly timed to the on-screen action.

Featured Songs and Artists

The following tracks were officially featured during key moments in "Tha Block Is Hot," providing the emotional and rhythmic backdrop for the episode's major plot developments:

• "Money Right" by Breana Marin feat. J-Doe: This track is a powerful R&B/Hip-Hop hybrid, likely used during a scene involving the hustle or a moment of financial reflection for one of the main characters, such as Emmett or Kevin. The collaboration between Breana Marin's soulful vocals and J-Doe's rap verse provides a dynamic, layered sound.
• "Best Thing to Do" by Brandon: A smoother, more reflective R&B track, this song was noted by fans for its emotional depth. It likely accompanied a quiet, intimate scene—perhaps a heart-to-heart between Kiesha and Jada, or a moment of contemplation for Jake or Papa.
• "The Pinnacle" by Tommy Nova: This track suggests a moment of triumph, high stakes, or a character reaching a critical point in their journey. Tommy Nova’s inclusion is a nod to the show's commitment to featuring rising talent that fits the urban landscape.
• "Victory" by Native: As the title suggests, this song likely played during a successful moment for the community or a personal win for a character, possibly toward the end of the block party sequence as a symbol of hope and resilience.
• "Get Low" (Artist Unknown/Unconfirmed): Mentioned as a track in the episode, this song is characteristic of the upbeat, party-ready hip-hop that would be featured prominently during the community block party thrown by Pastor Zeke. The specific artist remains a highly sought-after detail by fans online.

Thematic Resonance: Why The Music Matters in "Tha Block Is Hot"

The soundtrack of The Chi is more than just a playlist; it is a narrative tool that reinforces the show's central themes. "Tha Block Is Hot" is a title that immediately evokes the classic Chicago rap scene, yet the episode itself is a complex tapestry of drama and community effort. The music choices reflect this duality.

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Connecting to Chicago's Soul: Music Supervisor Big Tank (Derryck Thornton) consistently sources music that is deeply rooted in the Chicago hip-hop and R&B legacy. This ensures the sound is authentic to the setting, making the fictional South Side feel palpably real. The use of lesser-known or independent artists aligns with the show's mission to uplift and showcase talent from the city and the broader urban music scene, giving the show a unique edge over other network dramas.

Enhancing Emotional Impact: The selected songs amplify the emotional weight of each scene. For instance, a track like "Best Thing to Do" by Brandon provides a moment of tenderness amid the episode's high-tension narrative. Conversely, the more aggressive or upbeat hip-hop tracks underscore the energy and potential volatility of the block party setting, perfectly capturing the delicate balance between celebration and danger.

Topical Authority and Key Entities: The Season 7 soundtrack is a testament to the influence of key figures like creator Lena Waithe, who ensures the show remains a platform for Black artistry, and composer Wyclef Jean, whose original scoring provides a consistent, cinematic foundation for the music supervision. The seamless integration of their work with Big Tank’s curated selections creates a cohesive and memorable viewing experience for fans streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime.

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How to Stream and Discover More Music from The Chi Season 7

For dedicated fans looking to deep-dive into the entire musical journey of The Chi Season 7, there are several avenues to explore. The show has a strong digital presence, making it easy to track down the songs that define your favorite scenes.

• Official Playlists: The production team, often in collaboration with the network, maintains official The Chi Spotify playlists and Apple Music playlists. These resources are usually the first to be updated with the full tracklist following an episode's air date, making them the best source for a complete musical experience.
• Social Media Engagement: Following music supervisor Derryck "Big Tank" Thornton on social media is often the quickest way to get direct information about song placements and artist features, as he frequently interacts with fans asking "What's that song?"
• Episode Synopsis Clues: The official episode synopsis for "Tha Block Is Hot" mentions a block party and a harsh reality forcing Emmett to reevaluate his life. These plot points are key to understanding the context of the music—reflective R&B for Emmett's introspection, and upbeat hip-hop for the community event.

The music of The Chi Season 7, particularly the tracks in "Tha Block Is Hot," continues the series' tradition of providing a powerful and authentic voice to the South Side of Chicago. By featuring artists like Breana Marin, J-Doe, and Tommy Nova, the show not only enhances its narrative but also champions the next generation of urban music talent, solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone in modern television.