As we get further through the year we are seeing more and more artists releasing stand alone singles unaccompanied to projects, and today has been no different. In the last 24 hours we have been treated to a whole handful of tracks that have just been released because, well why not. Here are some of our favourites:
Big K.R.I.T, Sticks and Stones
After recently appearing on the beat making series Rhythm Roulette and cooking up some series heat, Mass Appeal have now decided to release the full version of rapper Big K.R.I.T.’s track, entitled Sticks and Stones.
The whole thing just screams Southern rap, from the up-tempo beat sampled from the randomly chosen Linda Clifford 80s record, to Krit’s grooving singing, unorthodox rap flow and good vibe lyrical content. At just under two minutes long, my only beef with the track is that is over too soon.
The Alchemist, By Any Means (ft. MC Eiht and Spice One)
Acclaimed producer The Alchemist, who has worked with everyone from Action Bronson to Nas, has recently linked up with West Coast legends MC Eiht and Spice 1 to release this loose yet hard-hitting track. It features a mesmerising Arabic instrumental wail throughout, combined with live sounding drums, qualities which interestingly mix with the MC’s verses. MC Eiht delivers his classic OG style, spitting bars about the streets and gang banging, while Spice echoes this with gun talk and his demand for tacos.
The single will be can be streamed for free, but is also being sold in limited numbers on 45 vinyl as a part of The Alchemist Craft Singles which also sees collaborations from the likes of Schoolboy Q and Mac Miller.
D.R.A.M, Don’t Let D.R.A.M. Be A Hot Boy
After recent collaborations with SZA and Donnie Trumpet, this Virginian artist has decided to bring back Missy Elliott’s single Hot Boyz, by releasing his soulful new track Don’t Let D.R.A.M. Be A Hot Boy using the 1999 instrumental. Similarly to Elliott, DRAM’s powerful and deep singing voice is amazing through this tune, and when thrown in with his contrasting fast yet cruisy rap flow, the end result is some hella feel good music.
OG Maco, As A Man 2 & So Simple
The man behind the 2014 banger U Guessed It, has today dropped two new tracks in collaboration with producers OG Vader and Harry Fraud. As A Man 2 features this dark and raspy sub based beat where Maco flexes on how the haters doubted him and label him a one hit wonder. So Simple on the other hand is a much brighter tune on which Maco reminisces on the old days with an auto-tuned singing flow. While these tracks feature quite opposite themes, they both feature quite emotional lyrics, signifying a change of direction for the Atlanta rapper.
G-Eazy, Order More (Remix ft. Lil Wayne & Yo Gotti)
If you were aware of G-Eazy’s album, When It’s Dark Out, which dropped November last year, you probably know the heavy hitting, sensual single Order More. After releasing the music video last month, Eazy has now come out with the remix featuring acclaimed rappers Lil Wayne and Yo Gotti. While these are two pretty big names in the genre, personally this remix comes off pretty weak and average, but that’s just me.
It wasn’t too long ago since G-Eazy passed through the country. Read our interview with him here.
Image: RadioUTD