Weekly Fix #16 ('20)
Welcome to the Weekly Fix, where I go over everything that I’ve listened to that has come out within the past week. I’ll give a little blurb about the project/single with my feelings on it thrown in there, throw some descriptors and other artists names to give you an idea what the project/single is like, and link to all applicable streaming services/online stores where you can find the music.
I guess that “drought” was more like a dam because god damn this week flooded us with what seems like weeks’ worth of material. I’m still slightly out of the loop, so most of what we got blindsided me, and once I got through everything I knew I had some serious work to do. Lots of incredibly high-quality projects this week, a number that would have been even more if I had counted all of the 4/20 projects (notes on those coming next week, I wanted to get out what I had here as quick as possible). Singles were still slow, giving the entire stage to Playboi Carti to “yuh” and “ooo” in a way only he can.
People might have noticed that I stopped putting recommendations into my little blurbs here on the Weekly Fix; I did that so I could get a little more writing into the blurb, organically incorporating some natural points of comparison where I could. Not that big of a deal, but I had some people asking about it.
I hope all of y’all out there are staying safe and keeping yourselves occupied (or, in the case of “essential workers” like myself, keeping up with the craziness). For all of my quarantine homies out there, now would be a good time to delve into some shit you might have missed; start with my top ten of last year, you’ll find some amazing shit.
-----PROJECTS-----
Westside Gunn – Pray For Paris
I saw a comment on RateYourMusic that jokingly described this album as “Baroque Rap”, and honestly I don’t think I could come with a more accurate way to describe this project. There’s a high-class feel that runs across the entire project, a refinement of the Griselda experience into something less bloodthirsty and more regal. In comparison to his other work, the beats across this project are more lighthearted, with the darkness of sinister Daringer beats mostly being replaced by Amherst-Station-like vocal flips and sweet piano beats from people like The Alchemist, DJ Premier, Tyler, The Creator of all people, and DJ Muggs. All features on here are fire, continuing the pattern of Gunn bringing out the best from his collaborators, which this time include names like Freddie Gibbs, Joey Bada$$, and Tyler again, all long overdue for a Flygod treatment. Hell, even Westside himself ups his rap game on some of these cuts, even washing some of his features a few times. To me, Hitler Wear’s Hermes 7 is a more impactful project, but this one here is damn close, different in it’s cohesive sound and Gunn’s stellar rapping and presence. If you like hip-hop, listen to this, simple as that. (Also, that cover art? The Caravaggio is a fire piece to begin with, but Virgil made it something special)
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
The Four Owls – Nocturnal Instinct
Very similar to the Owl’s past releases in that it revels in bringing back the purest of boom-bap into the modern day. The topics, while sometimes showing more wisdom and maturity given it’s been a decade since they released their debut album, usually stick to the expected: smoking weed, talking about how ill they are on the mic (which they are), and general musings on the universe and it’s mysteries. Also like their previous album, Leaf Dog produces the entire album solo, with the exception of one track done by the beat-wizard DJ Premier. I’d say taken as a group album, it hits all of the right spots for that dusty old heart I have. What sets the album apart from their previous releases, however, is that there are finally features on a Four Owls album: Roc Marciano, R.A. the Rugged Man (who also has an album out this week coincidentally), Kool G Rap, and motherfucking Masta Killa all make appearances. If you want more Wu-Tang or Gang Starr, then this album is going to be for you.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Left Lane Didon & JLVSN – Tha Shoulder Episode 11
Incredibly short, the shortest out of the three episodes so far we’ve gotten for “Season 3” of this series, but every track packs in so much soul in such a short time. JLVSN reminds me of a smoldering Madlib on these beats, short and blissful loops. It’s amazing that across the nine tracks in this season that the man hasn’t missed a single time on these beats. Lefty is really on a kill streak with these bars; I got exposed to this dude last year, and I mean this quite literally when I say I haven’t heard a subpar verse from him. The man clearly puts in a crazy amount of effort to scheme these rhymes and come up with engaging wordplay, taken to the next level with his incredibly grimy delivery. All aspects of this EP are quality, and a must listen for people who are into cats like Griselda, Madlib, and Mach-Hommy.
