Don Toliver, Quavo, Lola Brooke And More Hip-Hop

Quavo – “Trappa Rappa

Quavo’s solo run post-Migos hasn’t gotten enough love. Rocket Power was a solid album and “Trappa Rappa” is everything someone could love from him. A simple, catchy hook, humorous punchlines, and a thumping beat.

The best part is he made the song long enough to display his mettle, but not too long where one could say they wish Offset or the late Takeoff was on the record. Over the last two years, his strategy has been impressive and generates intrigue in his assumed forthcoming album.

The only selfish wish is that he would do more features and remind people of why he was one of the most coveted feature artists from 2015-2017, but we can’t get everything we want. – AS

Don Toliver, Speedy, J-Hope, Pharrell Williams – “LV Bag”

“LV Bag” is an interesting composition. It falls right in Don Toliver’s wheelhouse of midtempo, spacey music and he floats.

Pharrell did a great job producing this one, though the vocal loop in the background may be a bit much. Speedy and j-hope also make the most of their appearances.

There’s a real structure here which is appreciated because these names alone on paper seem very chaotic but there’s palpable chemistry.

The only thing lacking is the actual writing; it’s hard to know what the purpose or concept of the song is. There’s a bunch of cool lines, but they don’t necessarily string together. – Armon Sadler

Smif-N-Wessun – ‘Infinity’

In 1995, Smif-N-Wessun released their debut album, Dah Shinin’, which is remembered not only as one of the greatest albums of that year, but the entirety of that particular era.

Thirty years later, Steele and Tek are seasoned vets as opposed to hungry rooks, but Infinity, the pair’s latest release, could also wind up among the best albums of its class.

Led by the single “Elephant in the Room,” Infinity gets off to a hot start, with early highlights including the album’s title track, and “Moses Promise,” but kicks into high gear as fellow NYC luminaries join the party.

Pharoah Monch appears on “Medina,” an anthem dedicated to the borough of Brooklyn as a whole, while Prodigy makes a posthumous showing on “Black Eminence,” an elegant composition that leaves nothing to be desired.

Presenting a cast of costars comprised of Conway The Machine, Ralph Tresvant, Sweata, Yountie Strickland, and Maverick Sabre, Infinity is a well-crafted body of work and evidence that Smif-N-Wessun still have ammunition in the chamber. – Preezy Brown

Lola Brooke – “You The One”

Lola Brooke reveals her tender side on this syrupy rap ballad, as the Brooklyn beauty expresses her infatuation with her romantic companion.

“This is the month of love, and nothing compares to getting that undivided reassurance from someone that makes you feel like you’re the one,” Brooke said of her inspiration behind penning the track. “It’s freeing and an amazing feeling, and I wanted this track to really capture that vibe.” 

Produced by Sharif “Reefa” Slater, JB Sauced Up, and Derrick Milano, “You The One” marks the rising hitmaker’s latest entry of the new year and appears to be a precursor to a forthcoming musical campaign we’d welcome with open arms. – PB

DESI TRILL Featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania, Subhi – “Higher Love”

DESI TRILL brings some of the biggest stars in music together on “Higher Love,” the lead single from the forthcoming Smurfs movie soundtrack.

Featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania, and Subhi, the track finds the quintet bringing heaven to earth, with Khaled delivering his trademark adlibs before Cardi reels of her opening verse.

“Everybody need love and I need some, too/ Diamonds look sad cause each one blue,” the Bronx bombshell raps atop the lively instrumental, with DESI TRILL and company rounding out the proceedings.

Soundtrack cuts may not be as celebrated as they used to, but this one hits all the right spots and serves as a reminder that love conquers all. – PB

Nardo Wick – ‘WICK’

Mere weeks removed from dropping his Hold Off EP Nardo Wick spins the block with WICK, the Florida native’s sophomore studio album.

Looking to recapture the magic created with his debut album, Who Is Nardo Wick?, this follow-up contains occasional glimpses of the vibes that turned his breakout hit “Who Want Smoke?” into a Billboard smash.

Yet, while this longplayer continues a few notable rallying cries, it falls flat when straying out of Wick’s comfort zone. Tracks like “Gangsta,” “Don’t Stop,” “Get On My Nerves,” and “Ain’t No Letting Up” have the potential to gain traction.

