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 a debut from one of the biggest stars in hip hop, a new drop from one of rap’s most revered veterans, and a long player from one of the hottest up-and-coming artists today. Chance the Rapper comes through with his debut studio album, The Big Day, which culminates the spitter’s mixtape run. Bay Area legend E-40 continues to defy the hands of time with Practice Makes Paper, his latest body of work. And last, but not least, YBN Cordae lives up to the hype with his long-awaited debut studio effort, The Lost Boy.
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.
Chance the Rapper: The Big Day
1. “Eternal”
A crew of producers construct this serene backdrop for Chance the Rapper and Smino to kick their musings over on this standout from the Chicagoan’s new LP. Powered by a funky sound-bed, this track is a great addition to the rapper’s debut effort.
2. “Handsome”
Megan The Stallion teams up with the Chi-Town MC on this explosive offering from the latter’s batch of tunes. Produced by Dex Coleman, Peter Cottontale, TrapMoneyBenny, Chance the Rapper and Smoko Ono; this composition ranks among the superior moments on The Big Day.
3. “Big Fish”
TrapMoneyBenny and Timbaland assist in the production on this jittery selection on Chance the Rapper’s latest creative endeavor. Featuring an appearance from Gucci Mane, this strain finds the collaborators kicking witty couplets in grand fashion.
E-40: Practice Makes Paper
1. “Chase The Money”
The namesake of this banger provides an instrumental for E-40 and his cohorts to do their bidding over. Featuring appearances from Quavo, Roddy Rich, A$AP Ferg and ScHoolboy Q; this rollicking number is sure to become a fan favorite.
2. “1 Question”
Jeremih and Chris Brown lend their vocal talents to this slow burner from the west coast legend’s new album. Boasting a clutch guest verse from Rick Ross, this tune finds the quartet going in over production by Hitmaka, which results in an infectious ditty.
3. “Another One”
Brooklyn and The Bay connect as E-40, Fabolous and Red Cafe saunter over this Traxx FDR-produced soundscape. Powered by a bouncy 808-driven beat, this salvo is sure to get your body moving.
YBN Cordae: The Lost Boy
1. RNP Featuring Anderson Paak.
For the third single off of YBN Cardae’s new project, the spitter hooks up with Anderson Paak. over a jittery backdrop, which finds the crooning lyricist and the Maryland native volleying couplets back and forth. Produced by J. Cole, this selection is among the more enticing selections on the new comer’s LP.
2. Way Back Home
Ty Dolla $ign rides shotgun on this breezy offering from the YBN member’s latest collection. G Koop and Kid Culture helm the boards, as Cordae and Ty Dolla $ign collide for an infectious collaborative effort.
3. “We Gon Make It”
YBN Cordae is captured in an uplifting state of mind on this sublime selection from the rising star’s body of work. Joined by Meek Mill, the pair delve into the trials and tribulations that come as a byproduct of life at the lower end of the spectrum.
More by Preezy Brown: