for the love of music
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Young Thug and Cordae is certainly a pairing we didn't know we needed in 2021. Check out their new music video where the two trade bars in a dark fight club-esque setting. With the release of this new music video, Cordae announced that it would be the last thing he put out that wasn't going to be on his upcoming album. Do you think he can top 'The Lost Boy' with his sophomore project?
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By Miles Hagan
Young Thug’s brother Unfoonk was locked up until Thug called him one day and said he had a top lawyer for him and he was going to be coming home. In 2017 they had their first conversation and Unfoonk was home 2 years later. Before this he was facing a life sentence and had already served 11 years.
“Racks just to spend, you can tell by the way I grin
And I been Chrome Heartin’ it, fuck is a bargin?”
This adds to the laundry list of amazing feats Thugger has accomplished with his platform. Another one of his brothers was deaf and he sent him to surgery so he could hear again. He put his mother through treatment to take care of her cancer. He has shown time and time again that he values putting his people on and taking care of his family more than individual success. At this point there is a family tighter than the one Young Thug has created at YSL.
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By Luke Modugno
SLIME LANGUAGE HAS RETURNED. Young Thug and YSL have finally dropped the sequel to their 2018 tape, as they dropped “SLIME LANGUAGE 2” on Thursday night. The project features an absolutely stacked roster of guest performances from Drake, Travis Scott, Future, Kid Cudi, Lil Uzi Vert, Meek Mill, Gunna and Lil Baby.
Thug has been relatively quiet since dropping his hailed 2019 project “So Much Fun.” Since then, Thugger dropped a collaboration with Chris Brown titled “Slime & B.” At this point, we already know what to expect from Thug. Ear-catching, boundary-pushing, head-bopping trap music chalk full of exciting features that keep listeners coming back for more. “SLIME LANGUAGE 2” sees Thug teaming up with the top talent from his label YSL, as well as headliner names like Travis and Drake.
Thug has been teasing this project for a minute now, the album is sure to make some noise. Almost halfway through the year, is this your album of 2021 so far?
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As many of us remain isolated in our homes, resigned to living lives devoid of social interaction not involving our roommates or family members, it can feel difficult not to go a little bit stir-crazy. Whether you live totally alone, or if you came back home to help your parents only to be asked to sanitize every room of the house on a tri-weekly basis (yours truly), many of us have had to get creative when coping to this change of lifestyle. Luckily, some members of the Stereovision team decided to provide their favorite records for riding out the all the sheltering, social distancing, and quarantines that have quickly dominated our daily agendas. From recent releases to modern classics, we hope you give these records a listen.
Toro Y Moi - Anything In Return (2013)
“Speaking from my own perspective - I am so fucking anxious all the time, so naturally you can expect that the past month has not been the greatest time for me. In dire need of an outlet where I can allow myself the opportunity to *relax*, I find myself listening to this album almost constantly. Straight from the brain of one of the people who popularized the term ‘chillwave’, Toro Y Moi’s 2013 opus is packed with easily digestible indie-electronic tracks that can range from relaxing to plain fun.” -Carter Fife
Jay Electronica - A Written Testimony (2020)
“After patiently waiting many years, Jay Electronica fans rejoice now that his new album A Written Testimony has dropped. The timing of the release couldn’t have been better, considering his wisdom can provide us with a sense of clarity in this uncertain time. The best part is we all have more time now, allowing us to give he album the in-depth listen it deserves.” -Colson O’Connor
G Herbo - PTSD (2020)
“Most G Herbo projects are definitely an acquired taste for many listeners from outside his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. PTSD is slightly different. G Herbo's reflections in songs such as "Feelings" and "Intuition" are a clear indication that the rapper is transforming into a better artist and person. The most popular song named after the album features Chance the Rapper, Juice WRLD, and Lil Uzi Vert. Sitting at just around a month old, it is time to give PTSD a listen if you have not already. Check out a more in-depth review of the album here!” -Amaya Lorick
Mac Miller - Circles (2020)
Being stuck around the house all the time can put you through a lot of different moods. Mac Miller’s ingenious album Circles, consists of songs for every one of those moods. His slow-tempo, rainy day jams are perfect for staying sane at home during this crazy time.” -Colson O’Connor
Sevdaliza - Ison (2017)
“Dutch-Iranian songwriter & producer Sevdaliza delivers a dark, atmospheric, and lush blend of alternative R&B and trip-hop with her debut album Ison. Across the project’s exploration of love and what it means to be a woman in our modern world, she creates a landscape of stuttering drum loops, sinister chord progressions, and haunting vocal refrains that ultimately transcend into pure, unadulterated beauty. It’s one of my personal favorites of all time, and I would highly recommend listening to the tracklist in order, but if I had to pick and choose a few standout tracks, then “Hubris,” “Amandine Insensible,” “Hero,” and “Loves Way” would be a good place to start.” -Owen Tait
REASON - There You Have It (2018)
“Top Dawg Entertainment signee, REASON, is still early in his career but has already made a name for himself in his debut album There You Have It. The project opens with a skit, titled "Rufus Collection", and is followed by 11 vividly reflective songs. Before signing with TDE in August 2018, There You Have It was independently released in 2017. The remastered project's most popular song Better Dayz was well received by Ice Cube in a special segment posted by Genius. This album was a great introduction to where REASON came from and could possibly be key to understanding who he is as an artist.” -Amaya Lorick
Jai Paul - Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones) (2019)
“Originally leaked six years earlier by an anonymous user on Bandcamp, UK producer, singer, and songwriter Jai Paul officially released Leaked 04-13 (Bait Ones) to streaming services in 2019. The project is a collection of 16 demos Paul wrote prior to the album’s leak, but the quality of the music here wouldn’t indicate their unfinished nature in the slightest. Featuring slick vocal hooks and tons of wonky production tricks throughout, Bait Ones is a tight, feel-good alternative pop record that will be sure to keep your vibes up during social isolation. Check out tracks such as “Str8 Outta Mumbai” and “jasmine - demo” for a good taste of what this album has to offer.” -Owen Tait
Isaiah Rashad - The Sun’s Tirade (2016)
Isaiah Rashad has no problem having his fans wait for new music. This album from 2016 is what really put him on the map as the next one up out of TDE. The Sun’s Tirade is a showcase of emotional and self reflective raps, and the sounds on this range from jazzy instrumentation to more traditional trap. -Miles Hagan
Rich Gang - Tha Tour Pt. 1 (2014)
