Singles file: Nicki Minaj, Crystal Castles, U.S. Royalty

Nicki Minaj gets violent with Eminem. (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

By Allison Stewart

A weekly playlist for the listener with a one-track mind...

Nicki Minaj featuring Eminem: "Roman's Revenge"

This riveting, gross and totally insane exercise in self-debasement (her) and reflexively violent misogyny (him) is the most provocative track off Minaj's upcoming "Pink Friday."

Crystal Castles and Robert Smith: "Not in Love" (GVNR mix)

GVNR adds muscle to last week's most-buzzed-about track, the '80s-tastic collabo between the Castles and the year's biggest "get" -- Cure frontman Smith.

U.S. Royalty: "Equestrian"

The District-based four-piece (which Esquire magazine recently dubbed the best-dressed band at CMJ, despite their fondness for ponchos) delivers a superbly folky, harmony-happy pop track, the first single from the full-length debut, "Mirrors."

Esben and the Witch: "Warpath"

Another exercise in sublimely spooky, Gothy electro from the recent Matador signees.

It'sTheReal: "My Girl's a Republican"

The rap-comedy outfit explores the pros and cons of having a right-wing girlfriend. Time elapsed before the inevitable "drill baby drill" reference? Almost three minutes.