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 slate of material includes an offering from one of the elite emcee out of the UK, the anticipated return of one of south Florida’s finest, and a timely dosage of reality rap delivered by a northern Cali goon. After finding his footing with Konnichiwa, Skepta looks to expand his reach even further with his new collection, Ignorance Is Bliss, the spitter’s first full-length project in three years. Meanwhile, Denzel Curry showcases why he’s one of the brightest young talents in the game with ZUU, the Miami native’s fourth studio album and his most high-profile release to date. And last, but not least, Mozzy reps for the streets with Internal Affairs, the latest batch of testimonials from the Sacramento rep that continues his prolific streak of quick-strike album releases.
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.
Skepta: Ignorance Is Bliss
“Redrum”
All eyes are on Skepta, as he shuts down the scene on this charged-up offering from his latest body of work. Produced by the artist himself, Skepta plays double-duty on the mic and boards, while Atlanta rapper Key! anchors the track with a cocksure verse.
“Love Me Not”
“She told me she loved me, I was like, ‘How?’” Skepta muses on this highlight, which finds the playboy spitting poetry about matters of the heart. Featuring guest vocals from Cheb Rabi on the hook, as well as an additional verse from B Live; this pulsating, self-produced number is an instant winner and adds a melodic element to Skepta’s latest release.
“Glow In The Dark”
Skepta talks taking self-inventory, while giving insight to the world around him on this upbeat selection from the UK rep’s album. Co-produced by Ragz and Skepta — with Lay-Z and Wizkid contributing to the hook — this sublime groove captures Skepta’s slick style effectively without sacrificing any substance in the process.
Denzel Curry: ZUU
“Ricky”
Denzel Curry passes down etiquette learned from his elders on this free-wheeling selection. Produced by FNZ, this trunk-rattling number captures Curry hitting on all cylinders and packs enough bass to wage an all-out assault on stereo speakers.
“CAROLMART”
Listeners get taken to the front-lines of Carol City on this rollicking salvo, which finds Curry styling over a backdrop crafted by produced by FNZ and Jasper Harris. Featuring a guest spot from Ice Billion Berg, Curry and his lyrical cohort rep for their Dade County stomping grounds in prideful fashion.
“P.A.T.”
A collage of distortion and audio feedback serve as the foundation for this unruly instrumental, which Denzel Curry and PlayThatBoiZay channel their youthful aggression over. Produced by FNZ and Ronny J, this composition closes out Curry’s new collection on an epic note and should inspire a riotous reaction when played at its highest decibel.
Mozzy: Internal Affairs
“Winning”
India Got Them Beats cooks up a percussion-driven soundscape for Mozzy on this standout track. Featuring costar Lil Poppy, who delivers an admirable performance on the hook, this heater finds the two west coasters feeling victorious.
“Chill Phillipe”
Mozzy hooks up with a familiar face on this track from his new album, as June employs 808 drums, synths and other wrinkles for his partner-in-crime to run roughshod over. Reeling off couplets with the precision of automatic weaponry, Mozzy spills his cruel intentions all over the track, turning in a selection as murderous as it is infectious.
“Ain’t No Telling”
Oak Park and Highbridge connect on this brooding cut from Internal Affairs, which finds Mozzy exchanging stanzas with Don Q. Produced by Hussein of 808 Mafia and Fonzie, the two lyrical goons drop murderous couplets over ominous piano keys, jittery kicks and snares.
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