“Prior to the beef and bullshit, one duo reigned supreme, prolifically dropping music and poised to take over the rap game. In 2014, Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan might as well have been Andre 3000 and Big Boi the way they took the direction the sound was heading and forced it to turn on a dime, changing the course of hip-hop history in the process. The duo resembled Outkast in more ways than the influence though. Rich Homie Quan acted as the Big Boi to Thugger’s three stacks by anchoring the young superstar and providing constancy, allowing him to develop into one of the all-time great he was born to be. In addition, there are few tapes that show such palpable influence to today’s specific pop rap sound, just listen to “I Know It” once and tell me you don’t hear DaBaby, Gunna, and Lil Baby. Tha Tour 1 is one of the most important mixtapes of this generation and is absolutely as slimy as it gets.” - Spencer Lobdell
The Internet - Ego Death (2015)
“Lead by Odd Future vocalist Syd and assisted by artists such as Steve Lacy and Kaytranada, The Internet’s Ego Death is a fresh, charismatic fusion of R&B and neo-soul that will ease the pressure of being cooped up at home. Boasting plenty of groovy bass lines and jazz-inspired percussion, this project is simply hypnotic, a quality that is certainly aided by Syd’s infectious refrains and melodies. The standout tracks on this record include—but are not limited to—“Go With It,” “Under Control,” and ‘Special Affair.’ ” -Owen Tait
Grimes - Art Angels (2015)
“You might be thinking: What if being too relaxed is my biggest problem right now, and what if I am struggling to feel something underneath the weight of perpetual isolation’s monotony? Look no further - Art Angels is so off-the-walls and high-octane that one listen will have you sprinting around your home screaming “B-E-H-A-V-E, arrest us!” into your hairbrush. At just under 50 minutes long, it will provide you with the perfect daily workout, forgetting you are confined to your home in the first place” -Carter Fife
Action Bronson - Mr. Wonderful (2015)
In a time where our scenery may get a bit repetitive music is a way for us to still paint vivid pictures. Few are better at this than Action, who delivers slick verses over incredible and unique production. There are several standout singles from this project that still impress me till this day. -Miles Hagan
EARTHGANG - Torba (2015)
“Throw it back to 2015 in quarantine and listen to EARTHGANG’s EP “Torba”. Every track is named after each day of the week, and each cut perfectly depicts the vibe of each day. The beats on this album have such a unique bounce, and EARTHGANG comes in with a crazy flow that do the beats justice. There also happen to be smooth features from artists Mac Miller and JID that add to the greatness of this EP.” -Colson O’Connor
NxWorries - Yes Lawd! (2016)
“In 2016, NxWorries (Duo made up of singer/rapper Anderson .Paak & producer Knxledge) released their only project ever titled Yes Lawd! While Anderson .Paak music is always excellent, Knxledge’s production brought greatness out of the artist and led to him creating his best music ever. The album is one of the more cohesive hip-hop projects I’ve ever heard showcasing a similar chill vibe and cool energy that never gets old on most tracks. I don’t know if it’s Paak’s cutting vocal inflections, ultra-dynamic singing voice, or the introspective ways he writes about love, but something about his performance on this record is very special to me, solidifying Yes Lawd! as a personal top five record of all time.” - Spencer
KAYTRANADA - 99.9% (2016)
Production allows the imagination to wander. 99.9% is one of the best albums we have received from a producer in a while. Not only does he offer stellar beats from start to finish, but the list of guest features is to notch. Its upbeat tone and wild creativity draw you in from the moment you press play, and make it hard to press pause for the next hour. -Miles Hagan
Dom Kennedy - Los Angeles Is Not for Sale, Vol. 1 (2016)
“While LA native Dom Kennedy has made some great music over the course of his career, nothing comes close to his magnum opus, Los Angeles Is Not for Sale, Vol. 1. Nobody does relaxed west coast gangsta rap like Kennedy and he is in full force throughout this entire project. On this record, Dom combines a sharp pen with a laid back SoCal delivery resulting in an hour of addicting bops to hotbox your mom’s car to.” -Spencer Lobdell
Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment - Surf (2015)
“Back in 2015, Chance the Rapper, Nico Segal (formerly known as Donnie Trumpet, and their band partnered with Apple Music to release Surf for free! It's leading single "Sunday Candy" will get you in the mood to do something productive and spread love from afar. The 16-song project has features including Big Sean, J. Cole, and Quavo but these artists were purposely left unlisted. If you have not already listened to Surf, I challenge you to allow yourself to be surprised by all of its guest appearances.” -Amaya Lorick
Baby Keem - DIE FOR MY BITCH (2019)
“I really do not have too much to say about this one. Is it too late to call it a deep-cut at this point? It doesn’t matter. Fans of outrageous rap and stellar production link up and join the Baby Keem fandom before the hype-train leaves the station. Keem’s irresistibly catchy hooks on tracks like ‘BULLIES’ and ‘TOP RAMEN’ will make you an instant fan, and the possibility of an upcoming collaboration with Kendrick might give you something to look forward to this year. Whether or not you’re already a fan, it is never too early - or too late - to enjoy this record.” -Carter Fife
We hope these records help lift your spirits in such an uncertain time. Stay safe out there, and be sure to let us know what you’ve been listening to over the past few weeks.
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Welcome to StereoVision’s top 25 hip-hop/r&b albums of 2019. The past twelve months have been filled with highly anticipated releases that exceeded expectations, debut albums that catapulted unknown artists into stardom, and experimental projects that pushed boundaries and continued to move us towards a world where music can no longer be described by genre. With so much great music constantly being released, it can be hard to keep up and sometimes exceptional albums go overlooked. That’s where we come in. Over the last two weeks on 2019, our team of writers and critic here at StereoVision have been revisiting 2019’s deep discography and making sure that our readers won’t enter the new decade having missed out on one of the best projects of the year. For each album selected in our year-end list, our team selected three standout tracks from the record which were compiled into a playlist which you can find here:
Listen along as you read and get a taste of any project you might have not tapped into in 2019. Now without further ado, the top 25 hip-hop/r&b projects of 2019:
Release Date: December 6th
Record Label: Atlantic Records
At the beginning of December, LA’s golden child released his debut album Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial and solidified his spot as one of the top emerging emcees rapping. After dropping potentially the song of the year in “Ballin” with DJ Mustard, Roddy Ricch continued to ride his momentum into his first real album creating a project that is packed with hits without ever sacrificing cohesion or the flow. The album clearly showcases everything fans love about Roddy: His vivid story telling that instantly transports listeners to South Central Los Angeles upon pressing play (“Intro”), his ear for hit melodies and cool California vernacular (“The Box”), and his piercing singing voice that always flexes perfect pitch (“High Fashion”). The cherry on top of this excellent offering is masterfully crafted transitions that allow each song to seamlessly flow into the next making the entire album feel complete. Omitting only Baby Keem, there is no new artist I’m more excited to hear music from in 2020 than Roddy Ricch. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
The Box
High Fashion (Feat. Mustard)
Bacc Seat (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
Release Date: May 15th
Record Label: Independent