Bandcamp
————————————————
DaBaby – BLAME IT ON BABY
I’m seeing a lot of negative energy surrounding this project, and while I understand people saying on KIRK that they were tired of DaBaby’s flow and beats (“JetsonMade makes the same thing over and over” is a constant refrain), I don’t see how people can pull out those criticisms on this new project on his. He’s taking more risks melodically, switching up his beats, and plays with his flow on a few cuts here. He even goes for one of those 2000’s R&B sensual cuts on NASTY, complete with an Ashanti feature, and it’s not terrible. The features are all great (maybe Hendrixx doesn’t bring his A-game but it’s still good), with both Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch knocking it out of the park. Honestly, I think people were gunning to hate this project, but if you took a step back and wanted to have fun here, you will.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Nafe Smallz – Goat World
Smallz is becoming one of my favorite artists to come out of the UK right now; his rapping ability is there, his hook game is entirely on point, and his melodies and use of autotune is just straight up cool. The lyrical content can be vapid and meaningless, but more so than any other person in his “lane” right now he can capture a vibe and maintain the consistency across an entire project. M Huncho comes close to the same level (he also features on this project with the best guest appearance here). Some comparable people over here in America would be Lil Baby, Travis Scott, and Especially A Boogie wit da Hoodie. The beats this guy is getting are super clean and ethereal pop-trap, which play well with his processed vocals. If you’re looking for solid melodic trap from somewhere other than here in the states, you will not be disappointed with this project.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Fredo Bang – Most Hated
A mix of some different influences, namely modern trappers like Moneybagg Yo and Lil Baby, but there’s also some older names like Gucci Mane and, most importantly, Kevin Gates. There is a hardness to this project, but you’ll still get melody and hooks that will keep you coming. There’s even some potent emotion on here, more than someone like YoungBoy NBA can usually pull off, adding another layer to the artist that, before now, I’ve had yet to check out. The production is on point, creative trap with great instrumental quirks that set it above the usual. Lots of good names featuring on here too, from the aforementioned Moneybagg Yo and Lil Baby to young YNW Melly and Tee Grizzley. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this project, and if you’re onboard with melodic trap you will be too.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Trust Army (38 Spesh) – Army of Trust II
Lots of big-name Trust affiliates, lots of smaller lesser known people that need more shine; essentially a perfect spread of tracks bringing attention to great talent in underground hip-hop right now. The Musalini is growing on me heavily, especially after his last EP and now his performances here, Rasheed Chappell is someone you should have on your radar, and both Street Justice and Black Geez are close 38 Spesh affiliates that you need to brush up on. Speaking of which, 38, who produces this entire project, doesn’t disappoint substance-wise on the album, with the beats being equal parts grimy and mystical. I will say that, much like the original Army of Trust tape he released a few months ago, I have an issue with the fidelity with some of the instrumentals, but mostly on the vocals. Just don’t be surprised when the first track sounds like Elcamino recorded his verse on a phone. Otherwise, another fantastic project from this loose collective of emcees, and I look forward to more in what’s turning into a legendary run of 38 Spesh produced projects.
Spotify/YouTube
————————————————
dvsn – A Muse In Her Feelings
I’ve never been the biggest fan of OVO artists outside of Drake, but I think this album from dvsn has converted me into at least a fan of the sound (or at least where the sound is here in 2020). There’s more too it (for the most part, there’s still some dead air on the project at times) than I was expecting, more like a 2000’s era R&B artist like Usher or Trey Songz, and while there’s definitely melodrama unbound, it rarely gets into simp territory. The production arm of the duo, Nineteen85, killed this shit from front to back; I love the diversity of instruments and samples across this thing, crisp and sparse. The features that appear on the project are appropriate and substantial: Future kills his appearance with heavy emotion, Jessie Reyez on Courtside adds a great layer of depth onto a banger, and Shantel May on the last track is simply beautiful. I already talked about Dangerous City with $ign and Buju last week, and it remains a highlight of the LP now. Great album for anyone wanting easy to digest, ultra-processed, slick modern R&B.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Knowledge The Pirate – Family Jewels
This album is thick with atmosphere and texture, with a lot of the instrumentals (all done 50/50 between E.L.E.M.N.T. and Cuns) being heavily made of up samples and clips of various news and spoken word pieces. Drug-dealing and pimping is what Knowledge is all about, and he sticks to these topics with ruthless doggedness, never letting up with the street tales and violence for the entire 2 minutes. I don’t know why I never got behind his last project (maybe it was the length?), but I remember liking Flintlock quite a bit, and this project surpasses that one in every way. Family Jewels feels more dangerous, evil, and potent of an experience than anything Knowledge has put out so far. The only issue I have with this project is that there are no features; I would have obviously liked to have seen either Roc Marciano or Ka make an appearance on here, but I doubt that will happen given how reclusive Knowledge has always been. If you like either of those two emcees, a more tangible Mach-Hommy, Raekwon, or anything DJ Muggs has produced in the past 4 years, then this is for you.
