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 includes a number of high-profile releases with a mix of legends and rising stars all crashing the party with new albums that have captured the full attention of the culture. Rapper 21 Savage caps off what has been an eventful year with his new album, i am > i was, the follow-up to his 2017 debut. It’s album that showcases the Atlanta native’s artistic growth and it’s a contender for best rap album of the fourth quarter. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie adds to the slate of new releases with his Hoodie SZN album, which looks to further bolster the Bronx rep’s popularity and his standing as one of raps’s brightest young stars. And on the R&B tip, The-Dream unleashes a triple-album with Menage a Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3; a robust collection of tracks for the lover in you. The project confirms him as a heavy contender for the crown as modern-day King of R&B.
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 heavy rotation now — and later. Be sure to let us know what your favorites are.
21 Savage: i am> i was
1. “a lot”
DJ Dahi provides a soulful backdrop on this introductory cut from 21 Savage’s new long player, which begins the album on a high note. Boasting an appearance from J. Cole, who anchors the track in leisurely fashion, this track is indicative of 21 Savage’s growth and the expansion of his creative comfort zone.
2. “a&t”
Savage delivers an ode to his favorite assets on this strip club friendly selection from his sophomore album. Produced by FKi 1st and Nija, and featuring an appearance from Yung Miami, this cut instantly stands out as one of the most addictive inclusions on the album and is primed for mass consumption on your radio airwaves.
3. “can’t leave home without it”
Lil Baby and Gunna join forces with 21 Savage on this flute-driven composition from the latter’s new collection, which ranks among the most electric pairings on the album. Boasting production from Wheezy, the trio of Atlanta natives combine their talents for this murderous salvo, which captures the spirit of the first amendment and finds them toting heavy artillery.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie: Hoodie SZN
1. “Swervin”
Highbridge meets Bushwick when A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie teams up with 6ix9ine on this offering from the Bronx native’s latest release. Produced by London on da Track, the two New Yorkers each contribute a verse on what should be one of the more popular cuts on the album.
2. “Startender”
Producer T-Minus hems the boards on this up-tempo party starter from Hoodie SZN, which captures A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie in a flirtatious mood. Featuring guest appearances from Tyga and Offset, the Bronx sensation takes it to Starlets, delivering a selection that is sure to wind up in heavy rotation for the duration of 2018 and beyond.
3. “Need A Best Friend”
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is in search of companionship on this solemn cut from his sophomore set, which pairs the Bronx bomber with Quando Rondo and Lil Quee. Produced by Kenny Beats and powered by piano keys and 808s, this number is one of the stronger cuts from Hoodie SZN and provides strength in numbers.
The-Dream: Manage a Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3
1. “Challenger”
The vibes are real on this tune from The-Dream’s latest, which finds The-Dream whispering sweet nothings to a woman who’s spoken for. Inviting her to get in his Dodge Challenger, The-Dream crafts a potent composition that serves as an early highlight on his most ambitious body of work to date.
2. “Ready”
Los Da Mystro shares production duties with The-Dream on this sensual tune from the latter’s new batch of tracks. Pulsating snares and kicks are paired with xylophones on this standout offering, which finds The-Dream ready and willing.
3. “You”
The-Dream takes listeners on an excursion to an island on this Caribbean-tinged ditty. “You got that thing automatic,” The-Dream croons, turning in one of the superior inclusions on the third volume of his latest collection.
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