This spring, Kota the friend dropped the incredibly bright FOTO, an instant classic for his cult following and a wholesome introduction to the New York rapper to new listeners. Throughout the album’s hour long run time, Kota uses each song as a different memory painting an authentic self portrait and helping us understand who Kota the Friend truly is. This intimate connection he is able to make with listeners is undoubtably why the rising artist has such a dedicated fan base and why his stock continues to rise everyday. On FOTO Kota accomplishes exactly what he set out to achieve. He paints a picture of his life so vivid that I felt like I was there when Kota’s mom and his aunt Marcell saw their father at the dance studio for the first time in years. Kota beautifully creates a photo album that he can go back to and reference while still keeping the quality of his music and its mainstream appeal at an all-time high. Thank you to Kota The Friend for a summer soundtrack that I predict will still be getting played in years to come. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Songs:
Church
Hollywood
Alkaline
Release Date: January 18th
Record Label: Carpark Records
Within the first few weeks of 2019, fans of Toro Y Moi were blessed with a new album from Chaz Bear himself. During the promotion for Outer Peace, Bear frequently mentioned how he was tired of making sad love songs, and on Outer Peace there is a clear shift from the pensive sadness of 2017’s Boo Boo into a emotional range that while being fun and optimistic, still has its moments of melancholy and doubt. At 10 tracks long, the Bay-Area native provides his fans with a diverse family of tracks, some low-fi and melodic like “New House” or “Monte Carlo” featuring Wet, others infectiously catchy and uplifting like “Freelance” and “Who Am I”. This was my favorite record of the year, and I have found myself revisiting these tracks almost constantly. The record is perfect for every occasion, so don’t be afraid to throw this on next time you get aux. You won’t regret it. -Carter Fife
Favorite Tracks:
Law of the Universe
New House
Monte Carlo (Feat. Wet)
Release Date: March 1st
Record Label: Def Jam Records
Completely A&Red by LeBron James, Rap or Go to the League is a triumphant comeback for our favorite trapper, 2 Chainz. The album is conceptual and frequently draws parallels between rap and basketball while diving deeper into the troubling idea that the two occupations are two of the only viable options for underprivileged blacks to succeed in America. Chainz uses a polished pen to do so and flexes some of his most impressive verses since his come up on this project. With help from an impressive feature list including Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Ariana Grande, Lil Wayne, E-40, Chance the Rapper, and many others, it should come as no surprise that Rap or Go to the League secured a spot on our list. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
Money In The Way
Momma I Hit a Lick (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)
I’m Not Crazy, Life Is (Feat. Chance The Rapper & Kodak Black)
Release Date: June 28th
Record Label: Interscope Records
LA producer Mustard, formerly known as DJ Mustard, gave us everything we wanted and more in his third studio album Perfect 10. Aside from many features from hot artists like Roddy Ricch, Migos, and Nipsey Hussle, Mustard killed the execution on the production side. It is chock-full of anthems and there is so much bounce throughout the whole project that it’s almost impossible to sit still while bumping the album. His #1 song off of the album, “Ballin”, is now grammy nominated for best rap/sung performance. This turned out to be both Mustard and Roddy Ricch’s first ever grammy nomination, and it was definitely well-deserved. -Colson O’Connor
Favorite Tracks:
Baguettes in the Face (Feat. NAV, Playboi Carti, & A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie)
Ballin’ (Feat. Roddy Ricch)
Perfect Ten (Feat. Nipsey Hussle)
Release Date: May 17th
Record Label: 300 Entertainment
Megan Thee Stallion is the “it girl” of 2019. This summer, Megan blew up with her mixtape Fever, released in May. Fever was the perfect project to kick off the summer, with Megan trading in her Tina Snow persona for a new one she deemed “Hot Girl Meg.” Hot Girl Meg was what she called a “college party girl,” and was the embodiment of sex appeal, independence, and a carefree attitude. On Fever, Megan showed her range in being able to rap about anything from sensual lovemaking to robbing a man of everything he is worth. Truly an inspiration for the girls. -Kaila Cherry
Favorite Tracks:
Cash Shit (Feat. DaBaby)
Best You Ever Had
Simon Says (Feat. Juicy J)
Release Date: June 21st
Record Label: Interscope Records
The return of famed rapper/producer Pi’erre Bourne has been long awaited. Since wrapping up 2018 with his collaborative record with fellow producer Cardo, many have been anxiously awaiting the fourth installment in the ‘The Life of Pi’erre’ saga. When the album finally dropped in June 2019, fans were not disappointed. TLOP 4 is a rollercoaster through contemporary hip-hop from the eyes of the man who has helped shape it. From forming the careers of artists like Young Nudy, Playboi Carti, and 6ix9ine, Pi’erre Bourne’s influence and expertise in modern hip-hop/trap synthesis cannot be understated. On his newest record Pi’erre constantly flexes his production skills and his songwriting abilities, delivering heartfelt and saccharine tracks like “Ballad” and “Racer” in one moment, and fast-paced bangers like “Routine” and “Speed Dial” the next. Each track is dense with expert engineering skills and tactics, while still being accessible enough to appeal to hip-hop fans both old and new. -Carter Fife
Favorite Tracks:
Poof
Routine
Speed Dial
Release Date: March 1st
Record Label: Interscope Records
DaBaby shows the world that short men do in fact have rights with his infectious breakthrough project Baby on Baby which was the beginning of a dominant 2019 for the Charlotte newcomer. DaBaby does not take himself too seriously in his music or his visual aesthetic. His music videos are completely kitschy and absurd. He has posed as figures such as Scarface and Suge Knight, and even filmed a video that parodied sitcom television. DaBaby’s bars are hilarious and clever. But do not get it twisted: He is not one to mess with. He is tough as hell, and, as he spits in the track “Suge,” if given any disrespect he will “... beat your ass up all in front of your partners and children.” Baby on Baby is a refreshing project that is funny, surprisingly crude, and full of dope bangers prime for all your summer antics. —Kaila Cherry
Favorite Tracks:
Suge
Pony
Carpet Burn
Release Date: January 18th
Record Label: Polydor Records
Ominous, hypnotic, and ultimately gorgeous, James Blake blends his signature downtempo sound with elements of rap and trip-hop on Assume Form. Blake’s vocal melodies soar over the album’s minimalist production, and the instrumentals show just how much he can make out of so little. Moments such as the climactic ending to “Barefoot in the Park” and James’ vocal cracks in “I’ll Come Too” are enough to conjure emotions on their own, and his candid lyrics only make these segments more potent. His arrangements are simply beautiful—even experimental at times—and the result is an extremely cohesive blend of alternative music and hip-hop. -Owen Tait
Favorite Tracks:
Mile High (Feat. Travis Scott & Metro Boomin)
Where’s the Catch (Feat. André 3000)
Don’t Miss It
Release Date: January 25th
Record Label: Interscope Records
