New Music Roundup: Lil Wayne, Hudson Mohawke, R.LUM.R. & River Tiber
Hynoptic tracks, heartbreak, and an unreleased demo.
Lil Wayne, “Off, Off, Off”
Like a lion’s roar, Lil Wayne comes out the gate with a loud bang that comes courtesy of “Off Off Off.” Over Ben Billions’ booming production, Weezy’s rhymes bang like a tenor mallet. “Pass me the ball, watch me go off, off, off,” he raps while chanting praise for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Always one to champion underdogs (Remember the Green Bay Packers phase?), Weezy’s winning tune comes after the Cavs scored a towering win over the Golden State Warriors last night (June 8). Perfect timing.— Ralph Bristout
Hudson Mohawke, “demo(2) – rihanna” Feat. Littlebabyangel
Straddling the line somewhere between Ye’s modulated vocals on 808s and the most beach-drenched moments on Drizzy and Rih’s “Too Good,” you’ll find what is the tragically-titled “demo(2) – rihanna – Littlebabyangel – 22 – 09 – 15.” More specifically, it’s a leftover demo, courtesy of G.O.O.D. Music’s in-house production guru Hudson Mohawke, that was intended to make it onto Rihanna’s 8th studio album ANTi, but didn’t. It’s all well and good though, because bits of the unreleased audio were chopped up for use in Anohni’s “Crisis.” In the meantime, I’ll have longing daydreams about the Bad Gal singing the “can’t nobody la-la-la-love you…” hook for, like, …ever. Also, that falsetto? 🔥🔥🔥— Hannah Rad
R.LUM.R, “Frustrated”
Nashville artist R.LUM.R dipped his toe into a future beats style of production for his latest single “Frustrated.” The rising artist is within the realm of Gallant or dvsn with his heavy, solid R&B vocals. The interchanging singing between falsetto and tenor plays on the excruciating emotional heartache that one feels when it doesn’t work out with a past love. I’m sure when you listen to this, you will get into your feelings, but hopefully not feeling too frustrated. “I’m not alright right now/ I’m having trouble seeing you for what you do/ I’m not alright, worn down/ from make-believing that you love me, too/ Frustrated/ Over you/ Frustrated/ I’m a fool.” Ouch.— Erin Ashley Simon
River Tiber, “I’m A Stone”
My introduction to River Tiber came when I happened upon his Daniel Caeser-assisted “West” on Soundcloud. And then again when he appeared twice on Kaytranada’s latest LP 99.9%. Now, he’s released “I’m A Stone” and I’m sold. The track, which interpolates Young Thug’s “Stoner,” starts off pretty slowly with an arpeggiated, swirly and wobbly synth, but there are surprises at every turn: first, a repetitive rowdy yelp; then guitar licks; and finally, this ticking trap-esque percussion. It’s hypnotic as hell.— Danielle Cheesman