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.
As we begin to get settled into the new year, the music keeps rolling in with three new projects fresh off the presses for your listening pleasure. After reaching the upper echelon of the pop charts with his last release 43va Heartless, Moneybagg Yo unleashes his Time Served project, which finds the Memphis hustler connecting with Future, Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby, Blac Youngsta, Summer Walker, and Fredo Bang. As his buzz continues to reach unprecedented levels, Quando Rondo liberates his debut album, QPac, a robust offering that includes guest spots from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, 2 Chainz, Polo G, Lil Durk, and Luh Kel. And last, but not least, Uncle Murda looks to capitalize on the fanfare surrounding his annual year “Rap Up” track with Don’t Come Outside, Vol. 2, which finds East New York’s favorite goon trading bars with Tory Lanez, Jadakiss, Styles P, Benny The Butcher, Dave East, Conway the Machine, Que Banz, Derez De’Shon, and Aviator Keys.
With all three releases getting airplay and dominating the conversation, REVOLT shares our critics’ picks for the 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.
Moneybagg Yo: Time Served
“U Played”
Tay Keith constructs a quaking backdrop for Moneybagg Yo with this contribution, which finds the rapper chiding those attempting to overplay their card in his presence. While Moneybagg gets his couplets off on the front-end, Lil Baby swoops in with a cocksure stanza to anchor the proceedings, as he continues to stake his claim for the most consistent feature artist in the game today.
“Protect Da Brand”
Quality control is always a must and the Memphis MC ensures that his brand is in good hands as long as he’s at the head of the operation. Produced by YC, this cut is bolstered by an awe-worthy performance by DaBaby, who lets his host borrow the flow, as the southern titans combine their talents.
“All Dat”
Moneybagg delivers an uptempo banger with this bouncy number, which is sure to create money showers in a venue near you. Produced by Denaro Love, this Megan Thee Stallion-assisted salvo is as raunchy as the come and finds the costars engaging in an epic battle of the sexes.
Quando Rondo: QPac
“Marvelous”
MalikOTB, Tahj Money, and TnTXD serve up an 808-driven slapper with this soundscape, over which Quando Rondo shares his plans to romance the object of his affections. On the other hand, Polo G reports live from the Chicago streets and asks for God’s protection, while striving for survival in the midst of his murderous surroundings, adding a sobering element to the proceedings.
“Bad Vibe”
2 Chainz and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie join Quando as he goes on the prowl for a little action and satisfaction on this infectious offering. Produced by Danny Majic & Pierre the Producer, this ditty is a marquee selection on the tracklist that instantly catches the listeners ear and has the potential to propel the artist’s name into the stratosphere in short order.
“Safest”
Quando puts forth a heartfelt selection with this solemn number, which captures him painting a vivid picture of life in the streets, and the violence and deceit that comes as a byproduct of the lifestyle. Featuring a guest verse from Lil Durk — who uses his airtime to cosign his collaborators as one of his own favorite rappers — this tune melds the pair’s contrasting styles in effortless fashion, accounting for a sure-shot banger.
Uncle Murda: Don’t Come Outside, Vol. 2
“God I Fuck With You”
Uncle Murda turns the vocal booth into a confessional one, as he lists off his transgressions and gives graces to a higher power. Produced by Jee Juh Beats, who combines a vocal sample with tumbling drums, guitar licks and a harpsichord; he crafts a composition reminiscent of the backdrop to Mya and JAY-Z’s classic “Best of Me (Remix).”
“62”
Piano keys serve as the crux of this composition, which finds Play Picasso and Tory Lanez gifting Uncle Murda with an instrumental that serves as a departure from his more hardbody fare. Providing additional vocals on the hook, Lanez balances Murda’s gruff vocals and menacing demeanor with his melodic musings, resulting in a pleasant surprise from East New York’s finest.
“He Did That Shit”
Kanan’s infamous quote concerning James “Ghost” St. Patrick gets hijacked by Murda, who applies it to himself and his criminal network on this hard-boiled cut. Produced by Trilogy, this tune sees the Brooklynite catching wreck alongside fellow New Yorkers Styles P and Conway the Machine, both of whom unleash heavy doses of reality rap to complete the cipher.