Cross-brand marketing in music is a strange, strange world. Lost Ones is a new track from Joey Badass and Jim Jones, released as part of a three-track hip-hop release from Compound Gold, a project presented by condom brand Magnum (Magnum Large Size to be specific).
The first track in the series featured Dave East and BJ The Chicago Kid, while the forthcoming third track is set to feature Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss.
The song opens with ominous electronic production courtesy of Don Cannnon, before Annalise Azadian’s guest hook adds an airy, melodic tone.
Joey’s verse is intimate and powerful, speaking about someone he loved and lost. It’s remarkably introspective and incredibly personal. Jones’ verse comes in after the second hook, his vocal tone an interesting contrast against Joey’s deep voice. His verse also talks about someone that he’s lost, adding to the dark and sobering feel of the song.
Say what you will about branding and advertising – whether this track will make you want to go out and buy Magnum condoms or not isn’t the point of this review. The song is really great, and I’m happy to leave my judgement about its funding at the door.
This review has been republished with permission from Indie Shuffle
Image: Soundcloud
Jim Jones and A$AP Ferg are well on their way to becoming rap’s version of 10 time WCC Tag Team Champions Harlem Heat. While real life brothers Booker T and Stevie Ray became huge stars before parting ways and going solo, Jones and Ferg are doing things backward. The two are established names in the rap game, and their recent work together demonstrates the explosive chemistry that they have when pairing together.
Following on from last week’s Finesse, featuring Rich Homie Quan and Desiigner, Jones and Ferg put their rap prowess to the test on The Drumatics and Mike WiLL Made It produced Harlem, staking their claim as the latest rap tag team to bring the heat.
The beat for Harlem is ferocious, with Jones adapting to the modern sounds while keeping things gangster as Ferg spits rapid fire bars about how he’s “Swaggin’ so hard, fucked a grandma.”
The biggest downfall with Harlem is it’s under two minutes long and leaves you wanting more. Ferg’s sophomore album, Always Strive And Prosper, drops this Friday, and although Jones doesn’t appear, if Harlem and Finesse are a taste of what the two can cook up in the booth, I’m hoping some kind of project is in the works for later in the year.
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Image: Rap-Up
Jim Jones brings the flavours of East Coast and Southern style rap together on new anthem Finesse. While Jones has been quite of late, Finesse is a solid reminder of what Jones can do when he puts his mind to it. Joining forces with Atlanta’s Rich Homie Quan, fellow Harlem rapper A$AP Ferg and Brooklyn newcomer Desiigner, the Dipset member brings the heat with this one.
Produced by the relatively unknown 808 Stash and propelled by 808s and stinging hi-hats, Finesse is the type of track you want to hear late night in the club. Jones opening salvo finds him rhyming about slinging drugs and his affiliations with the Crips and Bloods, but it’s Ferg who’s the clear star of this hustlers tale. Not only does he sing the catchy as hell hook, but he shares verses with Quan and Desiigner.
The chemistry between Ferg and Quan is off the chain and I’m surprised the two haven’t collaborated more often since jumping on DJ Don Cannon’s Big Money back in 2014. Desiigner continues to sound more and more like Future every time I hear him, with Finesse being one of the few tracks Desiigner has featured on since blowing up with Panda.
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Image: HotNewHipHop