Compton MC Boogie made some major waves in 2018 when he received a huge Eminem cosign and an actual record deal from Shady Records. In January, the young rapper returned with his Shady Records debut Everythings For Sale and it did not disappoint. Over the 40-minute run time, Boogies honestly reflects on a broken relationship, new fame, and his current day to day life. Throughout the tape Boogie proves why Pitchfork called him one of the best young emcees in the country. The tape is exceptionally cohesive and if you immerse yourself in Boogie’s world and experiences you should find that 40-minutes will feel more like 20. Boogie’s lyricism is a perfect mix of cool California dialect and witty lines that emphasize his smart and reflective themes. He gives us up-beat bangers like the JID assisted “Soho” as well as introspective reflections like “Lolsmh” or “Whose Fault”. This album is complete, thought-provoking, and one of the best releases of the year. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
Silent Ride
Soho (Feat. JID)
Live 95
Release Date: April 26th
Record Label: Interscope Records
From a rap standpoint, Schoolboy Q has everything. Critical acclaim came to him with the Blank Face LP. He is a member of arguable the most respects collective in hip-hop in TDE. Yet his life outside of music has not been a walk in the park. On CrasH Talk Q looks at himself as a man and takes a step back to evaluate his own life and the people around him. This is the most relatable he has every sounded on any project. He does stay true to his hardened exterior on excellent cuts like “Numb Numb Juice”, on which he sound cut throat and motivated from the start. While this was the single released from the album, what is a more accurate representation of what makes CrasH Talk so quality is a song like “Black Folk”. Schoolboy strips away all ego and is just a man with many doubts and fears which he articulates over the ominous production in the background. This is what people want from artists when they release projects, not more of the same. This is an honest picture that Schoolboy painted for us of his life right now, he isn't a gangster or famous rapper, but a person just like you or me with doubts about himself, his carrer, and the world around him. While it may seem like a melancholy collection of music, Q finds a way to communicate these feelings in an interesting way and still come the conclusion that no person to ever walk this Earth is immune to what he, and a lot of us, are going through and that is perfectly okay. -Miles Hagan
Favorite Tracks:
Drunk (Feat. 6LACK)
Black Folk
Dangerous (Feat. Kid Cudi)
Release Date: May 24th
Record Label: Warp Records
Very few names carry the weight that Flying Lotus’s does in music. A mysterious prodigy who masterfully meanders through genres like electronic, experimental, R&B, jazz, funk, and hip-hop, Lotus returns from a long hiatus to deliver ‘Flamagra’, a 27-track record that spends approximately an hour showcasing Lotus’s musical prowess. It is impossible to sum up this album in just one paragraph, but listening to this album is an experience very akin to Alice’s trip through Wonderland. While some tracks may not last as long as one might wish, they each leave lasting impressions that resonate within long after Flying Lotus transitions to another musical ideas. Featuring help from artists like Thundercat, Toro Y Moi, Solange, David Lynch, Denzel Curry, and Anderson .Paak (just to name a few), Flamagra was certainly worth the wait. -Carter Fife
Favorite Tracks:
Post Requisite
More (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
Land of Honey (Feat. Solange)
Release Date: July 26th
Record Label: Atlantic Records
Although he is only 22 years old, YBN Cordae managed to get two Grammy nominations on his debut studio album The Lost Boy: one for best rap album and the other for best rap song. YBN Cordae seemingly came out of nowhere and took the world by storm. He released his album in July and is already touring internationally with hundreds of thousands of fans screaming his lyrics. Cordae brings an original sound and flow to the table that is undeniably smooth. When you take that and pair it up with a couple features from incredibly successful artists such as Anderson .Paak and Chance the Rapper, it’s a no-brainer he was grammy nominated twice. The best part is, he is only just getting started, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for him in 2020. -Colson O’Connor
Favorite Tracks:
RNP (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
Broke As Fuck
We Gon Make It (Feat. Meek Mill)
Release Date: July 5th
Record Label: Interscope Records
This year J. Cole and the rest of his Dreamville team set out to create a rap album unlike anything we’ve seen before. With fear of regret not working with more artists in his career, Cole decided to host a 10-day rap camp. Golden ticket-like invites were sent out to over 100 artists and producers from all over the music genre spectrum. Not only was it the diversity of the artists that was so important, but the blend of popular and low-key artists is what made the project so special. It gave smaller artists a chance to finally get some recognition for their outstanding talent. A documentary was released along with the album, and it truly painted the picture of the competition that was created among themselves. In a situation like this, you don’t get put on the album by being passive. You gotta come with the heat and you must make the most of your opportunities as only the top songs will make the cut. This created a friendly and competitive energy, and they would feed off of each other to push themselves to bring out their best work. When discussing the top rap album of 2019, Revenge of the Dreamers III must be in the conversation. -Colson O’Connor
Favorite Tracks:
Under the Sun (Feat. J. Cole, Lute, & DaBaby)
Down Bad (Feat. JID, Bas, J. Cole, EARTHGANG, & Young Nudy)
Sacrifices (Feat. EARTHGANG, J. Cole, Smino, & Saba)
Release Date: July 12th
Record Label: Domino Recording Company
Following the release of his fourth studio album Negro Swan in 2018, Blood Orange kept the up his momentuem with the drop of his mixtape Angel’s Pulse i n July. Blood Orange is an incredibly multifaceted artist who, over the course of his decades long music career has created rock tracks, funk, R&B, indie pop, and even dabbled in a bit of hip hop and rap. Angel’s Pulse is nothing short of these influences with Blood Orange traversing through different musical styles and genres effortlessly throughout the course of the project. With his wonderfully smooth and funky production style coupled with his immaculate lyricism, Angel’s Pulse was undoubtedly one of the most refreshing and artistic projects of the year. -Kaila Cherry
Favorite Tracks:
Dark & Handsome (Feat. Toro y Moi)
Benzo
Tuesday Feeling (Choose to Stay) (Feat. Tinashe)
Release Date: September 13th
Record Label: EQT Recordings
Rapper & experimental producer JPEGMAFIA follows up his captivatingly chaotic Veteran with an equally unpredictable and glitchy trip on All My Heroes Are Cornballs. Opting to incorporate sung hooks and melodic verses, JPEG’s delivery is more dynamic than ever, and the plunky synths and heavy chords he casts across the record compliment his characteristically unhinged drum patterns extremely well. Despite this instrumental shift in tone, JPEG’s lyrics are as aggressive and self-aware as ever, and he evens manages to shout his way through verses on tracks such as “PRONE!” and “Kenan Vs. Kel.” Overall, the album displays a larger range of what JPEGMAFIA is musically capable of, all while remaining compact, cryptic, and undeniably awesome. -Owen Tait
Favorite Tracks:
Kenan Vs. Kel
All My Heroes Are Cornballs
Thot Tactics
Release Date: May 31st
Record Label: Loma Vista Recordings
Coming off his most conceptual album to date (TA13OO), many wondered what direction Denzel would head next. The answer to that was obvious to Curry: he would go home. With ZUU, Denzel tastefully simplified his music showing us that sometimes the obvious answer can be the best answer with proper execution. ZUU is a short album with no skippable tracks. It’s abrasive and in-your-face without being inaccessible for less intense fans thanks to cuts like “WISH” and “SHAKE 88”. Songs like “BIRDZ”, “AUTOMATIC”, and “RICKY” provide long term Denzel fans with his unmatched flow and clever lyricism that they have grown to expect. All-in-all, Denzel made an excellent career decision and the result is a Miami masterpiece. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
