We post playlists and new music all day and all week long, but the music just keeps on coming, doesn’t it? In one of our newest weekly segments, here’s your Friday Rap Wrap, guaranteed nutritious and delicious for your listening pleasure.
Lil Wayne, Pray to the Lord (prod. Streetrunner)
Alright, this one isn’t exactly new, but it’s a new version of one of Lil Wayne’s classics. producer Streetrunner has been busy re-mixing and re-mastering some of the best tracks from his early 2000s mixtapes, and this might just be the best one yet. Pray To The Lord hits right in the feels – particularly in the wake of Tunechi’s recent health scares.
Streetrunner writes, “This was one of the main songs that made me want to mix and master these old Wayne leaked tracks I produced. This classic had millions of views/ listens online and it was the worst possible version anyone could ever hear of this song. Now I bring the fans the new crispy mixed and mastered version. Enjoy!”
Mick Jenkins, Sunkissed ft. theMIND (Prod. Da-P)
Mick Jenkins is far and away one of my favourite recent discoveries (yes, I’m aware I’m really late to this table.) We’ve been waiting patiently as the young rapper gears up for his debut album [T]he [H]ealing [C]omponent, and this week, he has given us a peck on the cheek with Sunkissed, featuring vocals from theMIND and production from Da-P.
This track is truly wonderful, which is unsurprising. Opening up to an ambient atmosphere, his low-hanging verse kicks into gear. His fluid flow and illustrative lyrics continue to amaze me, notably for his ability to come across as both menacing and tranquil at the same time. I can’t wait for his album. Oh, and ICYMI, be sure to check out Mick Jenkins’ phenomenal Badbadnotgood collab Hyssop of Love.
Blu & Nottz, Atlantis
Now this is what I call a stellar collaboration. Blu and Nottz recently announces that they were joining forces once for a new EP, Titans in the Flesh, having previously released Gods in the Spirit back in 2013. They have now unveiled its first single, Atlantis, and it is tremendously good. The calming bounce of Nottz’ sample-laden instrumental lays the perfect groundwork for Blu’s rhythmic verses.
The track’s story is relevant to the EP title, with Atlantis being a mythical, once-vibrant civilisation that now resides somewhere deep in the ocean. Blu’s lyrics detail his own haven, in a conscious, lyrically explorative manner, while remaining animated, even dreamy. The seven track album comes out later this month on July 15.
Fudge (Prefuse 73 x Michael Christmas), In My Shoes ft. Alex Mali
Another collaborative track, welcome to Fudge, a new duo consisting of producer Prefuse 73 and rapper Michael Christmas. Prefuse has previously worked with Ghostface Killah, Aesop Rock, El-P, MF DOOM and more, while Christmas’ last release, 2015’s What A Weird Day, featured guests including Rome Fortune and Mac Miller.
The track has a glistening electronic instrumental, and coupled with Mali’s honeyed hook, makes for a beautiful soundscape beneath Christmas’ verses. His flow has a real classic vibe to it, albeit speedier, and he shows off his abilities from the opening bars onwards. I’m interested to see where this collaboration goes – it’s an interesting fusion of future soul and hip-hop, and while the instrumental borders on being slightly too tropical for my tastes at first, it grows spacier and more futuristic as it progresses.