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 includes various projects from a mixed bag of artists. As he continues his ascent up the rap ranks, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie looks to build on his hot streak with Artist 2.0, the sequel to his breakout 2016 mixtape that put him on the map and his first full-length release since unleashing Hoodie SZN in late 2018. After regaining her momentum with her 2019 project, Voicemails, Chicagoan Tink returns with Hopeless Romantic, which finds the rapper/singer/songwriter serving up enough sexually charged tunes and heartbreak anthems for your Valentine’s Day festivities. And last, but not least, Boosie Badazz teams up with Mo3 for Badazz MO3.
With all three releases getting airplay and dominating the conversation, REVOLT shares our critics’ picks for the three songs from each album 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.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie: Artist 2.0
“Numbers”
Money bags, bank accounts and lavish purchases are the common denominators on this standout, as A Boogie enlists Gunna and Roddy Ricch to provide added reinforcement. Produced by Dez Wright and London on da Track, the latter of whom also makes a guest appearance, this banger finds three of the hottest young guns in rap sharing air-time and turning in a selection that is sure to garner continuous spins.
“Calm Down (Bittersweet)”
After colliding on her 2019 release “Stretched Out,” Summer Walker and A Boogie join forces once again on this sultry ditty, which finds the two young stars touching on matters of the heart. This winner finds Walker lending her vocals on the hook, while the rapper attempts to make amends with his significant other.
“Luv Is Art”
Plush strings are layered atop kicks and snares on this pairing, as A Boogie and Lil Uzi Vert pick right up where they left off on their last effort, “Reply.” Produced by BandOnTheBeat and SephGotTheWaves, this track captures the Bronx bomber commending his lady for her love and loyalty, while Uzi Vert veers off course with a freelance verse of his own.
Tink: Hopeless Romantic
“Cum Get It”
Sexual innuendo is the crux of this pulsating jam, as Tink plays dominatrix while doling out directives to her lover. Explicitly vivid, the Chicago native spares no details, giving an in-depth guide to satisfying her needs and unlocking her own submissive nature on this steamy composition.
“Fuck Around”
Pleasant guitar strums and tambourines set the mood on this selection, who shows her reverence and adoration for her other half. Produced by Trakksounds, this offering captures its author in a vulnerable zone, as she lets down her guard and conveys her emotions without restraint or a filter.
“DoggyStyle (Can’t Let Go)”
Squeaking bed springs and guitar strings compliment Tink’s feathery vocals on this sleepy number, as the talented double-threat takes charge as she seeks out a companion who’s equipped to handle the ride. Displaying her prowess as a songstress and a lyricist, this jam is is a reminder that artist is the truth.
Boosie Badazz & Mo3: Badazz MO3
“Block Is Hot”
Boosie Badazz and Mo3 tread familiar ground on this outing, which finds the pair reworking fellow Louisiana native Lil Wayne’s 1999 hit for this amped-up salvo. Playing off of the original on the hook, Mo3 takes on all comers with a vicious barrage of couplets, conveying his aggression while reeling off harmonies in a single breath. As for the Badazz, he takes on a more tempered approach, employing his sinewy flow to bask in the glory and pain of the treacherous path traveled.
“Got Me Like (Remix)”
Apologies for his debauchery are doled out by Mo3 on this silky offering, which finds the crooning lyricist purring raunchy advances to his harem of beauties. While he takes centerstage, Badazz swoops in with a measured stanza of his own by recalling a rendezvous with a memorable fling.
“Badazz Smoke”
Fakes and foes get undressed on the heater, as Badazz and Mo3 hold court over a menacing soundscape built around 808s and ghastly synths. Flexing his wordplay and dexterous delivery, Mo3 dominates, leaving it all in the booth as he unleashes the wrath of his madness with Boosie going on the offensive with a furious rhyme spill.