Vibes on vibes on vibes on vibes on vibes…
Welcome back to the weekly edition of “Songs of the Week”. It’s been a great week for me, and I’m glad to be able to share the songs I’ve enjoyed throughout. Let’s get into it.
In summer 2023, hip-hop was erupted by the maverick that is Veeze, the Detroit rapper known for his witty one-liners and nonchalant flows. He’s got the type of music you need to run back halfway through to really catch what he said. You were listening, but you weren’t hearing. On “Gangermatic”, he gets into his melodic bag (if you can’t tell by now, I am a sucker for melodic rap) and reflects on life after fame. The most personal track on Ganger, he spills his heart out about leeches, using drugs to cope and the what-ifs of it all, getting grim about the new life he’s living.
Max Free & Joony – “Cold Covers (10,000 Miles)”
Last week I gave out some smooth rap cuts. I’m bringing it back again this week. This right here might be smoother than what I posted last week. On this heavy drum-ridden groove, Max Free and Joony reflect on tense relationships. I think these as Joony gets into this soft R&B vocal melody. He even interpolates Mk.gee’s Candy. Max Free sound like he’s really going through it despite flowing confidently and sounding unbothered. That’s real as hell.
Len & Fimiguerrero – “Silhouette”
Who doesn’t love a good trip to the UK? They’ve got some of the best artists out right now, which leads me to this pick right here. This track comes from CONGLOMERATE, a collab album that the two share with Lancey Foux. Over a beautifully flipped sample of Sade’s “Fear”, the two come together to rhyme about past struggles and new successes. When rapping Len is always at his best, his coarse and low voice commands attention to catch his flow. Fimiguerrero is also a favorite as well. His presence is undeniable when he gets on a track, always leaving you wanting more—especially on this verse.
J Money – “Hold Up (feat. MDC, Yung Booke & Black B.F.P.L.)”
A throwback to early 2010s Atlanta rap. I feel like every song that came out during this time feels like the last day of school. Just feel good summer vibes all throughout. Those futuristic electro-pop melodies with trap drums will have you groovin’ with ease. Just look at everyone in the video! The legend J Money, who’s known for his eclectic rhymes about hustling and balling hard, goes in about living it up and having a good time. He recruits the likes of MDC, Yung Booke and Black B.F.P.L to join in on the fun.
Oodaredevil & jetsonmade – “WIN!”
I love this new tape SKYDIVIN from Oodaredevil and jetsonmade. The Texas rapper’s melodic approach to the state’s legendary sound is refreshing as hell. His flows are hypnotic and silky, as he can glide on any beat he hops on. jetsonmade feels like a match made in heaven, as he matches the bounce and the #Surf vibes that Oodaredevil brings in his music. On “WIN!”, the 808s take control over an ambient melody. Oodaredevil brings his signature style to the plate, free-balling his way on the beat.