Now N' Laters | Lil Pump, Bhad Bhabie, YBN Cordae
We dived into the various singles that had music fans going nuts over the past few days.
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.
In a week that’s relatively low on high-profile album releases, we dived into the various loose cuts and singles that had music fans going nuts over the past few days. With less than a month until the release of his Harverd Dropout album, Lil Pump throws his supporters a bone with the aptly titled “Racks on Racks.” Bhad Bhabie takes another stride toward gaining legitimacy as a rapper with her new single “Besties,” while YBN Cordae rounds out the top 3 with his own hot release, “Locationships.” In addition to those standouts, the week included gems from veterans like Big Boi and Wiz Khalifa; as well as tracks from the late Lil Peep, Lil Skies and Eric Bellinger.
With the avalanche of new music making the rounds, REVOLT shares our critics’ picks for the nine new songs 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.
Lil Pump: “Racks on Racks”
After previewing a snippet of the track in October 2018, Lil Pump unveils the full version of the lead-single from his highly anticipated debut, which is set to drop Feb. 22. Reeling off bars at a rapid rate, the Floridian’s mind is clearly on the money on this quick-strike heater, which features production courtesy of Diamond Pistols & Diablo.
Bhad Bhabie: “Bestie”
D.A. Doman furthers his streak of undeniable slappers with this assist to viral sensation turned rising rap star Bhad Bhabie, who crafts an empowering anthem for the ladies. Joining forces with Kodak Black, who sets the tone with a lively introductory verse, Bhabie delivers another single that should give her staunchest detractors cause to pause and marvel at her charisma.
YBN Cordae: “Locationships”
YBN Cordae continues his ascent with this bouncy selection, which finds the Maryland rep laying his game down in various zip codes. Drawing inspiration from the Book of Hov, Cordae gets girl crazy over production by S1, turning in what has the potential to be the neophyte’s first bonafide radio smash.
Eric Bellinger: “Apple Berry Nana”
After revealing the cover art and release date for his forthcoming studio album The ReBirth 2; Bellinger comes through with this frisky ditty, which doubles as the project’s lead-single. Complimenting his lover’s taste, figure and fragrance; the Los Angles natives glides over production by Xeryus & Fortune. He employs frenetic 808s and guitar riffs for this melodic offering.
Wiz Khalifa: “Alright”
Producer Foreign Teck provides the backdrop for this feel-good selection from Wiz Khalifa, who looks to build upon the momentum from his 2018 release, Rolling Rapers 2. Featuring a guest appearance from Trippie Redd on the hook, as well as Canadian rapper Preme — who delivers the opening verse — this jam is perfect to kick off your weekend on a celebratory note.
Big Boi: “Doin’ It”
With his Super Bowl halftime performance locked in, Big Boi decided it was the perfect time to get back in the swing of things musically with this upbeat loosie. Featuring a guest spot from vocalist and longtime partner-in-crime Sleepy Brown, this cut captures the Outkast member leaning on his romantic tendencies. It finds him kicking flows over fluttery piano keys and percussion.
Lil Peep & iLoveMakonnen: “I’ve Been Waiting”
iLoveMakonnen unleashes this serene composition from his forthcoming collaborative album with late rapper Lil Peep. Boasting a feature from Fall Out Boy and production from Brenton Duvall, Brian Lee, IIVI, Louis Bell and iLoveMakonnen; this expansive number is a great first impression that’s sure to create added anticipation for producer Diamonds.
Lil Skies: “Name in the Sand”
Acoustic guitars and jittery 808s blanket Lil Skies candid vocals on this melodic banger. Produced by Menoh Beats and lifted from the Pennsylvanian’s forthcoming LS2 project, this track finds the rapper looking for comfort in the arms of a woman and matches vulnerability with introspect.
Rico Nasty: “Roof”
Rico Nasty’s affinity for drop-top coupes is put on full display on this boisterous offering. Produced by Kenny Beats, it brings elements of punk-rock to the trap. With a flow that lives up to her moniker, the Brooklyn native reels off a pair of rhyme spills that are rife with aggression.