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 includes releases from a southern rap legend, a prolific stoner, and one of the biggest rap stars on the west coast. Following various pushbacks and false-starts, ScHoolboy Q unveils CrasH Talk, his long-awaited follow-up to his critically acclaimed sophomore effort, Blank Face LP. For his second musical release of the year, Wiz Khalifa keeps up the momentum with Fly Times, Vol. 1: The Good Fly Young, which marks the rapper’s return to his mixtape roots. And last, but certainly not least, [UGK member and elder statesman Bun B — who recently made headlines after preventing an armed robbery at his Texas home — links up with producer Statik Selektah for TrillStatik, which matches the Port Arthur O.G. with some of the most skilled lyricists in the game.
With all three releases getting airplay and dominating the conversation, REVOLT shares some 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.
ScHoolboy Q: CrasH Talk
1. “Lies”
Sounwave and Baby Keem provide an 808-driven soundscape on the beat to this catchy banger, which instantly arrests the ears of the listener upon pressing play. Joined by YG and Ty Dolla $ign, ScHoolboy Q and his cohorts address scandalous women on this captivating offering, which is an early contender for a summer smash as the weather continues to heat up.
2. “Floating”
In ordinance with its title, ScHoolboy Q levitates on this slow-rolling cut from the Cali rep’s latest collection. Produced by Cardo and Johnny Juliano, and boasting an appearance from 21 Savage — who adds to his streak of epic feature verses — this deep cut has the makings of an anthem for your turn-up festivities.
3. “Die Wit Em”
ScHoolboy Q’s aggression is on full-tilt on this murderous inclusion on the CrasH Talk tracklist, which finds the Figg Street madman getting his stunt on while doling out idle threats to anyone within earshot. Produced by Cardo and Johnny Juliano, who craft a backdrop that draws listeners near Q’s realm of terror, this rowdy track packs plenty of replay value and captures Q in all his gang-banging splendor.
Wiz Khalifa: Fly Times, Vol. 1: The Good Fly Young
1. “Bacc To Winning”
Bong rips and Benihana are on the agenda on this hazy offering, which captures Wiz Khalifa wooing a potential romantic companion who’s piqued his interest. Laying his mack down over production by Cardo and DJ Fresh, the Taylor Gang boss gets persuasive, while costar Ty Dolla $ign croons sweet nothings on the hook.
2. “Yea Yup”
Harry Fraud helms the boards on this standout selection, as the New Yorker gifts Khalifa with a string-heavy instrumental to drop words of wisdom over. Featuring a guest spot from Young Deji, who lends his airy vocals on the hook, this infectious ditty is one of the superior inclusions on Wiz’s latest batch of tracks.
3. “You Don’t Have To Hide”
Young Deji plays shotgun yet again on this bouncy offering, as the newcomer joins Wiz Khalifa — who gives a detailed, albeit cocksure rundown of his modus operandi. Produced by DJ Fresh, this jam is perfect for a cruise around town with the top dropped.
Bun B & Statik Selektah: TrillStatik
1. “Basquiat”
Vibrant pictures get painted on this jazzy composition, as Statik Selektah makes a collage of sound out of organized noise for this lively instrumental. Taking a trek uptown to connect with Smoke DZA and Fat Joe, Bun B turns in one of the stronger collaborative efforts on the Texan’s latest long player.
2. “Money”
The pursuit of the all-mighty dollar is the central theme on this aptly titled salvo from Bun B and Statik Selektah, the latter of whom combines a vocal sample with drums, claps, and other wrinkles for this glorious backdrop. Joined by Brownsville bullies Lil Fame and Wais P, Bun B and his fellow rhyme pugilists pummel the track with strong lyrical performances that are more than worth the price of admission.
3. “Superstarr”
Statik Selektah constructs a pulsating groove for Bun B to do his bidding over on this silky highlight. Featuring appearances from Brooklynites CJ Fly and Meechy Darko — and with Haile Supreme providing backing vocals — this joint is a worthwhile offering that gets our nod of approval.
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