Bandcamp
————————————————
R.A. the Rugged Man – All My Heroes Are Dead
Let me get this out of the way: I did not keep this entire album. With 22 tracks, skits and all, clocking in at an hour and fifteen minutes, there were some cuts that needed to be made. A lot of the hooks here aren’t for me, given they’re melodramatic sung hooks or corny refrains. On a much more positive note, I admire how R.A. really wrote his heart out on this one, with tons of topical tracks commenting on things like PC culture, being famous as a young rapper, and that last track laying out in detail the heartbreaking amount of death he’s seen in his family. For a rapper that strives to be understood as well as spitting quickly, you won’t find very many people that operates as this level technically, and his wit is razor sharp… except sometimes it may be a bit too sharp to come across as edgy. It doesn’t bother me as much given I’m fans of people like Three 6 Mafia and Eminem, but y’all should be warned: there is skill oozing out of the pores of this project, but sometimes it’s corny ooze. The cosigns this guy has gotten on this album should be enough to get any of you to listen to this project: Ghostface, Masta Killa, and Inspectah Deck check in, Kool G Rap, Chuck D AND Ice-T? At the very least listen to the two posse cuts on here, you won’t be disappointed.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
-------SINGLES-------
Playboi Carti – @ ME
People have been waiting for a long time for more Carti; expectations were high coming into this, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a little bit disappointed. However, I think much like the original self-titled tape, which I did not understand at all whenever I first heard it, I think this new track has the potential to grow on me. It’s very hands off, something that I’m sure you were expecting from Playboi, but really the mindlessness and monotony is taken to 11 on this one. Two things place this track into a newer era of Carti music: the beat, which plays as a cute Lil Uzi type-beat, and the usage of the controversial “baby voice”, which Carti seems to be leaning into full tilt on this one. While it’s in the baby voice, he still strains himself a few times on the track in interesting ways, reminding me of a Young Thug quality at times. All in all, it reminds me of Lil Uzi Vert’s Futsal Shuffle, a track I wasn’t crazy about but ended up leading to a great project at the end of the day. So I’m hype for this new Playboi Carti project without a doubt, even if I’m not head over heels for this new single.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Jon Connor – Priceless
So this guy was signed to Aftermath for a very long time with almost nothing to show for it; after all that time we get a couple singles leading up to what I presume to be a new project. I’ve always thought Jon had a lot of potential, and his brutal flow was just as engaging to me as his topical and venomous lyrics. But I knew Aftermath wasn’t the place for him (it doesn’t seem to be the place for artists that actually want to *release* music it seems…), and now that it seems like everything’s been cleared up I’m glad we can get back to the music. This new track here hits some Meek Mill beats with the aggression, with the technicality that comes from his Michigan blood being admirable. The beat is a straight up banger too, sounding a lot like, again, a Meek intro ala Dream & Nightmares.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Jon Connor – The Pain
The other single that Jon dropped this week was just as fire as Priceless was, with the added bonus of interpolating one of my favorite songs of all time, Method Man’s Bring the Pain. The hook and the accented breakdown are classic sounds in the genre, a bold move to take them and run with it, but I think Jon has enough cred to pull it off. The energy, like the previous single, is here in spades, despite the instrumental being slightly tamer than Priceless was, probably to highlight the influences more. These two tracks taken together are a great mission statement to what I hope is a quality project.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Blueface (Feat. Asian Doll, Glockk 9, NLE Choppa, Sada Baby, & Kiddo Curry) – Tour
This was exactly the kind of track Find The Beat needed to be great: good energy, instrumental tone similar to his earlier work, every feature kills it. I liked his last project, but it really needed a statement piece, something this track can provide in spades. Love the lowkey piano instrumental, heavy Thotiana vibes coming across. Is Blueface the best rapper ever? Hell no, but the dude is fucking hilarious, and his charisma and knack for creating these earworm hook will keep me coming back to him. That being said, you’re going to come back to this track because the people he gets on here all kill this shit: NLE Choppa always comes hard, Sada Baby and Kiddo Curry demolish their verses on the backend. If you long for the days of that first Blueface mixtape (that doesn’t sound like the vocals were recorded on his Samsung), then give this track a spin.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Lil Keed – No Dealings
I love how much more varied Keed comes across on this track; where usually he’s all shrieks and yelps, he gets into his lower register for the majority of the track, showing a surprising amount of vulnerability and sadness. The beat also helps in that regard, where a simple buried guitar loop is broken only by crispy drum slaps. The hook, even though I think it goes on for a few too many bars, is well written and mantric in a way that the good people over at YSL are so good at. Yeah there’s really not much to it: if you like Young Thug, Lil Gotit, Lil Baby, Gunna, etc. then this will be for you.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
Rvssian, Anuel AA, & JuiceWRLD – No Me Ame
A detailed trap banger and some well-written melodies come together to form a great single from the producer Rvssian, who’s been rocketing in popularity the last few months. Fusing the latin-trap powerhouse Anuel AA with the late JuiceWRLD was a fantastic idea, with both of them bringing their similar skill sets together for fantastic results. Anuel hits upon a catchy refrain where, while it’s more in line with a traditional English trap banger, should still get people interested in the realm of latin-pop/trap. Juice is more in the background on the track, adding a few bars onto the hook and very short verse, but his contributions are sparing and well applied to not feel like a blatant cash-in on his untimely death. Overall, I think Rvssian has a hand on the pulse of what people are looking for in their mainstream pop-rap, and this single is another hit.
Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music
————————————————
