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.
With 2018 being all but a distant memory and artists gearing up for the new year, there were no major album drops this week. But, there were more than a few standout releases worth checking out. Future, Post Malone and Fetty Wap were three artists on the rap side of things who opened the new year with new material. In the world of R Chris Brown, D’Angelo and Miguel all unleashed new music that also caught our attention. And last but not least, even a few veterans get in on the fun, as Mad Skillz and Cormega wave the flag for the older guards with new joints of their own.
With all of the new releases earning real estate in our respective playlists, REVOLT shares our critics’ picks for the hottest songs from the week 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.
Future: “Crushed Up”
Future continues his prolific run with this track, which is the Atlanta rapper’s second release of the new year. Produced by Wheezy, who contributes a hypnotic backdrop, the track finds Future up to his usual antics of boasting about his blinged-out collection of jewelry and his penchant for running up a check.
Chris Brown: “Undecided”
As everyone debates who the modern-day King of R&B is, Chris Brown comes through with another enchanting selection with his latest offering. Taking a page out of R&B singer Shanice’s hit “I Like Your Smile,” producers Avedon and Scott Storch flip the original by combining it with drums and other wrinkles. This results in a record that is set to dominate airwaves sooner than later.
D’Angelo: “Unshaken”
The ever enigmatic D’Angelo creeps out from the shadows and surprises his die-hard legion of fans with an impromptu release. Produced by Daniel Lanois and recorded in support of Red Dead Redemption II: Official Soundtrack, this brooding tune finds D’Angelo utilizing his tenor and reminding listeners of his immense talent.
Post Malone: “Wow.”
Grammy nominee Post Malone may be one of the frontrunners at this year’s award ceremony, but has refused to rest on his laurels because he’s just tossed out this bouncy selection. Produced by Louis Bell and Frank Dukes, this song is the first single released from Malone’s forthcoming studio album, PM3, and has the makings of an instant party-starter.
Benny Blanco, Calvin Harris, Miguel: “I Found You / Nilda’s Story”
After enjoying a strong year in 2018 off the strength of his J. Cole-assisted single “Come Through and Chill,” Miguel re-emerges with this powerful salvo. Teaming up with producers Benny Blanco, Calvin Harris and Thomas Bartlett, Miguel delivers an impassioned performance on this sparse, piano-driven composition.
Mad Skillz featuring Lil Duval: “2018 Rap Up”
Carrying on his long-running tradition of summarizing the year in music, Mad Skillz unleashes the latest installment of his “Rap Up” series where he gets assistance from comedian-turned-crooner Lil Duval. Rhyming over the beat for Duval’s 2018 hit “Smile (Living My Best Life),” Mad Skillz recounts all of the major headlines from the past 365 days that had us talking — whether they concerned sports, politics or entertainment.
Fetty Wap: “Trippin Baby”
Fetty Wap came out the gate swinging on the first day of the year by gifting listeners with a new banger where he addresses the opposite sex. Produced by Frenzy Beatz, this bombastic offering delivering bars in his signature sing-songy flow. Fetty flexes his vocals on the bridge, which is a recipe for the success of this ditty.
Nino Man Featuring Dave East and Vado: “Straight Outta Harlem”
Newcomer Nino Man links with fellow Harlem natives Dave East and Vado on this ode to their uptown stomping grounds. While Dave East reps for Spanish Harlem and El Barrio, Vado and Nino pay homage to the neighborhood’s west side with each providing strong verses full of firepower and nods to the home of the hustler.
Cormega featuring Havoc: “Live Your Best Life”
Tenured New York rap veteran Cormega crashed the party this past week with his new EP, MEGA, which is headlined by this collaboration with fellow Queens rap luminary Havoc. Produced by StreetRunner, Cormega and the Mobb Deep double-threat spit hard-boiled stanzas on this airy soundscape. They turned in a track that is vintage meat-and-potatoes rap for the purist in you.
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