WISH (Feat. Kiddo Marv)
SPEEDBOAT
CAROLMART (Feat. Ice Billion Berg)
Release Date: June 28th
Record Label: RCA Records
If it’s bars you’re looking for, look no further. Backed by lush, opulent instrumentals from legendary hip-hop producer Madlib, Freddie Gibbs flows effortlessly throughout the vast majority of Bandana’s runtime. The midwestern rapper tackles his past, his success, his wrongdoings, and an array of sociopolitical issues that truly allow his lyrical & storytelling abilities to shine. And while Gibbs is certainly capable of manning an album by himself, he is more than happy to add excellent features from his A-list friends, with Pusha T even turning in Complex’s “Rap Verse of the Year” on the sixth cut “Palmolive”. The power behind Gibbs’ words and his technical abilities were enough to make the album continue to grow on me throughout the year, and standout features from Gibbs’ colleagues solidified the project’s spot on my list. -Owen Tait
Favorite Tracks:
Palmolive (Feat. Pusha T & Killer Mike)
Flat Tummy Tea
Giannis (Feat. Anderson .Paak)
Release Date: September 6th
Record Label: Interscope Records
BREAKOUT ALBUM! That is the only way that Mirrorland can and should be described. Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot put the rap game on notice that they are a force to be reckoned with and maybe the best duo in rap right now. Mirrorland sounds exactly like them, and it is incredible to see these young artists make their major label debut and not compromise. Instead they use it to get a host of guest features that simply lift the album to a completely different level. Young Thug on “Proud of U” brings an energy that perfectly matches EARTHGANG, and it seems like the three Atlanta rappers have been spitting together for years. As the album slows down the group calls upon Kehlani to deliver a seductive smooth verse on “Trippin”. Mirrorland perfectly displays the versatility of the group. The first half of the project gives audiences the energy and flows that caught the attention of people early on in their careers, but the second half where they slow their storytelling ability and emotion makes the project so great. They should get praise for getting T-Pain to deliver on of his best contributions to a song in a very long time. It all come to a fitting conclusion on “Wings”, where the boys reflect on where they came from and where they want to go. If Mirrorland is any indication, they have a very bright future. -Miles Hagan
Favorite Tracks:
Tequila (Feat. T-Pain)
Trippin (Feat. Kehlani)
Wings
Release Date: July 19th
Record Label: Independent
If you tapped into Baby Keem’s Die For My Bitch in 2019 you witnessed history. On my personal favorite album of the year, fans witnessed an artist with an unmatched ceiling come into his own and deliver his first excellent body of work. The LA artist showed significant growth since his last project highlighting his aggressive rise to inevitable stardom. The tape sacrifices unity and cohesion to instead display Keem’s wide variety of sounds and styles that he is proficient in, a great decision for an upcoming rapper looking to catch the attention of unfamiliar fans. While “ORANGE SODA” was one of the most fun hip-hop moments of the year and introduced the world to Keem’s sharp flow and one-of-a-kind vocabulary, some fans might not have realized that Keem’s entire album is equally as captivating and entertaining. All the claims I made throughout 2019 saying that Keem was a superstar were confirmed in November when I went to his show in Los Angeles and was treated with one of the most electric live performances I’ve ever been to. There’s a reason that A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar were spotted at his shows on the Die For My Bitch tour. There’s a reason he was photographed having lunch with Jay-Z this past winter. There’s a reason that Drake called Die For My Bitch the best album of 2019 along with Young Thug’s So Much Fun. On the second track “Honest” the LA artist raps “Baby Keem, shit I’m chosen” and after one listen through Die For My Bitch, it’s hard not to believe him. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
ROCKSTAR P
ORANGE SODA
APOLOGIZE
Release Date: March 1st
Record Label: Columbia Records
Solange Knowles’ radical album When I Get Home is easily the most artistic project of the year. When I Get Home is not easy to explain, to start, what exactly is the genre? Is it hip-hop, as suggested by features with prominent rap artists Playboi Carti and Gucci Mane? Is it soul? R&B? Further, what is the “home” that Solange is referring to? Is this place literal or figurative? Solange manages to answer all of these questions throughout the course of the album. When I Get Home is an iconographic representation of the black experience in the most celebratory sense. Solange embraces her black womanhood and embraces Houston, Texas. The project radiates warmth and familiarity. It creates a home within itself. When I Get Home is wholly inviting, sonically stunning, and lyrically beautiful album that I cannot help but come back to when I am in need of empathy, of comfort, of a place to call home. -Kaila Cherry
Favorite Tracks:
Almeda (Feat. Playboi Carti)
My Skin My Logo (Feat. Gucci Mane)
Binz
Release Date: December 13th
Record Label: RCA Records
It has been over three long years since the Montreal prodigy Kaytranada released his debut LP 99.9%, a funk-laden electronic record complete with over a dozen guest appearances (including names like hip-hop favorite Anderson .Paak and jazz legend Karriem Riggins). BUBBA, Kaytranada’s recently released sophomore album, is another example of masterful and intentional dance/hip-hop/funk synthesis. On tracks like “10%” with Kali Uchis and “Grey Area” with Mick Jenkins, fans are treated to a signature style of electronic that urges the listeners to lean forward, and lay back simultaneously. Not every track is played safety to Kaytranada’s strong suits however, as certain dancehall-inspired tracks like “Go Dj” and “Vex Oh” show signs of risk-taking that pays off as the record becomes more familiar. It was a long wait for BUBBA, but after hearing Kaytranada collaborate with industry heavyweights like Tinashe and Pharrell, it is safe to say that fans will be satiated for a while. -Carter Fife
Favorite Tracks:
2 The Music (Feat. Iman Omari)
Puff Lah
The Worst In Me (Feat. Tinashe)
Release Date: April 11th
Record Label: Interscope Records
Anderson .Paak’s Ventura showcases everything we love about the soulful California native. Said to be a counter-part to his prior album Oxnard which was released five months earlier, Ventura showcases Paak in his ideal environment being authentically himself. It is musically unmatched and conceptually rich. It’s both sexy (“Jet Black”) and politically charged (“King James”) but always in moderation to keep it tasteful. Ventura is an album that proved it’s enduring replay value by getting better everyday since it’s release in early April. With Ventura Anderson truly created timeless music as I foresee songs like “Make It Better” and “What Can We Do” staying in my musical rotation until I can no longer hear. Well we all would like to be, no one is quite as smooth as .Paak. -Spencer Lobdell
Favorite Tracks:
Make It Better (Feat. Smokey Robinson)
King James
Jet Black (Feat. Brandy)
Release Date: August 16th
Record Label: Atlantic Records
