Last week was dominated by beef, but this week of music is about showing love. There are a couple collaborations on the docket. One is swaggering, while the other is sultry. Along with those collaborations, we have a number of rappers paying homage to other rap classic — or soon to be classic — tracks, while Knxwledge remixes Cardi B’s “Be Careful” single. From a Smokepurrp track that was released on the fly to another, that’s literally the result of Lupe Fiasco testing a new mic, this week’s music is the result of ingenuity and inspiration, which is all we can ask for from our artists.
Knxwledge/Cardi B, “Be Kareful” Remix
Cardi B is known for his frenetic, party-starting sound — but Knxwledge decided to treat her vocals to a more mellow experience. The talented producer recently remixed Cardi B’s “Be Careful,” swapping out the original track’s charming production for a serene, jazzy soundscape that radiates a different tone for Cardi’s lovelorn lyrics. It makes a listener ponder just what Cardi would sound like with different production on her heralded Invasion Of Privacy album.
Khalid and H.E.R, “This Way”
Khalid seems to be on a duet run of late. First, he dropped “iMissMe” with Kyle, now he’s on “This Way,” with H.E.R. a smooth number from the Superfly soundtrack. Khalid supplements the mysterious H.E.R. to croon about a love that’s absolute over a seductive soundscape.
88Rising, “Midsummer Madness”
88Rising is a label and collective that ideally exemplifies hip-hop’s international expansion. The crew is most known as the home of Rich Brian, formerly known as Rich Chigga. But it’s not just him, as Higher Brothers, August 08 and Joji Link display on the breezy “Midsummer Madness” track. The light, guitar-driven song shows what we can expect from their upcoming Head In The Clouds album.
Rich The Kid Feat. Pusha T, “Can’t Afford It”
Pusha T is the man of the moment after pretty much handing Drake his first L, but he’s not resting on his laurels or solely letting his Daytona album — a strong work that has perhaps been forgotten in the beef hysteria — speak for him. He recently lent bars to Rich The Kid, another artist who’s been in the news for a confrontation. There’s no beef here though, as the two artists are in synergy on “Can’t Afford It,” an alluring trap number that allows them both to jump in their luxurious, braggadocious wheelhouse.
Smokepurpp, “Deadstar Lifestyle”
Smokepurpp is doing his fanbase right. On the heels of his Bless Yo Trap collaboration project with Murda Beatz, the busy Floridian is prepping his Deadstar 2 mixtape. He recently let his fans know he was set to drop a song from the project, then promptly posted “Deadstar Lifestyle” to SoundCloud. The morbidly-titled track is laced with nihilistic bars summed up by, “we like doing drugs in the night,” a proclamation that actually seems to work over the booming 808s.
Lupe Fiasco, “I Got A New Mic”
Lupe Fiasco was recently on IG Live apologizing to just about everyone he’s interacted with — except for Kid Cudi — but after that noble gesture, he’s back to what he’s known for best: Going in on the mic. On the true-to-life-titled “I Got A New Mic,” Lupe jumped on the “Nas Is Like” classic beat to hold a little lyrical exercise, dishing off wordplay-laden bars. Hopefully, more new music will come from that new mic.
Saba, “Nice For What” Freestyle
Perhaps Saba was inspired by Lupe and wanted to let the world know the world Lupe wasn’t the only impromptu Chicagoan who can freestyle. Or perhaps he wanted to up the tempo from his soulful yet brilliant album Care For Me. Whatever he was thinking, we’re just glad Saba decided to jump on Drake’s “Nice For What” and give us another rendition of the scintillating track. Saba rhymes enthusiastically over the rapid fire production, promising to “run the game until I get a charlie horse.” We hope so. Stop for what?
03 Greedo, “Floating”
In what may be one of the most bittersweet moments in hip-hop history, controversial LA upstart 03 Greedo is dropping 30 albums — in preparation for a 20-year sentence he’s set to begin this summer. The prolific artist is staying active to the end, gearing up to drop his God Level project. “Floating” may prove to be a standout from the project, as Greedo himself says the melodic track is “like I’m walking on air or I’m walking on water. It’s like I’m [the] Jesus Christ of the projects.”I don’t know about all that, but the streets will surely be crossing their fingers for a miraculous return once he goes inside.
