With so many new rap albums, mixtapes, EPs and songs dropping every week; knowing which ones are worth your time can be a challenge. But no worries, we’ll help smooth out the process with “Now N’ Laters,” a column that highlights the hottest new releases of the week and the songs you’ll want to listen to now — and later.
This week includes a number of high-profile releases by some of hip hop and R&B’s biggest and brightest stars. In a year that has been jam-packed with joint albums and collaborative projects, Future and rising sensation Juice WRLD team up for WRLD On Drugs, our pick for the hottest overall release of the week. Atlanta rapper Lil Yachty also comes through with a release of his own, unveiling Nuthin 2 Prove, a star-studded affair that has the leader of the youth movement in the running for most improved rapper of the year. And on the R&B tip — in an attempt to hold fans over until the release of their highly anticipated sophomore albums — Grammy-nominated singers Khalid and Brent Faiyaz each drop new EPs that already are creating a buzz among their legion of fans.
With all four releases getting airplay and dominating the conversation, REVOLT shares our critics picks for the songs from each album that stand a cut above the rest and should be in heavy rotation. Be sure to let us know what your favorites are in the comments below.
Future & Juice WRLD, WRLD On Drugs
“Red Bentley”
“Pissing on my watch, like I got a bad bladder,” Future boasts on “Red Bentley,” a track from WRLD ON Drugs that finds him and WRLD running up a check and sharing airtime with Young Thug. Produced by Murda Beatz — who litters the track with xylophones and 808s — “Red Bentley” is a rollicking selection from the album that has the potential to cause pandemonium.
“Different”
Yung Bans pops up for an appearance alongside Future and WRLD on “Different,” a selection from the album that finds the Atlanta spitter turning in an electric performance that nearly steals the show. However, Future and WRLD also rise to the occasion, delivering cocksure stanzas rife with quotable bars over production by CuBeatz and Wheezy. These producers anchored what may be WRLD On Drugs’ most potent offering.
“Transformer”
Among the most addictive tracks on WRLD On Drugs is “Transformer,” a charged-up number that continues Future and Nicki Minaj’s streak of high-powered collaborations. Produced by ATL Jacob, “Transformer” marks the return of Nicki Hendrix and is a heat rock of a track that will have speakers bleeding for the foreseeable future.
Lil Yachty, Nuthin’ 2 Prove
“Gimmie My Respect”
Yachty kicks off Nuthin’ 2 Prove with “Gimmie My Respect,” which captures the rising star demanding his props, while flexing on the competition. Produced by 30 Roc, “Gimmie My Respect” casts Yachty as a man on a mission to defy expectations. It showcases his growth as a lyricist and makes for an essential listen from Yachty’s latest long player.
“Yacht Club”
Atlanta and Chicago connect when Lil Boat and WRLD join forces on “Yacht Club,” a standout selection from Nuthin’ 2 Prove that finds the pair over production by Sailing Team member EarlThePearll. Levying threats and reveling in the debauchery of their rockstar lifestyle, Yachty and WRLD prove to be a formidable tandem on “Yacht Club.” It’s one of the more melodic inclusions on the album’s track list.
“Who Want The Smoke?”
Lil Yachty delivers one of Nuthin’ 2 Prove‘s premier offerings with “Who Want The Smoke?,” which sees the Sailing Team founder turning up over a hypnotic backdrop, courtesy of Tay Keith. Featuring guest spots from Offset and wife Cardi B — who sends shots at her rivals and crowns herself as the King of New York. “Who Want The Smoke?” helps bolster Nuthin’ 2 Prove‘s replay value and is on lock to become a fan favorite sooner than later.
Khalid, Suncity
“Saturday Nights”
Thanks to his debut album, American Teen, Khalid emerged as one of the brightest rising stars not only in R&B and hip hop, but music as a whole, in 2017. Now, the artist looks to build on the momentum with Suncity, a seven-track EP that tugs on the heartstrings and covers the gamut of emotion. On “Saturday Nights,” which appears to be the most impressive inclusion on the album, Khalid’s soothing vocals blend with the acoustic guitar riffs and percussion seamlessly. This resulted in a radio-ready hit in waiting.
Brent Faiyaz, Lost
“Poundz”
Maryland-born crooner Brent Faiyaz makes his return with Lost, a quick strike EP that looks to whet the appetites of listeners who fell in love with his acclaimed debut album, Sonder Son. Of the six songs included on Lost, “Poundz” is a conceptual track comparing a woman to marijuana and it may very well be the best of the batch. On it, Faiyaz turns in a strong performance on this guitar-laden groove.
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