Does Young Thug Speak English? I think he answered that question with 2018’s Slime Language. The album title speaks for itself. So much of what makes So Much Fun great can really be seen through the way Thugger has talked about the project both before and after the release. There is no concept, no real goal or take-away, rather it is just Thug having a good time making music that will make his fans have a good time listening to. What we received was once again a version of the Atlanta rapper we were not accustomed to. “What’s the Move” and “Hop off a Jet” have a crisp beautiful island sound of production that captures the listener's ear instantly. The features across the board do not disappoint and help carry the project. So Much Fun also features what may be one of the most popular songs this year with “Hot” and its remix. Thug’s protegé, Gunna, shines on this effort and his verse on “Diamonds”on the deluxe version of the album needs to be talked about. What can really be taken away from this album is how it fits into the landscape of 2019. Hip-Hop has lost a lot of great talent recently because of the drug culture that artists like Young Thug and Future were a large part of creating. Thugger seems to be moving away from those narratives, or at least doing his best. There is a way to be this same well respects talented performer without the use of such detrimental lyrics, and its seems like Thug may have caught on to that. So Much Fun is a breath of fresh air, with an artist at the peak of his powers creating a vibe of positivity. -Miles Hagan
Favorite Tracks:
Hot (Feat. Gunna)
What’s The Move (Feat. Lil Uzi Vert)
Big Tipper (Feat. Lil Keed)
Release Date: May 17th
Record Label: Columbia Records
In a time where it feels like so many creatives are doing things for popularity or to be the next big meme, an artist who goes against expectations to make a beautiful piece of art that is entirely authentic is invaluable. This is exactly the feat Tyler, the Creator accomplishes on IGOR. This project comes on the heels of his most successful mainstream record yet, Flower Boy. Expectations were high and everyone was wondering what was next for the 28 year old rapper. If Flower Boy was his most honest album, on IGOR he tells the best story. The entire album plays like a movie not navigated by lyrics, but by stellar productions. Songs like “I THINK” and “RUNNING OUT OF TIME” are so incredible because they capture the feeling of falling for someone despite your best efforts almost entirely through the way the track sounds. Throughout, it seems Tyler’s character IGOR is trying to find out what is next the same way we all are and it is beautiful. Tyler still has tracks where he flexes his skills as an emcee. “A BOY IS A GUN” has bars from front to back, but he never overstays his welcome. Gone are the days of him trying to shock the world with every bar that comes out his mouth, now he is focused and precise with everything that he touches. That is what makes IGOR album of the year. There is nothing else that came out this year that sounds anything like it, and Tyler is an artist that is still hungry to get better, and that deserves to be celebrated. -Miles Hagan
Favorite Tracks:
EARFQUAKE
A BOY IS A GUN*
ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?
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Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior. To stay up to date on all new music, follow our playlist “Hot 30” on Apple Music and Spotify. “Hot 30” is updated daily to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:
A playlist updated weekly by team members at StereoVision with the hottest new rap and hip-hop music. Always 30 songs with the hottest tracks at the top.
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Last Friday, Young Thug dropped his new album So Much Fun and after one listen I was ready to call it album of the year. There are about eight songs off So Much Fun that could’ve made today’s Songs of the Week but really there was no choice. “What’s The Move” features Philadelphia superstar Lil Uzi Vert and is one of the most fun songs released this year. In large thanks to producer BL$$D the two emcee’s sounds like they are running around a lush jungle swinging from trees and rapping about their exuberant wealth. This song is timeless and when we reflect on it ten years from now we'll see it for what it truly is, two of the most influential and creative artists of our generation at their very best.
“Drip, drip, no shoestring my sneaker, won’t trip
My jeans is so tight they don’t fit
Still walk around with a stick on my hip
VVS diamonds right behind my lip”
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Bay Area rapper Nef The Pharaoh continued his annual release pattern this week with his new album Mushrooms & Coloring Books dropping on Friday. The sixth song on the album “Lethal Weapon” is an obvious standout and features fellow Vallejo rapper and member of SOB x RBE, Slimmy B. The two bay rappers go back and forth, normally 4 bars at a time, boasting an impressive display of chemistry and wordplay. The funky yet relaxing DTB instrumental creates a perfect climate for the two rappers to absolutely snap and the result is an extremely unique cut that is one of my favorite songs to drop in August.
“I’ma serve the kickback when the Glock click-clack
The dody in my sack awake God from a nap
If it ain’t one in the head, why you ride with the strap?
Started bettin’ on the race, I was tired of running laps”
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A$AP Ferg has always been able to effortlessly craft addicting hooks and on his new project Floor Seats Ferg shows no deviation from his previous strength. The most clear example of this would be the project’s second song, “Jet Lag”. On the high-energy bop, Ferg raps about his expensive lifestyle while frequently alluding to his previous hits through clever bars. On “Jet Lag” Ferg also defends his position as one of the game’s best ad-libbers by hitting the end of every bar with one of his patented sounds.
“Made a lot of millions off a plain Jane
Pen and Billy on the track, we do the same thing
Rose gold, pink diamonds in my ring-ring
Got a bitch from Crenshaw and she gang bang”
Thanks for reading, check back in next week for three new songs of the week. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter to get notified when we post:
Since 2013, RJMrLA has been on the fringe of the LA rap scene that birthed artists like Kendrick Lamar, YG, Nipsey Hussle, and many many others. The Los Angeles spitter has flirted with stardom multiple times without ever being able to smash through the wall of mediocracy to capture a smash hit. Due to his reputation in LA, his personal relationships with artists like Mustard, Ty Dolla $ign, and YG, and his innate ability to rap, RJMrLA has maintained relevance in Los Angeles for years. With a string of impressive singles, 2019 is starting to look like the year RJ might finally break out of The City Of Angels and infect the rest of the country with his cool SoCal swagger.
Stream "Apartment": https://EMPIRE.lnk.to/ApartmentYo Official Video by RJmrLA - Apartment (Official Video) © 2019 OMMIO LLC / EMPIRE
The rollout for RJ’s new album On God began in early June with the single “Apartment”, his first release since his 2017 Mustard collab, The Ghetto. Two weeks later he followed up the release with his smooth single “Rat Race”. With his momentum at an all-time high, the LA artist dropped the Young Thug assisted single “Time” which was received warmly and secured some major playlist placements.
On August 9th, 2019, RJMrLA independently released his album On God. The 20-track album runs for just under an hour and boasts features from Young Thug, ScHoolboy Q, Snoop Dogg, Rich The Kid, and many other A-List artists.
The album opens with an anecdote from RJ where he explains that the phrase “On God” can basically be defined as a step up from the truth. After the first 20 seconds of this album it’s obvious that unquestionable authenticity is a clear theme that RJ wants to portray on this new album. The LA rapper introduces himself on the intro (which hosts the same name as the album) by giving new fans a glimpse into his life and his personal philosophy.