However, selections such as “Drew” and “Have All Of Me” are ill-fitting and are in stark contrast to Nardo’s signature sound.

Contrived crossover attempts aside, WICK doesn’t reinvent the wheel or break new ground, but is a safe bet to garner spins among his core audience. – PB

Dave East, Ransom – ‘The Final Call’

Dave East and Ransom liberate their collaborative album, The Final Call, which finds the East Coast wordsmiths volleying terse bars across ten tracks fueled by soulful production.

The project opens with the masterful “Audubon Ballroom,” as East and Ransom give a biographical account of Malcolm X’s life journey. The introductory number is appropriate, given that The Final Call arrived on the anniversary of the civil rights icon murder.

“I have the deepest admiration for Brother Malcolm X,” Ransom said in a statement. “There’s not another human that ever walked the earth that I have more respect for.” The album’s title track includes a guest spot by Jay Electronica that’s technically precise, but sounds a bit misplaced, one of the few blemishes spotted on the tracklist.

Bolstered by additional features from Method Man, 22Gz, Abby Jasmine, and Jadin Alexander, The Final Call reaches its apex on “Blood And Water” and the standout epic closing cut, “Fairwells.” – PB

Shorty Jah – “I Love”

Shorty Jah’s “I Love” is a mantra that anyone can relate to. The New York artist reiterates his love for making money and encourages anyone not talking cash to not waste his time. He doesn’t overrap on the hook, offering an elongated “I love” refrain to drive the point home.

In the verses, he delivers a very cool, calm, and collected flow. The “Play-Doh” line was hilarious, though too explicit to spell out in this blurb; when you hear it, you’ll get it. The record doesn’t overstay its welcome either, opting for a hook-verse-hook structure. Overall, an enjoyable listen that’s easy to put on repeat. – AS

Buddy Featuring Kalan.FrFr – “OTW”

Buddy and Kalan.FrFr took it back to the “essence” with “OTW.” The track blends 80s and 90s elements of West Coast Hip-Hop with the lowrider bop sounds, drum patterns, and synths.

Their cadences match the melodies as well. Lyrically, it’s all about the splendor of life and how they have a surplus of money, friends, women, and luxuries. Kalan’s autotuned vocals especially shine here, and his rap flows continue to get refined.

One can easily picture some fun dance videos being made to this record, but it is fitting for any environment truly. When discussing the greatness of the West Coast this last year, don’t leave this record out. – AS

Kai Ca$h – “You See It”

Kai Ca$h is always an enjoyable listen because he prioritizes the bars but understands the need to make quality songs.

So “You See It” is the perfect marriage of both: a lyrical exhibition with a knocking trap beat. Ca$h is one of New York’s brightest stars that may not get the same attention as the names always circulating, but he should.

He can flex, he can tell stories, he can do songs for women, you name it. “You See It” falls in the flex category and his rap voice is very easy to listen to. The title really speaks for itself when it comes to his skill. – AS

Conway The Machine – “Pick A Side”

Benny The Butcher – “36 Ounces And A New Mercedes”

Curren$y & Harry Fraud Featuring Premo Rice – “Dream Machines”

Eem Triplin – ‘Melody Of A Memory’

Sheff G – “Brokey”

Mooray – ‘Long Story Short’

Makua, Wiz Khalifa – “Clear The Air”

Saint JHN – ‘Festival Season’

Doe Boy – “Hypocrite”

BlocBoy JB – ‘The Purple M&M 2’

Pouya – ‘Suicidal Thoughts In The Back Of The Cadillac, Pt. 3’

Cartel Bo – ‘PABLO’

Iann Dior – ‘Nothing’s Ever Good Enough II’

JAY1 – “Prettier”

310Babii – “Bad”

Lil King Featuring Raq Baby – “Fallin”

Poiison – “Overtime”

Supa King Big Pope Featuring Fredo Bang – “Tell On Me 2”

HDBeenDope – “Move”

YTB Fatt Featuring Rio Da Yung Og – “Ghetto Fox”

.idk. – “MARiO COINS”