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’s lineup of new releases include a hodgepodge of drops from a tenured vet, one of the hardest artists in rap today, and a budding star on the rise. Despite having a resume that stacks up against some of the greatest rappers of all time, Ghostface Killah continues to keep his foot on the gas pedal with Ghostface Killah’s, making it the Wu-Tang member’s 13th solo studio album. As his profile rises to unprecedented heights, Griselda and Shady Records representative Conway comes through with Look What I Became. The project is the Buffalo, New York native’s latest mixtape release, which features appearances from Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, Dave East, Jim Jones, DJ Muggs, El Camino, and Amber Simone. Last, but not least, Maryland’s own JPEGMAFIA crashes the scene with All My Heroes Are Cornballs. The project is entertaining, comprised of quick-strike offerings that display his versatile approach to songwriting and producing.
With all three releases getting airplay and dominating the conversation, REVOLT TV shares our critics’ picks for three songs from each project that stand a cut above the rest and should be in your heavy rotation now — and later. Be sure to let us know what your favorites are.
Ghostface Killah: Ghostface Killahs
“Me Denny & Darryl”
Ghostface Killah kicks off the proceedings with this explosive introductory selection, where the Wally champ goes hard on, alongside a few of his brothers in rhyme. Co-starring Method Man and Cappadonna, this Tim Schoegje and Danny Caiazzo produced composition finds the three Staten Island reps in vintage form, while delivering inspired lyrical showings.
“Flex”
Producer Danny Caiazzo holds the court behind the boards as Ghostface waxes poetic bars about his lavish life of fame and fortune on this soulful number. The track features a guest appearance from Harley on the hook. This tune is powered by rollicking guitars, drums, and piano keys, making “Flex” one of the stronger composition on his latest.
“Soursop”
Ghostface come with plenty of fire to spare on this reggae-tinged heater from the Stapleton great’s latest long player. Produced by Danny Caiazzo — and with appearances from Masta Killa, Harley and Solomon Childs — this outing finds the Theodore Unit and the Wu concentrating their forces for a lively collaborative effort.
Conway the Machine: Look What I Became
“Hawks”
Everyone from Malcolm X to J Balvin gets a nod on this grisly offering from Conway the Machine’s latest collection. Produced by K Sluggah, who cooks up an eerie soundscape, this selection captures the Buffalo wordsmith brandishing his lyrical chops and attacking the track with the precision of a seasoned vet.
“Tito’s Back”
Three the hard way takes on a whole new meaning on this sparse selection, which finds Conway teaming up with his Griselda brethren Westside Gunn and Benny the Butcher. Layering piano keys, guitars and synths over a steady drum loop, Daringer delivers a fresh slice of boom-bap with this ghastly instrumental.
“Vino D”
Upstate New York meets Harlem when Conway connects with Jim Jones and Dave East on this highlight from the gruff spitter’s new stimulus package. Produced by JR Swiftz, with guest vocals courtesy of El Camino, this number is the perfect tune to cruise the town to. On it, the three New Yorkers still keep it gangsta in a leisurely fashion.
JPEGMAFIA: All My Heroes Are Cornballs
“All My Heroes Are Cornballs”
JPEGMAFIA hits his stride with this playful title track from the rising star’s new body of work. Produced by himself, JPEGMAFIA toys with keys, drums, and other elements to craft the backdrop to this enchanting number.
“BBW”
Airy vocal samples are matched with keys and percussion on this short ditty from the artist. Delivering a witty stanza — with melodic croons on the hook — JPEGMAFIA displays the full range of his capabilities on this self-produced cut.
“DOTS Freestyle REMIX”
The rapper constructs a quirky sound for this remix of his “DOTS Freestyle.” Featuring Buzzy Lee and Abdu Ali, this tune presents JPEGMAFIA in a cocksure state, letting off a rhyme spill that ranks among the more riveting on the upstart’s new album.