“On One” is the third song on the album and is undeniably smooth and entertaining. The hook is infectious and gives us our first look at RJ’s dangerously contagious defiance as he continuously repeats “I jumped out the bed on one.” ScHoolboy Q continues his hot streak on this track providing us with an excellent collab that I had no idea I even wanted.
No momentum from “On One” is lost as the album quickly flows into the lead single, “Time”, which features Young Thug. “Time” fits perfectly into RJ’s discography with a DJ Swish instrumental that screams West Coast and one of his classic melodic hooks. The chorus in this song is equal parts motivational and honest as RJ raps about how he has no time to waste because he is a visionary, hard worker, and a man of action. This lack of time isn’t all good though, as he lets it be known that it hinders his relationship with his family even though they are the ones he’s working for. I couldn’t help but think of Jamie (Ghost) St. Patrick from Star’s TV show Power when listening to this conflicting hook.
The sixth song on the project is called “Rat Race” and was the second pre-release from On God. “Rat Race” is one of the slickest songs I’ve heard in 2019 and is soaked in suave swagger. This song could make me feel like a big baller when I have eleven dollars in my bank account and that’s all you can ever ask of a track.
The next six songs are all good, but seem to blend together. There are clever quotables scattered throughout all six tracks but at the end of the day, I find them ultimately forgettable.
The album picks back up with one of it’s strongest tracks, “No Face, No Case”. RJ snaps on the first verse and showcases some of the best rapping we’ve ever heard from him. The song is a badass story about RJ hitting licks and getting away with them. There is something so satisfying about hearing the west coast rapper yell at agents over the phone and tell them to “call my laywerrrrrr.”
One of the albums greatest strengths is it’s genius sequencing and the transition from “No Face, No Case” to “Randel Cunningham” is one of the best examples. Where “No Face, No Case” is about hitting the lick and getting away with it, “Randel Cunningham” is about the rest of his years ducking cops and how his criminal record only adds to his ability to pull girls. While I think Rich The Kid sounds somewhat out of place on On God, he delivers a solid verse and I wouldn’t be surprised if his presence on this track grows on me.
“Randel Cunningham” is followed by every weekend’s anthem “Friday Night”. Ty Dolla $ign pulls through for excellent feature (like always) and makes cut this undeniably fun and sexy.
The album concludes with the inspirational “Growing”. The track features a soothing lo-fi sax that was present on the song that preceded it. On “Growing” RJMrLA reminds us that there is nothing as rewarding as being able to point to clear examples of personal growth and self improvement. I get chills when RJ repeats “I’m slowly reaching the heights that these niggas expected from me” on the hook. It’s a common misconception to believe that popping rappers got lucky with a catchy hit and are now living lives of luxury. Fans often forget that emcees like RJ have been honing their craft in the rap game for nearly ten years, fully expecting to receive the acclaim that they know they deserve. “Growing” is a refreshing perspective and an excellent outro.
RJmrLA Freestyle with Bootleg Kev & DJ Hed STAY CONNECTED!!! ► Listen Live: https://real923la.iheart.com/listen ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REAL923LA/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/real923la ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real923la/
It’s clear that On God is far from RJMrLA’s first rodeo. He masterfully crafted this album with a clear message and used intentional sequencing and storytelling to hit the mark. Every track perfectly flows into the next making On God flow better than almost any other album I’ve heard this year. Along with the excellent flow of the project, every song is sonically similar leading to the creation of a mini-universe inside this project that can only be described as RJ’s LA. The entire album definitely falls into a common mood making this the perfect album to loop in your car during a day of errands or a relaxed night out.
While the cohesion of this project makes it an incredibly smooth listen, it also puts a ceiling atop the album’s potential. RJ’s lack of deviations and risks makes this album incredibly safe thus eliminating any chance of this being a classic record for anyone. With this being said, I think RJ’s decision to keep the entire album in one mood was a good creative choice and added more than it took away from On God.
Although his name might not carry the same weight as some of his heavy-hitting peers like YG and Ty Dolla $ign, RJMrLA is an essential piece to the Los Angeles rap renaissance and On God is potentially his best work to date. The project is unified, entertaining, groovy, and substance-rich. RJ’s pen game is as sharp as ever giving us many memorable verses and quotable bars. Mr. LA gets the best out of all of his high-level features leaving us with some bangers that hopefully outlive the summer. On God is a very good album and should be bumped by everyone whether or not you reside in The Golden State.
On One (Feat. ScHoolboy Q)
Time (Feat. Young Thug)
Rat Race
Rating: 7.5
Listen to On God here:
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Thanks for reading! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get notified when we post:
Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior. To stay up to date on all new music, follow our playlist “Hot 30” on Apple Music and Spotify. “Hot 30” is updated daily to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:
A playlist updated weekly by team members at StereoVision with the hottest new rap and hip-hop music. Always 30 songs with the hottest tracks at the top.
Melee, a song by Tory Lanez on Spotify
Lanez’s #ToryTakeover2019 continues this week with the sure-hit and summer anthem “Melee” which showcases the duality of the multi-talented Canadian artist. On the addicting hook we get the Tory Lanez we saw on last fall’s LoVE me NOw, the singer with limitless range who has an ear for radio smashes. The verse gifts us with the Tory Lanez that was present on last Spring’s Memories Don’t Die, the fast rapping emcee who keeps it real and is liable to snap at any given time. While the song doesn’t have much lyrical substance besides Tory’s lavish stunting and threats of hitting his enemies with the “melee,” his wordplay and vocal inflections do more than enough to keep any listener entertained for the duration of the three-minute cut.
“I took the drop to the block and my niggas they like “He done did it again”
Hop in the wop, a convertible drop in the spot that I hit in the Benz
Clapping the heat from the passenger seat and I had to get rid of the Benz, I did it and did it again
I seen a opp, clock, shots, litty again”
Time (feat. Young Thug), a song by RJMrLA, Young Thug on Spotify
Los Angeles rapper RJmrLA has been growing a buzz for the past five months with the release of four intriguing singles, with the most exciting of the bunch being dropped on us this week. “Time” fits perfectly into RJ’s discography with a DJ Swish instrumental that screams West Coast and one of his classic melodic hooks. The chorus on this song is equal parts motivational and honest as RJ raps about how he has no time to waste because he is a visionary, hard worker, and a man of action. This lack of time isn’t all good though, as he lets it be known that it hinders his relationship with his family even though they are the ones he’s working for. I couldn’t help but think of Jamie (Ghost) St. Patrick from Star’s TV show Power when listening to this conflicting hook. Whatever all these new singles are for, I’ll be here patiently waiting.
