Now N Laters | Offset, Lil Pump, Gunna

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.

As artists begin to recover from the creative haze that a new year can bring, each week presents more high-profile releases than the previous one. This week’s slate of releases are particularly epic. The last Migo member to unveil their solo effort, Offset has been creating a buildup for his album since late last year. After much anticipation, the rapper unleashed Father of 4, which is a heavy contender for this week’s top album release. Speaking of debuts, Lil Pump also culminates his extended campaign with the release of Harverd Dropout, which the rapper has been teasing for quite some time. Boasting appearances from some of rap’s biggest names, Harverd Dropout looks to build on Lil Pump’s momentum and prove that he’s the real deal. And to round out this week’s list of new music releases is Gunna’s Drip or Drown 2, the sequel to his 2017 EP and the rising star’s official major label solo debut.

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.

Offset: Father of 4

1. “How Did I Get Here”

“Nobody thought a nigga would be right here, though,” Offset declares at the onset of this early highlight from his buzzworthy debut, which finds him opening the proceedings on a triumphant note. Produced by Metro Boomin and Dre Moon, and featuring an impressive rhyme spill on the part of guest J. Cole, this track finds the two southern titans combining their talents for a surprisingly infectious collaborative effort.

2. “Lick”

Offset finesses over fluttering flutes and 808 drums on this catchy ditty from the Migos member’s solo offering. Produced by Wavy and Dre Moon, this composition captures Offset reminiscing on less fortunate days in black history and his own life, while easing the pain with the trappings of his lifestyle.

3. “Legacy”

Southside and CuBeatz helm the boards on this collaboration from Offset’s project, which finds the Georgia native dropping boisterous bars over a jittery percussion and hypnotic synths. Co-starring Travis Scott and 21 Savage, the “Ghostface Killers” pick up where they left off on that 2017 salvo, turning in one of the superior selections on Offset’s inaugural solo set.

Lil Pump: Harverd Graduate

1. “Off White”

Lil Pump draws inspiration from fashion designer Virgil Abloh on this synth-powered jam from the teenage phenom’s latest batch of tracks. Produced by Thank You Fizzle, this quick-strike salvo is short enough to keep listeners coming back and will have you paying homage to the popular street-wear brand.

2. “Too Much Ice”

DJ Tree Gotti crafts a thunderous composition for Lil Pump to style over with this collage of distortion, which includes pounding bass and piano keys. The Floridian sensation keeps it simple with yet another infectious chant for a hook, while Migos member Quavo swoops in for a brief cameo that anchors the track. This pairs two of rap’s premier ad-libbers effectively.

3. “Multi Millionaire”

Lil Pump collides with Lil Uzi Vert on this booming number, which finds the two modern-day rockstars basking in their wealth and the decadent lifestyle that comes along with it. Produced by Hanzo, Danny Wolf and Diip, this tune is a riveting inclusion on the Harverd Dropout tracklist and ranks amongst the best the album has to offer.

Gunna: Drip or Drown 2

1. “3 Headed Snake”

“Me, Gunna, and Wheezy, that’s a 3 headed snake,” Young Thug boasts on this highlight from his YSL signee’s big budget debut. Trading verses with one another over a soundbed provided by Wheezy, Gunna and Thugger put their chemistry on full display by crafting one of the album’s brighter spots in the process.

2. “Out The Hood”

Gunna’s recent success has afforded him the means to improve his lifestyle, which he acknowledges on this sublime offering from his latest effort. Produced by Turbo and Keyyz, this guitar-laden tune stands as one of the more melodic moments from the Atlanta native’s debut and is sure to be an instant hit with die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

3. “Same Yung Nigga”

Wheezy and Turbo provide the backdrop for this ditty, which finds Gunna celebrating his growth — both personally and financially. Recounting his past while giving a glimpse into his present, Gunna is accompanied by fellow ATLien Playboi Carti, who delivers a solid stanza of his own to cap off this splendid composition.

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