Aminé feat. Injury Reserve, “Campfire”
Sporting Cosmo and Wanda wigs in a Tesla in the music video, Injury Reserve’s Ritchie With a T and XXL 2017 Freshman, Aminé, rap about credit scores and Whole Foods over a bouncy bass-driven beat produced by Asa Taccone. Aminé’s catchy expression is found within the repeated chorus lines, “That’s my lil’ bitch, that’s-that’s my lil’ bitch.” Despite the track only lasting a little more than two minutes, the song ascends into a smooth fervor that garnered attention from subreddits claiming the single hinted at a slight Brockhampton diss. Although Injury Reserve denied this, the unlikely collaboration between the rap trio that experiments with tight instrumentals and a rapper who is known for his earworm hooks proved that two vastly different artists from the rap spectrum can come together and create a brilliant, sparkling track.
Kali Uchis, “Body Language – Intro”
Kali Uchis’ debut album was quite impressive, by measure of both cohesiveness and quality of sound. This lush, tropical opener to Isolation is simply beautiful. The Colombia native’s voice, tinged with her Spanish inflected accent, is soft and inviting, offset by the groovy bass and claves guiding this track. “Just come closer,” she beckons — and we want to.
Rich Brian, “watch out!”
Rich Brian’s “watch out!” starts right in with an aggressive and cyclic beat, immediately begging for the listeners’ notice. While Rich Brian is known for his humble and amicable personality, his lyricism would make you think otherwise, constantly raising his status with appealing flow. Brian’s lines are humorous and stirring; paired with an exciting and well-produced beat, “watch out!” deserves a listen from ears with an affliction for rap.
Leon Bridges, “Beyond”
Sweet and wholesome, Leon Bridges steps out of his swingin’ ’60s niche and into more modern times with his new track, “Beyond.” The third song released ahead of Bridges’ highly anticipated sophomore album, Good Thing, is a romantic ballad about falling fast in love and the hesitance of the unknown territory. “Beyond,” as well as the other two tracks we’ve heard off Good Thing, promise listeners Bridges’ telltale soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics.
J. Cole, “1985” (Intro to “The Fall Off”)
“Come here lil’ man let me talk with ya”: one of the introductory bars into a vicious diss track that targets today’s new wave of young rappers. Through only three minutes and 10 seconds into the track, J. Cole paints “the large picture” for Lil Pump. The Dreamville rapper breaks down Pump’s career, warning him that once his 15 minutes of fame are up, his cash flow will dwindle.
A$AP Rocky, “A$AP Forever”
A$AP Rocky’s dreamy new single, “A$AP Forever,” explores his quest for musical immortality. Boastful verses and synthy beats accompanied by a delicate string section and piano create a sound which comes off as both ancient and incredibly modern. A sample from Moby’s “Porcelain” and soothing vocals from Khloe Anna close out the dynamic composition which juggles each distinct element with ease. Released with an equally stimulating and trippy music video, “A$AP Forever” is A$AP’s first big step into the realm of musical legends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNzc6hG3yN4