“I ran outta patience for you and that fake shit
Put your feelings aside, throw your hood in the sky
What’s your sign? Speak your language
I ain’t got time to be tied up in crime
But I slide with my slime when it’s tank time”
Rich (feat. ALLBLACK), a song by Rexx Life Raj, ALLBLACK on Spotify
This week, Berkley’s Rexx Life Raj linked up with Oakland’s ALLBLACK for what is hopefully the first of many collaborations between the two talented bay area artists. The result was the high-tempo and overtly fun single “RICH” which will be featured on Rexx’s forthcoming EP. The bouncy song showcases a braggadocious tone and an infectious hook. ALLBLACK’s distinct voice slices through the instrumental for an excellent second verse that is extremely refreshing even though we were far from bored of Rexx’s spot-on vocals. You won’t be able to get enough of the two-and-a-half minute track leaving you know option but to keep “RICH” on repeat all week.
“Balling on you niggas like a high school jamboree
Extra molly on me, I might put it in my daiquiri
Look, I pay more in taxes than your salary
Uncle Tom asked, see me run it up annually”
Thanks for reading, check back in next week for three new songs of the week. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter to get notified when we post:
Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:
A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.
Make It Better (feat. Smokey Robinson), a song by Anderson .Paak, Smokey Robinson on Spotify
This week Anderson .Paak released the second single off his upcoming album Ventura which is starting to look like a can’t-miss album. On “Make It Better” the soulful rapper recruits music legend Smokey Robinson to help him craft a track about lovers who have fallen out of love but are determined to reignite the spark they once shared. Anderson’s vocals are absolutely to die for as he rides one feel-good melody after another on the way to a musical masterpiece. The instrumental, which was aided by legendary producer The Alchemist, is just as impressive as the production team uses a stringed orchestra beautifully to create a modern symphony that is equal parts fun and brilliant. If you haven’t already, you need to hear this cut.
“Remember when we first met?
We were havin’ so much fun
So, now, how can we both forget
Tellin’ each other, “We’re the one”?”
Song 32, a song by Noname on Spotify
Claiming that Nonmame is the most talented female MC in the game right now is far from an outlandish statement and on “Song 32” we see exactly why this is the case. The Chicago rapper absolutely snaps bouncing between unique flows that we’ve only heard in other Noname tracks. It would be more accurate to call her a poet than a rapper and she makes this clear on the hook when she raps “Started getting money from writing the haiku.” Both of Noname’s recent releases have been excellent and we can only be excited for what the talented artist has in store for us in 2019.
“I’m patriarchy on Sunday, don’t push me, I’m Viacom
Y’all niggas got Diddy money, don’t push me, I’m atom bomb
I’m Obama pushing the button, in Lybia, Pakistan
Humanly a hypocrite, the sinner and the civilian”
UDIGG (feat. Young Thug), a song by Cheeks Bossman, Young Thug on Spotify
Florida rapper Cheeks Bossman has been making waves in the underground scene for awhile now and with a solid Young Thug feature, it might finally be his time to share some of the spotlight. “UDIGG” is an extremely catchy cut that lacks context but makes up for it with a rattling hook, braggadocios bars, and an instrumental that kicks like crazy.
“I’m gettin’ straight to the check in the morning
I’m tryna double my bag while you snoring
I got your bitch givin’ top in a foreign
If they ain’t talkin’ ‘bout racks, I ignore ‘em”
Traumatized, a song by Meek Mill on Spotify
Meek Mill’s biggest strength as a rapper is his ability to pump an absurd amount of emotion into every bar he spits and make you truly feel everything he’s saying. No song in his catalogue displays this skill like “Traumatized” and while it may be an unpopular opinion, I believe it to be the best song on his classic mixtape Dreams and Nightmares.” Over the course of the four-minute cut, Meek tells us the story of his fathers murder and how it effects him everyday of his life. The rhyme schemes in this emotional anthem are extremely complex and allow this song to have the power and impact that it does. Do yourself a favor and revisit the Dreams and Nightmares mixtape today.
“So I’mma let this flame hit you just to let this pain hit you
And for all them cloudy days I’mma let this rain hit you nigga”
Check back in next week for three new hot songs and one new throwback! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to get updated when we post:
Welcome to “Songs of the Week” a weekly segment where I highlight three of the best new songs released the week prior along with one throwback song of the week. To stay up to date on all new music, follow my Spotify playlist “What I’m Feeling” which is updated weekly to always include the freshest new music. Always 30 songs, hottest always at the top. Stream it here:
A playlist updated weekly with whatever new songs I'm feeling at the time. Always 30 songs and in order with what I'm feeling the most at the top.
Proud Of U (feat. Young Thug), a song by EARTHGANG, Young Thug on Spotify
The best new song this week came in the form of EARTHGANG’s second single off their highly anticipated debut album Mirrorland. “Proud Of U” is a heartfelt cut where the three Atlanta MCs profess their gratitude for the women in their lives that make everything work. The song is incredibly fun and Doctur Dot’s third verse breakdown is one of my favorite moments in hip-hop this year. Go listen to this awesome song and get excited for what could be one of the best albums of the year.
“When you put them Cinderellas on your feet, yeah
When you shinin’, kinda hard to be discreet, yeah
I’m gon’ put you on vacation, get some leisure
I’m gon’ do whatever it take, baby, to please ya”
Wish You Were Here, a song by Skepta on Spotify
The king of UK grime rap is back with his first release of 2019. This vicious diss track is aimed at fellow UK MC Wiley. Skepta vs. Wiley has a long history dating back to 2008 and it doesn’t look like it will conclude anytime soon. On “Wish You Were Here” Skepta calls Wiley out for being notoriously known as a no-show along with a slew of other things. The fast-paced instrumental was made by Skepta and keeps the song moving and is perfect for his sporadic flow. In a month where we have had a surplus of diss tracks, this is the one worth making time to listen to.
“Yeah, please don’t talk about war
Man, I got no heart, show you about war
Lookin’ in your eyes, I can see you’re not sure
How you come to the block when you know I’m on tour?”
Cubicle (feat. 03 Greedo), a song by Buddy, 03 Greedo on Spotify
Six months after Buddy released his excellent debut album Harlem & Alondra he is back with the deluxe version which includes four brand new cuts, the best of these being the 03 Greedo assisted “Cubicle.” 03 and Buddy switch off on the daunting hook that gets better every time you hear it. The instrumental is anchored by an eerie vocal sample and is simple enough to funnel every bit of the listeners attention to the razor-sharp west coast bars.
“I got the block like a cubicle
I keep a Glock and computer, oh
I got the block like a cubicle
We don’t just pop in the studio”
Trouble, a song by J. Cole on Spotify
On this darker Born Sinner cut Cole breaks out his god flow and addresses many of his personal temptations and vices. Cole sounds powerful with a full choir backing him throughout the entire song giving this song a certain climactic energy throughout the four-minute duration. This song is absolutely epic and an essential element to Born Sinner’s “seven deadly sins” narrative. With new Cole on the horizon, his discography has been in rotation recently and this 2013 bop is him at his best.
“Set it off on my left, set it off on my right
Liquor all on my breath, bitches all in my sight
Real niggas tryna fuck, fuck niggas wanna fight
Gun shots into the air, but I ain’t scared for my life”
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